OFC 2023

itself. It was my first OFC and there was a real buzz, especially as it was in-person after two years of being virtual!

Under 35s events:

Sat 22 Apr

A trip to Salon Privé, Royal Hospital, Chelsea

Fri 28 Apr

King & Country Coronation

What a way to start 2023! I was fortunate to be one of two scholars representing The Farmers Club at the Oxford Farming Conference, joining 33 other young scholars sponsored by McDonald’s.

It was actioned packed and intense, starting on the Wednesday afternoon with a leadership training program, before heading to Oxford University Natural History Museum Lecture Theatre for the OFC23 Report Launch on supply chain synergies.

Thursday started with early morning prayers in Christ Church Cathedral before walking to Oxford Examination Halls for the conference

An intense day followed, with 12 speakers, including HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, and great opportunities for networking. Sir Tim Smit of the Eden project had the whole room listening and entertained by his talk: “Farmers Leading the Battle for soil and soul”.

Thursday evening was a personal highlight, watching a very close friend, Kit Franklin MEng, CEng, MIAgrE, debating in the Oxford Union. This year’s debate was “This house believes that humans will not be needed on farms in a generation”. Needless to say Kit had a tough job proposing this, but spoke very well!

This is a fantastic opportunity for Under 35s to meet many people at the top level. Thank you.

Ben Barton Under 35s Committee Member

Dinner, The Farmers Club

Sat 29 Apr

Tour and Tasting, Meantime Brewery, Greenwich

Sun 14 May

Vineyard Tour, Tasting & Lunch, Chapel Down, Kent

Sat 20 & Sun 21 May

Farm Walk Weekend, East Sussex

Sun 11 Jun

Polo in the Park Family Day, Hurlingham, London

Thu 22 Jun

T20 Cricket Surrey v’s Middlesex, The Oval, London

Fri 30 Jun

Summer Cocktails & BBQ, The Farmers Club

Fri 4 Aug

Polo & DJ, Ham Polo Club, Richmond