A PRESTIGIOUS annual agricultural debate is to be staged in front of a live audience at this weekend’s Devon County Show for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

The Devon Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs will be bringing together leading experts from farming and agriculture to tackle the key issues facing the industry.

The agri-debate is supported by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual and will take place on Saturday, July 3 at 10.30am. It traditionally draws large crowds to the Devon YFC marquee including royalty, ministers and MPs.

This first "in-person" debate since 2019 will ask: "Will smarter technology produce smarter farmers?"

It will be chaired by David Fursdon, Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

Leading figures from the South West who will be on the panel include Devon YFC Chairman Matt Darke, a fourth generation farmer who works on his family’s mixed farm in South Devon, along with Duchy College Farms’ Assistant Farm Director James Wilson, who oversees the teaching and research institute’s new Future Farm project.

They will be joined by Devon NFU County Chairman Richard Tucker, a dairy farmer from Tiverton, and Sally Nicholls, owner of RSJ Farm Business Services and member of the Devon YFC Board of Management.

Matt Darke, Devon YFC Chairman, said: “It’s safe to say that everyone at Devon YFC feels incredibly grateful to be back at this year’s Devon County Show.

"Although we held a successful virtual show and a series of online debates throughout the pandemic, nothing beats the buzz and atmosphere of the show in real life. We cannot wait to welcome everyone in to this year’s YFC feature and encourage some lively discussion with this year’s debate.

“We have used new technology in all enterprises on our family farm to grow and improve the business. We have previously invested in milking robots and found ourselves turning tail on this high tech system and installing a rotary parlour to expand our dairy enterprise.

"It will be interesting to hear the rest of the panel’s thoughts on how new technology is changing our industry, and whether this is the answer to all our questions!”

David Fursdon, Lord Lieutenant of Devon, said: “I am delighted to be back in the YFC marquee at this year’s show to chair the Devon Young Farmers’ annual agri-debate.

"New technology is playing an increasingly important role in the development of the agricultural industry, so it’s only fitting that the next generation of farmers in Devon are tackling this topic.”

Last year’s debates had to be held online due to the pandemic. They formed part of a series of four sessions organised by Devon YFC and NFU Mutual. They were also chaired by David Fursdon and covered topics such as recruitment, the environment, diversification and mental health.

Charlie Yorke, Agritech Specialist at NFU Mutual said: “The Devon YFC agri-debates always inspire a lively and thought-provoking discussion about the issues that really matter to farmers and those in the industry.

"With the departure from the EU and changes to subsidy schemes, UK Agriculture is currently going through one of the biggest changes in 50 years. There is an industry-wide focus on how innovation and advances in technology can help to support farm business through this period of change and transform farming over the coming years.”

All Covid-compliant procedures will be in place at the event, which can accommodate up to 70 people. The event will also be recorded and published by Devon YFC on their social media channels.