Why agricultural shows still matter in 2025...

Balmoral Show. 14-17 May near Lisburn.
Northern Ireland's national event, with its own identity and policy landscape, as well as a window into cross-border issues. 

Royal Highland Show. 19-22 June near Edinburgh. 
Scotland's flagship show - big on tradition and innovation, and full of policy and supply chain perspectives.

“The Highland and Balmoral are more than just shows – they’re cultural landmarks for farming communities in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Being there gives us a window into the regional priorities, pressures and pride that shape farming identities. It’s a chance to listen, learn, and build trust – not just with farmers, but with the wider policy, supply chain and rural networks that influence how change happens in devolved nations.”
Lauren Chambers

Cereals Event. 11-12 June in Lincolnshire
The UK’s leading arable event, where policy meets practice on cover crops, inputs, tech, and carbon. 

“From rising costs to shifting policy, Cereals is a great opportunity to speak to arable farmers and suppliers to understand what they are currently dealing with. It’s also a good place for spotting tech trends, meeting experts and gathering ideas or contacts for future content.”
Lauren Goringe

RABDF Gold Cup Open Day. 2 July at Harper Adams University
Spotlighting excellence in dairy, The RABDF Gold Cup Open Day offers a lens on what the best-run farms are doing differently. 

“It's about the business behind the cows. You come away understanding what progressive looks like in practice.”
Melanie Gibson

Groundswell. 2-3 July in Hertfordshire
The UK’s leading event for regenerative agriculture, farmer-led and rich in real-world insight. 

“Groundswell’s where people talk openly – about mistakes, about mindset, about meaning. You find the farmers who are not just talking about sustainability but living it. You’re standing in fields with people trialling new systems, challenging the status quo and collaborating across science, policy and practice. The energy, the openness, the quality of thinking – it’s where real relationships and real change starts.”
Philip Gibson

Royal Welsh Show. 21-24 July in Builth Wells
The Royal Welsh Show blends community, culture, and cattle – offering unmatched insight into farming identity and rural life – and a holiday atmosphere with music, shows and socialising! 

“The Royal Welsh Show is a celebration of Welsh farming and rural life – it’s where you get a real sense of farming pride and identity. It’s perfect for connecting with farmers in a relaxed setting, understanding their values, and how sustainability is being embraced on the ground. Plus, it’s a key networking space where you can engage with policymakers, industry leaders and grassroots innovators all in one place.”
Laura Bowyer

UK Dairy Day. 10 September in Telford
The go-to event for dairy producers, vets, and processors, with a strong sustainability and welfare focus. 

“We’re hearing how mental load, milk price and regulation are shaping dairy decisions. Face-to-face, you get the nuance and it’s a focused space for our dairy clients.”
Kendra Hall

The Dairy Show. 1 October at the Bath and West
Regional, down to earth and full of insight. An essential listen-in on how dairy farmers in the South West are responding to change. 

“The South West is a heartland for British dairy, and it comes together during this show. You hear what matters most to local farmers – from slurry storage to robotics – in a setting where they’re comfortable speaking honestly. It’s a goldmine for grounded insight.”
Fiona Carruthers