AHDB at Groundswell 2026

Join us at Groundswell 2026 to find out how we can support farmers in building resilient, sustainable businesses using practical data-driven insights on farm. 

Our seminar programme for both days features sessions spanning arable, livestock, environment and data, alongside interactive formats designed to bring independent research and real on-farm experience to life. 

Each seminar lasts around an hour, with times and locations clearly displayed at key locations across the Groundswell site. 

So come and visit us at our stand and join the discussion on regenerative agriculture. 

Day 1 sessions 

11am–noon: Not just pretty in a plot trial 

What makes a crop variety succeed with fewer inputs? This session will look at the traits that help crops perform in low and no-input systems, including better resilience and natural weed suppression.  

Hear the latest insights from ongoing research, as well as practical discussion on how the Recommended Lists (RL) and wider industry projects are helping drive the shift towards varieties that work harder with less. 

1:00–2:00pm: Herbs to Herd – Multi-species swards for improved performance 

As our climate is changes and the pressure on livestock production increases, our approach to what we grow and why we grow it also needs to change. 

We will talk to renowned farmers and industry experts who have learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to growing multi-species swards and how selecting the right species and mixes can have a major impact on a farm's ability to be more resilient to longer, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters.

We'll also explore how selecting the right multi-species swards can help to improve livestock performance and productivity.  .   

3:00–4:00pm: Baselining and environmental data – what is it and why should I care? 

Why is everyone talking about baselining and what are the tangible benefits? We will discuss our Environment Baselining Pilot and how data can be turned into practical decisions on farm.

We will look at what the early pilot findings can tell us, how they have been used at farm level and how we can make better use of existing data to make real change.

4:30–5.30pm: Circle/Talking Leaders  

Featuring respected agricultural influencers, this Circle of Influence discussion will explore key learnings, reflections and highlights from Groundswell and what people are most excited or optimistic about.

Timing tbc: Cover Crops Clinic – the good, the bad and the biological at the Earthworm Arms

An interactive workshop with a chance to drill down into the practical aspects of growing cover crops with AHDB, members of the Cover Crops Guide steering group and research partners from ADAS and PGRO. 

You'll have the chance to be involved in up to two discussion groups on the real or perceived problems of growing cover crops, including practical agronomy tips and the wider benefits of growing cover crops beyond ticking the boxes.

Day 2 sessions  

11am–noon: Outdoor pigs and regenerative systems 

How outdoor pig systems, farmyard manure and slurry can contribute to soil health and biodiversity, and the practical challenges of scaling these models. 

12.15pm–12.45pm: Sustainable Farming Network – strategic skills for risky times

The Sustainable Farm Networks initiative brings together farmers who are collectively trying out new things in response to context change and are willing to share their experience.

This session showcases previously tested resilience strategies from across the diverse membership, reflecting how these skills are relevant to current challenges of fertiliser shortage and erratic weather.

1:00–2:00pm: Rethinking nutrient applications 

This panel will explore how targeted nutrient application can improve efficiency, resilience and profitability in dairy systems. 

Bringing together practical farmer experience and technical insight, speakers will discuss approaches including composted manures, digestate, bio stimulants and foliar applications, alongside practices such as Tow & Fert systems, and how leaf tissue analysis and in-depth soil sampling can measure effective nutrient use.  

3:00–4:00pm: Rain, heat, repeat – farming for what’s coming 

From soil management and water strategies to crop planning and business adaptation, the session will highlight the tools available and the proactive steps you can take to make your farm more climate resilient.  

You'll get a clearer understanding of both the challenges and opportunities of a changing climate, and that to secure our food systems, we must adapt, plan and build resilience into every part of farming.

Book tickets and find out more about this year's Groundswell