Cumbrian-based accountancy firm Armstrong Watson has announced Annabel Hamilton as the next guest to feature on its popular agriculture series ‘An Audience With…’

The 30-year-old, who is strong advocate for women in agriculture and encouraging the younger generation into the industry, is the latest name announced as part of the exciting line-up for 2021 and will share her story with host Andrew Robinson, Head of Agriculture, during a live webinar from 7pm on May 19, 2021.

Cumbrian farmer and NFU ambassador Will Case featured in the most recent webinar on April 28, sharing his family’s story of how they successfully diversified their business into two viable farms, and more inspiring guests for the summer are soon to be announced.

Arable and cattle farmer Annabel farms 2,500 acres along the Berwickshire coast with her father Will.

They produce high-quality malting barley for Simpsons Malt which is then shipped all over the world.

Despite her youth, Annabel is highly experienced in farm management having gained valuable insight whilst overseeing the arable operations of large farm businesses in Northumberland and Lincolnshire before returning to the family farm in recent years.

She will talk about her experiences studying and working away and how, since she has returned, the family approach the subject of succession. She will also reveal the practices her family employ on their farm to gain valuable time back and ensure the business is thriving, more about their latest diversification project - a pick you own pumpkin patch – and what it takes to fatten 300 cattle a year for high-quality butchers.

Commenting on the series Andrew Robinson said: “To date, we’ve had a great insight into how farmers diversify in different ways. Will was very candid and honest. He and his family are a great example of how to drive a business forward and keep it going for future generations, and our April guest, Jim Beary, was very open and a great inspiration for those wanting to get into farming or expand.

“I’m really looking forward to discussing how Annabel’s family have diversified, the farming practices they employ and their succession plans.”

Annabel added: “For me, succession is a vitally important topic in Agriculture. As my father and I begin the succession process, it is allowing the farming business to move forward and begin a knowledge exchange between us both which for me is exciting, enjoyable, and essential.”

An Audience With… aims to help bolster future success in agriculture. Running throughout 2021, it will feature industry experts and local farmers, who will discuss important issues in the world of farming and the ways they’ve been able to transform their businesses.  

To date, the series has also featured Sally Urwin, author of Diary of a Pint-sized Farmer, and Tracey and Aylett Roan, of Roan’s Dairy in Dumfries and Galloway.

To register armstrongwatson.info/Audience-AnnabelHamilton or to view previous recordings of these online events please visit: www.awwebinars.co.uk.