The BIAC Business Management Conference 2024 commenced this year with a pre-conference dinner on March 18th at Woodland Grange in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. This exclusive gathering of Members of BIAC and guests not only set the tone for the excellent conference but also served as a significant occasion to honour the remarkable tenure of our CEO, Mike Greeham, FBIAC, as he steps down from his role.
The highlight of the evening was the farewell presentation to Mike Greeham FBIAC in recognition of his commitment and significant contributions to BIAC. Mike was presented with an engraved pocket watch to symbolise the time Mike has invested in BIAC and his pivotal role in steering BIAC through ten years of growth and success. The presentation was met with applause from all present, underscoring the respect and appreciation for Mike's leadership and vision. In his farewell remarks, Mike expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead BIAC, acknowledging the collective efforts of the members and the BIAC Council in achieving the organisation's goals and strategy.
The BIAC Business Management Conference 2024, themed "Regenerating the Future of Agriculture," took place on March 19th at Woodland Grange, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. It was great to see the overwhelming turnout, reinforcing the event's popularity and the burgeoning interest in business management. The conference may well require a larger venue next year to accommodate the growing audience.
The event was both informative and thought-provoking, delivering a comprehensive overview of contemporary and future practices in agriculture. Alastair Leake of The Allerton Project provided fascinating insights into how agricultural productivity can be harmonised with nature enhancement. The project exemplifies the balance between increasing output and managing wildlife habitats effectively. Professor Alastair Driver explained the concept of rewilding - it was enlightening to learn about the managed changes to landscapes and how nature tourism is experiencing significant growth.
A pivotal discussion revolved around the role of private finance in the future of land management, probing into strategies to attract such investments. Agroforestry's integration into livestock and arable systems was another highlight, offering a glimpse into sustainable farming practices that can coexist with nature.
The conference shone a light on the positive impacts of genetics in the livestock industry, emphasising improvements in efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. The challenging journey towards net-zero emissions was discussed, noting the essential balance between environmental sustainability and financial viability.
The issue of farm staff recruitment, management, and retention was identified as a critical challenge, pointing to a broader concern about the lack of leadership and management training within the agricultural sector. This segued into discussions on workplace evolution, generational pressures, and the unique contributions veterans can make to the industry through their transferable skills.
In-depth analyses of the markets for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) shed light on their complexities and potential price influencers. Long-term agreements were scrutinised for their costs, obligations, and financial governance, emphasising the need for cautious engagement.
The conference underscored the importance of efficiently mapping clients' natural resources for strategic planning and highlighted the incredible opportunities for knowledge transfer within the industry.
In conclusion, gratitude is extended to all sponsors, Promar International & The Farm Consultancy Group, our speakers, and our session chairs for their invaluable contributions and for ensuring the conference ran smoothly and to schedule.
As we look forward to the next year's conference, we carry with us the insights and inspirations from this year's discussions, hopeful for the future of agriculture and its ability to regenerate in harmony with nature. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this event. See you next year!
