Great Yorkshire Show hears food production investment calls

The Harrogate showground was busy from early morning, as farmers, school groups, traders and exhibitors turned out in numbers.

Tickets, which are only available in advance, were a sell-out, with 150,000 people and 8,500 livestock due to attend across the four days.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw was among the industry leaders present, and speaking at a briefing chaired by NFU North regional board chairman William Maughan, who farms near Darlington, spoke of the importance of building more resilient farm businesses through innovation and long-term investment from government.

Mr Bradshaw said he will be looking to speak to Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham early in his premiership about food security, and the economic benefits of a thriving food and farm sector for every constituency in the UK.

The NFU press conference at the Great Yorkshire Show, with president Tom Bradshaw, right (Image: HANNAH CHAPMAN)

The panel also examined the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies in improving productivity, supporting sustainable farming practices and helping businesses adapt to future challenges.

Mr Bradshaw said: “Investment in food production is critical to the nation’s future.

“Everyone, whether they live in rural Yorkshire or in one of our towns and cities, depends on a resilient food system.

“The resilience of our farms will determine our ability to produce food, manage inflation, protect national security and support economic growth. But resilience starts with profitable businesses that have the confidence to invest for the future.

“Profitability is not a dirty word. It is the foundation of sustainable farming, economic growth and long-term food security.”

A key part of that future, the NFU says, will be the adoption of new technology and AI-driven innovation.

Panel member Steve McLean, chief executive of The Agri-Tech Centre, said: “Yorkshire is home to world-class farming businesses which are already embracing new technologies to improve productivity and sustainability.

Cattle judging on the first morning of the 2026 Great Yorkshire Show (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Artificial intelligence, robotics, precision farming and data-led decision making all have an important role to play in helping farmers manage risk, improve efficiency and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.

“With the right support, Yorkshire can continue to lead the way in agricultural innovation while producing high-quality food and supporting rural economic growth.”

Elsewhere on the showground, York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith formally launched his rural action plan, which includes commitments on affordable housing, improved digital connectivity, transport and access to healthcare, announcing it would be backed with £1m of funding.

Washing off ready for showing – and keeping cool – at the Great Yorkshire Show (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A huge audience packed out the Ariat GYS stage to hear from Liz and Kelvin Fletcher, of popular ITV show Fletchers’ Family Farm, which has been recommissioned for a further two series.

The couple, who had earlier presented rosettes in the Zwartbles sheep classes and visited the Forestry section, spoke of the reasons behind their decision to change tack from a planned move to California to buying a farm in the Peak District, and how it has changed their lives.

Liz and Kelvin Fletcher on the Ariat GYS stage (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

They told host Christine Talbot they were honoured to be asked to give out the prizes, and proud of how their four young children have embraced the farming life.

Strictly Come Dancing winner and former Emmerdale star Kelvin added: “So many people from within the farming community, the way they have been so helpful and so giving with information.

“You can do farm visits and farm tours, you can go on someone else’s farm and just have a nosy around. People are so open with their systems, I’ve never known an industry like it.”

Providing another talking point was the world’s largest combine harvester, the New Holland CR11 from Russells, on the President’s Lawn, while on display for the first time at a UK farming show was Toyota’s hydrogen powered Hilux prototype which is being developed with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology developed in the UK by the firm.