Record-breaking numbers revealed at LAMMA in Birmingham

In the wake of a challenging period, the event served as a collaborative space for community engagement, welcoming individuals working across agriculture to come together and consider what the future holds.

 NFU President Tom Bradshaw gave an opening address at the FG Live theatre on day one of the show, discussing the NFU’s ‘Stop the Family Farm Tax’ campaign, emphasising the ripple effect of recent budget constraints on the wider rural economy.

 “If farming sneezes, the whole industry will catch a cold. Farming is a critical part of the rural economy, and we have to educate the Government about this. They have underestimated the role that a thriving food and farming industry can have on our economy.”

 Addressing exhibitors at the show, he said, “Farming needs you and you need farming, and we need your voice to be heard in this campaign.”

 NFU Cymru President Aled Jones joined Bradshaw on stage adding, “In this industry, we as individuals will never stand alone. This industry is like a delicate flower, and we can’t afford for that to be trampled on by those who do not appreciate its beauty.”

 Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Victoria Atkins was also present at the show, sitting down with a small focus group of farmers to hear their ideas and concerns about future policy direction.

“Part of my job is drawing a line under what has happened last year,” she explained to the group. “It’s now time for us to start with a clean sheet and work out what we need to do better and what we did well. The people I should be listening to are you, rather than officials in government departments who are not living this life day in and day out.”

 An Oxfordshire arable farmer, who participated in the group, said, “We had a really good discussion on a wide of range of topics, from innovation to the roll-out of SFI to the real impact of the family farm tax. It was a valuable opportunity to get in front of an influential MP and get our views across. All credit to Victoria for coming to LAMMA and making the time to listen to us.”

 With a swell of visitors and positive atmosphere throughout the show, exhibitors highlighted strong footfall and valuable opportunities to engage with existing and potential customers.

 Merlo UK Marketing Manager Helen Selkin said, “LAMMA is the place to be seen in the industry, and the show has been very busy and productive for us. With our machines and experts here, it gives us the opportunity to really showcase our products and why they fit the needs of UK agriculture so brilliantly. The atmosphere has been so positive with a strong community spirit coming through.”

 Kuhn UK was back at LAMMA for the first time since 2020. Managing Director Siân Pritchard explained why they decided to return: “After attending in 2024 we realised that we were missing out, and we have had a great, great show this year. It’s given us the opportunity to see a lot of customers, field inquiries and meet up with our dealers. LAMMA is a nice shop window for our big product range which allowed us to show visitors the technology we have that can help them on farm.”

 The Demo Zone was back in action, giving visitors the chance to see machinery and equipment in action through walk arounds and demonstrations. A range of leading brands took part, including Quadfactors, Polaris, Actisweep, Agri-Linc, Malone, JCB, Solis Tractors, Case IH and New Holland.

 Adding to the show’s positive atmosphere, Farmers Guardian achieved a significant milestone by reporting a record number of digital memberships sold, reflecting the continued growth and interest in the agricultural industry.

 The Italian Trade Agency stand provided export opportunities for ten Italian manufacturers, serving as a vibr

 The UK’s Department for Business and Trade were also present at LAMMA, focusing on its mission to increase UK exports and drive investment into Africa. The department highlighted the vast potential on the continent and connected visitors with agricultural leads from various African nations.

 For the second year in a row, Knight Farm Machinery were awarded the 2025 IAgrE Ivel Award for Innovation of the Year in the LAMMA Innovation Awards for their chemical injection system Smart-Inject. The ground-breaking innovation also received Gold in the ‘Future Innovation for Environmental Benefit’ category.

 On receiving the award, representative Paul Harrison said, “We’re ecstatic, chuffed to bits to be honest. We won this award last year, and to do it again is just amazing - I’m so proud of the team.”

 The 2025 LAMMA Young Engineer Award was awarded to Somerset development engineer Alexander Sluijmers for his invention Grain Sentry, an automated moisture control system for continuous flow grain driers that automates sampling and control, enabling remote operation via a PLC panel or app.

Like other sectors agriculture also faces a labour crisis, and many employers are exploring novel ways to recruit high quality staff. As part of the LAMMA Career Zone by Jobs In Agriculture, a panel hosted by Tess Howe of TIAH discussed why those leaving the armed forces could be a ‘ready-made’ solution to this problem.

Panellists shared that people from the armed forces have a wide range of skills like communications, leadership and resilience. Businesses looking to hire military leavers can also advertise jobs for free on dedicated channels, and don’t need to pay for national insurance contributions in the first year of employment.

Guy Bunting, talent acquisition manager for Tallis Amos, explained that even without direct farming experience, members of the armed forces have expertise that translates well, adding “Working on a tank engine isn’t so different to working on a tractor engine.”

In another session focussed on career opportunities in land-based sectors, Helen Martin of Bishop Burton College emphasised the importance of job seekers taking responsibility for their own development. “Progression is very much going to be have to be driven by you. There may be some employers who support you, but you need to take charge. Do courses, reinvest in yourself.”

Sarah Whittaker-Smith, Portfolio Director at Agriconnect, confirmed that the show was a hit for visitors and exhibitors alike: “LAMMA 2025 has been one for the books, bringing a positive atmosphere and a renewed sense of optimism to the farming community after a particularly challenging year for the industry.

 “With record-breaking visitor numbers and sold-out stand space, we are looking to expand into a new hall of the NEC in 2026 and the incredible turnout highlights the resilience and determination of the sector. It’s a true testament to the importance of coming together, sharing knowledge and celebrating the innovation that drives our industry forward.”

 LAMMA will return to the NEC Birmingham on 14-15 January 2026. It will be co-located with CropTec for the first time to combine the strengths of both shows and offer visitors a ‘one-stop shop’ for the arable sector.