Oxford Farming Conference

The Conference relies upon the support and generosity of many organisations that are central to the well being of UK Agriculture. The Chairman and Directors of the Oxford Farming Conference wish to thank the following Patrons for their continued support.

The formation of Bayer CropScience (www.bayercropscience.co.uk) has created one of the world’s leading crop science companies. With our expertise and experience in providing high-quality tailor-made solutions to the UK agricultural and amenity market, we are now setting the standard in areas of product and environmental stewardship. As an innovative and research-based company, we are dedicated to developing and marketing solutions for the safeguarding of crops. This ranges from the protection from pests, diseases and weeds to our outstanding service and product portfolio for the prophylactic treatment of seeds. We are committed to open communication that reflects what our customers, stakeholders and employees really are: our partners!

BOCM PAULS (www.bocmpauls.co.uk) is the United Kingdom's leading animal feed manufacturer. Farmers consider that the performance and physical quality of our products lead the field. Our strong emphasis on research and development keeps us in the lead with new products, new feeding regimes and new services which assist our customers to manage their farms profitably. Our modern mills are strategically located throughout the UK producing either cattle or pig and poultry feed.

Clydesdale Bank (www.cbonline.co.uk) We understand that the demands and constraints of running an agricultural business are different from those of other businesses.  Which is why, at Clydesdale Bank, we have a dedicated division to service the Agribusiness sector. Our team of over 75 Agribusiness specialists has hands-on experience of the agricultural and rural business sectors, and a wealth of local knowledge and understanding.  Our customers are allocated a Partner who will work with them to get a clear understanding of their goals, and can draw on the expertise of our team of specialists when needed. Located within our national network of Financial Solutions Centres, our Agribusiness teams can help with a variety of financial requirements from new investment to managing commodity price risk – and because decisions are made locally, the results are faster.

  DHL (www.dhl.com )is the global leader in supply chain management.  Working in partnership with customers around the globe, DHL provides supply chain and logistics solutions across a range of industry sectors. Our vision is to establish DHL as the supply chain partner of choice in the agri-food sector. 

We aim to achieve this through working with customers across the agri-food supply chain:  delivering great end user service; supporting farmers; providing innovative solutions; encouraging open communication and facilitating collaboration;  demonstrating respect without compromising results; working in partnership with you to understand your business and create value.

GrowHow UK (www.growhow.co.uk ) is the only British-based manufacturer of ammonium nitrate and true granular fertiliser. In a global fertiliser market, GrowHow provides a dedicated supply to Britain’s farmers backed up by a commitment to research together with advice and services to help farmers achieve best practice in crop nutrition. In addition, GrowHow takes its commitment to the environment seriously and has invested heavily at its sites at Ince and Billingham to achieve efficient energy use and reduce environmental impact.  
GrowHow is also a major supplier to the process chemicals industry. 

Hutchinsons (www.hutchinsons-online.co.uk ) is a leading, national, crop production specialist business working with farmers, horticulturalists and the amenity sector. Client relationships are built on trust and responsibility, where their Hutchinsons Agronomist helps them grow high quality, high yielding and profitable crops in a sustainable manner and which meet the needs of the end user markets. Hutchinsons agronomists hold various professional qualifications to allow them to advise on all aspects of crop agronomy. These are combined with environmental qualifications so they can protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity on clients’ farms. Hutchinsons have designed and introduced several IT programs that their agronomists use to manage fertiliser, manures, nutrient plans and ensure compliance with crop assurance and other schemes. Hutchinsons supply and distribute a wide range of products which include crop protection products, fertiliser, seed and speciality materials.

JCB (www.jcb.co.uk) today has 17 manufacturing facilities on four continents, employs more than 8,000 people and manufactured over 54,000 machines in 2006. JCB is privately-owned by the Bamford family and the Chairman, Sir Anthony Bamford, is son of the company’s late founder, Joseph Cyril Bamford. JCB manufactures 279 different products, many of which are specialist, innovative agricultural machines which deliver the highest levels of productivity. The product range includes Loadall telescopic handlers, wheeled loading shovels, rough terrain fork lifts, mini excavators, Robot skid steers loaders, Teletruk telescopic forklifts, the unique Fastrac tractor and a range of Groundcare equipment. In addition, JCB offers a complete range of financial services through JCB Farm Finance. JCB has won more than 50 major awards for engineering excellence, exports, design, marketing, management and for its care for the environment.

 NatWest has a long history supporting the agricultural industry. We have a network of dedicated Agricultural Managers who can provide a tailored service to our farming customers. While we are aware that farming is a long-term business, we acknowledge the need to adapt and develop our services to meet the changing needs of the sector. In a world where change seems to be the only constant, it is important that farmers and their professional advisers keep up to date with the latest developments. The Oxford Farming Conference is an excellent forum to deliver these updates and debate the issues affecting the industry and NatWest are delighted to be one of its longstanding patrons.

Savills (www.savills.co.uk) is a global company dealing with all aspects of land and property, across many different markets and types of business.  Our Rural business is focused on the commercial needs of landowners, farmers and rural businesses. Our services include estate management and consultancy, farm and estate agency, agricultural business consultancy and professional services advice - all supported by a top quality research department. With 23 dedicated rural offices around the country and over 200 professionals, Savills is deeply involved in the rural economy at every level.

Strutt & Parker (www.struttandparker.co.uk)  is an independent firm of property specialists operating from a national network of 28 offices. Established for over 110 years it offers a multi-disciplined service across all property related matters. The Farming Department has an enviable reputation within the agricultural world and strives to maximise business profitability and property assets on behalf of clients. It offers a complete service for farmers including support from other disciplines within the Firm including taxation, alternative land use, residential development, leisure and all aspects of conservation and the environment.

Yara (www.yara.co.uk) is the world's leading supplier of plant nutrients in the form of mineral fertilizers, an essential ingredient in modern agriculture. In a world characterized by continuous population growth and limited availability of new land for farming, soil productivity must be continuously increased in order to satisfy the demand for food. Mineral fertilizers are the only sustainable major source of the plant nutrients required to ensure production of enough food of good quality and this is at the base of Yara's mission to help feed the world.