Record-breaking visitors and sold-out exhibitor space
- Over 40,000 attendees flocked to the NEC for LAMMA 2025, marking the highest attendance record in the shows 40+ year history
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.”
Related news:
