First generation farmers were among a number of high calibre speakers who addressed the Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators’ (IAgSA) 44th Annual Conference held in York earlier this month.
Their tales of determination to succeed inspired members with a positive attitude to what is possible, both in personal and work life.
Howard Petch CBE, a former president of the Driffield Agricultural Society, chaired the conference with his clever ability to entertain whilst conveying a serious message on the challenges ahead for feeding the world.
Amongst the other speakers we heard from Martin Redfearn of Barclays Agriculture, and IAgSA Patron The Right Honourable Sir Jim Paice MP.
Local farm and rural administrator Christine Thompson and her team pulled out all the stops to create a thought provoking and enjoyable weekend.
Trace Wright, of Tumby Woodside in Lincolnshire, beat 11 other finalists to win the Elizabeth Roe Award for best Continual Professional Development submission in 2012.
The judges were impressed with the high standard of all the entries.
Both Tim Cartwright and Cathy Meredith were awarded a Fellowship for their services to IAgSA, this was especially given in recognition of their efforts in helping to produce the Farm Office Handbook and bespoke IAgSA Farm Accounting and Business Administration Training Programme.
The IAgSA represents and supports hundreds of farm and rural business administrators across the UK.
As a professional body, IAgSA promotes excellence in farm business accounting and administration.