Insights from LAMMA 2026

The dust has settled on another fantastic year at LAMMA, and the energy this year was unmatched. With the integration of CropTec and the Low Carbon Agriculture Show, the event felt more comprehensive and forward-thinking than ever.

Here are the key takeaways and highlights from our team members—Mandy, Becky, Joe, and Hugh—who spent their time on the ground engaging with the heart of the agricultural industry.

A "Buzz" Like Never Before

The sheer scale of this year's show was the first thing that struck the team. Rumours of a 45,000+ attendance seemed to be backed up by the sheer footfall in the halls.

• Positive Sentiment: Despite ongoing market challenges and slightly suppressed grain prices, a sense of "quiet optimism" and energy was evident in the halls of the NEC

• Decision Makers: Our team noted that the presence of high-level decision-makers was significant, with many companies choosing LAMMA 2026 as their primary platform to launch new machinery and products.

• Improved Logistics: A small but vital win—the extension of show hours made exiting the grounds much smoother than previous years.

Seminar Spotlight: Solving the Dairy Labour Shortage

Cultura Connect Director Hugh participated in an insightful seminar at the show focused on addressing labour shortages in the dairy sector. The conversation highlighted that there is no single fix—success comes from a multi-faceted, people-first approach.

Key insights from the discussion:

• Induction matters: A strong induction process sets people up for success; new starters shouldn’t be expected to be “fully formed” on day one.

• Tailor work to individuals: Flexible rotas and adapting roles to suit individuals can significantly improve retention and job satisfaction.

• Motivating across age groups: Understanding what motivates people at different life stages helps create more engaged, productive teams.

The session reinforced that leadership, adaptability, and communication are essential for building sustainable teams for the future.

Talent, Tech, and the Modern Workforce

The recruitment landscape is shifting, and our conversations at the show highlighted exactly how.

"It was clear that many candidates are taking the opportunity to look at where their careers could head next, with many interested in investigating new directions rather than following their current route." — Joe

• Women in Food & Farming (WIFF): Becky attended the WIFF event, noting the empowering atmosphere and the collective goal of creating positive change across the sector.

• The Skills Gap: With the rise of Agri Tech on display, the industry is seeing a shift in the skill sets required to manage new technology.

• Rapid Growth: Hugh noted productive conversations with companies looking to grow both organically and some, more rapidly, signalling a strong future for the sector.

"The WIFF event was a standout highlight of LAMMA for me. It was inspiring to see women across the sector cheering each other on and celebrating both professional and personal successes. It really highlighted the vital role of networking in empowering women and showed our shared passion for driving positive change in UK agriculture." — Becky

The Value of the Smaller Stands

While the massive machinery displays are always a draw, Joe picked up on a recurring sentiment from attendees: the smaller stands often stole the show. These exhibitors provided space for "proper" conversations and often showcased the most niche, interesting innovations of the show.

A Connected Community

Beyond the business and the new tech, LAMMA remains the ultimate social hub for the UK ag sector. Whether it was bumping into old friends from Harper Adams University College or catching up with industry peers, the show proved once again how tightly-knit this community is.

Looking Ahead

"Despite the slightly suppressed market due to grain prices, there was certainly some optimism and energy at the show. We had lots of very good conversations with companies looking to grow” – Hugh

Thank you to the Agriconnect team for pulling off another great LAMMA Show!