Each January, LAMMA sets the tone for the year ahead in UK agriculture, and this year was no exception. Bringing together farmers, manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals from across the country, the show once again proved why it remains a key date in the farming calendar.
From the moment you stepped into the halls, the scale was clear. Rows of machinery stretched as far as the eye could see, from high-horsepower tractors and harvesting kits to specialist equipment designed for livestock, grassland and mixed farms. But beyond the impressive kit on display, what really stood out was the emphasis on the future of the industry. Specifically, how technology, data and smarter systems can help farms become more efficient, resilient and sustainable.
A major theme throughout LAMMA was innovation with purpose. Precision farming tools, automation, and digital platforms featured heavily and all focused on improving decision-making, reducing inputs and supporting profitability. Sustainability wasn’t a side conversation either; it was central. From alternative fuels and energy solutions to soil health, nutrient management and low-carbon farming practices, exhibitors were clearly responding to the pressures and opportunities facing modern agriculture.
We attended some fantastic talks throughout the day, and discussions tackled everything from crop performance and herd management to business resilience, succession planning and the future of the rural workforce. There was a noticeable focus on the next generation of farming – highlighting the skills, careers and technologies that will shape the industry over the coming decade.
What was particularly encouraging was the mood of the show. Amongst the noise of a tough couple of years for the industry, especially in agricultural machinery, LAMMA 2026 felt proactive and forward-looking. Conversations weren’t just about the problems, but about practical solutions: how to adapt, invest wisely, and build farm businesses that are fit for the future.
For those of us working closely with agricultural businesses, LAMMA is also a powerful reminder that farming is, above all, a people-driven industry. Behind every new machine, system or innovation is the need for skilled, motivated individuals to implement it. LAMMA is also a fantastic networking opportunity to catch up with existing candidates and clients, and meet new ones too. The show floor was as much about networking and sharing ideas as it was about equipment.
As the industry moves through 2026, LAMMA leaves a clear message: British agriculture is evolving. It’s becoming more data-led, more sustainability-focused, and more open to new ways of working. Events like this don’t just showcase what’s new. They help shape what’s next.
