THERE is still time to book your place at this year’s South of England Agricultural Society’s Farming Conference on Wednesday November 15 at the South of England Showground in Ardingly.

The main debate will be Evolution or Revolution? The next 50 years.

Leading lights in British agriculture will take a look at the changes that have taken place over the last 50 years in agriculture before debating what the next 50 years might look like.

There will be an audience of more than 250 farmers, landowners and agriculturalists from across the region.

The South of England Agricultural Society is 50 years old this year and over this time agriculture and the rural industries have seen significant change.

Remarkable advances in technology and massive increases in productivity have shifted the social fabric of rural communities.

Discussions from the expert panel of speakers will be opened by three generations from the same family, Allan, Peter and Chris Appleton.

They will set the scene describing the last 50 years of dairy farming in Sussex and reflecting on what lies ahead for Chris who has recently taken up the reins.

David Wilson, the farm manager of the Duchy Home Farm at Highgrove, will provide his view on how agriculture needs to change in the next 50 years.

Conference organiser Duncan Rawson said: “We have seen incredible technological changes over the last five decades, from the development of crop chemistry and precision farming to the arrival of the Internet and mobile technology. This opens up the debate about the next 50 years.”

The conference is free for people with an interest in agriculture and related industries and includes refreshments, available from 6pm prior to the Conference debate starting at 7pm.

The Technical Forum is also free, but will be allocated on a first come first served basis and it is essential to register at www.seas.org.uk