Farming Influencer Promotes Honest Communication at Norfolk Conference

The 2026 Norfolk Farming Conference hosted an engaging panel discussion that highlighted the importance of communication in agriculture, featuring farmer and online influencer Olly Harrison alongside agricultural communications specialist Amy Jackson. Harrison's approach emphasizes genuine storytelling, encouraging farmers to be real about their challenges while still focusing on the positives.

A New Approach to Engaging Audiences

Olly Harrison, known for his YouTube channel @OllyBlogsAgricontractfarmer with over 450,000 followers and 120 million video views, talked about the art of engaging audiences through relatable content. His strategy involves starting with challenges rather than solely emphasizing the positives. He believes that sharing struggles makes the messages more genuine and relatable, thus allowing farmers to connect with a wider audience.

Balancing Challenges and Positives

During the discussion, Harrison also acknowledged the importance of transparency and accountability in building trust within the agricultural community. While he emphasizes the need to talk about the challenges faced in farming, he also advocates for sharing the successes and innovations that are prevalent in the industry. This balanced approach could help shift perceptions and attract more individuals to consider careers in agriculture.

Taking Action for a Brighter Future

Harrison's dialogue at the conference underscores a crucial point: the future of farming hinges not just on addressing negatives, but also on actively showcasing solutions and innovations. By promoting a narrative that includes both the realities and the advancements in farming, the industry can change its image to become more inviting for future generations.

This dual strategy of acknowledging challenges while also focusing on positive stories could provide a fresh, effective way for the agricultural sector to engage with the public. Such initiatives are essential as they not only help to foster a supportive community but also ensure that the narrative around farming becomes one of hope and innovation.