31st May 2026
Contractors play a vital role in British farming, which is why Rural Asset Finance is sponsoring a special event to celebrate them at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm.
The specialist agri-lender is sponsoring the Contractors Zone and hosting a Pies, Pints and a Panel discussion at this year’s Cereals. Each day three experts will talk about the value that contractors can offer and answer questions from show visitors.
As the name of the session suggests, the audience can listen to their contributions while enjoying free food and drink courtesy of Rural Asset Finance.
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring Pies, Pints and a Panel and the Contractors Zone at Cereals,” says Ben Wood, head of sales at Rural Asset Finance, which is hosting the event with the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC).
“Contractors are in many ways the backbone of British agriculture. Our nation’s farmers are the best in the world – brilliant, hard-working and resourceful in putting food on our tables. But in many ways the contractors who support them are the glue that holds the whole industry together.”
Discussing the merits of contractors
The panel will include contractors Tim Russon from P Russon & Sons; Nik Johnson and Joe Hampsey from JSE Systems; Andrew Ward, farmer and star of YouTube channel WardysWaffle; as well as other experts.
They will be discussing issues including the merits of using a contractor rather than doing a job yourself, how farmers and contractors work in partnership and how such an arrangement can boost both profit and productivity for both parties.
Visitors to the informal panel discussion, which takes place at stand 507 between 1pm and 1.30pm on both show days, can listen and ask questions while tucking into a fine selection of complimentary freshly cooked pies and pasties – washed down with a choice of drinks, including Hawkstone beer.
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Much to see and do
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the event,” says Ben, who, together with his colleagues at Rural Asset Finance, arranges bespoke, flexible finance deals for contractors, farmers and other rural businesses, helping them invest in everything from vehicles, machinery and technology to buildings, land, diversification projects and renewable energy – and much more.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate contractors, but as we’ve all come from farming families ourselves, we’re really looking forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones!”
The show at Jeremy Clarkson’s farm near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, will also feature stands, exhibitions and working demonstrations as part of the Contractors Zone, including field drainage demonstrations organised by NAAC.
“Cereals is always a great event,” says Ben. “There’s always so much to see and do, but the panel discussion should be entertaining and informative and hopefully help people to understand more about contractors and what a brilliant support they can be for farmers. So, make sure you pop along to our stand – we look forward to seeing you for a pie and a pint!”
For more information, visit the company website.
Cereals stand number: 507
Read more Cereals 2026 news.
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