Over The Farm Gate: Recent Episodes
Farmers Guardian
Every week, the Farmers Guardian team brings you the latest news, engaging debates and real farmer stories from across the UK
Chief reporter Rachael Brown and head of news and business Jane Thynne analyse the ongoing surge of bluetongue in the South-West, vaccine availability and testing capacity, as well as the growing threat of the disease elsewhere in the UK.
They hear from a farmer in Cornwall who has been impacted by the virus, and a local farm vet who shares some of the signs and symptoms of what to look out for and highlights the misinformation circulating about the vaccine and the virus itself.
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Choosing the right cereal variety has never been more important. As growers prepare for autumn drilling following an unusual Harvest 2026, should yield still be the deciding factor, or do disease resistance, resilience and market opportunities now matter more? In this episode of the Farmers Guardian Arable Podcast, host Ash Ellwood is joined by Clare Leaman of NIAB and Ted Williams of Agrovista to explore how farmers can make informed variety decisions using independent trial data, practical agronomy and lessons from this season.
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This week the FG team looks back on the Royal Welsh Show, Jane Thynne is joined by Paul Williams, NFU Cymru Deputy President to talk about how a new government has brought a boost for farmer confidence and Ellie Layton, Farmers Guardian Livestock Specialist to discuss some of the key show results
Olivia Midgley also talks to Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iowerth about the vision for the future of Welsh farming
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As Andy Burnham is handed the keys to Number 10 Downing Street, the Farmers Guardian news and business team discuss what his Government may mean for farming and the latest announcements from Defra.
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Who should pay for nature, and are farmers receiving a fair share of the value created by regenerative farming?
In this special edition of the Farmers Guardian podcast, our expert panel which includes three farmers; Dr Nikki Yoxall, Nuffield scholar and Pasture for Life technical director; Harriet Cherry, Groundswell director and Wildfarmed agricultural relationship manager; and Adel Jones, regenerative farming consultant, explores one of the biggest questions facing agriculture today: how regenerative farming can become a profitable business model while continuing to produce food.
The discussion, led by Farmers Guardian’s Olivia Midgley, examines whether nature recovery should be rewarded through environmental payments or whether the benefits of regenerative farming already strengthen farm businesses through healthier soils, lower input costs and greater resilience. The panel also explores innovative finance models, including partnerships between farmers and the banking sector, and asks whether supply chains, retailers and brands are doing enough to reward those delivering environmental outcomes.
From the practical realities of implementing regenerative farming to tackling greenwashing and ‘regenwashing’ and the growing commercial appeal of ‘regen’, the conversation looks at where value is created, where it is lost and how farmers can capture more of it.
The episode was hosted at Groundswell as part of Farmers Guardian’s 100 Women campaign, which shines a spotlight on the women spearheading change in agriculture and driving the sector forward.
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Getting your foot on the farming ladder in the modern day can be a tricky business. However, one young couple turned their life upside down to make it work.
In this episode of For Flock’s Sake, the Farmers Guardian podcast championing young voices in farming, hosts Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder sit down with Will Riddington and Katie Andrews, who relocated from southern England to Northumberland after securing a Contract Farming Agreement (CFA) at Halton Red House Farm, near Hexham, to turn their dream of farming into a reality.
From balancing the books and getting to grips with farming in a new area to establishing a pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd, Will and Katie share how a CFA gave them the opportunity to farm without the burden of a mortgage and a limited amount of capital.
Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at FGsocials@agriconnect.com
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Join three Farmers Guardian journalists: Jane Thynne, Toby Whatley and Ash Ellwood as they reflect on their time at Groundswell, discussing the ideas, research and conversations that stood out most.
From practical innovations and farmer experiences to the latest thinking on regenerative agriculture, they share what they learned, what surprised them and what deserves closer scrutiny.
The discussion concludes by exploring the bigger question: where does regenerative farming fit in the future of global food production?
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With Scottish agriculture at a pivotal point, farmers John McCulloch, David Barron and Kirsten Williams discussed the challenges and opportunities for Scotland's farming sector with Farmers Guardian at the Royal Highland Show.
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The latest Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions have arrived, bringing fresh opportunities for farmers, but also plenty of questions.
In this episode, we sit down with Megan Whatty, Hutchinsons environmental specialist, to unpack the latest developments, explore what has changed, and discuss what the new actions could mean for farm businesses across the country.
With funding levels lower than many in the industry had hoped, we take an honest look at where the real opportunities lie, which actions may offer the greatest value, and what farmers should consider as they plan for the future.
Whether you're already participating in environmental schemes or are considering your options for the first time, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions for your business.
Speakers
Ash Ellwood - Farmers Guardian head of arable
Megan Whatty - Hutchinsons environmental specialist
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Following another fantastic Royal Highland Show, Farmers Guardian takes a look at the highs, the topics of conversation and the challenges facing the farming industry in Scotland, with the First Minister committed to price caps on essential food items and fears over the future of the pig sector.
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In this special episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, FG's news and business team discuss the Prime Minister's resignation, the impact on agriculture and the prospects of Andy Burnham as the next resident of Number 10.
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The FG team reflects on the main action from this year’s event held at Diddly Squat including budget announcements, celebrity sightings and some encouraging slug statistics.
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With a cattle TB vaccine targeted by 2030 as the Government aims to eradicate bTB by 2038, Farmers Guardian livestock specialist Ellie Layton hosted a debate at the Royal Cornwall Show.
Farmers and experts debated the next steps for bTB control in England. Guests included beef farmer Paul Westaway, who farms in a high-risk area in Gloucestershire and is a member of the Bovine TB Partnership; Alan Carter, Cornwall dairy farmer and Farmers Guardian columnist and Ed Simmons, veterinary surgeon, British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA).
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In this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, deputy editor Alex Black and head of news and business Jane Thynne discuss the return of Clarkson's Farm for its fifth series on Prime Video.
The news and business team take a look at the key themes of the series, from Jeremy Clarkson’s health to the changes to Inheritance Tax and the ups and downs of the farming year, and whether the popular series is still worth a watch.
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Farming accounts for around 20% of UK workplace deaths despite making up just 1% of the workforce. In the first episode of our FarmersAid series, in partnership with RABI, Professor Stuart Maitland-Knibb explains why the first few minutes after a serious farm accident are where survival is decided, why fear can stop people from acting, and how the new FarmersAid app is designed to change that.
To learn more or download the app, visit www.farmersaid.org.uk
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Jeff and Katie Aiken join Farmers Guardian’s Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder for the latest episode of For Flock’s Sake.
Known throughout the sheep world for their success with the renowned Procters Texel flock, the Aiken family have experienced both the highs of pedigree sheep breeding and the challenge of starting again.
In this episode, Jeff and Katie discuss growing up in livestock, life on the show circuit, the family dynamic behind their success and rebuilding at Ainstable Hall with the Coniston flock following the dispersal of Procters.
For Flock’s Sake is Farmers Guardian’s monthly special podcast series shining a spotlight on young farmers, new entrants and showcasing real farming stories to inspire the next generation of British agriculture.
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For years, many growers questioned whether oilseed rape still had a future in UK arable rotations. Pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle, difficult establishment seasons and rising input costs pushed confidence in the crop to some of its lowest levels in decades.
But after two stronger seasons, sentiment is beginning to shift.
So why is oilseed rape making a comeback on some farms? What are successful growers doing differently? And can OSR once again become a reliable and profitable break crop in modern arable rotations?
In this episode, we’re joined by Nigel Padbury from Premium Crops and Dorset farm manager Tom Baker to discuss the latest thinking around OSR establishment, varietal choice, cabbage stem flea beetle management, crop nutrition and rotational strategy.
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The Farmers' Choir stormed through Britain's Got Talent semi-finals at weekend, soaring in to the final as possible winners.
With the whole of the UK's farming community behind them, the choir hope to spotlight some of the main issues facing agriculture, such as mental health and isolation. The choir was originally set up by Jeremy Clarkson to promote his Hawkstone beer and cider business, but its members found it was a way to get people off the farm.
In this special podcast, Katie Fallon speaks to Katryna and Ben from the choir to find out more.
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In the wake of the elections in Wales and Scotland, and the uncertainty over the future of Sir Keir Starmer, Alex Black and Jane Thynne discuss the latest changes in politics and what it means for the agriculture sector.
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What does a career in agriculture look like in 2026? On this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, students and staff from Myerscough College discuss modern farming careers, college life, the changes in the industry over the recent decades and the opportunities available across the agricultural sector.
A massive thanks to David, Rachael, Molly and Josh for their time and to Myerscough College for hosting us
To learn more about the college, and the courses they offer, visit https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/
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Livestock auction marts are a vital cog in keeping the rural community turning, with around 130 active auction marts scattered across the UK. Nowhere is this more evident than in Northumberland, the least densely populated county in England.
In this episode of For Flock’s Sake, the Farmers Guardian podcast championing young voices in farming, hosts Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder sit down with auctioneers Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood from Hexham and Northern Marts in Northumberland.
From breaking into the auctioneering world to building trust and transparency in the ring, Drew and Harrison share their journeys and insights into the job and discuss how marts are evolving, reinvesting, diversifying, and adapting to secure their future, much like the farming businesses they serve.
Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at fgsocials@agriconnect.com
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Join us for our second arable special where Farmers Guardian head of arable, Ash Ellwood, visits Duchy of Cornwall's Focus Farmers, Heather and Paul Gorringe. Together, they explore the Gorringes' journey from a conventionally plough-based system to a biologically focused, regenerative system - and lessons they are learning along the way through the Focus Farmer programme.
The Duchy of Cornwall’s regenerative ambitions are brought to life through its seven ‘Focus Farms’, each representing a different landscape and farming system across the estate. The initiative is designed to fast-track progress towards net zero while building a more nature-rich farming future, by trialling innovative practices and technologies.
At Lower Blakemere Farm, the Gorringes are putting these ideas into action - experimenting with biological inputs, composting systems, nutrient-rich brews, and adapting small-scale regenerative principles for large-scale arable production.
From Stabiliser cattle and mini trucks to bokashi composting, this episode is packed with practical insights and ideas for every kind of farmer.
Find out more:
https://www.lowerblakemerefarm.co.uk
https://www.ukminitrucks.co.uk
https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk
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In this week's Farmers Guardian podcast, we take a look at the wool industry, touching on its diversity and the problems faced within the industry. We are joined with Harriet Fletcher Gilhuys, textiles researcher at Fashion Roundtable who will talk about the Great British Wool Revival and its support for the farm to fabric journey.
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War in the Middle East is placing a heavy toll on UK farmers. Coverage in Farmers Guardian in recent weeks has revealed the extent and impact of skyrocketing prices to red diesel, heating oil and fertiliser since the Middle East crisis escalated on February 28. The crisis has placed an additional £25,000 on fuel bills for some farm businesses, and others have claimed the UK is lurching into a food security crisis if the Government does not act immediately to support domestic food production. In response to claims that the UK Government is preparing a ‘worst case scenario’ for the possibility of food shortages, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said it is ‘not a concern’ for the UK economy at present. But if war in Iran continues beyond the summer, it could place even greater pressure on planting decisions, affordability and the availability of resources. Is the UK really prepared for food shortages? Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said de-escalating the crisis and reopening the Strait of Hormuz is the only way to stop the price volatility experienced by farmers. But as each day passes, and with no signs of a peace deal in sight, the question is how long can farmers withstand pressures on their businesses? And is protesting an appropriate form of action?
Farmers For Action co-ordinator William Taylor joins us on the podcast to discuss the impact of the war on UK food producers, the impact of Inheritance Tax on farm profitability, if UK farmers will hold protests, the influence of the fuel strikes of 2000, and the importance of UK Government passing a Farm Welfare Bill to bring about fairness in the food supply chain.
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In partnership with the Cultivate ‘Leading Through Change’ Conference, Farmers Guardian editorial director Olivia Midgley speaks to chair of Noble Foods, Sarah Dean and fifth generation cider-maker Eleanor Thatcher of Thatchers Cider, about what good leadership looks like in family businesses, the opportunities and threats on the horizon and why weight loss jabs and artificial intelligence should be embraced in food and farming.
We also catch up with Andy Venable, CEO and founder of Hillsgreen, who started the Cultivate conference back in 2020
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As the first farmer to appear on The Great British Bake Off, Mike Greenwood-Wilkins managed to bring farming to the masses. In this special, Mike talks about his family arable farm and getting funding for a new farm shop which will be his legacy, Government support - or lack of - and, of course, shouting about farming on the nation’s favourite baking programme.
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For Flock’s Sake is Farmers Guardian’s new podcast series giving young farmers a voice on the issues shaping the future of British agriculture.
Hosted by Farmers Guardian’s Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder, both young farmers themselves, the podcast explores the challenges, opportunities and realities facing the next generation, from policy and funding to food production and rural life.
In this first episode, Ellie and Tom are joined by Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins to discuss Inheritance Tax, the future of farm support, animal welfare and whether the Conservatives can win back farmers ahead of the next election.
Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at podcasts@agriconnect.com
Chapters:
Welcome to "For Flock's Sake": The Young Farmer Podcast Launch (00:44)
Introducing Shadow DEFRA Secretary Victoria Atkins: Personal Journey and DEFRA Ambition (01:24)
The Capital Challenge for Young Farmers: A Stark Reality (05:22)
Conservative Farming Policy: Axing Taxes, Reviewing Quangos & 'Made in UK' Standards (06:39)
Critique of Current Government: The Failure to Listen to Farming Communities (10:13)
The Impact of Inheritance Tax & Encouraging Succession Planning (12:48)
Conservative Response to Political Opponents & Policy Depth (16:28)
Commitment to Rural Communities & Reflecting on 14 Years in Power (20:37)
Brexit's Legacy and Future EU Trade Relations for Agriculture (22:52)
Animal Welfare Debates: Tail Docking, Bovine TB & Practical Farming Realities (26:24)
The Vital Role of Young Farmers' Clubs & Restoring Funding (31:09)
Addressing DEFRA's Disconnect: Staffing and Environment Agency Reform (36:09)
Food Security as National Priority: Subsidies and Sustainable Production (40:47)
Axing the Family Farm Tax: Conservative Pledges and Process (44:48)
Engaging the Next Generation in Politics & Victoria Atkins' Enduring Commitment (47:19)
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With oil prices rising in response to US action in Iran, analyst Rupert Somerscales speaks to the Farmers Guardian team about the relationship with wheat and oilseed prices, and what the geopolitical situation means for agriculture, and farmers' grain marketing plans.
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Thousands of tonnes of perfectly good arable produce never leave the farm gate, due to spoilage, market gluts, or shifting contracts. But what actually happens to that surplus? In this episode, head of arable Ash Ellwood visits a re-distribution site in Merseyside to dig into the true scale of on-farm waste and follow the journey of surplus produce beyond the field.
Discover how FareShare and The Felix Project are turning overlooked harvests into vital food supplies for nearly 8,000 charities and why understanding where your crop goes next could reshape how you see value, waste, and opportunity in your rotation.
To get in touch with FareShare and The Felix Project, head to:
https://thefelixproject.org/ or https://fareshare.org.uk/fareshareandfelix/
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Following last week's judicial review into the changes to Inheritance Tax, the Farmers Guardian news team discuss the case and what it means. We hear from Jane Thynne who was reporting in the court room, alongside claimant and farmer Tom Martin, Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins and businessman Steve Perez.
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The Farm Retail Association (FRA) conference focused on making the most of your diversified farm business, whilst focusing on the wider benefits to society - food miles, the economic contribution of farm shops and markets and the national health crisis. Emily Ashworth speaks to tv presenter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall about farm-to-fork connection and if it really means something, and former FRA chair Emma Mosey, farmer and farm shop owner.
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As more deaths are reported on farm, reaching 30 for the year since April 2025, the Farmers Guardian team discuss reporting on these incidents and speak to Jill Hewitt from the NAAC about what the industry needs to change the safety culture.
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Farmers Guardian’s news and business team reflect on the NFU Conference, from Emma Reynolds speech, more clarity on the Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme, Tom Bradshaw’s re-election to farmer views on the NFU and Defra
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The Farmers Guardian team discuss the latest milk prices, when the market may see a turnaround and the health trends which could drive the milk price of the future.
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In the second of a two-part series, Farmers Guardian's Alex Black speaks to Sarah Aughwane from Withers to answer farmers' questions on wills and disputes in light of the upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax
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Lambing is rarely perfect, even in the best-run flocks. In this episode, the Farmers Guardian podcast takes a practical look at navel health in lambs. Along with sheep vet Fiona Lovett and NoBACZ international business consultant, Dave Charles, we explore why problems like joint ill persist, where systems can break down under pressure, and how farmers can reduce risk through hygiene, colostrum management and consistent routines.
Supported by NoBACZ Healthcare
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In the first of a two-part series, Alex Black speaks to Carly Russell, partner at Collyer Bristow, about the upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax and what it means for those making succession plans and Mia Willemsen talks to Tom Martin about the granting of an urgent hearing for a judicial review into APR and BPR changes.
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Farmers Guardian's news and business team discuss the top news stories, including a look at the impact of Donald Trump's rhetoric on Greenland, protests at distribution centres by farmers and ask where the money is going as bread prices rise with grain in the doldrums
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Most of the Farmers Guardian team headed to LAMMA Show 2026 to host various panels, talk to manufacturers and discuss the issues that are impacting the industry most.
This year saw LAMMA play host to two other major Agriconnect shows too - CropTec and Low Carbon Agriculture.
FG's new Agriworks campaign, Future of Farming, also launched with multiple panels on topics such as profitability and succession.
Listen to this week's special LAMMA podcast covering all of the above, plus the fight to get farming into schools, the machinery market outlook and how the arable sector is moving forwards in 2026.
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The Farmers Guardian news team reports from the Oxford and Oxford Real Farming Conferences and we hear from NFU president Tom Bradshaw as he reflects on the events of his two-year tenure.
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Tuesley Farm in Surrey welcomes more than 3,000 visitors each year on Open Farm Sunday. We meet managing director Jim Floor to find out why, in these uncertain times, such events bring some much-needed positivity.
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In what has been a turbulent year in agriculture, the FG team take a look back on the biggest events of the year. But, of course, it is the people that make agriculture, so who scoops this year's favourite feature?
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In this Christmas special, Emily Ashworth heads to Cannon Hall Farm to cook some festive recipes up with the Nicholson family. Sat around the farmhouse table, Rob, Dave, Richard and Roger talk about the farm, and memories of food growing up.
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In this Christmas in the Countryside special with Harriet Cowan, Emily Ashworth visits Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan at her farm in Derbyshire, to find out about Harriet's farming life, her newfound stardom and what her farming future looks like.
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As 2025 draws to a close, Alex Black speaks to auctioneers Joe Bowman, Hywel Evans and LAA’s Zanna Dennis about the trade over the past year, the impact of bluetongue on trade and expectations for 2026.
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In this regenerative farming special, Farmers Guardian regen blogger Silas Headley-Lawrence talks about farmers who have changed practices and seen the benefits in both their land and their finances
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A one-off special episode brought to you by the Dairy Data Warehouse (DDW) explores how data, technology, and collaboration are reshaping the future of dairy farming. Fernando Mazeris, Managing Director of Dairy Data Warehouse, joins us to unpack what 12 years of working with one of the world’s largest dairy datasets has revealed. We discuss how consistent data drives better decision-making, the shift from reactive to predictive herd management, and how breaking down industry silos can accelerate progress toward sustainability. Together, we examine what the next decade of artificial intelligence and data innovation means for farmers, consultants and the wider dairy value chain, and how smarter insights can help build a more resilient and sustainable industry.
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Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget last week, Jane Thynne and Alex Black discuss what the change to spousal allowances means, speak to one of the farmers arrested at the Budget day protest and look at what happens next on Inheritance Tax
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Olivia Midgley and Jane Thynne report live from London as farmers descended on the capital in tractors despite an eleventh hour announcement from the Metropolitan Police that vehicles including tractors would not be allowed. But, with the Chancellor only making a small concession on Inheritance Tax changes in the Autumn Budget, what is next for the countryside’s biggest campaign?
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Following news that the University of Nottingham has suspended its agriculture courses, alongside a number of other degrees, Alex Black and Jane Thynne speak to students Herbert Pickford and Daisy Barrington-Phillips about what this means for students, the University and farming as a whole.
Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/save-agriculture-at-the-university-of-nottingham?recruiter=1394467878&recruited_by_id=45aa1b10-bbeb-11f0-a6a7-553eee773799&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=starter_onboarding_share_personal&utm_medium=copylink
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In the global pantheon of industrial pioneers, few figures loom as large over British manufacturing as Lord Anthony Bamford. At 80, the chairman of JCB remains a titan of engineering ingenuity and a powerful advocate for British agriculture – particularly family farms. The Bamford story is one of relentless innovation and the family's investment in hydrogen combustion is testament to that. Machinery editor Toby Whatley speaks to Lord Bamford in this exclusive podcast.
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This weeks podcast is supported by Virbac, discussing all things bluetongue. Following the lift of bluetongue rules this week, we reflect with industry experts on the disease prevalence and look ahead to next year and rule changes that livestock farmers are wanting.
Kate Ingram from Virbac joins up to discuss the role the vaccine plays in protecting livestock and what the uptake has been across the UK flock.
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Farmers Guardian's Alex Black and Jane Thynne are joined by farmer Ben Aveling to discuss the past 12 months, the impact of the reforms to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property relief on farm businesses and whether there is any prospect of changes being made.
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This week we meet Emily Norton, the new chair of AHDB. Emily discusses her career to date and how she intends to use her time at the levy board to rebuild farmer confidence.
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This week, to mark Wool Month, FG's Alex Black and Katie Fallon discuss the future fortunes of the British wool industry
We also have a short chat with Alice Lennox from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust
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Farmers Guardian's news and business team discuss the Labour, Lib Dem, Conservative and Reform UK party conferences, what was being discussed about agriculture and farmers' messages to Sir Keir Starmer.
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Most of the country will know of Amanda Owen, the shepherdess who lives in the hills of the Yorkshire with nine children in tow, having watched them grow as a family over the years on popular TV programme, Our Yorkshire Farm. In this special episode, Amanda talks to Emily Ashworth, FG's digital editor, about the future of hill farming, family life and the importance of farming education in schools.
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Farmers Guardian’s news and business team discuss the best diversification projects they have reported on, a look at the current landscape for new farm enterprises and Bidwells’ Chris Thyer discusses the opportunities and challenges for solar and wind on-farm
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This week the FG team discuss the pros and cons of regenerative farming and whether it can boost the bottom line. We also chat to Kayleigh Robb a first gen farmer who has taken on a 10-year regen tenancy.
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Following the reshuffle which saw Emma Reynolds take the reins at Defra, Farmers Guardian's news team discuss the new team, what it means for farming and what we learned from the Reform UK conference.
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In this Clarkson's Farm special, the FG team discuss what Jeremy Clarkson has really done for agriculture. Many applaud him for his ability to communicate the truth, and after another successful series of Clarkson's Farm, are people listening to him?
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In this week's Farmers Guardian podcast, the FG news and business team talk all things water. From the impact of extreme weather on farmers' mental health to 2025's dry weather so far and a look at the challenges and opportunities that water brings for farms.
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The pig industry has faced some considerable challenges over the last few years due to market volatility and rising costs of production, but as Heidi Dekker-Woljung and Mark Jagger, of integrated supply chain specialist Pilgrim’s Europe, point out there is now good reason to be optimistic about the sector.
The industry is now showing good opportunities for farmers looking to innovate and diversify their income through pig finishing, and Pilgrim’s Europe’s new scheme aims to support farmers in doing just this.
In this podcast we hear how the scheme has been designed to help new, and existing producers, to create a sustainable and profitable business for the long-term.
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Join Ash Ellwood, head of arable, and machinery reporter James Huyton to discuss all things harvest. From weather woes to new plant genetics, we explore the challenges and offerings of this year's harvest.
We also speak with mixed arable and poultry farmer Will Oliver, who farms just over 800 hectares in Leicestershire, to hear about his harvest and his thoughts on the industry's future.
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In this #farm24 special, ambassador Amy Wilkinson hosts this 24 Hours in Farming episode and talks about Inheritance Tax and the possible outcome, and how on her farm at home the beef business is going well, but it is quite the opposite on the arable side. But how does all of this impact consumers and do they understand?
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As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode looks at what a sustainable farming future really looks like, and how to achieve it. Some of last year's panellists join us once again to talk about getting MP's on farm and how sustainable farming systems can benefit you financially.
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Tom Aikens was the youngest British chef to receive two Michelin stars, and is a huge advocate for farming - what he can't grow himself, he sources from British farmers for his restaurants. This year, for the first time ever, Tom is our #farm24 chef ambassador, meaning more than ever 24 Hours in Farming can reach more members of the public.
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The NHS, the health of the nation and the role farmers play in providing food for the public sector is a hot topic of conversation, and in this episode, which is part of a special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, we look at the connection between farmers, food and health. How can we get more British produce in hospitals and schools? Does the country's shopping habits need to change? Do farming methods change the nutritional value of food? Ed Brown, head of farming at WildFarmed, Rosa Holt, a nutritionist and Emily Linton, a vet, discuss all of this.
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This week’s podcast is a farm safety special in conjunction with Lantra, recorded live from the Royal Welsh Show. Digital editor Emily Ashworth speaks to Stephanie Berkeley from Yellow Wellies, farmer Ioan Humphreys and Lantra’s Clegg Bamber about the impact farm safety has on people and businesses
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This episode discusses the industry's net zero target and how farming can be seen as a leader in this mission.
McDonalds Progressive Young Farmer Herbert Pickford, Map of Ag's sustainability lead Caroline Hope and consultant Chris Manley dive into how farmers are showcasing net zero practices on farm already, but also how data, technology and collaboration will collectively help to drive agriculture towards a state of net zero.
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The Farmers Guardian news team discuss the newly launched Sustainable Farming Scheme, what it means for Welsh farming plus thoughts from FUW's Ian Rickman, NFU Cymru's Abi Reader and Plaid Cymru's Llyr Gruffydd
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As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode looks at resilience, and that comes in many forms, from financial resilience to futureproofing farming's labour workforce with new people. To delve into this topic, we are joined by farmer Jonathan Hockley, agronomist Louise Penn and agronomist Ben Allard.
Brought to you by @_TheSSFF
https://www.schoolofsustainablefoodandfarming.org/
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The Farmers Guardian team recorded this week's podcast live from Groundswell 2025. In this episode you will hear from a variety of people including the team at Lannock Farm who host Groundswell and talk about their farming systems. Well-known charity Jamie's Farm is also featured, with founder Jamie Fielden talking about his roundtable discussion with HRH Prince William, around farming's impact on mental health.
There's also an interesting chat with English Willow and finally, a discussion with the Royal Countryside Fund about the importance of building resilient communities and part of that means building resilient farming practices.
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As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode discusses sustainable farming practices and how to encourage the widespread adoption of such practices across the industry. Leprino Foods' sustainability manger Ben Williams, Liz Bowles, a net zero consultant and Wallace Currie from the AgriTech Centre discuss what sustainability truly means, the impact of changing policy and how farm businesses must work to their own strengths and needs in order to future-proof their business.
Brought to you by @_TheSSFF
https://www.schoolofsustainablefoodandfarming.org/
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Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Robert Graham of Graham’s Family Dairy, a proudly homegrown Scottish dairy business deeply rooted in family values and strong relationships with producers across Scotland and just south of the border.
Live from the Royal Highland Show, Dr Graham discusses the journey of growing the family business, dedication to quality Scottish dairy, balancing beef, dairy and sheep enterprises and the future of the industry as a whole.
Dr Graham also offers advice for the next generation of farmers and discusses new product innovations, from protein trends to evolving consumer tastes. Whether you’re part of the farming community or simply passionate about where your food comes from, there is plenty to take away from this conversation.
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This week’s Farmers Guardian has ‘gone green’ as we take a deep dive into what regenerative farming means for you, as farmers, and how it relates to today’s farming industry. To investigate this further, Katie Fallon and Jane Thynne spoke to Northumberland mixed farmer, Stuart Johnston, on his own journey into regen, what a regen system looks like on his farm and his top tips for farmers who are starting to think about applying regen practices on their own farm.
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The FG machinery team take a first look at John Deere's 9RX 830, it’s certainly an eye catcher, but does its size offer a true practical solution for many UK farms?
This year's Cereals Event gave the first opportunity for many to take a first look at the world's largest production tractor. Initially launched back in early 2024 at the Commodity Classic show Houston, Texas, the John Deere 9RX 830 finally touched down at a UK show. Made up of three models, we take a look around the flagship 9RX powerhouse, boasting a maximum power output of 913hp. Surprisingly emissions standards are achieved through the brand's own 18-litre JD18X engine without the need for a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system. But it’s not all about power, the 9RX also features a new fully-mechanical e21 PowerShifttransmission, a new CommandView 4 Plus cab and a mountain of tech to bring the 9RX into the era of autonomy.
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With farming in a period of major change as the UK looks to set its first farming and environmental policies in decades, Alex Black spoke to NFU vice president Rachel Hallos about NFU Develops, her journey in the union and why it is so important to engage the future leaders the industry needs.
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The spotlight is well and truly on farming, and for the launch of this year's epic 24 Hours in Farming event, online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to two #farm24 ambassadors about agriculture, whether the outlook is positive and if people really know more than we think they do about the industry.
Get involved by visiting:
www.farmersguardian.com/farm24
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Young auctioneer and farmers son, Sion Roberts from Carmarthenshire has not taken the traditional path of working full time on the family farm. Following a course in Rural Enterprise and Land Management at Harper Adams, he has started a graduate job at Clee Tompkinson and Francis and he shares his journey to how he came to sell on the plank every week.
Zanna Dennis from LAA also joins us to explain how they support the next crop of auctioneers.
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The Farmers Guardian news and business team discusses the first episode of the new series and Jeremy Clarkson’s impact on agriculture
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Machinery Special: In cab review of John Deere's new 6M series
FG Machinery team, James Huyton and Toby Whatley look at what a 150hp and 270hp version of the new range has to offer
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Following the news that the UK and US have signed a trade deal, including improved access for American beef in the UK, John Wilkes spoke with Kent Bacus from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in the US to get a US perspective on the deal and the prospects for US-UK trade.
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Food security and farming is once again back in the spotlight and in this VE Day special, Emily Ashworth and Alex Black look at how farmers fought from the fields of Britain to make sure the nation was fed, and how food security has changed over the years.
With current Government changes, it is an important reminder to put British farmers at the heart of agricultural policies.
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The fight to get farming embedded onto the National Curriculum is in full swing, and in this episode online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to Zak Hammersley, an agricultural lecturer about the diverse mix of students coming into the industry, and how despite the current political climate, the future is bright.
Olivia Shave, founder of the petition to get farming into schools also celebrates having over 14,000 signatures so far, and discusses the Government's somewhat 'lacking' response.
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Most will know Tom Youngs from his performance on the rugby pitch, but farming has always been the plan.
Having enjoyed 17 years playing sport, coming home to farm was always the plan, but since returning, much has changed within agriculture. In this episode he talks about farming partnerships, SFI, the Government and his passion for helping consumers learn about the industry
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Farmers Guardian's Emily Ashworth and Alex Black discuss the latest on FG's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign and take a look back at what has happened so far since the Government's Autumn Budget announcement of changes to Inheritance Tax and an update on where the industry stands today.
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For 24 year-old Elle Slade, a sixth generation farmer from Exeter, a career in farming was ‘non-negotiable’. It was, she says, quite obvious from a very young age that farming was her passion. But a turning point for Elle was when her dad told her and her brother that if they wanted to come back to the family farm one day, they must bring ‘something else to the party’. He also encouraged them to both find additional work elsewhere off the farm. Elle did exactly that and has recently started her own calf rearing venture at the family farm, as well as working at a nearby 1,700 head fattening unit.
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The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said funds raised from Inheritance Tax would be used to fund things like the NHS, but farmers are a key part of fixing the national health crises. In this podcast, online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to one farm who are hoping to provide a local hospital with their sustainability produced beef, and Frank Fiore, an NHS catering manager who has started to source produce for his patients direct from farms
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Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Co-ordinator Rob Taylor answers questions from Farmers Guardian podcast listeners on dog attacks, your rights and what the industry can do
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The farmer and Liberal Democrat MP discusses Defra and why, despite current policies, he does not believe Labour ministers Daniel Zeichner and Steve Reed set out to harm farming. Instead, he says the problem lies with the Treasury and that while the campaign to reverse or amend the family farm tax may be long, farmers must keep campaigning.
"When it comes to going the ‘full French' I would say keeping public opinion on our side is very important and I would be really anxious about anything which risked alienating the rest of the public... The Government has pushed us into a corner and we have to keep pushing back.
"I do not think there is a silver bullet in this. But I think the thing we do have is an advantage in this battle is the length of it. We will not be voting until October/November on this and that is a long time for any government to double down.
"We have to just keep fighting and keep doing, and keep doing it again after that. If there was a silver bullet here, I would find it and I would fire it."
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President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs are impacting trade patterns around the globe.
In this special edition of the Farmers Guardian podcast, Alex Black, Toby Whatley and Andy Newbold from the European Society of Agricultural Engineers discuss Mr Trump’s tariffs, their impact on machinery and agricultural commodity markets and how it affects the UK farmer.
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In this week's podcast Katie Jones talks to two livestock farmers about bale grazing; how it works for them, the challenges, and the advantages.
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As beef prices have risen due to good demand and tight supplies, the differential between prices paid to farmers in Northern Ireland and Great Britain has widened.
Ulster Farmers’ Union’s Glen Cuddy and Brendan Kelly discuss the unfairness of the situation, how they are being ignored by the processors when demanding an explanation and urge farmers to explore all their options.
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Coco Jalloh was told to pursue something else at school; that she was too academic for farming. Her passion and determination, however, has seen her find her way into agriculture, with hopes of becoming a farm vet.
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Scotland's new Tenant Farming Commissioner, Rob Black, talks about the importance of capturing data, the need for more face-to-face conversations between landlords and tenants to help resolve disputes, and why he is focused on finding ways to entice landlords to let out their land and provide more opportunity for farm tenancies.
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On the pod this week, we are joined by former two-time National Pig Association chair, Richard Longthorp, to discuss a very important topic of Parkinson’s Disease. Richard, a former pig farmer from Howden in East Yorkshire, was diagnosed with the condition back in 2017.
What you’ll hear during the course of this pod is how fitness, particularly boxing, has helped Richard to manage his condition, how it has provided him with a new lease of life at the age of 71, and why he has raised thousands of pounds to support Parkinson’s UK, St Paul’s Boxing Academy in Hull and Goole Amateur Boxing Club. He talks about his time as NPA chair, including the struggle with foot-and-mouth disease, and what a life in farming has provided him.
Both boxing clubs provide fitness provision for people living with Parkinson’s and Richard wanted to give something back. It is an extraordinary story of pushing one’s physical and emotional limits, and never giving up; something British farmers are well-known for.
One of Richard’s idols, former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Alli, said: “Inside of a ring or out, ain't nothing wrong with going down. It is staying down that's wrong.” Words we can all relate too for the many challenges that life throws at us. So sit back, and enjoy the pod.
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This week, Farmers Guardian news reporter Jane Thynne, caught up with founder of Save British Farming and co-organiser of the London tractor rallies Liz Webster to discuss Inheritance Tax, the rise of Reform and where the Government goes from here.
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Farmers Guardian head of news and business Alex Black, chief reporter Rachael Brown and news reporter Jane Thynne discuss the big news stories of the week. The team look at the latest analysis from AHDB stating more than 42,000 farms will be affected by the change to Inheritance Tax, the latest on the political situation on IHT and the Government decision to withdraw the neonicotinoid Cruiser SB.
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In this week's Farmers Guardian Podcast, chief reporter Rachael Brown spoke with Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins live at LAMMA at the NEC in Birmingham. Ms Atkins criticised the Defra Secretary Steve Reed for not standing up to the Chancellor on the Inheritance Tax changes which have been 'imposed' on him.
She accused the Government for making a 'political choice' to break up a 'careful tax policy' that protected family farms. She discusses her plans to restore trust between the Conservative party and the farming and rural community. She also shares her fears with the accelerated phasing-out of BPS and recent changes to the capital grants scheme, further cuts to farming could be coming down the line.
Also in this episode, digital editor Emily Ashworth chats with beef farmer Martha Hayes, to find out why she has chosen to back Farmers Guardian's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign
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This week’s Farmers Guardian is live from LAMMA Show with various members of the FG team. Hear from manufacturers about the feeling in the sector, multiple influencers, Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins and what to buy to get the best for your buck.
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Sheep farmer and former teacher Olivia Shave started a petition to get rural education into schools, and Farmers Guardian has recently joined the petition as media partners.
In this bonus episode, online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to Olivia and Claire Mackenzie, producer of Six Inches of Soil who is supporting the petition, about the need for the Government to make real change when it comes to learning. Olivia and Claire will be at this year's LAMMA Show talking about the campaign.
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Online editor Emily Ashworth visits Myerscough College to talk to five students who are studying agriculture and hear their thoughts on their future of farming after the Government announced its plans to implement Inheritance Tax.
These youngsters, all between 16 and 18 years-old, are concerned that the lack of support from the Government and the misunderstanding of the public could impact the industry.
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In this episode we chat to farming sisters Josie and Poppy, who run the Instagram account 'Sisters in Wellies', and their parents Dawn and Richard. Working together to manage the 200-plus milking herd as well as an on-site adventure park is key to the success of the Lewis family’s, Clerkenhill Farm in Haverfordwest.
Poppy and Josie are the fourth generation of the on the farm and, in recent years, have taken over greater responsibility for the herd, with the help of their parents Richard and Dawn, while their other sister Heather manages the family park. But while they all have their individual responsibilities, with Richard, being the go-to for fixing things on the farm and mum, Dawn, affectionately referred to as the ‘backbone’ of the family farm, the business truly thrives when everyone mucks-in wherever needed, including all siblings and sons-in-law.
And not forgetting three-year-old Erin and one year-old Dewi, who have both been on the farm since they were six weeks old. The family is currently milking 210 British Friesians on a grazing based system, with the aim to normally turnout on May 1 and they say the cows suit their ‘low cost system’.
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In this episode of the Farmers Guardian's podcast, industry leaders from across the farming sector share their hopes for 2025 and what challenges agriculture might face in the next 12 months.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw warned a 'resolution' on the Chancellor's Inheritance Tax changes, is an issue that is likely to continue to 'hang over the industry' in 2025, calling for a swift resolution from Government. For the tenanted sector, Tenant Farmers Association calls for Defra to ask the law commission to conduct a review into the legislation covering landlord and tenant relationships, looking at the definition for agriculture and rules of good husbandry, which he said were both written in 1947 and 'need reform'.
In the pig sector, they call for APHA to be better resourced to cope with ongoing disease threats, and to provide increase funding to the Dover Port Authority, following a surge in illegal pork meat being seized at the port. And in the sheep sector, NSA chief executive hopes farming policy comes together in 2025 to give farmers the ‘inspiration, and confidence', and financial incentives to invest.
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FG's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign aims to tell the stories of the farming industry in a bid to show the Government its plans for Inheritance Tax will decimate family farms and wider related businesses.
Online editor Emily Ashworth looks back at the exclusive Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gave FG in the run-up to the election and if he held those promises. You will also hear from family farms and how this will impact them.
This podcast, however, is about showcasing the value of family farms, and celebrating everything they do for society.
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This week saw the announcement of the Welsh Budget, with the Scottish Budget announced last week. Farmers Guardian's news and business team take a look at what it means for farmers and the latest on the farmer pushback against Inheritance Tax changes
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Heather Whalley swapped the bright lights of London for the fields of Lancashire after making the decision to return home to Lancashire to farm with her father. Running a pedigree beef business alongside some sheep, Heather wanted to make sure the farm business was secure for the future, so worked alongside her dad to tweak the systems, look at the financials and put her passion for holistic management into practice.
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Is the Government ready to concede it got it disastrously wrong on the Budget, and could it make an offer to farmers before Christmas?
Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley caught up NFU deputy president David Exwood at at CropTec where he was making the keynote speech.
David, a mixed farmer from West Sussex, talks about the union's sit down with the Prime Minister this week and gives his predictions on how the next few days might pan out. He also talks about his own experiences of planning for succession and explains how he and his two sons approached the conversation.
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With COP29 taking place this week, Alex Black spoke to Prof John Gilliland who was in attendance on behalf of AHDB.
On his farm in Northern Ireland, Prof Gilliland has been part of ARCZero, with his farm not beyond net zero. He spoke about why knowledge is key for farmers looking to reach net zero, or beyond, and creating a whole-farm carbon balance sheet is a critical place to start.
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Farmers Guardian were live at the farmer protests in London on November 19, reporting straight from the heart of the crowd. Online editor Emily Ashworth and head of livestock Katie Jones spoke to farmers - some from families who have hundreds of years of farming history behind them - attending the rally and about the impact the new Inheritance Tax rules could have. You can also hear speeches from Jeremy Clarkson and Olly Harrison, and best-selling author and farmer Helen Rebanks.
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Following Trump’s historic election win, Alex Black speaks to John Wilkes about what his presidency will mean for farming in the US, UK and all around the world
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Diversifying the core farm business takes ‘grit and determination’ but farmers should realise that they do not need to do everything themselves and have confidence to lean on others with specific expertise. But where do you start and how do you find the skills you need to make your new idea work?
FG editor Olivia Midgley hosts a roundtable discussion with six farmers at the Farm Business Innovation show who have all taken the plunge into diversification and shared their top tips.
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Welsh farmer and World War II Royal Airforce veteran Aneurin Owen will be 100 years old on November 30, 2024. Farmers Guardian online editor Emily Ashworth meets him to talk about a century in farming and in honour of Remembrance Day, his time in the RAF.
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Following the Chancellor's announcements on Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief in the 2024 Autumn Budget, Farmers Guardian's Alex Black, Rachael Brown and Jane Thynne dig into what the changes may mean for the farming industry. The news team take a look at the implications of all the announcements this week, from the agriculture budget to the minimum wage and changes to delinked Basic Payment Scheme payments.
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For this special episode, we partner with our sister podcast (The Land, Leisure and Tourism Podcast) to bring you a discussion with Sykes Holiday Cottages and one of their latest customers.
We talk about the logistics and challenges of diversifying your farm into holiday letting, but also the positives that it can bring to you and your farming business
For more information on the Farm Business Innovation and Land, Leisure and Tourism shows, visit www.lltshow.com
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This week Farmers Guardian's online editor Emily Ashworth went to Charlotte Ashley's farm in Cumbria to talk to her and close friend and social media star Rebecca Wilson all about showcasing real-life farming on social platforms. They also highlight the importance of future-proofing the business and attracting new talent to farming.
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After 40 years, West Midlands dairy farmer and former NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes decided to quit milking, sold his 200 holstein dairy herd and started a new venture rearing 200 plus beef cattle on his Bournville Village Trust tenant farm on the southern outskirts of Birmingham. A decision which he described as ‘really tough' and initially something he was reluctant to share with anyone else, over concerns people would think he had 'failed'.
Mr Oakes said there was not one single factor which led to his decision to quit, but a combination of factors including going clear of TB after being shut down for many years, the lack of succession with both his two sons pursuing other careers, a health scare after having a mini stroke, and his landlord wanting to take FBT land back in hand. He has since started a new venture, looking after 200 plus beef herd, which he will take to finish as part of a bed and breakfast scheme run by Buitelaar. He said, he still found it 'difficult' not milking every morning, but it was easier now there was cattle back on the farm.
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With the country now 100 days into the new Labour Government, Farmers Guardian has created a new manifesto on what farmers and rural businesses want from the Government.
FG editor Olivia Midgley, Patrick Holden, chief executive of the Sustainable Farming Trust, National Pig Association chief executive Lizzie Wilson, Minette Batters, tenant farmer and former NFU President, farmer John McCulloch, Ed Barker, head of policy and external affairs at the Agricultural Industries Confederation and Mark Charter from Carter Jonas came together to discuss what the industry needs.
Farmers Guardian will always hold those in power accountable and continue to speak up for farming.
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Wool was, at one time, the jewel of fabrics. It was a well-respected product but, over the years its value has decreased. In this episode, we look at why. Is it a pricing issue? Is it a marketing issue? Emily Ashworth and Katie Fallon look back at the timeline to find out what changed.
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As the 2024 political party conferences wrap up, Farmers Guardian's news and business team discuss the goings on at the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party conferences and what each party has to offer for the farming sector.
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This week's Farmers Guardian podcast is a little different.
FG's online editor Emily Ashworth joins the machinery team, Toby Whatley and James Huyton, to delve into the world of machinery and talk about the opportunities in the sector, especially when it comes to careers.
From technology talk to taking a first - and very slow - drive of the Claas combine on James' farm, this podcast really highlights that we need to bridge the gap between agriculture and the wider public.
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On the pod this week, news reporter Chris Brayford visited students and staff at Barnsley College’s Wigfield Farm campus to discuss the importance of agricultural courses in educational settings.
@WigfieldFarm // @barnsleycollege
Should more schools be providing agricultural courses? Should agriculture be featured on the syllabus and curriculum from the moment a child starts school until they leave to kickstart their careers? Can agriculture offer a viable career path for young people to enter the industry and fulfil a dream to a farmer?
We spoke to students at Barnsley College including Jayden Taylor, Emily Hanson, Dana Bradley-Allen and Jasmine Powell about why they have chosen to study agriculture at Barnsley College, the skills they have picked up along the way, alongside their hopes to be the next generation of young farmers. They told us an agricultural course has provided them with confidence to learn and experience new things, alongside strengthening their ability to work as a team and live out a dream to work with livestock and people. Chris also caught up with Barnsley College’s agriculture and animal care teacher, Emily Smith, and Macauley Parkin, the agriculture course leader, about their enthusiasm and passion to help nurture students’ skills in the sector and how they have made courses more accommodating and exciting for students to see the value of agricultural careers. Agriculture provides us all with so many benefits, so is it time to recognise its value in an educational setting even more?
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On the podcast this week, we are joined by Welsh farmer Clive Jones, Wales’ Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies (@huw4ogmore) and Wales’ Wildlife and Rural Crime Coordinator Rob Taylor (@rural_wales), to discuss livestock worrying.
@WGRural
Livestock worrying, when a dog chases or attacks livestock on agricultural land can have costly consequences on the health, well-being and finances of farmers across the UK. In most cases, farmers are witnessing first-hand the devastation a dog can have on livestock, leaving farmers to pick up the pieces afterwards. Tavistock farmer Chris Dawe said 49 sheep were killed after being attacked by dogs on farm back in January.
Last week, Farmers Guardian reported on the devastating livestock worrying attack at Liz Nutting’s farm in Lampeter, Ceredigion, which killed 10 of her Ryeland flock. Following numerous bids to seek justice, the dog owner only received a £75 fine despite his dogs causing £6,500 in damages. Cheshire farmer Phil Latham was left disgusted and heartbroken after loose dogs savaged 18 calves in a pen. And you will hear about the impacts of livestock worrying Mr Jones has had to face as well. In its latest annual ‘Rural Crime Report’, NFU Mutual said livestock worrying had cost farmers £2.4 million, with animals being severely injured or killed in dog attacks, up nearly 30% compared to the previous year. Incidents keep on taking place on what seems like a weekly basis. But why? Is the law outdated? The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act was created 71 years-ago in 1953. The new Labour Government has yet to confirm whether a private members’ bill, tabled by former Defra Secretary Therese Coffey in December to amend the law and provide police with greater powers, will be progressed or not
Police in Scotland have the powers to impose fines of up to £40,000 for owners found worrying livestock, alongside receiving a potential 12 month prison sentence. Is it a lack of respect from dog owners? Incidents can often take place when a dog is not on a lead. And an attitude of ‘my dog could never hurt anyone’ still persists. Is education the answer? The Welsh Government has worked hand-in-hand with animal charity Blue Cross and Mr Taylor regarding an optional educational course if dog owners are found worrying livestock. You will hear more about the course in this podcast.
Farmers Guardian has been supporting the ‘Take the Lead’ campaign, alongside the National Sheep Association to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock. We can provide you with free signs to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock. To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. We will be able to send up to 25 signs. Alternatively, you can contact reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at chris.brayford@farmersguardian.com. But for now, enjoy the pod!
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For siblings Anna and Sam Hallos, the future succession of their tenanted upland beef and sheep farm in West Yorkshire has been an ‘open and honest’ conversation around the farmhouse kitchen table for many years now. They have both been ‘heavily involved’ in the business from a young age, but now older, at 27 and 24 years old, Sam and Anna have started making decisions, which they both said is helping to shape their future on the farm. While both Anna and Sam are relishing the opportunity to support the farm business in making key decisions, they share a strong admiration for what their parents have done since taking on the farm tenancy, and the changes they have made to ensure their children can now be employed on the farm.
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Our Yorkshire Farm, featuring the Owen family, was an immediate success with TV viewers. Looking into the Owen family's life with nine children on one of the most remote hill farms in the country enthralled the nation, and now, six years later, one member, Reuben Owen, is carving out his own path. His latest TV series, Life In The Dales, has been a hit, and he is making his own mark on the Yorkshire Dales with his new business. But farming, of course, is never far from his mind.
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On the podcast this week, we learn about the value of agritourism and diversification in Scotland with Dundee farmer Caroline Millar. Escaping from the world to a farm's tranquil surroundings in the Angus countryside could be the ideal answer for any couple seeking a romantic weekend getaway, with the diversification working hand-in-hand alongside the farm. The Hideaway Experience at Balkello Farm, run by Scottish farmers Caroline and Ross Millar alongside their two children Finlay and Sophie, is a collection of self-catering holiday lodges in Dundee offering bespoke luxury features including saunas and hot tubs. Guests can also enjoy the food which is produced on-farm during their stay. Rated five-stars by Scotland's national tourist organisation VisitScotland, guests can also relish the comforting surroundings of a log burning fire during winter, grill delicious red meat on a gas BBQ during summer and enjoy the wildlife surroundings of the Angus countryside in holiday lodges. The farm has two units across the 263-hectare mixed arable business, with around 120 breeding cows including Aberdeen-Angus and Herefords, and growing cereals. Branching into the world of agritourism, an agricultural operation which attracts tourists to a farm, in 2005, Caroline said her farming background has played a valuable role in her strong work ethic. Enjoy the pod!
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Shepherdess Brittany Cole Bush talks to Farmers Guardian US Correspondent John Wilkes. California is experiencing some of the worst ever wildfires. By August 16, a total of 5,210 wildfires burned 332,606 ha (821,887 acres).
The Park Fire is the fourth largest in Californian history – approximately 14 times the size of San Francisco. Since late July it has destroyed 173,000 ha in Northern California.
This podcast was recorded August 4.
On the podcast this week John is joined by the entrepreneurial sheep and goat grazer Brittany Cole Bush from the Ojai Valley, Ventura County in Southern California.
Cole’s personal journey to set up her company called “Shepherdess Livestock and Land” draws global media coverage from The Guardian, French Elle and others.
Her “flerd” of sheep and goats is in demand to remove dense highly flammable vegetation for an array of governmental agencies and other property owner clients.
Cole also established “The Grazing School of the West” where she operates bootcamps.
The school’s goal is to encourage a new generation into this burgeoning sector within the American sheep industry. Like Cole, the majority of applicants are from non-agricultural backgrounds.
In the context of the American sheep industry Cole sees herself,
“As a black sheep. A black Navajo-Churro sheep, a Heritage breed that has to be wily, very resilient, small framed and wooly.
I represent a very unique population; a single woman owned sheep business from Southern California. The first in my family to do something like this.”
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Harvest 2024 has arrived and after suffering pests, persistent storms and setbacks, three farmers share their experience with Farmers Guardian.
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In a special one-off podcast, guest-hosted by FG columnist and farmer Amy Wilkinson, go behind-the-scenes at Farmers Guardian HQ to see how our epic digital campaign 24 Hours in Farming unfolds. Reaching millions of people, the campaign, aims to showcase the farming industry to wider society and this year we have 24 ambassadors to help us do just that. Amy visits one of this year's ambassadors, Frank Carr who farms in Yorkshire, to talk to him about being a fourth-generation hill farmer and why #farm24 is so important.
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With farm tenant and landlord relationships in the spotlight in recent months, the Farmers Guardian podcast spoke to the CLA, a tenant and landlord from the Castle Howard Estate and the Scottish Tenant Farming Commissioner Dr Bob McIntosh.
Positive, collaborative tenant-landlord relationships and collaboration will provide benefits to both parties with Castle Howard tenant Michael Fargher highlighting the good long-term relationship help with his landlord.
Jasper Hasell, estate chief executive said the estate also benefitted from that closer relationship which helped them run other parts of the business alongside the farms.
Judicaelle Hammond, director of policy and advice at the CLA, said it was beneficial to see positive relationships as often the relationships are in the spotlight when things go wrong while Dr Bob McIntosh spoke about his role in promoting and encouraging good relations between landlords and tenants.
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On the podcast this week Farmers Guardian reporter Chris Brayford is joined by Farm Safety Foundation’s chair of trustees James Chapman for a special insight into farm safety. It is a very important week for the industry which marks Farm Safety Week, an annual initiative which places a spotlight on farming’s poor safety record, as well as the need to keep everyone safe on farms. The Health and Safety Executive released data on Monday (July 22) from the last year which found 35 people had died in farm-related incidents, which included the deaths of two children, in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We often hear of the deeply moving accounts from those who have survived incidents on farm, as well as the tragic cases of those killed during incidents, and the way it has impacted families and friends. For those who survived, like James, it has changed their outlook of farming and has ignited a flame to help others in keeping safe so that what happened to them can be avoided in the future. If you don’t know James, or Jim, he is a farmer from Warwickshire who has been a passionate advocate for farm safety ever since losing his left arm in a PTO shaft machine back in January 2005. We recorded the interview during the Farm Safety Foundation’s tenth anniversary for a two-part special where we discussed health and safety on farm, his own experiences of being involved in an on-farm incident which changed his life completely, the importance of Yellow Wellies' work, and what the industry can do to tackle its poor safety record.
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As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode discusses the role of data, the tools available to measures GHG emissions and the value to farmers in sharing that data. Leprino Foods' Sustainability Manger Ben Williams, Farm Manager of net zero livestock farm and current Nuffield Schold Dan Smith and Livestock Sustainability Specialist at UK Agri-Tech Centre Megan Powell look at the narrative around the livestock sector when it comes to emissions, the idea of baselining, government policy and the financial incentives to drive the sector to make changes to reduce green house gas emissions on-farm.
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Tom Heap is widely known for his appearances on BBC Countryfile, The Climate Show and Rare Earth, and he has a passion for the natural world. His latest book, Land Smart, explores how various people in the wider agricultural industry can manage the land differently to create balance between nature and food production. Whether that is regenerative practices or introducing more technology, it is not a one size fits all approach.
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As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode focuses on how animal health and welfare is key to improving the sustainability of farming systems and the importance of adopting a mindset of 'if you look after your livestock they will look after you'. Northern Ireland dairy farmer and McDonalds Progressive Young farmer at Dawn Meats Nathan McClure, Hertfordshire livestock and arable farmer and farm vet technician Molly Mead and Herefordshire mixed farmer Jack Lyke look at the importance of disease control, livestock's role in sustainable and regenerative farming practices and the role of technology and grants to support long term investment
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As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode shares helpful on-farm tips to improve water and waste management, whilst looking at some of the practical challenges including infrastructure and investment. Livestock farmers Lizzie Halton-Harrop and Rob Havard, LEAF technical co-ordinate Megan Whatty and Berkshire arable farmer and former winner of BBC Countryfile Young Countryside Champion Eleanor Gilbert look at how to balance production, profit and ecological gain across the land, and how nurturing our ecosystems can help improve water and waste management.
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As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode looks at some practical on-farm examples of improving biodiversity whilst building resilience into farm businesses. Oxfordshire arable farmer and consultant Ben Adams, McDonalds Progressive Young Farmer at Moy Park Darcy Johnson and Wiltshire mixed farmer and former NFU student and young farm ambassador Mike Wilkins explore the benefits of enhanced biodiversity on-farm, looking at both the environmental and financial gains.
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In this episode the Farmers Guardian news and business team give their analysis of what farming can expect from the new Labour Government and the priorities of the new Defra Secretary Steve Reed and his Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner. The team reflects on Labour’s manifesto and the calls from the industry for more clarity on farming policies, budget and the future direction of British agriculture under Sir Keir Starmer’s new Government
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As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode looks at how healthy soils underpin resilient and sustainable farming systems. Arable agronomist and farm consultant with Ceres Rural, Louise Penn, beef and sheep farmer and AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds representative Izzy Eames and regenerative farmer, coach and consultant at Grassfed Farmer Silas Hedley-Lawrence dig deeper into the role of soil in tackling climate change, improving nature and health, whilst looking at how adopting a more regenerative farming approach can help restore, enhance soil health, ecosystems and communities.
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Cumbrian sheep farmer Alistair Mackintosh sits down with Farmers Guardian chief reporter Rachael Brown to chat about his new role as Red Tractor interim chair. He talks about how he looks to rebuild farmer confidence in Red Tractor after frustration across the industry following its handling of the Greener Farms Commit module. He said effective communication of the value of Red Tractor for farming business was critical, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility across the supply chain.
He said he was confident there would not be a vote of no confidence and any disquiet will be put to rest', reiterating they were listening to farmers and making changes to audit process to offer a 'leaner' approach. He recognised there was challenges when it came to Red Tractor membership in both the beef and lamb sector, but he was confident he could bring them back on board.
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As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode looks at understanding and measuring social sustainability within agriculture. Tenant organic dairy farmer Sophie Gregory from Dorset, Hampshire tenant pig farmer Flavian Obiero and Leonora Meehan from McDonald's Progressive Young Farmer at Noble Foods unpick how sustainable agriculture can contribute to vibrant communities; the importance of connecting food and farming with the wider general public and how farmers can be empowered to influence public policy and change societal narrative around agriculture, food and sustainability.
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On this week’s podcast, news reporter Chris Brayford is joined by a host of guests including farmers and politicians to discuss the implications of a General Election to farming communities and some of the priorities they want to see from the next UK Government. Our guests include NFU vice-president David Exwood, ‘Pretend Farmer’ and sheep farmer Karl Franklin, Buckinghamshire arable and beef farmer Richard Heady, Staffordshire arable farmer Clive Bailye and Oxfordshire farmer Ben Adams. With a General Election just around the corner, farmers will be heading to the polls on July 4 to decide which candidate and, ultimately, which party they would like to see lead the UK Government. Political parties and candidates have been making their pitches to farming communities over the past few weeks, but which party will gain the hearts and minds of rural voters? Will it be the Conservative Party led by Rishi Sunak? Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour? Sir Ed Davey’s Liberal Democrats? Nigel Farage’s Reform UK? Adrian Ramsay’s Green Party? Only you can decide. Enjoy the podcast.
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Ag in my Land is a Farmers Guardian series which looks at farming across the globe, and for the first time ever, we have turned it into a podcast. In this episode, online editor Emily Ashworth talks to Greg Hart who farming in Hawkes Bay in New Zealand at Mangarara Farm. With a huge focus on stripping the business back and focusing on regeneration of the land, he has taken the farm in a whole new direction - including a partnership with Air New Zealand which enabled him to plant thousands of native trees. From the soil to the farm's mainstay which is the livestock, Greg is taking every opportunity he can to excite others about the world of agriculture.
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It is the third week of the General Election campaign and political parties have now published their manifestos. The Farmers Guardian news and business team take a closer look at the parties pledges for farming and rural communities. We look at budget, bovine TB policy, planning reform, food and the environment, and what the opinion polls look like at the half way stage.
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In a #Farm24 special, online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to butcher Matt Slack, who has over 135,000 followers on Tik Tok and over 90,000 on Facebook. Matt is passionate about connecting people back to their produce and where it comes from - and to take a closer look at the farming industry, because they may just be surprised
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It is no secret that farming needs to attract fresh talent, and there are so many opportunities for people to find a career that suits them. This is the case for Jack Scott who, after attending an Open Farm Sunday at Emma Loder-Symonds farm, Nonington farms. Emma's passion is education and allowing people of all ages to experience what it's like on-farm; she wants to highlight food, nature and careers. After meeting Emma, Jack has now pursued his passion for agriculture and set up his own business on a small parcel of Nonington's land. He also won BBC Countryfile's Young Countryside Champion in November 2023 which is testament to his dedication and determination to make a life for himself in the industry.
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Gazegill farm is gently nestled into the heart of the Lancashire countryside, and for years owners Emma Robinson and Ian O'Reilly have been building their farm-to-customer business through meat box and raw milk sales. Nature is at the heart of all they do; it comes first and that approach applies to their new on-farm venture, their restaurant Eight at Gazegill. Only serving food from the farm or local specialities, Emma and Ian want food, produced in a harmonious way, to connect people back to the land.
This week, Farmers Guardian reporter Chris Brayford discusses the value of the wool sector with British Wool chief executive Andrew Hogley. During the episode, Andrew talks about the challenges the industry faces, his passion to work with sheep farmers, the high-quality of wool as a global commodity, the importance of traceability and sustainability, the value of labelling, getting more young people into manufacturing and the future of the wool industry.
Charlotte Ashley and her husband, Roy, have always had a dream: Jersey cows. Having been beef and sheep farmers in Cumbria for many years, their dream has finally come to fruition, having recently finished building their shed which now houses their newly-welcomed Jersey cow herd. But what was the motivation behind the decision? Dairy can be a volatile sector, so what is their route to market and what is their business plan? In the first of a two-part series, Farmers Guardian's online editor Emily Ashworth finds out more.
It has been a busy few weeks in politics, with local elections in England and a new First Minister in Scotland. The Farmers Guardian news and business team take a look at what the political landscape looks like for rural voters as well as a look ahead to next week's Farm to Fork summit at Number 10 Downing Street. The team also discuss the first four episodes of Clarkson's Farm, and how Jeremy Clarkson's programme is demonstrating the highs and lows of farming.
Mel McPherson of Avon Farm Vets talks about Schmallenberg and bluetongue - the reasons why we are seeing cases this year, signs to look out for, and what livestock farmers should do if they have a potential case on their farm.
In this episode we gain press access to Diddley Squat farm ahead of the new series of Clarksons farm. We heard about the trials and tribulations in the cast met in their new ventures.
Jeremy and Kaleb have gone their separate ways in farming practice to see who can make the most, and spend it too! This has been done to show the changes that the current government are inflicting upon UK farming practices.
What will happen to the cows is unsure after the various obstacles the farm, shop and newly opened restaurant have faced.
The day involved a shop tour from Lisa, a guided tour and a pint with Kaleb, a tractor ride with yokle Gerald, who is a bit easier to understand in person and discussing the intricate farm details with Cheerful Charlie and Dilwyn the Vet.
Catch up on the down low on season 3, and a q&a with the duo that has stole the nations hearts, Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper.
On this week's podcast, Farmers Guardian reporter Chris Brayford is joined by the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland's executive director Neil Wilson and Aberdeenshire auctioneer Ellis Mutch from the ANM Group. Chris was at Thainstone Specialist Auctions in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, to talk to Neil and Ellis about life as an auctioneer, the value of auction marts to farmers, the unique relationship which exists between farmer and auctioneer, the challenges the industry faces and the passion auctioneers have to work with farmers.
Liz Fletcher has truly found a home in the farming community. In this week's Farmers Guardian podcast episode, online editor Emily Ashworth talks to Liz about how she has truly become embedded in the rural community, and how all of a sudden, 10 sheep quickly became 240.
Coming from a non-farming background, the idea when moving to their 240-acre farm in the Peak District was only ever meant to be a lifestyle move, but three years later, along with her husband, Kelvin, and their four young children, they have seriously fallen in love with the industry and hope to inspire others - inside and out the sector - to celebrate it.
Ahead of this year's Cultivate conference, Hillsgreen's Andy Venables speaks to the Farmers Guardian podcast about digital marketing, growing your business and diversification. Tom Warner, from Warner's Gin, talks about building their farm gin brand, top tips for farmers diversifying and growing new and exciting crops on farm to flavour their spirits.
For more information or to book tickets to Cultivate visit https://cultivateconference.co.uk/
A farmer’s son from Yorkshire, Young farmers has been an integral part of John Houseman’s upbringing.
While sat in a tractor on his placement year with Harper Adams in 2019, he heard the news that the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (https://www.nfyfc.org.uk/) had decided to cancel their annual AGM. After setting up a Facebook event to create his own event, it snowballed and he became the founder of the Young Farmers Community DIY AGM. (https://youngfarmerscommunity.co.uk/ )
In this episode, John tells Ellie Layton, FG’s livestock reporter, all about what the event is, why it is held and the money they raise for charity.
Farmers Guardian Editor Olivia Midgley also joins the chat to discuss FG’s new presence at the event as we are set to hold the inaugural FG Live event, a conference which is putting the MEETING back in Annual General Meeting. The conference is designed to support the next generation of farmers navigate their way through key aspects of farming life such as grants, mental health, SFI and social media.
Register for the event at: https://www.farmersguardian.com/fglive-agm24
As an upland tenant farmer the NFU’s new vice-president Rachel Hallos will be a powerful voice as the union navigates unprecedented change.She may be new to the role, but NFU vice president Rachel Hallos was keen to let members know she was not afraid to ‘speak openly', promising to bring some 'straight-talking northern charm' to the leadership team. Ms Hallos runs an upland beef and sheep farm in Ripponden, West Yorkshire, working in partnership with her husband, Stephen, as well as her son, Sam, and daughter, Anna, on a Yorkshire Water tenanted farm. Over the last 20 years the family farm has evolved from a dairy unit, to now a beef herd and hill flock with a focus on environmental outcomes. Ms Hallos said there had been many ‘tough times' along the way, but she was keen to draw upon the journey as part of her new role.
Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed admits previously the Labour party had lost connection with the countryside and farming communities and said he hoped to turn it around in the next General Election later this year, adding he wanted to 'give farmers their future back', recognising that Labour was started to 'get a hearing' in rural seats, but acknowledging that the job 'was not done yet'.
Mr Reed talks about his five point plans to get farming back on track including, EU veterinary agreements, public procurement, slashing planning times, a sustainable energy company GB energy and created a flood resilient taskforce. But what about budget? Mr Reed would not commit to increasing the farming budget but said the Labour party's so called 'new deal' was already fully funded and was putting 'billions of pounds' back into the bank accounts of farmers and producers.
He said a Labour Government would look to publish an impact assessment straight away to assess issues around food security and tenant farmers as a result of the new agri-schemes and believes establishing a landuse framework would be key. When it comes to bovine TB policy, Mr Reed said he would follow the Godfray review, adopting a multi-pronged approach. He committed to keeping existing badger cull licences, but said there was 'not scientific evidence' that the badger cull was effective, and a Labour Government would focus down on getting a vaccine over the line to tackle the disease.
Newly elected council chair of National Federation for Young Farmers clubs (NFYFC), Drew Bailey is from a non-farming background and joined NFYFC when he was 15 years old.
In his new role he is passionate about ensuring NFYFC is a place for everyone who wants to be involved regardless of their background, sexuality or ethnicity. The sense of belonging, the community, and the friendships he has gained from being part of NFYFC he wants others to experience too.
Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley speaks to Soil Association chief executive Helen Browning and Overbury Farms regenerative farming manager Jake Freestone who were speaking at the Low Carbon Agriculture show, organised by Farmers Guardian's parent company Agriconnect.
The two-day conference and expo saw a range of high-profile speakers debate hot topics from the benefits of adding sheep into the arable rotation and selling carbon credits, to how reframing the conversation around climate friendly farming could help more farmers to engage in net zero.
Sophie Gregory is a dairy farmer in Dorset, and over the years her thousands of followers - all 12k of them - have followed her on her journey into agriculture. Not from farming, she called herself 'farmer in training' and has used her platform to talk about farming, milk and her life as an organic Arla dairy farmer.
This year she has become a Nuffield Scholar, opting to research the organic milk market. In this Farmers Guardian podcast episode, online editor Emily Ashworth talks to Sophie all about her upcoming travels, her passion for the dairy industry and how we can look forward to a sustainable farming future.
In this week's episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, online editor, Emily Ashworth, speaks to the first ever recipients of the Kaleb Cooper Bursary, which aims to support students from non-farming backgrounds in association with the Royal Agricultural University. Caitlyn Bartlett and Caitlin Oxton are both currently studying and are hoping to make the most of Kaleb's support, especially the on-farm placement with him.
Andrew Dakin is a local Derbyshire farmer whose entire livelihood is at risk. As a third generation farmer at Kidsley Park Farm, Andrew’s family have farmed in the village of Smalley near Heanor for 94 years. Unfortunately Andrew had to take up the reigns of running the farm business after his father suffered a stroke in the 1980s.
Farming has been his main passion and love ever since he was a child. It is all he has ever known. The Derbyshire farmer has supported local communities and businesses in the area and has been a huge advocate for numerous local schools and community projects. However, the future of Kidsley Park Farm is now under threat from a solar development.
Andrew said he had received correspondence from his landlord in May 2023 of his intention to sell the farm to a solar development. Andrew has been left fearing for his livelihood and the occupation he has known all his life. Over 100 acres of his farm would be used for the project. He said it would ‘destroy’ the farm and ‘harm’ the surrounding countryside. Kidsley Park Farm is home to a huge variety of wildlife - some red and amber listed, all at risk.
Five miles of public trails and footpaths run through the farm, connecting villages and communities together. Andrew has helped organised a campaign and petition which has rallied support to save the farm’s existence and to save his livelihood. He has received regional and national attention in the process. Andrew said Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper have supported the campaign’s Facebook page. The situation has left him devastated. He has had many sleepless nights and continues to fear about the future of his farm. But the Derbyshire farm has said he remains upbeat and resilient about the future. He will never give up fighting to keep the farm in existence. He will fight until the very end. We hope you enjoy listening to Andrew Dakin’s story.
What has it really been like to be the NFU's first female president? After six years at the top, Minette Batters reflects on the highs and lows of her time in the top job, what the future holds for the union and her biggest worry for the farming industry going forward, as well as her top tips for the next president and why they should keep their distance from social media.
This week’s podcast is a very special insight into mental health in farming. This week marks the Farm Safety Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign - an initiative to promote mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today.
So our guests for the podcast are two of the most inspirational people I have had the pleasure of interviewing. They are none other than Warwickshire based farmers Andy and Lynda Eadon. If you haven’t heard of Andy and Lynda’s story, it is a really upsetting journey through pain, grief, tragedy and agony. Their son Leonard Eadon, died on January 1 2022 at the age of 22. Leonard, or Len, had taken his own life.
His death had shocked the farming community and continues to have reverberations by those who knew and loved him dearly. The Office for National Statistics said 36 farming and agricultural workers in England and Wales had taken their lives during 2021.
Leonard was a young man who had the world at his feet - he was kind, generous, thoughtful and intelligent - but unfortunately he felt he could no longer keep living.
I could never comprehend the pain Andy and Lynda have endured since Leonard’s death.
It is something they have had to relieve time and time again.
Losing a child must be one of the most profound and deeply upsetting experiences a human could experience.
Most people experiencing grief on this scale could have chosen to isolate themselves, to never think, to never hear, and to never discuss the pain of what they went through after losing their son.
But the work Andy and Lynda have achieved to overcome their grief, to raise awareness of mental health in both young and old farmers, as well as relieving that pain time and again to ensure no other family has to deal with its costly consequences has quite frankly moved many to tears.
Channeling their own suffering and heartache to connect with farmers - those who have and have not experienced something similar - and to save lives in the process is truly remarkable.
At the time of recording this podcast on February 13 2024, Andy and Lynda Eadon have helped to raise over £170,000 for mental health charities including the Farming Community Network, The Farm Safety Foundation (also known as Yellow Wellies) and Papyrus - a charity for the prevention of young suicide in the UK. An incredible achievement.
They also set up Len’s Light - a vision for mental health and the issues affecting farmers and how to positively overcome those feelings - which continues to be a ray of light in the goodness of farmers in the face of adversity.
You might even remember their epic tractor relay tour from John O’Groats to Lands End - a 2,000 mile journey passing through communities in Scotland, Wales and England to ensure the message of positive mental health remains a constant and meaningful message.
As people, they are always on the move and planning their next step - whether that be discussing mental health with politicians or visiting school children about the importance of maintaining healthy well-being.
To have gone through the loss they have, but to continue helping others is testament to their character and nature. They are wonderful people.
And at a time when farmers are facing increased pressure to deliver not only for their business, but for the environment and food production, those working in the industry will undoubtedly face the weight and challenge that brings.
Working seven days a week, sometimes for over 15 hours, with very little contact in what can be one of the loneliest professions.
Andy and Lynda are doing all they can to keep the message
They are hosting several Big Farming tea breaks across the UK to get farmers together to have positive conversations about their health and wellbeing.
Enjoy the podcast as they discuss the power of conversation and mental health in farming.
Ahead of this year's NFU elections, Farmers Guardian's news and business team spoke to the candidates standing to be president, deputy president and vice-president.
Tom Bradshaw, David Exwood, Rachel Hallos, Michael Oakes, Thomas Binns, Matt Culley and Mark Jeffrey share their views on Red Tractor, member engagement and diversity.
In this week’s Farmers Guardian podcast, Emily Ashworth sits down with Louisa Clutterbuck at Eat Wild – formerly British Game Assurance – to speak about how game meat, from pheasant to venison, is a sustainable option. Through Eat Wild, Louise is looking to bring game meat into the mainstream and educate people on why they should be eating more of it.
In this Farmers Guardian podcast episode, we are reporting live from LAMMA Show 2024. You can listen to head of Machinery, Toby Whatley, talk all about the mood at LAMMA and the outlook for the machinery market, while online editor, Emily Ashworth, reports live from the careers zone where this year, for the first time ever, 30 children were brought to the show to learn all about the farming world and what opportunities there are. She caught up with some of our campaign ambassadors and farming influencers Will Roobottom from Cowley Hill Farm, and Bizza Walters, to hear all about their experience taking the students around LAMMA. You will also hear from Jennie Devine, head of education at NFU, about the importance of connecting with kids with farming. And last but certainly not least, Jeremy Gibbs talks about his project Forces Farming and how there is a place for army veterans in agriculture - and it could just benefit your business.
Farmer and BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson talks about rural mental health and the personal reason behind setting up his new rural mental health podcast 'Keeping on Track' after losing a farming friend to suicide. He not only talks about the importance of the farming community coming together, but the need to reconnect again with consumers; for the country to value and better understand what farmers do to produce food and look after the land and the ongoing pressures they face each day. He said education at an early age was key to understanding the food we eat and what farmers do and strongly advocates for a GCSE in farming and land use.
This week’s podcast is a very special insight into diversity and inclusivity in farming from the Oxford Farming Conference. News reporter Chris Brayford sat down with Inclusive Farm co-founder Mike Duxbury and dairy farmer Rory Christie from Dumfries during the conference to discuss the issues surrounding diversity in farming and the positive inroads being made to do even more. Mike, who was registered blind at the age of six-years-old, provided an inspirational key-note speech at the Oxford Farming Conference to showcase how anything can be achieved regardless of your background through hard-work, dedication and support in an industry we call our own. He challenged the industry to do even in an industry where people should be recognised for their commitment, rather than by what they cannot do. The team from Farmers Guardian - including Chris, chief reporter Rachael Brown and editor Olivia Midgley - were all at the conference last week to listen to a jam-packed programme on the power of diversity. We gained reaction and thoughts from farmers and industry leaders who participated in some thought-provoking and challenging debate around the issues impacting diversity in farming. There are still many challenges the industry faces in becoming more diverse - not just its people, but in its thoughts and actions. But we cannot forget the positive steps the farming profession has made in becoming one of the most welcoming and adaptable professions in the world. We should be proud of this industry and the in-roads it is making to learn, adapt and overcome the barriers to farming. We really hope you enjoy this week’s podcast.
Following a CLA survey which looked at the social value provided by its members, Alex Black spoke to Judicaelle Hammond from the CLA, Johnny Wake at Courteenhall Farms, Ellen Francis at Quy Hall Estate and Rachel Rutherford at Northumberland Estates about their role in the local community and the value farms and estates add to rural Britain, which is often overlooked by policymakers and politicians.
Many will know Will Young as Farmer Will, the farming TikTok sensation. His social media has blown up and it has since seen him become of farming's most loved characters. What is he really passionate about though? In this Farmers Guardian podcast, online editor Emily Ashworth pays Will as visit, to talk about education, family farming and the passion he has for the industry - and showing it for what it really is.
Farmer and BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson talks about rural mental health and the personal reason behind setting up his new rural mental health podcast 'Keeping on Track' after losing a farming friend to suicide. He not only talks about the importance of the farming community coming together, but the need to reconnect again with consumers; for the country to value and better understand what farmers do to produce food and look after the land and the ongoing pressures they face each day. He said education at an early age was key to understanding the food we eat and what farmers do and strongly advocates for a GCSE in farming and land use.
Hannah Jackson AKA the Red Shepherdess has always been at the forefront, championing farming and all those who work in it. Seven months ago life changed, and Hannah and husband Danny welcomed baby Blake. In this Farmers Guardian Christmas special, online editor Emily Ashworth visits Hannah to talk all about her new role as a mother and the growing farm. And, of course, Hannah's love of the festive season.
Farmers Guardian machinery editor Toby Whatley and Agriconnect publisher Ben Briggs report from the German tractor and farm machinery show Agritechnica, which took place in November. Discussing the machinery market, this is a timely look ahead to LAMMA Show, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on January 17-18, 2024.
Justine Fulton who is better known as 'Rack of Glam' on social media, is pretty new to the butchery industry. Having entered as a novice, she has worked her way up and has found her dream career. In this episode she talks about challenging stereotypes, skills and the need to support local businesses like your butchers in order for them to thrive.
Michelin-trained chef Poppy O'Toole known as 'The Potato Queen' has become a Tik Tok sensation sharing her absolute love for the humble potato. She gave her top tips for making the best roast potato for your Christmas dinner and explained why she is passionate about supporting farmers and British grown produce, and why buying local and supporting British farmers is so important. And from one Potato Queen to our very own potato king, we also speak to FG's Cedric Porter to find out what is going on in the potato market right now and how growers are feeling about the year ahead.
In this Farmers Guardian podcast, livestock reporter, Katie Fallon talks to the founders of The Wool Library, John Atkinson, Maria Benjamin and Zoe Fletcher about their aspirations to champion British wool within the UK's fashion industry. With a mixture of farming, art and fashion backgrounds John, Maria and Zoe have joined forces to try and create more opportunities for British sheep farmers and their wool products, by developing a greater understanding and awareness of the value of British wool products, within the UK's fashion industry. We hear their story about setting up The Wool Library, what they hope to achieve through the initiative, and how they hope to further support our Great British sheep farmers.
On September 3, 1939, Great Britain declared war against Germany. A day in British history which will never be forgotten, and a day which changed the life of one little girl from Sunderland. In this Remembrance Day special podcast, our livestock reporter Katie Fallon, sits down with her grandmother, Norma Earnshaw, to reminisce on her childhood during the war and how her experiences as an evacuee went onto shape the course of her life. Now age 89, Norma reflects on the role the Second World War played in leading her to a life on the farm, which became not only a job, but a way of life.
UK dairy industry is going through an unsettling period. The environment for UK dairy farmers is changing at a rapid pase with increased investment demands from regulation and a noticeable decline in sector confidence, it is why Muller’s chief executive says milk output can 'no longer be taken for granted' and why they are closely monitoring future supply. Our chief reporter Rachael Brown sat down with Rob Hutchison to talk about Muller’s sustainability plan going forward, export markets and the need to ensure new entrants in the dairy sector are here to stay.
In this Farmers Guardian podcast, features editor Emily Ashworth talks to Anna from Canalside Farm in Staffordshire about the family farm's diversification. For over 40 years, the family have built their various award-winning businesses up which include a farm shop, café and PYO experiences. We also speak to Brian Richardson, head of agriculture at Virgin Money, who gives us his top tips on finance and money, and talks about diversification trends.
Highlighting the journey from the heart of the countryside to the fashion world, British Pasture Leather founders Alice Robinson and Sara Grady talk to Farmers Guardian about their passion for sustainably produced leather from regenerative farms.
British Farming Awards is all about celebrating the very best of British Agriculture. The most prestigious award of the night is 'Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture' sponsored by NSF.
This year's winner was chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, George Dunn, in recognition of his 27 years of tireless campaign work representing and giving a voice to tenant farmers.
George may have met countless Prime Ministers and even the King, but he said the pinnacle of his job is the tenant farmers who instil trust in him to represent them and support them. He said the sector is facing multiple challenges right now but feels optimistic that now more than ever tenants are being recognised in the formation of policies for the incredible contribution they make to British agriculture
With AHDB announcing a proposed increase in levy rates from 2024, (https://www.farmersguardian.com/news/4131411/ahdb-launches-campaign-raise-levies) Alex Black sat down with the Cereals and Oilseeds, Beef and Lamb, Pork and Dairy sector chairs to hear the reasoning behind the increases and how their plans to deliver for farming through the levy body,
Helen Rebanks is probably one of the most well-known farming women in the industry. Farming alongside her husband, James, both have a passion for farming hand-in-hand with nature. With over 25,000 followers on Instagram, her life out in the hills in the Lake District has become something of a fascination to people and, in her new book, The Farmer's Wife, Emily Ashworth sits down with Helen in her farmhouse near Penrith, to talk about farming, food and family. We also talk about the value of the more traditional roles in society - as Helen says, work inside the home is as important as the work outside.
To watch the full video visit: https://youtu.be/OMNA0r7H36E?si=AVhpSb8il-g55LKL
September 24 marked the start of British Wool Week, and in this week's Farmers Guardian episode Emily Ashworth speaks to Sophie from a wool based bedding company called Floks, and Sarah who owns Little Beau Sheep, a unique wool-based body and laundry business. With sustainability at the forefront of everyone's minds, it is the perfect time to shine a light on the British wool industry and champion the history and heritage of UK sheep farmers.
Over 20 years ago Alexia Robinson established the campaign, Love British Food. It was in response to the horror of foot and mouth, and a way to give British farmers the incentive to carry on. Now, 22 years on, the campaign is stronger than ever, and Alexia has managed to forge relationships with key areas of society such as care homes, caterers, prisons and most notably the NHS. The campaign spearheads the movement to get people closer to the supply chain and, hopefully, help tell the story of how food links us all.
https://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/british-food-fortnight-2023
Childhood friends Francesca Cooper and Hollie Fallick have come full circle and have ended up back on the Isle of Wight where they grew up. This time around though, they are farming. Both have always been passionate about the land, and their new business, Nunwell Home Farm, encompasses everything they believe in, which is producing highly nutritious food while focusing on regenerating the land. They also have experience in all the pitfalls new entrant farmers face, and have some good advice on how to apply for tenancies and working positively with land owners.
September 6 2021 was supposed to be just another day in the life of nine-year-old boy from Blaenllechau in the Rhondda. Tomos Bunford was excited about going back to school and beginning a new term with his friends. The summer holidays were drawing to a close. He had been playing on his bike on the family farm as well as playing with a new toy his parents had bought for him. Having loved to get involved on the farm, Tomos would do anything to help his family because he was a kind little boy. One of the first tasks on the farm was to transport a water bowser to grazing cattle on the South Wales farm. Tomos’ dad Rhys, his mum Louise, older brother Gethin and baby sister Clemmie got in the family pick-up truck to undertake the task. However, a family outing turned into a nightmare when they began to feel the truck and the bowser sliding down the field. A close-knit family would have their entire lives turned upside within an instant. This is the story of a heartbroken mother who has very bravely spoken about the incident two years since it happened, life without her beloved son, how his memory will always be with her, and how she hopes the incident will make others reconsider the importance of keeping safe on the farm.
The Labour party have been clear they want to give more access for people in the countryside if they came into power at the next general election. But Right to Roam has raised concerns for farmers, with some going as far as saying the policy would be a determining factor on the ballot paper. The Shadow Environment Minister, Daniel Zeichner travelled to the Peak District to hear concerns raised by farmers and to explain how he sees the policy working with the farming community, not against them.
The first UK sheep embryos have been imported to the United States. This is the first of what is hoped to be a regular trade in ovine genetics. Our reporter John Wilkes based in Washington gives his analysis on what this means for the global sheep market
Ahead of the Future Farming Expo Scotland, Youtube farmer Cammy Wilson speaks to Alex Black about becoming a sheep farmer after spending time working for the police and how he built his following on social media making videos showing real farming experiences from shearing to visiting the auction mart.
Go check out Cammy on:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSheepGame
https://thesheepgame.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/TheSheepGameVlog/
For those interested in the Future Farming Expo 2023, 10 - 11 October 2023 at P&J Live in Aberdeen
Register for your free ticket here:
https://www.futurefarmingexpo.com/
With English wine growing in popularity, Alex Black spoke to Tamara Roberts and Matt Strugnell from Ridgeview wine. When setting up the vineyard nearly 30 years ago, people were cynical of the potential of English viticulture. Tamara's parents Matt and Chris Roberts, however, recognised the similarities between the South of England and the Champagne region of France. Tamara and Matt discuss what makes a good site for a vineyard, this year's crop prospects and their optimism for the future.
Having lived a rock and roll lifestyle as a member of one of the world's most loved bands, Blur bassist Alex James spoke to Chris Brayford about his transition from city dweller to a country farmer.
The band, headed by Damon Albarn, released hit singles including 'Country House' and 'Parklife' as they clashed with Liam and Noel Gallagher's Oasis for chart dominance in the 1990s during what was christened the 'Battle of Britpop'. After falling in love with his wife in the Cotswolds roughly 20 years ago, Alex has found his niche in producing fruit and vegetables as well as cheese for Morrisons and Britpop sparkling wine. He said the popularity of food and cooking programmes such as The Great British Bake Off had helped to stimulate the nation's interest in farming.
He also praised Jeremy Clarkson's impact on farming with Amazon Prime's Clarkson's Farm which had helped garner a wider appreciation for the industry, as well as the public's adoration for his co-star Kaleb Cooper.
Alex now calls Diddly Squat Farm's Jeremy Clarkson a neighbour on his 200 acre Chipping Norton farm which will host this year's Big Feastival - combining Alex's love of food, music, and good times. Listen to how Alex diversified his farm, organising a festival which is expected to welcome more than 30,000 people, Mitchelin star chefs, comedians and musicians such as Rick Astley, Tom Grennan, Blossoms and Sigird all headlining the three-day event during the August bank holiday.
And with Farm 24 2023 a huge success, the Farmers Guardian team look back at the event which garnered support from farmers and celebrities, including Radio 1's Greg James, Radio 2's Sara Cox, Countryfile's Adam Henson and JLS star JB Gill
After changing its name to The Royal Countryside Fund, Emily Ashworth speaks to Heather Hancock, chair of trustees for the charity, about the support it gives to those in the rural community, particularly family farms - and the continued support of His Majesty The King. We also hear from Demelza Fish-Jenkins, a Welsh farmer who took part in the fund's farm resilience programme. She credits the fund for 'changing her life' and urges others to really look at their farm business to see how they can make it more resilient.
For more information go to: https://www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk
In a special episode ahead of Farmers Guardian’s 24 hours in farming event, Alex Black spoke to actor turned farmer Kelvin Fletcher on why he swapped city life for a peak district farm and why he is supporting the Farm 24 campaign on August 3
Coming from a non-farming background in Liverpool, Dr Claire Whittle is a farm vet, a Nuffield Scholar and a dung beetle enthusiast, who is passionate about regenerative agriculture and healthy ecosystems. Dr Whittle spoke to the Farmers Guardian team about becoming a vet, her career journey so far and her passion for cows as well as why dung beetles are so important for farming here in the UK and what farmers need to know about them. Dr Whittle is also a farm ambassador for Farmers Guardian’s upcoming Farm 24 event on August 3.
On Farm Safety Week, Britain's fastest ever female wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn spoke about the life-changing injury she had on farm aged just 14 and building her sporting career.
Farmers Guardian’s chief reporter Rachael Brown sits down with former international rugby referee turned farmer, Nigel Owens, to talk about the challenges facing farmers right now, the threat of bovine TB in Wales and calls for 'honest and balanced discussions' around wildlife. He also gives his prediction on who will win the Rugby World Cup.
With labour a massive issue for every sector of the farming industry, Alex Black speaks to John Shropshire at the launch of the Independent Review into Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain and OF&G Chief exec Roger Kerr speaks to Rachael Brown on the opportunities for organic farming and the sector's ambition to secure 25% of the market.
Farmers Guardian’s chief reporter Rachael Brown sits down with author Kiran Sidhu to talk about how her unlikely friendship with sheep farmer inspired her new book ‘I can hear the cuckoo’. Finding herself in the Welsh countryside was not Kiran’s initial plan, but a chance encounter with a farmer and a passion for her new way of living has given her a new outlook on life.
Farmers Guardian's Rachael Brown sat down with Arla's Global Vice President of Agriculture Graham Wilkinson to chat about trends in the global dairy market, the current economic climate for dairy farmers and the cost pressures on-farm, and how reverting back to cheap milk cannot be an option.
Over 170,000 people flocked to more than 250 farms around the UK on Open Farm Sunday. Alex Black visited Matthew and Dani Blair at Thrimby Farm in Cumbria, best known for their appearance on BBC's This Farming Life, as they opened up the gates to the public on June 11.
Farmers Guardian's Rachael Brown sat down with Professor Alice Stanton to talk about her continued campaign to remove incorrect claims around excessive red meat consumption and why farmers more than ever need to be supported by the government to produce sustainable red meat.
In this week’s podcast, Farmers Guardian’s head of news and business, Alex Black, speaks to FG’s features editor, Emily Ashworth, about her brand-new book all about the Women’s Land Army. These women - over 200,000 from 1939 to 1950 - took the place of men away at war and worked the land in Britain’s countryside to ensure food production did not cease. They were not, however, recognised, and in this new book, through a collection of Land Girl memoirs, Emily hopes to sine a whole new light on a force of women who deserve to go down in farming history.
Most of you will probably know Tom Everall as Tom the young farmer, a name that stuck after multiple appearances on BBC Radio One with renowned DJ, Greg James. Tom now writes a monthly blog for Farmers Guardian, after heading off on his travels to New Zealand. In this episode, Features Editor Emily Ashworth talks to Tom all about farm life on the other side of the world, his passion for Young Farmers and how travelling has reignited his passion for farming back home.
During Mental Health awareness week, Farmers Guardian's Rachael Brown sat down with Dan Goodwin, an arable farmer and Farm Safety Foundation ambassador, to talk about why he took a break from farming to prioritise his mental health and the news and business team give their reaction to this week's Farm to Fork Summit at Downing Street.
Ahead of the celebrations for the coronation on May 6, Farmers Guardian’s Alex Black and Ben Briggs discuss King Charles III and his passion for the farming community and we hear from the Prince's Countryside Fund, founded by His Majesty in order to protect and support rural communities.
With the local elections looming next week and Labour well ahead in the national polls, FG's new chief reporter Rachael Brown spoke to Shadow Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner about his farming priorities and in Great British Beef Week, senior livestock reporter Hannah Morgan and Jilly Greed look back at the early days of the campaign
Farmers Guardian's livestock reporter Katie Fallon talks with the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss following the lifting of mandatory housing measures placed on bird keepers in England to prevent Avian Influenza.
With the virus over-summering for first time ever across Europe and the UK, it created an unprecedented situation with over 330 cases recorded since October 2021.
While housing measures have been lifted, the risk of infection still remains and biosecurity within both large commercial sites and small backyard flocks is key to preventing further outbreaks.
Both industry and government are keeping a close eye on the status of the virus over the coming months, as ongoing spread and infection could potentially lead to the Avian Influenza becoming endemic within the UK's bird population.
Chloe Lucas was formerly a children's nurse, but when the pandemic hit, she found herself under a new unimaginable pressure. After taking some time off, she found a new passion for the outdoors and eventually for farming. Here she speaks to features editor Emily Ashworth about her change of career and why she thinks the industry is full of opportunities.
In a Good Friday special, Alex Black speaks to HCC's Rachael Madeley-Davies about the lamb markets and farmer Ed Swan about sales ahead of the holiday while cookbook author gives her top tips on creating an Easter feast
With spring in the air and tourists getting ready to head to the countryside for their Easter holidays meaning farmers are on high alert for dog attacks, Alex Black speaks to Lake District farmer Rachel Tennant about the impact of livestock worrying on her flock and Alice Dyer looks at the latest progress on gene editing.
Incidents involving vehicles are the number one cause of death on British farms, killing 48 people in the past five years. Alex Black spoke to the Health and Safety Executive as they launch a new campaign highlighting the simple changes farmers can make to stay safe on farm.
Working with Work Right (a campaign by the Health and Safety Executive), we want to make 2023 a safer year on British farms.
For more on the campaign, visit https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/cam...
And for more on #FarmingCAN, visit https://www.fginsight.com/farmingCAN
Farmers Guardian’s news team talk about the latest in the food fraud scandal of South American beef being branded as British at a UK supermarket and Olivia Midgley speaks to RSPB chief executive Becky Speight about farming policy and leaving land for nature
It’s National Careers Week, and the agricultural industry has a lot to offer those looking for a rewarding career.
Farmers Guardian’s new editor Olivia Midgley speaks about her plans for the magazine and her career to date and Tom Davis, manager of Mudchute farm in the heart of East London tells us about his experience of coming into the industry from a non-farming background.
The invasion of Ukraine in 2022 affected every sector of the agriculture industry in the UK. Farmers Guardian's Alex Black and Cedric Porter discuss the impact of the war and grain analyst Rupert Somerscales discusses the ups and downs of the grain markets since the war began.
In this week’s episode senior livestock reporter Hannah Park catches up breed society representatives after the first and second round of Stirling bull sales earlier this month. After what looked to be a strong start to the pedigree trade for the year, we ask whether the current strong beef trade has extended to the pedigree market and what the trade means for the pedigree sales coming up later in the year.
FG’s deputy editor Olivia Midgley speaks to Knight Frank's Mark Topcliff and NFU Energy's Jon Swain for their top tips on how farmers can save money on their energy bills. From something as simple as cleaning out your buildings' fans to make them more efficient, to which renewable energy technology is the best fit for your business. Plus, with planning barriers expected to be relaxed to help the country meet its net zero targets, it might be the perfect time to look at installing a wind turbine. We also bring you the latest on the solar energy market, an update on batter storage and advice on renegotiating your energy tariff.
Dog attacks on livestock take their toll on everybody involved and sadly it is an issue that continues to plight the countryside.
In this episode Hannah Park speaks to Wales rural and wildlife police crime co-ordinator Rob Taylor who outlines what new laws could mean for those affected. He explains how these would give police more powers when it comes to dealing with dog owners who repeatedly allow their dogs to chase livestock, including tougher penalties and putting restrictions on dog ownership.
We were also joined by Nicola Noble at the National Sheep Association, a body that continues to bang the drum for change through evidence gathering and lobbying for a change to the law.
British farmers work to some of the highest standards in the world. But media reports and activists can paint farmers in a negative light, holding them accountable for global issues and at times representing them unfairly.
New research by the Farming Community Network has shown how a lack of public understanding and appreciation for farming can contribute to mental ill-health.
This session will debunk some of the popular myths that surround farming, giving farmers the opportunity to highlight the many ways there protecting the environment and the enormous work that goes into providing high-quality animal welfare. It will also showcase how agriculture is an industry that welcomes people from different backgrounds, including those taking their first steps into this challenging, but immensely rewarding way of life. This talked is chaired by Farming Community Network's Alex Phillimore, Addington Fund's Annie Winn and the guest speakers are Andrew Ward, Anna Longthorpe and Will Roobottom
Farming Help
https://www.farminghelp.co.uk/
Farming Community Network
https://fcn.org.uk/
Addington Fund
https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/
Alex Black spoke to Farming Minister Mark Spencer about the latest changes to the Environmental Land Management scheme and his role being the voice of the farmer within Defra
Hannah Park and Emily Ashworth shine a light on some of the fantastic support networks and initiatives in the rural sector which are available to people should they need it with. Join them as they welcome guests Alex Phillimore at the Farming Community Network, a charity at the heart of the rural community providing support in many forms and Sheena Horna, one of the founders of #Run1000 – an initiative set up three years ago to inspire people to get moving and experience the benefits this can have on mental wellbeing in January while raising money for worthy rural charities.
Alex Black remembers the key events of 2022 with NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw and takes a look at the farmland market and the trends for the year ahead with Savills' Charlie Paton.
FG editor Ben Briggs reflects on November’s Nuffield Farming Conference, which FG was media partners for. He speaks to former Nuffield scholars, current scholars and organisers of the amazing event in Cardiff and ask them what Nuffield means to them, why people should apply and what makes a good presentation.
For some children, the chance to run wild and free in a big grassy field, is a far-off dream they might never experience. Disadvantaged urban living is leaving many children around the UK with a poverty of experience, particularly when it comes to nature. One charity and its farmers are trying to change that though. Jez Fredenburgh speaks to Mary Hext at The Country Trust, which takes thousands of children a year to visit farms, and Michael Gent, a host farmer in Northamptonshire, about why sharing the countryside with the children is so rewarding.
Christmas is coming and in this Over the Farm Gate episode, Farmers Guardian's features editor, Emily Ashworth, gets a whole rounded look at the festivities going on in the rural community this season. First up is Matt Slack, a fifth-generation butcher from Doncaster. He has taken the business into a new, modern world by taking to Tik Tok and has over 100,000 followers. But what are people buying this Christmas? And what is the best way to cook a turkey? We also hear from farming and family blogger Beth Withers. She has three young children, so what is Christmas on farm like for them?
Suffolk arable farmer, Andrew Maddever and his family, have been running a pretty conventional system until fairly recently, through their 2,000ha operation and contracting business. But a trip to a regenerative farm in Argentina a few years ago got Andrew thinking. Since then he's been using parts of his land to experiment with no till, catch crops, and cover crops, as he edges his way to a more regenerative/ agro-ecological way of farming. Key for him is doing this gradually, to protect his and his clients' finances. He talks candidly to Jez Fredenburgh about the challenges and wins, what his neighbours think, not being a typically 'neat' farmer anymore, and the buzz of seeing his soils come back to life.
Dairy analyst Chris Walkland and dairy farmer and NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes discuss the latest moves in the farm gate milk price and where prices might go in the new year.
Does 'farming green' mean your business will be in the red or black financially? Jez Fredenburgh catches up with Gary Markham, director of Land Family Business, for a whistlestop chat about this. Gary has been advising farming families on their finances for decades, and has most recently run a 4-year benchmarking exercise comparing thousands of acres of conventional v regenerative farmland. Listen in as Gary covers everything from consistency of profitability, to family wellbeing, yields, and collaboration opportunities.
Alex Black discusses the latest moves in the livestock and fertiliser markets and how we got here with Scott Donaldson at H&H and Jo Gilbertson at AIC
How do carve out a career for yourself in farming? How can the industry attract more talent? How do you get your foot on the farming ladder? New entrant Paul White from Lancashire talks to Features Editor Emily Ashworth about his successful journey into agriculture, and roping in his sidekick, Conor Walsh, who is from a non-farming background, in to help him.
In this special edition of Over the Farm Gate, Farmers Guardian editor Ben Briggs reports from the Farm Business Innovation event at the NEC, Birmingham. Speaking to exhibitors and speakers, he finds out why interest in on-farm diversification is booming at a time of wider energy market and financial turmoil.
This week's Over The Farm Gate focuses on the industry's rich history, and Emily Ashworth speaks with two incredible women. First you will hear part of Marjorie Walker's story, from her time in the Women's Land Army in Lancashire. And lastly, the story of farming photographer Amy Bateman who has recently released her brand-new photography book, Forty Farms, based on farms in Cumbria. What is the importance of farms in this historic area? How will life change for these farms going forwards? Do people know how integral farmers are the preservation of this iconic area? Amy met some incredible people on her journey and only fell more in love with where she lives in the process.
From educational farming organisations to teachers in schools, as a sector we continually find new ways to inspire those outside the industry. In this episode, we speak to a secondary school teacher who is passionate about widening the conversation in her food science lessons to cover where food comes from and how it is produced. We also find out what it is children most asked of farmers from the Country Trust's Jill Attenborough, an organisation committed to getting children outside, into the countryside and onto farms.
This week Jez Fredenburgh talks to two more farmers about their regenerative journey and how they have gradually developed more mixed farm businesses based around natural processes – family farmer George Ford from North Somerset and farm manager Jake Freestone from Gloucestershire. George has transitioned his family’s intensive pig unit to a much more mixed business including a beef suckler herd, pasture-reared chickens, and soon-to-be pasture-reared Xmas turkeys. As manager of Overbury estates, Jake first started practicing min till over a decade ago, and has become well known for his work on soil health including long rotations, and companion cropping. He has more recently re-introduced livestock to the estate. They talk about what started their transition to more nature-based farming, how their businesses have changed as a result, and what they wished they’d known when they started. The chat also veers onto what Jake and George make of the current political climate in Westminster and what they’d like to see if PM Liz Truss ever had an epiphany about the need to support a transition to more agro-ecological farming practices.
In this week’s episode of Over The Farmgate, head of news Abi Kay reports on the highlights of Conservative Party conference, and talks to Farming Minister Mark Spencer about the direction Defra is taking now it is under new management.
If you’ve been listening to our Farming With Nature series (or reading about it in the mag) you’ll have heard us talk about seeing the farm as an ecosystem. In this episode we dig deeper into this concept and how to manage the complexity and diversity that this brings. Jez Fredenburgh talks to Caroline Grindrod, a former conservationist and previous tenant farmer in the Dales and Lakes, who has spent years exploring how to integrate farming and nature through systems. Caroline has trained in holistic management with the Savory Institute and is the founder of Roots of Nature, where she works with farmers as a regenerative farming consultant and coach.
In this week's episode of Over The Farmgate, we are looking at agricultural shows. After two pandemic years, some smaller shows have folded, and others are in a precarious financial position. Those which remain have the daunting task of having to appeal to their traditional rural audience and an urban population, increasingly disconnected from farming. We explore what the future for shows is in the modern world.
In this week’s episode of Over The Farmgate, we hand back over to Jez Fredenburgh to explore whether farmers struggling in volatile times can turn to native breeds to lower their costs and improve the environment, while preserving a vital piece of the UK’s cultural heritage.
It is once again one that time of year to support one of the industry’s most loved campaigns, #LoveLambWeek. Emily Ashworth speaks to Olivia Shave about her farm to fork enterprise, and the importance of connecting to the consumer.
In today’s regenerative farming toolbox episode, we're getting our proverbial spades out to dig into soils. Jez Fredenburgh delves into the basics of soil health, looking at what needs to be unlearned and the principles of good management practices that will enable you to harness nature’s power and reduce costly inputs. She does this with Anthony Ellis, of South West Farm Consultants and Groundswell Agronomy, a family farmer and agro-ecological farm advisor, who moved away from a career as a commercial agronomist after becoming disillusioned with the industry and working in Australia. In the second part of the podcast, Jez speaks to Neils Corfield, an independent advisor and trainer specialising in regenerative farming, about how to read your soils and make sense of what weeds are telling you. Get your notebooks out!
In this week's episode of Over the Farm Gate, we delve into the topic of diversity in farming as part of this month's #FarmingCAN. Join us as we speak to Liz Tree who is carving a path for herself in farming after growing up in Croydon. Wilfred Emmanuel Jones AKA the Black Farmer also tells us about his new campaign to bring fresh faces into the sector
It's time for our once-monthly catch up with farmers on the regenerative path. This week Jez Fredenburgh talks to two farmers at different stages – Rich Thomas, from Herefordshire, is a sheep and pedigree beef farmer with apple orchards and arable crops, and who has been introducing mob grazing and agroforestry over the last 5-6 years, and has more recently eliminated nitrogen fertiliser.
John Pawsey, from Suffolk, is in Rich’s words, an organic farming ’rock star’, who has been organic and following a systems approach for around 20 odd years. Most of John's farm is under a six-year rotation, including varieties of wheat, oats and spelt for milling, barley for malting, beans, and some novel and speciality crops, including chia, lentils. He introduced sheep into the rotation a few years back.
In this week's episode of Over the Farm Gate we take a look back at this year’s 24 Hours in Farming with the people who made it happen #Farm24
In this week’s episode of Over The Farmgate, head of news Abi Kay explores whether cultured meat spells the end for livestock farming as we know it. Across the world, billions of pounds of venture capital investment are being pumped into its development – but do farmers have anything to fear?
Gabe Brown, regenerative farming legend and pioneer, speaks to Jez Fredenburgh about the power of regenerative farming to heal your soil and your soul. After hail and drought destroyed his crops four years in a row, Gabe decided to farm differently. He went on a huge learning curve, changing his mindset entirely, and getting to know his farm in a way he never had before – as an ecosystem reliant on fundamental, universal ecological principles, rather than a "chemistry set". He says he's happier as a result, produces more food, and turns a better profit.
Gabe's book, Dirt to Soil, about his journey to regenerative farming, has become a staple for anyone wanting to move in this direction. He now travels the world advising on regen farming, and has been named one of the 25 most influential agricultural leaders in the United States. He farms at Brown’s Ranch, a diversified 5,000 acre farm in North Dakota, with his wife Shelly and son Paul.
This week is a double special, as Emily Ashworth and Hannah Park speak to those in the rural community who have met The Queen to celebrate her majesty's Platinum Jubilee. And to continue that celebration of farming and the Farmers Guardian campaign, #FarmingCan, Emma Buckley, of Buckelys Bees, tells us about the benefits of putting hives on your farm, and how all can play a part in protecting pollinators.
This week's Over The Farm Gate marks the launch of the Farmers Guardian campaign #FarmingCAN for another year, which aims to highlight the pivotal role agriculture plays across wider society.
This month we look at unravelling sustainability – a ‘buzz word’ in many conversations concerning agriculture at the moment.
Beef, sheep and arable farmer Tom James, sheep and dairy farmer Nia Davies and dairy producer Bruce Mackie delve into what the term means to them and their farming systems at home.
What is clear is that sustainability for these farmers is all-encompassing; aside from the more obvious environmental element, equally important is efficiency, productivity and succession planning which also have an important role in securing these farming businesses for future generations.
Agricultural groups have appealed to ministers to put food and farming at the forefront of the new Natural History GSCE which was unveiled recently. Read more here:
https://www.fginsight.com/news/new-gcse-must-teach-about-farming-say-industry-leaders-127491
Michael Oakes is the NFU dairy board chair, a position he has held since 2016. He is a tenant dairy farmer based just outside Birmingham, milking a herd of 180 pedigree Holstein cows with milk sold to Arla. For more information visit:
https://www.fginsight.com/blogs/it-is-clear-we-risk-a-crisis-of-confidence-across-agriculture-not-just-in-dairy-127474
See wistia.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
This week on Over The Farm Gate, suckler beef farmer Ian Davis, and lamb producer Colin Rowland, said there is an argument for splitting the AHDB beef and lamb board in two, because the needs of both sectors are so different.
Do you think more AHDB levy money should be directed at developing markets at home for beef, and abroad for sheep?
Registration for the ballot closes at midday on 31st March.
Register here
This week on Over The Farm Gate we’re discussing vertical farms and finding out if they are really better for the planet?
Vertical farming - does all the hype stack up? Can these systems really save input costs? Do they offer viable diversification opportunities? Or will they always be the preserve of big-time farmers and investors? And of course, are they really better for the planet, and what contribution can they make to our food system?
To find out, Jez Fredenburgh talks to Sarah Hughes, a sheep and beef farmer in north Wales, who completed a Nuffield Scholarship on vertical farms in 2018, visiting some of the most advanced operations around the globe. Sarah set out to see if vertical farming offered a diversification opportunity for the ordinary farm business, she lets us in on her findings.
Jez then speaks to David Farquhar, CEO of Intelligent Growth Solutions, a multi-award-winning Scottish company which designs, supplies, and supports vertical farms for growers all around the world. Jez asks him - what really does it cost to set up a vertical farm, how do you operate them, and what are they like?
Links:
Read more about the use of vertical farming technology, but how can it complement conventional farming systems?
https://www.fginsight.com/news/vertical-farming-taking-weather-out-of-the-equation-117612
Read more about how, #FarmingCAN be a leader in tackling climate change:
https://www.fginsight.com/farmingcan/farmingcan-help-tackle-climate-change/farmingcan-be-a-leader-in-tackling-climate-change-123608
https://wistia.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
This week on Over The Farm Gate we’re discussing the new National Food Strategy. The strategy has prompted mixed reactions from the industry.
A recommendation to introduce new salt and sugar taxes and a call for a 30 per cent reduction in meat consumption over the next 10 years have garnered particular criticism.
But other proposed measures in the report, such as guaranteeing the farm payments budget until at least 2029, and defining minimum standards for food imports, have been broadly welcomed.
Farmers Guardian chief reporter, Abi Kay speaks to Defra non-executive director and co-founder of the Leon restaurant chain Henry Dimbleby, to find out what the strategy means for farmers.
Read our take on the National Food Strategy: https://www.fginsight.com/news/news/national-food-strategy-sugar-tax-poses-major-risk-for-uk-sugar-industry-121035
National Food Strategy: https://www.nationalfoodstrategy.org
Farm24: https://www.fginsight.com/24hoursinfarming
See wistia.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.