The Farmers Guardian Podcast

Avian Influenza: Housing measures lifted but biosecurity remains paramount

<p>Farmers Guardian&apos;s livestock reporter Katie Fallon talks with the UK&apos;s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss following the lifting of mandatory housing measures placed on bird keepers in England to prevent Avian Influenza. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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&apos;s bird population. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

From NHS children&#39;s nurse to farmer: one woman&#39;s journey into agriculture

<p>Chloe Lucas was formerly a children&apos;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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Easter special: Lamb sales boost and recipe tips for the perfect feast

<p>In a Good Friday special, Alex Black speaks to HCC&apos;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</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

FG Take the Lead: Dog attacks causing misery for sheep farmers

<p>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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Safe farm, safe driver, safe vehicle: Simple ways to keep safe on farm

<p>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.</p><p>Working with Work Right (a campaign by the Health and Safety Executive), we want to make 2023 a safer year on British farms.</p><p>For more on the campaign, visit <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/agriculture/'>https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/cam... </a></p><p>And for more on #FarmingCAN, visit <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.fginsight.com/farmingcan/farmingcan'>https://www.fginsight.com/farmingCAN</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Beef fraud and farmland birds

<p>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 Beccy Speight about farming policy and leaving land for nature </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

National Careers Week: Farming in London and celebrating FG&#39;s new editor

<p>It’s National Careers Week, and the agricultural industry has a lot to offer those looking for a rewarding career.</p><p>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. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

One year on: How has the Ukraine war affected UK farming?

<p>The invasion of Ukraine in 2022 affected every sector of the agriculture industry in the UK. Farmers Guardian&apos;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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Stirling bull sales roundup: How have the early pedigree sales faired in the current strong beef market

<p>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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

How to save money on your farm energy bills

<p>FG’s deputy editor Olivia Midgley speaks to Knight Frank&apos;s Mark Topcliff and NFU Energy&apos;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&apos; 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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Dog attack spotlight: New laws in the pipeline would give police more power

<p>Dog attacks on livestock take their toll on everybody involved and sadly it is an issue that continues to plight the countryside. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Debunking agriculture&#39;s greatest myths with charity Farming Help

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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&apos;s Alex Phillimore, Addington Fund&apos;s Annie Winn and the guest speakers are Andrew Ward, Anna Longthorpe and Will Roobottom</p><p>Farming Help</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.farminghelp.co.uk/'>https://www.farminghelp.co.uk/</a></p><p>Farming Community Network</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://fcn.org.uk/'>https://fcn.org.uk/</a></p><p>Addington Fund</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/'>https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Over the Farm Gate presents: At home with...Family farm blogger Beth Withers AKA Tractors and Tweed

<p>In this month&apos;s At Home With episode, Farmers Guardian features editor Emily Ashworth speaks with Beth Withers - or as everyone may know here, the force behind popular Instagram blog Tractors and Tweed. With three young children, Beth documents what daily life is like running a farm and bringing up three young boys. Here Here she talks all things motherhood, life on farm and the the delicate balance of it all. </p><p>Watch the video on youtube: <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://youtu.be/ahRrElX5Yws'>https://youtu.be/ahRrElX5Yws</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

ELM changes: Farming Minister Mark Spencer lays out Defra’s plans

<p>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</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

#FarmingCAN be a pillar of support

<p>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. </p><p>Farming Community Network</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://fcn.org.uk/'>https://fcn.org.uk/</a></p><p>#Run1000</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.run1000.org/'>https://www.run1000.org/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Inside the LAMMA Show

<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

A look back at 2022

<p>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&apos; Charlie Paton.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Over the Farm Gate presents: At home with Doodling Lucy; All things art, rural life and British farming

<p>The next episode in our &apos;At Home With&apos; series is all about art, country life, women and business with Lucy Gray AKA Doodling Lucy. With over 15,000 followers on Instagram, Lucy has seen her rural based art business blossom, especially after deciding to dedicate herself to it throughout Lockdown. But this is much more than just art, because Lucy is using her platform to highlight mental health, sustainability and champion farming and the rural community. </p><p>You can see what Lucy gets up to on her instagram @doodlinglucy5 or visit her website to find out more <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://doodlinglucy.com/'>https://doodlinglucy.com/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Nuffield Farming Conference special

<p>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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Wild and free – the farms opening their gates to city kids

<p>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. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Christmas in the countryside: festive traditions, family and cooking the perfect turkey

<p>Christmas is coming and in this Over the Farm Gate episode, Farmers Guardian&apos;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? </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Experimenting with regen – one arable farmer&#39;s story

<p>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&apos;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&apos; finances. He talks candidly to Jez Fredenburgh about the challenges and wins, what his neighbours think, not being a typically &apos;neat&apos; farmer anymore, and the buzz of seeing his soils come back to life.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Dairy market moves: What is in store for 2023?

<p>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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Regen farming &amp; profitability

<p>Does &apos;farming green&apos; 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. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Over the Farm Gate presents: At home with the Nicholson family (Cannon Hall farm)

<p>In the second episode of At Home With, Farmers Guardian&apos;s features editor Emily Ashworth speaks with Richard Nicholson and his dad Roger about their family farm Cannon Hall. Cannon Hall is one of the most well-known farms in the country, especially after appearing on channel 5&apos;s highly popular &apos;On The Farm&apos; series. Her we talk all things family, farming, food and, of course, Christmas. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Fertiliser and livestock: What&#39;s going on in the market?

<p>Alex Black discusses the latest moves in the livestock and fertiliser markets and how we got here with Scott Donaldson at H&amp;H and Jo Gilbertson at AIC</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

New entrant and British Farming Awards silver winner talks about starting farming business

<p>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. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Why on-farm diversification interest is booming

<p>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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Remembrance Day history special: A Lancashire Land Girl&#39;s story and one woman&#39;s mission to preserve the legacy of Cumbria&#39;s farmers

<p>This week&apos;s Over The Farm Gate focuses on the industry&apos;s rich history, and Emily Ashworth speaks with two incredible women. First you will hear part of Marjorie Walker&apos;s story, from her time in the Women&apos;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. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Storm Arwen - One year on

<p>In this episode, one year on, we look back on the damage and devastation caused by Storm Arwen in the North East of England, how repairs are going and advice about the best ways to prepare for any future storms.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>