The Farmers Guardian Podcast

Vertical farms - do they stack up?

<p>This week on Over The Farm Gate we’re discussing vertical farms and finding out if they are really better for the planet? </p><p>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? </p><p>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. </p><p>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? </p><p>Links: </p><p>Read more about the use of vertical farming technology, but how can it complement conventional farming systems?</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.fginsight.com/news/vertical-farming-taking-weather-out-of-the-equation-117612'>https://www.fginsight.com/news/vertical-farming-taking-weather-out-of-the-equation-117612</a></p><p>Read more about how, #FarmingCAN be a leader in tackling climate change: </p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.fginsight.com/farmingcan/farmingcan-help-tackle-climate-change/farmingcan-be-a-leader-in-tackling-climate-change-123608'>https://www.fginsight.com/farmingcan/farmingcan-help-tackle-climate-change/farmingcan-be-a-leader-in-tackling-climate-change-123608</a></p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://wistia.com/privacy'>https://wistia.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Red Shepherdess Hannah Jackson on how to make a success of farming without a farming background

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Flies and algae - a feed alternative to soy?

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Project sees 40 per cent reduction in cattle methane emissions

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Labour crisis needs people not ideology

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Afforestation: What does it really mean for UK farmers?

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Why British farming&#39;s contribution to the national economy should never be underestimated

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Livestock marts and farm machinery market update

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Lasting legacy - How a world record shearer honoured his daughter&#39;s memory

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The truth about regenerative farming - practicalities and opportunities

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Arla looks to slash farm emissions by 30% by 2030 – what does this mean for British dairy?

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Digital divide: With 50% of the rural community saying their internet access is not reliable, what does the future look like for the rural economy?

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Behind the scenes on Jeremy Clarkson’s farm and how to beat the scourge of fly-tipping in the countryside

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Sophisticated rural criminals waging war on the countryside – the battle to stop them in their tracks

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The &#39;Ice Breakers&#39; using rivers to combat men&#39;s mental ill health, and what other farmers can do

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The National Food Strategy: What exactly does it mean for farmers?

<p>This week on Over The Farm Gate we’re discussing the new National Food Strategy. The strategy has prompted mixed reactions from the industry. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>Read our take on the National Food Strategy: <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.fginsight.com/news/news/national-food-strategy-sugar-tax-poses-major-risk-for-uk-sugar-industry-121035'>https://www.fginsight.com/news/news/national-food-strategy-sugar-tax-poses-major-risk-for-uk-sugar-industry-121035</a></p><p>National Food Strategy: <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.nationalfoodstrategy.org'>https://www.nationalfoodstrategy.org</a></p><p>#Farm24: <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.fginsight.com/24hoursinfarming'>https://www.fginsight.com/24hoursinfarming</a></p><p>See <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://wistia.com/privacy'>wistia.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

How can farmers unlock millions of pounds worth of natural capital?

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Has the pandemic changed consumer attitudes towards food and farming?

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Farmers feeding the world – what&#39;s health and poverty got to do with it?

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Australia-UK free trade deal: What does it mean for farmers?

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Grain - what&#39;s going on

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Future planning: educating children that #FarmingCAN, and what&#39;s next for post-pandemic marts?

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Diversity in farming - why we need to change

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Talking headlines: Australian trade deal and Defra’s lump-sum retirement payment - what does it mean for UK farmers?

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Has the plant-based bubble burst?

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Looking ahead: #FarmingCAN communicate its story, and what&#39;s next for the beef market?

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Can farming drive economic and social value?

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What&#39;s next for food supply chains, regenerative beef farming and post-Brexit export opportunities?

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What does the UK’s trade policy mean for agriculture?

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Dog attacks on sheep are on the rise – how can farmers fight back?

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