The Farmers Guardian Podcast

"I will not become a grumpy backbencher on the sidelines" - Minette Batters says farewell to NFU presidency

<p>What has it really been like to be the NFU&apos;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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Overcoming grief to raise mental health awareness in farming - Andy and Lynda Eadon on Mind Your Head Week

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>I could never comprehend the pain Andy and Lynda have endured since Leonard’s death.</p><p>It is something they have had to relieve time and time again. </p><p>Losing a child must be one of the most profound and deeply upsetting experiences a human could experience. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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. <br/>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>To have gone through the loss they have, but to continue helping others is testament to their character and nature. They are wonderful people. </p><p>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.</p><p>Working seven days a week, sometimes for over 15 hours, with very little contact in what can be one of the loneliest professions.</p><p>Andy and Lynda are doing all they can to keep the message</p><p>They are hosting several Big Farming tea breaks across the UK to get farmers together to have positive conversations about their health and wellbeing.</p><p>Enjoy the podcast as they discuss the power of conversation and mental health in farming.</p><p><br/><b></b></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

NFU elections: A look at the candidates for 2024

<p>Ahead of this year&apos;s NFU elections, Farmers Guardian&apos;s news and business team spoke to the candidates standing to be president, deputy president and vice-president.  <br/><br/>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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Eat Wild – bringing game meat into the mainstream

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

LAMMA SHOW 2024 LIVE: Machinery, careers and more

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

Farmers Guardian Podcast: Rural mental health with Adam Henson

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

The power of diversity and inclusivity in farming

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

Social value: What value do farms and estates add to the community?

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

Farmer Will&#39;s farming life

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

Rural mental health with Adam Henson

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

Christmas with the Red Shepherdess

<p>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&apos;s love of the festive season.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

A view from Agritechnica and look ahead to LAMMA

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

Female butcher finds her dream career in butchery

<p>Justine Fulton who is better known as &apos;Rack of Glam&apos; 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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Social media chef Poppy O&#39;Toole aka &#39;The Potato Queen&#39;

<p>Michelin-trained chef Poppy O&apos;Toole known as &apos;The Potato Queen&apos; 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&apos;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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The Wool Library: Putting British wool at the heart of the fashion industry

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

Remembrance Day special: How one World War II evacuee found a lifetime of happiness on the farm

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

Muller&#39;s chief executive, Rob Hutchison

<p>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 &apos;no longer be taken for granted&apos; 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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Diversification - what are your options and how can you make a success of it?

<p>In this Farmers Guardian podcast, features editor Emily Ashworth talks to Anna from Canalside Farm in Staffordshire about the family farm&apos;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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

British Pasture Leather: From field to fashion

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

British Farming Awards: Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture award winner, George Dunn

<p>British Farming Awards is all about celebrating the very best of British Agriculture. The most prestigious award of the night is &apos;Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture&apos; sponsored by NSF. <br/><br/>This year&apos;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. <br/><br/>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</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

AHDB levy rises: Sector Council chairs on the proposed increases

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

Helen Rebanks: Farming, food, family and her new book, The Farmer&#39;s Wife

<p>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&apos;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.<br/><br/>To watch the full video visit: https://youtu.be/OMNA0r7H36E?si=AVhpSb8il-g55LKL</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Women in wool: Meet two women making a success of the wool businesses

<p>September 24 marked the start of British Wool Week, and in this week&apos;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&apos;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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

British Food Fortnight: The campaign that puts British food and farmers in the spotlight

<p>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.<br/><br/>https://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/british-food-fortnight-2023</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Two friends start farming business from scratch on the Isle of Wight

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

Remembering Tomos Bunford: Mum speaks 2 years on from son&#39;s death on farm

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

Shadow Environment Minister Daniel Zeichner answers farmers questions on Right to Roam policy

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

First import of ovine embryos into the US from the UK

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

The Sheep Game: YouTube farmer on social media rise

<p>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.<br/><br/>Go check out Cammy on:<br/>https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSheepGame<br/>https://thesheepgame.co.uk/<br/>https://www.facebook.com/TheSheepGameVlog/<br/><br/>For those interested in the Future Farming Expo 2023, 10 - 11 October 2023 at P&amp;J Live in Aberdeen<br/>Register for your free ticket here:<br/>https://www.futurefarmingexpo.com/ </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

English wine: Ridgeview wine on a growing industry

<p>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&apos;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&apos;s crop prospects and their optimism for the future.<br/><br/>See for yourself at www.ridgeview.co.uk</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>