The Farmers Guardian Podcast

A look at the pig sector and how a new scheme is providing an opportunity for farmers looking to diversify into finishing pigs

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

Harvest wins and woes and arable sector outlook

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

24 Hours in Farming: A beef and arable farmer&#39;s view | #farm24

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

On Air at Groundswell - Building a sustainable farming business: &quot;We need to get MPs out on farms&quot;

<p>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&apos;s panellists join us once again to talk about getting MP&apos;s on farm and how sustainable farming systems can benefit you financially.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Michelin star chef Tom Aikens: &quot;It will be eye opening for people to connect with farmers and see what it takes to produce food&quot;

<p>Tom Aikens was the youngest British chef to receive two Michelin stars, and is a huge advocate for farming - what he can&apos;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.  </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell - Feeding the nation and making it healthy: Why aren&#39;t British farmers seen as part of the solution?

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

Farm safety special: “Your farm will be here longer than you, so take your time”

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

On Air at Groundswell - Net Zero: Beyond the buzzword - &#39;Simple management changes can help improve your carbon footprint massively&#39;

<p>This episode discusses the industry&apos;s net zero target and how farming can be seen as a leader in this mission.</p><p>McDonalds Progressive Young Farmer Herbert Pickford, Map of Ag&apos;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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Welsh Government launches SFS scheme

<p>The Farmers Guardian news team discuss the newly launched Sustainable Farming Scheme, what it means for Welsh farming plus thoughts from FUW&apos;s Ian Rickman, NFU Cymru&apos;s Abi Reader and Plaid Cymru&apos;s Llyr Gruffydd</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell - Building resilient farming systems: people, financial stability and policies that work for farmers

<p>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&apos;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. </p><p>Brought to you by  @_TheSSFF  <br/>https://www.schoolofsustainablefoodandfarming.org/</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Groundswell special - &quot;Regen is a broad term and that is part of the problem - what does it really mean?&quot;

<p>The Farmers Guardian team recorded this week&apos;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&apos;s Farm is also featured, with founder Jamie Fielden talking about his roundtable discussion with HRH Prince William, around farming&apos;s impact on mental health.</p><p>There&apos;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. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell - The road to sustainability: what does it mean and are farmers’ ready for the future?

<p>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&apos; 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.<br/><br/>Brought to you by  @_TheSSFF  <br/>https://www.schoolofsustainablefoodandfarming.org/</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Graham’s Family Dairy: proud Scottish roots, family values and advice for future generations with Dr Robert Graham

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

Regen special – mixed Northumberland farmer turned regenerative and builds business resilience

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

Live from Cereals Event – Taking a closer look at John Deere&#39;s mountain of a machine, the 9RX 830

<p>The FG machinery team take a first look at John Deere&apos;s 9RX 830, it’s certainly an eye catcher, but does its size offer a true practical solution for many UK farms?</p><p>This year&apos;s Cereals Event gave the first opportunity for many to take a first look at the world&apos;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&apos;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 PowerShift<em> </em>transmission, a new CommandView 4 Plus cab and a mountain of tech to bring the 9RX into the era of autonomy. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Future farming leaders: NFU vice president Rachel Hallos on engaging the next generation to lead the industry

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

Beef, bluetongue and being proactive in a changing sector

<p>The spotlight is well and truly on farming, and for the launch of this year&apos;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. </p><p>Get involved by visiting:<br/>www.farmersguardian.com/farm24</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

South Wales young auctioneer shares his career journey so far

<p>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. </p><p>Zanna Dennis from LAA also joins us to explain how they support the next crop of auctioneers. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Clarkson’s Farm, episode 1 review

<p>The Farmers Guardian news and business team discusses the first episode of the new series and Jeremy Clarkson’s impact on agriculture</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

John Deere&#39;s new 6M series, is it all it&#39;s cracked up to be?

<p>Machinery Special: In cab review of John Deere&apos;s new 6M series<br/><br/>FG Machinery team, James Huyton and Toby Whatley look at what a 150hp and 270hp version of the new range has to offer </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

View from the Hill: A US beef farming perspective on the UK-US trade deal

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

VE Day special: The fight for food security past and present

<p>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.</p><p>With current Government changes, it is an important reminder to put British farmers at the heart of agricultural policies.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

View from the classroom: Getting farming into schools is vital to securing future

<p>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.</p><p>Olivia Shave, founder of the petition to get farming into schools also celebrates having over 14,000 signatures so far, and discusses the Government&apos;s somewhat &apos;lacking&apos; response.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

England rugby player and farmer Tom Youngs talks about returning home to farm - right where he&#39;s meant to be

<p>Most will know Tom Youngs from his performance on the rugby pitch, but farming has always been the plan.</p><p>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</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Save Britain&#39;s Family Farms: What is the latest on Inheritance Tax Reform?

<p>Farmers Guardian&apos;s Emily Ashworth and Alex Black discuss the latest on FG&apos;s Save Britain&apos;s Family Farms campaign and take a look back at what has happened so far since the Government&apos;s Autumn Budget announcement of changes to Inheritance Tax and an update on where the industry stands today.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Exeter young farmer starts new calf rearing venture on family farm

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

Can we build national health on British food? Meet the farmers and NHS caterers backing farmers

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

Ask the Expert: Your questions about livestock worrying answered - &#39;ring the police every single time&#39;

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

Efra Chair Alistair Carmichael: &#39;If there was a silver bullet [in the Inheritance Tax battle], I would find it and I would fire it’

<p>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.</p><p>&quot;When it comes to going the ‘full French&apos; 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.</p><p>&quot;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.</p><p>&quot;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.&quot;</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Trump, tariffs and tractors: what do US policy moves mean for UK farming?

<p>President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs are impacting trade patterns around the globe.</p><p>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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>