The Farmers Guardian Podcast

Are UK farmers ready to hold protests?

<p>War in the Middle East is placing a heavy toll on UK farmers. Coverage in <em>Farmers Guardian </em>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?</p><p> </p><p>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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Disruption from weight loss jabs and AI are opportunities for food and farming sector

<p>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. </p><p>We also catch up with Andy Venable, CEO and founder of Hillsgreen, who started the Cultivate conference back in 2020</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The Government cannot kick farmers when we are down!

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

Can young farmers trust the Conservatives? | For Flock’s Sake Ep. 1

<p><em>For Flock’s Sake</em> is Farmers Guardian’s new podcast series giving young farmers a voice on the issues shaping the future of British agriculture.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at <a href='mailto:podcasts@agriconnect.com'>podcasts@agriconnect.com</a></p><p><br/></p><p>Chapters: <br/>Welcome to &quot;For Flock&apos;s Sake&quot;: The Young Farmer Podcast Launch (00:44)<br/>Introducing Shadow DEFRA Secretary Victoria Atkins: Personal Journey and DEFRA Ambition (01:24)<br/>The Capital Challenge for Young Farmers: A Stark Reality (05:22)<br/>Conservative Farming Policy: Axing Taxes, Reviewing Quangos &amp; &apos;Made in UK&apos; Standards (06:39)<br/>Critique of Current Government: The Failure to Listen to Farming Communities (10:13)<br/>The Impact of Inheritance Tax &amp; Encouraging Succession Planning (12:48)<br/>Conservative Response to Political Opponents &amp; Policy Depth (16:28)<br/>Commitment to Rural Communities &amp; Reflecting on 14 Years in Power (20:37)<br/>Brexit&apos;s Legacy and Future EU Trade Relations for Agriculture (22:52)<br/>Animal Welfare Debates: Tail Docking, Bovine TB &amp; Practical Farming Realities (26:24)<br/>The Vital Role of Young Farmers&apos; Clubs &amp; Restoring Funding (31:09)<br/>Addressing DEFRA&apos;s Disconnect: Staffing and Environment Agency Reform (36:09)<br/>Food Security as National Priority: Subsidies and Sustainable Production (40:47)<br/>Axing the Family Farm Tax: Conservative Pledges and Process (44:48)<br/>Engaging the Next Generation in Politics &amp; Victoria Atkins&apos; Enduring Commitment (47:19)</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

How is the Middle-East crisis impacting agriculture?

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

Arable special: From Field to Food Charity, how surplus crops find a second harvest

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>To get in touch with FareShare and The Felix Project, head to: <br/>https://thefelixproject.org/ or https://fareshare.org.uk/fareshareandfelix/</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Farmers take Government to the High Court

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

Farm Retail Association patron Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall says people have an ‘appetite for food with a story’

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

Farm death count reaches 30 in 2025/26

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

SFI, farming politics and NFU elections

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

Dairy prices - have we hit the floor?

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

Ask the expert: What farmers need to know about wills ahead of the IHT changes

<p>In the second of a two-part series, Farmers Guardian&apos;s Alex Black speaks to Sarah Aughwane from Withers to answer farmers&apos; questions on wills and disputes in light of the upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Reducing risks and taking a practical look at navel health in lambs

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

Ask the Expert: strategies to protect farmland and estates under new APR rules

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

Trump, protests and the fight for fairness in the supply chain - Farmers under pressure

<p>Farmers Guardian&apos;s news and business team discuss the top news stories, including a look at the impact of Donald Trump&apos;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</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

LIVE from LAMMA 2026 - farm safety, market conditions and the fight for farming&#39;s future

<p>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.</p><p>This year saw LAMMA play host to two other major Agriconnect shows too - CropTec and Low Carbon Agriculture.</p><p>FG&apos;s new Agriworks campaign, Future of Farming, also launched with multiple panels on topics such as profitability and succession.</p><p>Listen to this week&apos;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.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Oxford Farming Conference Special

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

Open Farm Sunday - why more farmers are being encouraged to open their doors

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

A year in farming with the FG team: The highs, lows and everything in between

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

Christmas cookalong at Cannon Hall Farm - &quot;Cooking from scratch is something we should encourage&quot;

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

Clarkson&#39;s Farm star Harriet Cowan Christmas special - farming, future plans and festive feasts

<p>In this Christmas in the Countryside special with Harriet Cowan, Emily Ashworth visits Clarkson&apos;s Farm star Harriet Cowan at her farm in Derbyshire, to find out about Harriet&apos;s farming life, her newfound stardom and what her farming future looks like. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Strong beef prices and bluetongue restrictions: A look back at 2025 at the marts

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

Regen special - changing methods to suit your individual farming business is key

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

What &#39;Dairy Data Warehouse&#39; has learned from the last 12 years working with dairy data

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

Autumn Budget: What farmers need to know

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

LIVE SPECIAL: Tractors blockade London and farmers arrested at Budget day protests

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

Students urge University of Nottingham to rethink agriculture courses suspension

<p>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.</p><p>Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/save-agriculture-at-the-university-of-nottingham?recruiter=1394467878&amp;recruited_by_id=45aa1b10-bbeb-11f0-a6a7-553eee773799&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_campaign=starter_onboarding_share_personal&amp;utm_medium=copylink</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

EXCLUSIVE: British manufacturing stalwart Lord Bamford on JCB&#39;s future fuel ambitions

<p>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&apos;s investment in hydrogen combustion is testament to that. Machinery editor Toby Whatley speaks to Lord Bamford in this exclusive podcast.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Reflection on bluetongue season after legislation lifts

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

One-year on: Where does the industry stand on IHT?

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