The Farmers Guardian Podcast

Bale grazing can offer livestock farmers a host of benefits but requires careful planning

<p>In this week&apos;s podcast Katie Jones talks to two livestock farmers about bale grazing; how it works for them, the challenges, and the advantages.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Why are Northern Irish farmers getting less money for their beef than those in GB?

<p>As beef prices have risen due to good demand and tight supplies, the differential between prices paid to farmers in Northern Ireland and Great Britain has widened.</p><p>Ulster Farmers’ Union’s Glen Cuddy and Brendan Kelly discuss the unfairness of the situation, how they are being ignored by the processors when demanding an explanation and urge farmers to explore all their options.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

From Brighton to the countryside: Young Plumpton college student talks about not being put off a farming career

<p>Coco Jalloh was told to pursue something else at school; that she was too academic for farming. Her passion and determination, however, has seen her find her way into agriculture, with hopes of becoming a farm vet.  </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Scotland&#39;s new Tenant Farming Commissioner - Up-to-date data is &#39;key&#39; to understanding the current and future situation of Scotland&#39;s tenanted sector

<p>Scotland&apos;s new Tenant Farming Commissioner, Rob Black, talks about the importance of capturing data, the need for more face-to-face conversations between landlords and tenants to help resolve disputes, and why he is focused on finding ways to entice landlords to let out their land and provide more opportunity for farm tenancies. </p><p>=======================</p><p>Farmers Guardian is at the heart of agriculture, providing you with news, in depth features and business analysis you can rely on. We&apos;re part of your community. Keep up to date with all the latest agriculture news and become an FG member today by visiting <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3BPSFhxZmVSR0tYS3otWUg0bDJZT0ZLbDFWUXxBQ3Jtc0trWGtEbnRYLVhxTFlMclFYX2R6NXJkVURCSU9zYW1XWWNRYjRhNmpBT2x4Q2V5emVBZV9pbUpTS24tcTktRl9Lb0IxcUthSTZTU1hYMnp4cVNXRnYyOF96Szg3Z2RRYWRDUTllc3N4Sm9fTldyeU81TQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmersguardian.com%2F&amp;v=G9ig37l0KEc'>https://www.farmersguardian.com</a><br/><br/>Follow us on Instagram: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXhKR2lFZGloQno1Uy1VMGRPdlQyVzM5SE9aZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsUEVhalRQY29ocndwQXhaWktkTVRMUTBpV2ZzZXI1WFlkVVIxTE9GeC12amhoQ3hLdWROU1NfeTJTWFBwcXZiUklyci1FN0kzM3M1aHExNnFJbmVZazljX0FqalliTy1HQ0Q2WF9lRU5naGZRN2hYbw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffarmersguardian&amp;v=G9ig37l0KEc'>  / farmersguardian  </a><br/>Follow us on TikTok: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqay1UelFKbk44OFlUOUlsU0xoX19wMnRveWxnd3xBQ3Jtc0trUE9fZ0VUTFhGRmtFcEhlZDhDb205VUpXeksyd25LckNObEVpaTl2R1ZRT3YwbGxBaEdoQ2F0ZUZyNEdlU080REJSNFZIOGhYN0dOeDA2Y0N5aU5wZHZnd1VQd0hnMXN2YWdUNWpiTGhLVzRtWlYySQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40farmersguardian&amp;v=G9ig37l0KEc'>  / farmersguardian  </a><br/>Like us on Facebook: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1NLU09TYnpGbzRXZm00RVVfckFKdGxfVFRrd3xBQ3Jtc0trMU13SFNwdW5ZQ0dyamJWZjdIQXlMRlhLX3JPNXJ6NkY3NUhSaUZQc3dZdFV4Uk5wcjloN1g0aTZSWWw3aDJDdmZ1YjA5aGpoeXE1ZkNDdldGakl2dGxYYTBTY3lTellUa3JVMWpVYmtuZFlTa1U3dw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffarmersguardian&amp;v=G9ig37l0KEc'>  / farmersguardian  </a><br/>Follow us on X (Twitter): <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjdyRzJJem9pYi03Ull0V3k5T1JGQ2RKZFBEd3xBQ3Jtc0tudXFWWDNITnIzUnRhd0d1OWVsVFFYQUdvbkphVDFPdGhBXzQ4bEJLbHRWU2dHa2JkZlUwRTJySWZUZ1BFZXprOFNINzhmWjZ0UUpzbTRQWnU4amJWS2hQa21mcXktWnlsVjFZMjU1WE42SUxCU0JtVQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.x.com%2Ffarmersguardian&amp;v=G9ig37l0KEc'>https://www.x.com/farmersguardian</a><br/><br/>Download the FG app on iOS: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3NObHVlUG9TSXNRVy1pMVVudU1wZWRlMWNNQXxBQ3Jtc0tuVE1XVFlRZ3F1cU4yaHItSTA4UlZSd2xNMGVWbkkwb0dBUW10TnYwSjR5ZUt0R1NHLWRDbFhyblE5TGEtR2xTSm55MWtaVzhtQndXcUVkdld3ZmdGWUtkRndoN1BPN05jZUh2ZVRJajJ3TzFmUVJkMA&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fapp%2Ffarmers-guardian%2Fid634473164%3Fmt%3D8&amp;v=G9ig37l0KEc'>https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/farmers-guardian/id634473164</a><br/>Download the FG app on Android: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHBlN2syaGswZkExMzlWVkh2UDlIU3BCT2dlUXxBQ3Jtc0tsWDE4TWNJbTFObnVlZ1VsZUZ2cnZtcnhTbzNLZ1BVN3BuY0lDdjdjMUpxc2RPeHBCZzVEUVBDX3B6UG4zNTZPeEJGWlJibEVDajU0SkRHT3Ayak0xOTRrMkFVdF9tVUM0M2Zwb0o2Wl9sSms4SXE4MA&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.stonewash.droid.farmersguardian%26pcampaignid%3Dweb_share&amp;v=G9ig37l0KEc'>https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stonewash.droid.farmersguardian&amp;pcampaignid=web_share&amp;pli=1</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The pig farmer fighting Parkinson&#39;s Disease one punch at a time

<p>On the pod this week, we are joined by former two-time National Pig Association chair, Richard Longthorp, to discuss a very important topic of Parkinson’s Disease. Richard, a former pig farmer from Howden in East Yorkshire, was diagnosed with the condition back in 2017.</p><p>What you’ll hear during the course of this pod is how fitness, particularly boxing, has helped Richard to manage his condition, how it has provided him with a new lease of life at the age of 71, and why he has raised thousands of pounds to support Parkinson’s UK, St Paul’s Boxing Academy in Hull and Goole Amateur Boxing Club. He talks about his time as NPA chair, including the struggle with foot-and-mouth disease, and what a life in farming has provided him. </p><p>Both boxing clubs provide fitness provision for people living with Parkinson’s and Richard wanted to give something back. It is an extraordinary story of pushing one’s physical and emotional limits, and never giving up; something British farmers are well-known for.</p><p>One of Richard’s idols, former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Alli, said: “Inside of a ring or out, ain&apos;t nothing wrong with going down. It is staying down that&apos;s wrong.” Words we can all relate too for the many challenges that life throws at us. So sit back, and enjoy the pod.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Ahead of the latest farmer rally against proposed changes to Inheritance Tax, organiser Liz Webster discusses the importance of industry unity, next steps for the Government and the rise of Reform

<p>This week, Farmers Guardian news reporter Jane Thynne, caught up with founder of Save British Farming and co-organiser of the London tractor rallies Liz Webster to discuss Inheritance Tax, the rise of Reform and where the Government goes from here.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

News and Business team give their analysis of this week’s top news stories

<p>Farmers Guardian head of news and business Alex Black, chief reporter Rachael Brown and news reporter Jane Thynne discuss the big news stories of the week. The team look at the latest analysis from AHDB stating more than 42,000 farms will be affected by the change to Inheritance Tax, the latest on the political situation on IHT and the Government decision to withdraw the neonicotinoid Cruiser SB.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins says Steve Reed must stand up to Chancellor over Inheritance Tax and criticises the Government for making a &#39;political choice&#39; which will impact family farms

<p>In this week&apos;s Farmers Guardian Podcast, chief reporter Rachael Brown spoke with Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins live at LAMMA at the NEC in Birmingham. Ms Atkins criticised the Defra Secretary Steve Reed for not standing up to the Chancellor on the Inheritance Tax changes which have been &apos;imposed&apos; on him.<br/><br/>She accused the Government for making a &apos;political choice&apos; to break up a &apos;careful tax policy&apos; that protected family farms. She discusses her plans to restore trust between the Conservative party and the farming and rural community. She also shares her fears with the accelerated phasing-out of BPS and recent changes to the capital grants scheme, further cuts to farming could be coming down the line. <br/><br/>Also in this episode, digital editor Emily Ashworth chats with beef farmer Martha Hayes, to find out why she has chosen to back Farmers Guardian&apos;s Save Britain&apos;s Family Farms campaign</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Live from LAMMA: Machinery madness, saving the future of farming and uniting the industry

<p>This week’s Farmers Guardian is live from LAMMA Show with various members of the FG team. Hear from manufacturers about the feeling in the sector, multiple influencers, Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins and what to buy to get the best for your buck.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Get farming into schools: The fight for rural education on the national curriculum

<p>Sheep farmer and former teacher Olivia Shave started a petition to get rural education into schools, and Farmers Guardian has recently joined the petition as media partners.<br/><br/>In this bonus episode, online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to Olivia and Claire Mackenzie, producer of Six Inches of Soil who is supporting the petition, about the need for the Government to make real change when it comes to learning. Olivia and Claire will be at this year&apos;s LAMMA Show talking about the campaign.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Students talk about the blow of Inheritance Tax and the impact it may have on young farmers&#39; futures

<p>Online editor Emily Ashworth visits Myerscough College to talk to five students who are studying agriculture and hear their thoughts on their future of farming after the Government announced its plans to implement Inheritance Tax.<br/><br/>These youngsters, all between 16 and 18 years-old, are concerned that the lack of support from the Government and the misunderstanding of the public could impact the industry.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Family unit at the heart of Pembrokeshire dairy farm and adventure park

<p>In this episode we chat to farming sisters Josie and Poppy, who run the Instagram account &apos;Sisters in Wellies&apos;, and their parents Dawn and Richard. Working together to manage the 200-plus milking herd as well as an on-site adventure park is key to the success of the Lewis family’s, Clerkenhill Farm in Haverfordwest.<br/><br/>Poppy and Josie are the fourth generation of the on the farm and, in recent years, have taken over greater responsibility for the herd, with the help of their parents Richard and Dawn, while their other sister Heather manages the family park. But while they all have their individual responsibilities, with Richard, being the go-to for fixing things on the farm and mum, Dawn, affectionately referred to as the ‘backbone’ of the family farm, the business truly thrives when everyone mucks-in wherever needed, including all siblings and sons-in-law.<br/><br/>And not forgetting three-year-old Erin and one year-old Dewi, who have both been on the farm since they were six weeks old. The family is currently milking 210 British Friesians on a grazing based system, with the aim to normally turnout on May 1 and they say the cows suit their ‘low cost system’.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Industry leader across agriculture share their hopes for the sector in 2025, and the challenges that lie ahead over the next 12 months

<p>In this episode of the Farmers Guardian&apos;s podcast, industry leaders from across the farming sector share their hopes for 2025 and what challenges agriculture might face in the next 12 months.<br/><br/>NFU president Tom Bradshaw warned a &apos;resolution&apos; on the Chancellor&apos;s Inheritance Tax changes, is an issue that is likely to continue to &apos;hang over the industry&apos; in 2025, calling for a swift resolution from Government. For the tenanted sector, Tenant Farmers Association calls for Defra to ask the law commission to conduct a review into the legislation covering landlord and tenant relationships, looking at the definition for agriculture and rules of good husbandry, which he said were both written in 1947 and &apos;need reform&apos;.<br/><br/>In the pig sector, they call for APHA to be better resourced to cope with ongoing disease threats, and to provide increase funding to the Dover Port Authority, following a surge in illegal pork meat being seized at the port. And in the sheep sector, NSA chief executive hopes farming policy comes together in 2025 to give farmers the ‘inspiration, and confidence&apos;, and financial incentives to invest. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Save Britain&#39;s Family Farms: Value our industry and urge the Government to change its mind

<p>FG&apos;s Save Britain&apos;s Family Farms campaign aims to tell the stories of the farming industry in a bid to show the Government its plans for Inheritance Tax will decimate family farms and wider related businesses.<br/><br/>Online editor Emily Ashworth looks back at the exclusive Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gave FG in the run-up to the election and if he held those promises. You will also hear from family farms and how this will impact them.<br/><br/>This podcast, however, is about showcasing the value of family farms, and celebrating everything they do for society.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

What the Welsh and Scottish Budgets mean for farming and next steps on Inheritance Tax

<p>This week saw the announcement of the Welsh Budget, with the Scottish Budget announced last week. Farmers Guardian&apos;s news and business team take a look at what it means for farmers and the latest on the farmer pushback against Inheritance Tax changes</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Young farmer goes home to farm alongside dad and helps streamline business

<p>Heather Whalley swapped the bright lights of London for the fields of Lancashire after making the decision to return home to Lancashire to farm with her father. Running a pedigree beef business alongside some sheep, Heather wanted to make sure the farm business was secure for the future, so worked alongside her dad to tweak the systems, look at the financials and put her passion for holistic management into practice. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

NFU chief: &#39;How I approached succession conversation&#39; and is an APR U-Turn on the cards?

<p>Is the Government ready to concede it got it disastrously wrong on the Budget, and could it make an offer to farmers before Christmas? </p><p>Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley caught up NFU deputy president David Exwood at at CropTec where he was making the keynote speech. </p><p>David, a mixed farmer from West Sussex, talks about the union&apos;s sit down with the Prime Minister this week and gives his predictions on how the next few days might pan out. He also talks about his own experiences of planning for succession and explains how he and his two sons approached the conversation. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Beyond Net Zero: Knowledge key for farmers to make a difference

<p>With COP29 taking place this week, Alex Black spoke to Prof John Gilliland who was in attendance on behalf of AHDB.</p><p>On his farm in Northern Ireland, Prof Gilliland has been part of ARCZero, with his farm not beyond net zero. He spoke about why knowledge is key for farmers looking to reach net zero, or beyond, and creating a whole-farm carbon balance sheet is a critical place to start. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Live from the farmer protest: Clarkson, family farms and one epic food bank

<p>Farmers Guardian were live at the farmer protests in London on November 19, reporting straight from the heart of the crowd. Online editor Emily Ashworth and head of livestock Katie Jones spoke to farmers - some from families who have hundreds of years of farming history behind them - attending the rally and about the impact the new Inheritance Tax rules could have. You can also hear speeches from Jeremy Clarkson and Olly Harrison, and best-selling author and farmer Helen Rebanks.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

US Election Special - Donald Trump: what does he mean for agriculture?

<p>Following Trump’s historic election win, Alex Black speaks to John Wilkes about what his presidency will mean for farming in the US, UK and all around the world</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

How to make farm diversification work for you

<p>Diversifying the core farm business takes ‘grit and determination’ but farmers should realise that they do not need to do everything themselves and have confidence to lean on others with specific expertise. But where do you start and how do you find the skills you need to make your new idea work?</p><p>FG editor Olivia Midgley hosts a roundtable discussion with six farmers at the Farm Business Innovation show who have all taken the plunge into diversification and shared their top tips.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Voices of the generations: 100 year-old farmer and RAF veteran reflects on life in Remembrance Day special

<p>Welsh farmer and World War II Royal Airforce veteran Aneurin Owen will be 100 years old on November 30, 2024. Farmers Guardian online editor Emily Ashworth meets him to talk about a century in farming and in honour of Remembrance Day, his time in the RAF.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Autumn Budget: How will the Chancellor&#39;s announcements impact farms?

<p>Following the Chancellor&apos;s announcements on Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief in the 2024 Autumn Budget, Farmers Guardian&apos;s Alex Black, Rachael Brown and Jane Thynne dig into what the changes may mean for the farming industry. The news team take a look at the implications of all the announcements this week, from the agriculture budget to the minimum wage and changes to delinked Basic Payment Scheme payments.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Diversification Special: Turning a countryside farm into a unique getaway

<p>For this special episode, we partner with our sister podcast (The Land, Leisure and Tourism Podcast) to bring you a discussion with Sykes Holiday Cottages and one of their latest customers. <br/><br/>We talk about the logistics and challenges of diversifying your farm into holiday letting, but also the positives that it can bring to you and your farming business<br/><br/>For more information on the Farm Business Innovation and Land, Leisure and Tourism shows, visit www.lltshow.com</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On the farm with Charlotte Ashley and Rebecca Wilson - nothing but the truth

<p>This week Farmers Guardian&apos;s online editor Emily Ashworth went to Charlotte Ashley&apos;s farm in Cumbria to talk to her and close friend and social media star Rebecca Wilson all about showcasing real-life farming on social platforms. They also highlight the importance of future-proofing the business and attracting new talent to farming.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Former NFU dairy chair Michael Oakes switches from dairy to beef after a clear TB test and worries over succession, losing FBT land and a recent health scare

<p>After 40 years, West Midlands dairy farmer and former NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes decided to quit milking, sold his 200 holstein dairy herd and started a new venture rearing 200 plus beef cattle on his Bournville Village Trust tenant farm on the southern outskirts of Birmingham. A decision which he described as ‘really tough&apos; and initially something he was reluctant to share with anyone else, over concerns people would think he had &apos;failed&apos;.  <br/><br/>Mr Oakes said there was not one single factor which led to his decision to quit, but a combination of factors including going clear of TB after being shut down for many years, the lack of succession with both his two sons pursuing other careers, a health scare after having a mini stroke, and his landlord wanting to take FBT land back in hand. He has since started a new venture, looking after 200 plus beef herd, which he will take to finish as part of a bed and breakfast scheme run by Buitelaar. He said, he still found it &apos;difficult&apos; not milking every morning, but it was easier now there was cattle back on the farm.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

FG manifesto: 100 days in - what do farmers and rural businesses need from Labour?

<p>With the country now 100 days into the new Labour Government, Farmers Guardian has created a new manifesto on what farmers and rural businesses want from the Government.</p><p>FG editor Olivia Midgley, Patrick Holden, chief executive of the Sustainable Farming Trust, National Pig Association chief executive Lizzie Wilson, Minette Batters, tenant farmer and former NFU President, farmer John McCulloch,  Ed Barker, head of policy and external affairs at the Agricultural Industries Confederation and Mark Charter from Carter Jonas came together to discuss what the industry needs.</p><p>Farmers Guardian will always hold those in power accountable and continue to speak up for farming. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

What happened to wool? Looking back at the changes in the industry and if it&#39;s making a comeback

<p>Wool was, at one time, the jewel of fabrics. It was a well-respected product but, over the years its value has decreased. In this episode, we look at why. Is it a pricing issue? Is it a marketing issue? Emily Ashworth and Katie Fallon look back at the timeline to find out what changed.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Political party conference roundup: What are they offering farmers?

<p>As the 2024 political party conferences wrap up, Farmers Guardian&apos;s news and business team discuss the goings on at the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party conferences and what each party has to offer for the farming sector. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Live from the Claas cab: Talking machinery and careers

<p>This week&apos;s Farmers Guardian podcast is a little different.<br/><br/>FG&apos;s online editor Emily Ashworth joins the machinery team, Toby Whatley and James Huyton, to delve into the world of machinery and talk about the opportunities in the sector, especially when it comes to careers.<br/><br/>From technology talk to taking a first - and very slow - drive of the Claas combine on James&apos; farm, this podcast really highlights that we need to bridge the gap between agriculture and the wider public. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>