The Farmers Guardian Podcast

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>

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>