The Farmers Guardian Podcast

Tom Heap on new book Land Smart - how can we manage the land better while balancing food production?

<p>Tom Heap is widely known for his appearances on BBC Countryfile, The Climate Show and Rare Earth, and he has a passion for the natural world. His latest book, Land Smart, explores how various people in the wider agricultural industry can manage the land differently to create balance between nature and food production. Whether that is regenerative practices or introducing more technology, it is not a one size fits all approach. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell: High animal health and welfare at the core of farm resilience

<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 focuses on how animal health and welfare is key to improving the sustainability of farming systems and the importance of adopting a mindset of &apos;if you look after your livestock they will look after you&apos;. Northern Ireland dairy farmer and McDonalds Progressive Young farmer at Dawn Meats Nathan McClure, Hertfordshire livestock and arable farmer and farm vet technician Molly Mead and Herefordshire mixed farmer Jack Lyke look at the importance of disease control, livestock&apos;s role in sustainable and regenerative farming practices and the role of technology and grants to support long term investment </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell: The importance of water and waste management in a sustainable farming system

<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 shares helpful on-farm tips to improve water and waste management, whilst looking at some of the practical challenges including infrastructure and investment. Livestock farmers Lizzie Halton-Harrop and Rob Havard, LEAF technical co-ordinate Megan Whatty and Berkshire arable farmer and former winner of BBC Countryfile Young Countryside Champion Eleanor Gilbert look at how to balance production, profit and ecological gain across the land, and how nurturing our ecosystems can help improve water and waste management. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell: How biodiversity is an important ally in building farming resilience

<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 some practical on-farm examples of improving biodiversity whilst building resilience into farm businesses. Oxfordshire arable farmer and consultant Ben Adams, McDonalds Progressive Young Farmer at Moy Park Darcy Johnson and Wiltshire mixed farmer and former NFU student and young farm ambassador Mike Wilkins explore the benefits of enhanced biodiversity on-farm, looking at both the environmental and financial gains.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

General Election result: What can we expect from this Defra team and a Labour Government?

<p>In this episode the Farmers Guardian news and business team give their analysis of what farming can expect from the new Labour Government and the priorities of the new Defra Secretary Steve Reed and his Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner. The team reflects on Labour’s manifesto and the calls from the industry for more clarity on farming policies, budget and the future direction of British agriculture under Sir Keir Starmer’s new Government </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell: Healthy soils delivering sustainable farming systems

<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 how healthy soils underpin resilient and sustainable farming systems. Arable agronomist and farm consultant with Ceres Rural, Louise Penn, beef and sheep farmer and AHDB Cereals &amp; Oilseeds representative Izzy Eames and regenerative farmer, coach and consultant at Grassfed Farmer Silas Hedley-Lawrence dig deeper into the role of soil in tackling climate change, improving nature and health, whilst looking at how adopting a more regenerative farming approach can help restore, enhance soil health, ecosystems and communities. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Exclusive: Sit down with Cumbrian sheep farmer Alistair Mackintosh in his first few days as Red Tractor interim chair

<p>Cumbrian sheep farmer Alistair Mackintosh sits down with Farmers Guardian chief reporter Rachael Brown to chat about his new role as Red Tractor interim chair. He talks about how he looks to rebuild farmer confidence in Red Tractor after frustration across the industry following its handling of the Greener Farms Commit module. He said effective communication of the value of Red Tractor for farming business was critical, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility across the supply chain.<br/>He said he was confident there would not be a vote of no confidence and any disquiet will be put to rest&apos;, reiterating they were listening to farmers and making changes to audit process to offer a &apos;leaner&apos; approach. He recognised there was challenges when it came to Red Tractor membership in both the beef and lamb sector, but he was confident he could bring them back on board. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell: Understanding Social Sustainability in farming

<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 understanding and measuring social sustainability within agriculture. Tenant organic dairy farmer Sophie Gregory from Dorset, Hampshire tenant pig farmer Flavian Obiero and Leonora Meehan from McDonald&apos;s Progressive Young Farmer at Noble Foods unpick how sustainable agriculture can contribute to vibrant communities; the importance of connecting food and farming with the wider general public and how farmers can be empowered to influence public policy and change societal narrative around agriculture, food and sustainability.  </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The General Election - What do farmers want to see from the next Government?

<p>On this week’s podcast, news reporter Chris Brayford is joined by a host of guests including farmers and politicians to discuss the implications of a General Election to farming communities and some of the priorities they want to see from the next UK Government.  Our guests include NFU vice-president David Exwood, ‘Pretend Farmer’ and sheep farmer Karl Franklin, Buckinghamshire arable and beef farmer Richard Heady, Staffordshire arable farmer Clive Bailye and Oxfordshire farmer Ben Adams. With a General Election just around the corner, farmers will be heading to the polls on July 4 to decide which candidate and, ultimately, which party they would like to see lead the UK Government. Political parties and candidates have been making their pitches to farming communities over the past few weeks, but which party will gain the hearts and minds of rural voters? Will it be the Conservative Party led by Rishi Sunak? Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour? Sir Ed Davey’s Liberal Democrats? Nigel Farage’s Reform UK? Adrian Ramsay’s Green Party? Only you can decide. Enjoy the podcast.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Ag in my Land: New Zealand farmer focuses on regen, people and opening the farm gates

<p>Ag in my Land is a Farmers Guardian series which looks at farming across the globe, and for the first time ever, we have turned it into a podcast. In this episode, online editor Emily Ashworth talks to Greg Hart who farming in Hawkes Bay in New Zealand at Mangarara Farm. With a huge focus on stripping the business back and focusing on regeneration of the land, he has taken the farm in a whole new direction - including a partnership with Air New Zealand which enabled him to plant thousands of native trees. From the soil to the farm&apos;s mainstay which is the livestock, Greg is taking every opportunity he can to excite others about the world of agriculture. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Political parties unveil General Election manifestos but what do they offer farming?

<p>It is the third week of the General Election campaign and political parties have now published their manifestos. The Farmers Guardian news and business  team take a closer look at the parties pledges for farming and rural communities. We look at budget, bovine TB policy, planning reform, food and the environment, and what the opinion polls look like at the half way stage.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Matt Slack - the social media butcher - urges people to closer to food and farming

<p>In a #Farm24 special, online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to butcher Matt Slack, who has over 135,000 followers on Tik Tok and over 90,000 on Facebook. Matt is passionate about connecting people back to their produce and where it comes from - and to take a closer look at the farming industry, because they may just be surprised</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

New entrant finds home in farming after Open Farm Sunday event

<p>It is no secret that farming needs to attract fresh talent, and there are so many opportunities for people to find a career that suits them. This is the case for Jack Scott who, after attending an Open Farm Sunday at Emma Loder-Symonds farm, Nonington farms. Emma&apos;s passion is education and allowing people of all ages to experience what it&apos;s like on-farm; she wants to highlight food, nature and careers. After meeting Emma, Jack has now pursued his passion for agriculture and set up his own business on a small parcel of Nonington&apos;s land. He also won BBC Countryfile&apos;s Young Countryside Champion in November 2023 which is testament to his dedication and determination to make a life for himself in the industry.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Dairy farm complete their farm-to-fork journey with off-grid on-farm restaurant

<p>Gazegill farm is gently nestled into the heart of the Lancashire countryside, and for years owners Emma Robinson and Ian O&apos;Reilly have been building their farm-to-customer business through meat box and raw milk sales. Nature is at the heart of all they do; it comes first and that approach applies to their new on-farm venture, their restaurant Eight at Gazegill. Only serving food from the farm or local specialities, Emma and Ian want food, produced in a harmonious way, to connect people back to the land.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

&#39;Consumers and retailers need to understand the value of wool as a global commodity&#39; - The British Wool industry in focus

<p>This week, Farmers Guardian reporter Chris Brayford discusses the value of the wool sector with British Wool chief executive Andrew Hogley. During the episode, Andrew talks about the challenges the industry faces, his passion to work with sheep farmers, the high-quality of wool as a global commodity, the importance of traceability and sustainability, the value of labelling, getting more young people into manufacturing and the future of the wool industry.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Charlotte Ashley: Making the switch from beef to dairy on her Cumbria farm (part one)

<p>Charlotte Ashley and her husband, Roy, have always had a dream: Jersey cows. Having been beef and sheep farmers in Cumbria for many years, their dream has finally come to fruition, having recently finished building their shed which now houses their newly-welcomed Jersey cow herd. But what was the motivation behind the decision? Dairy can be a volatile sector, so what is their route to market and what is their business plan? In the first of a two-part series, Farmers Guardian&apos;s online editor Emily Ashworth finds out more.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Political twists and turns, Farm to Fork preview and Clarkson&#39;s Farm

<p>It has been a busy few weeks in politics, with local elections in England and a new First Minister in Scotland. The Farmers Guardian news and business team take a look at what the political landscape looks like for rural voters as well as a look ahead to next week&apos;s Farm to Fork summit at Number 10 Downing Street. The team also discuss the first four episodes of Clarkson&apos;s Farm, and how Jeremy Clarkson&apos;s programme is demonstrating the highs and lows of farming.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Schmallenberg - where we are now and what does the future hold for this disease?

<p>Mel McPherson of Avon Farm Vets talks about Schmallenberg and bluetongue - the reasons why we are seeing cases this year, signs to look out for, and what livestock farmers should do if they have a potential case on their farm.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Clarksons Farm Series 3 - Behind the scenes

<p>In this episode we gain press access to Diddley Squat farm ahead of the new series of Clarksons farm. We heard about the trials and tribulations in the cast met in their new ventures. <br/> <br/>Jeremy and Kaleb have gone their separate ways in farming practice to see who can make the most, and spend it too! This has been done to show the changes that the current government are inflicting upon UK farming practices.  <br/> <br/>What will happen to the cows is unsure after the various obstacles the farm, shop and newly opened restaurant have faced.  <br/> <br/>The day involved a shop tour from Lisa, a guided tour and a pint with Kaleb, a tractor ride with yokle Gerald, who is a bit easier to understand in person and discussing the intricate farm details with Cheerful Charlie and Dilwyn the Vet.<br/> <br/>Catch up on the down low on season 3, and a q&amp;a with the duo that has stole the nations hearts, Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Live from Thainstone Specialist Auctions: The value of marts to farming communities

<p>On this week&apos;s podcast, Farmers Guardian reporter Chris Brayford is joined by the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland&apos;s executive director Neil Wilson and Aberdeenshire auctioneer Ellis Mutch from the ANM Group. Chris was at Thainstone Specialist Auctions in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, to talk to Neil and Ellis about life as an auctioneer, the value of auction marts to farmers, the unique relationship which exists between farmer and auctioneer, the challenges the industry faces and the passion auctioneers have to work with farmers.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Liz Fletcher on finding her way in farming, diversification and her love of ag shows

<p>Liz Fletcher has truly found a home in the farming community. In this week&apos;s Farmers Guardian podcast episode, online editor Emily Ashworth talks to Liz about how she has truly become embedded in the rural community, and how all of a sudden, 10 sheep quickly became 240. <br/>Coming from a non-farming background, the idea when moving to their 240-acre farm in the Peak District was only ever meant to be a lifestyle move, but three years later, along with her husband, Kelvin, and their four young children, they have seriously fallen in love with the industry and hope to inspire others - inside and out the sector - to celebrate it. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Warner&#39;s Gin and marketing for farmers: Tom Warner and Andy Venables on diversification and business growth ahead of the Cultivate conference

<p>Ahead of this year&apos;s Cultivate conference, Hillsgreen&apos;s Andy Venables speaks to the Farmers Guardian podcast about digital marketing, growing your business and diversification. Tom Warner, from Warner&apos;s Gin, talks about building their farm gin brand, top tips for farmers diversifying and growing new and exciting crops on farm to flavour their spirits. <br/><br/>For more information or to book tickets to Cultivate visit <a href='https://cultivateconference.co.uk/'>https://cultivateconference.co.uk/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Sun, sea and socialising – FG are heading to the DIY AGM

<p>A farmer’s son from Yorkshire, Young farmers has been an integral part of John Houseman’s upbringing.</p><p>While sat in a tractor on his placement year with Harper Adams in 2019, he heard the news that the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (<a href='https://www.nfyfc.org.uk/)'>https://www.nfyfc.org.uk/)</a> had decided to cancel their annual AGM. After setting up a Facebook event to create his own event, it snowballed and he became the founder of the Young Farmers Community DIY AGM. (<a href='https://youngfarmerscommunity.co.uk/'>https://youngfarmerscommunity.co.uk/</a> )<br/><br/></p><p>In this episode, John tells Ellie Layton, FG’s livestock reporter, all about what the event is, why it is held and the money they raise for charity.<br/><br/></p><p>Farmers Guardian Editor Olivia Midgley also joins the chat to discuss FG’s new presence at the event as we are set to hold the inaugural FG Live event, a conference which is putting the MEETING back in Annual General Meeting. The conference is designed to support the next generation of farmers navigate their way through key aspects of farming life such as grants, mental health, SFI and social media. </p><p>Register for the event at: <a href='https://www.farmersguardian.com/fglive-agm24'>https://www.farmersguardian.com/fglive-agm24</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

NFU&#39;s new vice-president Rachel Hallos says &#39;trust and honesty&#39; is her priority

<p>As an upland tenant farmer the NFU’s new vice-president Rachel Hallos will be a powerful voice as the union navigates unprecedented change.She may be new to the role, but NFU vice president Rachel Hallos was keen to let members know she was not afraid to ‘speak openly&apos;, promising to bring some &apos;straight-talking northern charm&apos; to the leadership team. Ms Hallos runs an upland beef and sheep farm in Ripponden, West Yorkshire, working in partnership with her husband, Stephen, as well as her son, Sam, and daughter, Anna, on a Yorkshire Water tenanted farm.  Over the last 20 years the family farm has evolved from a dairy unit, to now a beef herd and hill flock with a focus on environmental outcomes. Ms Hallos said there had been many ‘tough times&apos; along the way, but she was keen to draw upon the journey as part of her new role.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Shadow Defra Secretary, Steve Reed shares how Labour looks to pick up rural votes in the run-up to a General Election

<p>Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed admits previously the Labour party had lost connection with the countryside and farming communities and said he hoped to turn it around in the next General Election later this year, adding he wanted to &apos;give farmers their future back&apos;, recognising that Labour was started to &apos;get a hearing&apos; in rural seats, but acknowledging that the job &apos;was not done yet&apos;. <br/><br/>Mr Reed talks about his five point plans to get farming back on track including, EU veterinary agreements, public procurement, slashing planning times, a sustainable energy company GB energy and created a flood resilient taskforce. But what about budget? Mr Reed would not commit to increasing the farming budget but said the Labour party&apos;s so called &apos;new deal&apos; was already fully funded and was putting &apos;billions of pounds&apos; back into the bank accounts of farmers and producers.<br/><br/>He said a Labour Government would look to publish an impact assessment straight away to assess issues around food security and tenant farmers as a result of the new agri-schemes and believes establishing a landuse framework would be key. When it comes to bovine TB policy, Mr Reed said he would follow the Godfray review, adopting a multi-pronged approach. He committed to keeping existing badger cull licences, but said there was &apos;not scientific evidence&apos; that the badger cull was effective, and a Labour Government would focus down on getting a vaccine over the line to tackle the disease.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

NFYFC new council chair Drew Bailey on why Young Farmers clubs are for everyone

<p>Newly elected council chair of National Federation for Young Farmers clubs (NFYFC), Drew Bailey is from a non-farming background and joined NFYFC when he was 15 years old. <br/>In his new role he is passionate about ensuring NFYFC is a place for everyone who wants to be involved regardless of their background, sexuality or ethnicity. The sense of belonging, the community, and the friendships he has gained from being part of NFYFC he wants others to experience too.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The countdown to net zero and how farmers are leading the charge

<p>Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley speaks to Soil Association chief executive Helen Browning and Overbury Farms regenerative farming manager Jake Freestone who were speaking at the Low Carbon Agriculture show, organised by Farmers Guardian&apos;s parent company Agriconnect. </p><p>The two-day conference and expo saw a range of high-profile speakers debate hot topics from the benefits of adding sheep into the arable rotation and selling carbon credits, to how reframing the conversation around climate friendly farming could help more farmers to engage in net zero. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Dairy farmer Sophie Gregory on organic farming and her Nuffield Scholarship

<p>Sophie Gregory is a dairy farmer in Dorset, and over the years her thousands of followers - all 12k of them - have followed her on her journey into agriculture. Not from farming, she called herself &apos;farmer in training&apos; and has used her platform to talk about farming, milk and her life as an organic Arla dairy farmer. <br/><br/>This year she has become a Nuffield Scholar, opting to research the organic milk market. In this Farmers Guardian podcast episode, online editor Emily Ashworth talks to Sophie all about her upcoming travels, her passion for the dairy industry and how we can look forward to a sustainable farming future.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The Kaleb Cooper Bursary: The first two recipients talk about their hopes for their future farming careers

<p>In this week&apos;s episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, online editor, Emily Ashworth, speaks to the first ever recipients of the Kaleb Cooper Bursary, which aims to support students from non-farming backgrounds in association with the Royal Agricultural University. Caitlyn Bartlett and Caitlin Oxton are both currently studying and are hoping to make the most of Kaleb&apos;s support, especially the on-farm placement with him. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Save Kidsley Park Farm - Tenant farmer Andrew Dakin on the bid to save his farm from a solar panel takeover

<p>Andrew Dakin is a local Derbyshire farmer whose entire livelihood is at risk. As a third generation farmer at Kidsley Park Farm, Andrew’s family have farmed in the village of Smalley near Heanor for 94 years. Unfortunately Andrew had to take up the reigns of running the farm business after his father suffered a stroke in the 1980s.<br/><br/>Farming has been his main passion and love ever since he was a child. It is all he has ever known. The Derbyshire farmer has supported local communities and businesses in the area and has been a huge advocate for numerous local schools and community projects. However, the future of Kidsley Park Farm is now under threat from a solar development. <br/><br/>Andrew said he had received correspondence from his landlord in May 2023 of his intention to sell the farm to a solar development. Andrew has been left fearing for his livelihood and the occupation he has known all his life. Over 100 acres of his farm would be used for the project. He said it would ‘destroy’ the farm and ‘harm’ the surrounding countryside. Kidsley Park Farm is home to a huge variety of wildlife - some red and amber listed, all at risk. <br/><br/>Five miles of public trails and footpaths run through the farm, connecting villages and communities together. Andrew has helped organised a campaign and petition which has rallied support to save the farm’s existence and to save his livelihood. He has received regional and national attention in the process. Andrew said Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper have supported the campaign’s Facebook page. The situation has left him devastated. He has had many sleepless nights and continues to fear about the future of his farm. But the Derbyshire farm has said he remains upbeat and resilient about the future. He will never give up fighting to keep the farm in existence. He will fight until the very end. We hope you enjoy listening to Andrew Dakin’s story.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>