The Farmers Guardian Podcast

China’s pork power: trade, disease and what it means for the UK

<p>China is the world’s biggest pork producer and consumer — but what does that mean for UK pig farmers?<br/><br/>In this week’s Farmers Guardian podcast, Katie Fallon hears from industry experts at the World Pork Conference in Qingdao, China to understand China’s influence on the global pork trade, the threat of African swine fever and what the UK can learn from China’s experience, with insights from the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Prime Minister faces farming questions as Parliament returns and Reform unveils farming policy

<p>Actions speak louder than words. Despite new PM Andy Burnham telling MPs he will focus on farming, and Reform members pledging to ‘back farmers to the hilt’, deputy editor Alex Black, head of news and business Jane Thynne and chief reporter Rachael Brown discuss whether all these warm words will bring a positive change for farming.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

“You think it&#39;s never going to happen to somebody you know”: The Mental Health Crisis in Farming | For Flock’s Sake Ep6

<p>Sam Stables and Louise Layton join us for an honest conversation about the tougher side of farming. Why in some cases, we are still not always very good at talking about mental health, the importance of opening up when things get difficult, and why simply telling a mate you are struggling can make all the difference. </p><p>Mental health is not always the easiest subject to talk about in farming, but Sam Stables and Louise Layton know first hand why those conversations matter. </p><p>In this September episode of For Flock&apos;s Sake, the Farmers Guardian podcast, hosts Tom Ryder and Ellie Layton are in Herefordshire to hear from farmer and co-founder of We Are Farming Minds, Sam Stables, and charity volunteer Louise Layton. </p><p>Sam talks openly about his farming system, mental health struggles and what led him to set up the charity, while Louise shares her experience of supporting her husband Richard through his mental health struggles before his death by suicide. </p><p>There is plenty of farming in the conversation, from Sam&apos;s route into farming and his Duchy tenancy while Louise shares how as a family they have raised over £100,000 in Richard&apos;s memory.  </p><p>Together, they explore the realities of mental health in agriculture, the impact it can have on individuals and families, and what can be done to ensure people do not feel they have to face their struggles alone.  </p><p>Mental health and suicide support </p><p>If this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available.  </p><p><b>PAPYRUS HOPELINE247</b><br/><br/>For people under 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned about a young person. Call 0300 102 2470 or text HOPE to 88247. Available 24/7. </p><p><b>Samaritans</b><br/><br/>Free, confidential support for anyone who needs someone to talk to. Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. </p><p><b>Mind</b><br/><br/>Information, advice and support for people experiencing mental health problems. Mind&apos;s support line is 0300 102 1234, open Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm. </p><p><b>CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)</b><br/><br/>Support for anyone who is struggling or affected by suicide. Call 0800 58 58 58, 5pm–midnight every day. </p><p><b>We Are Farming Minds</b><br/><br/>Free, confidential support for the farming community in Herefordshire. Call 0808 802 0070 or text 07786 203 130. The support line is available 24/7. </p><p><b>RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution)</b><br/><br/>Provides practical, financial and emotional support to people in farming. Call 0800 188 4444, free and available 24/7. </p><p><b>RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution)</b><br/><br/>Provides practical, emotional and financial support to people working in Scottish agriculture, including farmers, crofters and farm workers. Call 0808 1234 555, free and available 24/7. </p><p><b>The DPJ Foundation</b><br/><br/>Provides confidential mental health support to people working in agriculture in Wales through its Share the Load service. Call 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799.  </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Half the land, 80% of the yield: does relay cropping really stack up? | The Farmers Guardian Arable Podcast

<p>What if you could grow a second crop on half the area and still produce 80% of the yield of a conventional crop? That is the intriguing result from arable farmer Ben Adams’ first year of his relay cropping trial, where winter barley grown on just 50% of the area produced 80% of his average yield. <br/><br/>Join Ash Ellwood to find out the practicalities of relay cropping, what Ben has learnt from the trial and whether the results suggest relay cropping could have a place in a commercial arable rotation.<br/><br/>We also catch up with Thomas Slattery, engagement lead for the Adopt Support Hub discussing what is available through the funding and how growers can access it.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The bluetongue surge: Immediate action now and lessons for the future

<p>Deputy editor Alex Black and chief reporter Rachael Brown sit down with farmers and NFU representatives Clare Wise and Ian Harvey, as well as NFU Scotland vice president Robert Neill to discuss the latest situation in the rise in Bluetongue across the UK, where we are with vaccine supply, why an emergency fund for fallen stock is needed urgently by Government, as well as an honest discussion on what lessons can be learnt from across the sector including government agencies to ensure we do not have a repeat of the scale of this disease next year. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

When an ambulance is two hours away, what do you do?

<p>In this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, in partnership with RABI&apos;s FarmersAid, Olivia Skeoch sits down with Ben Aveling at Radmore Farm, Northamptonshire, to talk about the day his mother-in-law was seriously injured during tupping — and the two-hour wait for an ambulance that followed. Ben talks candidly about the panic of those first moments, the decision to move her against advice, and how the experience has changed the way his family works around livestock. This episode explores what RABI calls the &quot;platinum ten minutes&quot; and why having the right guidance in that window can make all the difference. </p><p>Download the free FarmersAid app on the App Store and Google Play - <a href='https://farmersaid.org.uk/'>https://farmersaid.org.uk/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Bluetongue surge and what farmers need to know

<p>Chief reporter Rachael Brown and head of news and business Jane Thynne analyse the ongoing surge of bluetongue in the South-West, vaccine availability and testing capacity, as well as the growing threat of the disease elsewhere in the UK.</p><p><br/></p><p> They hear from a farmer in Cornwall who has been impacted by the virus, and a local farm vet who shares some of the signs and symptoms of what to look out for and highlights the misinformation circulating about the vaccine and the virus itself. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Paul and Claire Slater: The Business of Breeding 500 Commercial Tups | For Flock&#39;s Sake Ep. 5

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Is Yield Still King? Rethinking Variety Choice Ahead of Autumn Drilling | The Farmers Guardian Arable Podcast

<p>Choosing the right cereal variety has never been more important. As growers prepare for autumn drilling following an unusual Harvest 2026, should yield still be the deciding factor, or do disease resistance, resilience and market opportunities now matter more? In this episode of the Farmers Guardian Arable Podcast, host Ash Ellwood is joined by Clare Leaman of NIAB and Ted Williams of Agrovista to explore how farmers can make informed variety decisions using independent trial data, practical agronomy and lessons from this season. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The Royal Welsh Show - farmers bring the feel-good factor back

<p>This week the FG team looks back on the Royal Welsh Show, Jane Thynne is joined by Paul Williams, NFU Cymru Deputy President to talk about how a new government has brought a boost for farmer confidence and Ellie Layton, Farmers Guardian Livestock Specialist to discuss some of the key show results<br/><br/>Olivia Midgley also talks to Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iowerth about the vision for the future of Welsh farming</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Burnham becomes Prime Minister: What does it mean for farming?

<p>As Andy Burnham is handed the keys to Number 10 Downing Street, the Farmers Guardian news and business team discuss what his Government may mean for farming and the latest announcements from Defra.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Regenerative Farming: Who pays for nature and how farmers can capture more value: Groundswell 2026

<p>Who should pay for nature, and are farmers receiving a fair share of the value created by regenerative farming?<br/><br/> In this special edition of the Farmers Guardian podcast, our expert panel which includes three farmers; Dr Nikki Yoxall, Nuffield scholar and Pasture for Life technical director; Harriet Cherry, Groundswell director  and Wildfarmed agricultural relationship manager; and Adel Jones, regenerative farming consultant, explores one of the biggest questions facing agriculture today: how regenerative farming can become a profitable business model while continuing to produce food.<br/><br/>The discussion, led by Farmers Guardian’s Olivia Midgley, examines whether nature recovery should be rewarded through environmental payments or whether the benefits of regenerative farming already strengthen farm businesses through healthier soils, lower input costs and greater resilience. The panel also explores innovative finance models, including partnerships between farmers and the banking sector, and asks whether supply chains, retailers and brands are doing enough to reward those delivering environmental outcomes.<br/><br/> From the practical realities of implementing regenerative farming to tackling greenwashing and ‘regenwashing’ and the growing commercial appeal of ‘regen’, the conversation looks at where value is created, where it is lost and how farmers can capture more of it.<br/><br/> The episode was hosted at Groundswell as part of Farmers Guardian’s 100 Women campaign, which shines a spotlight on the women spearheading change in agriculture and driving the sector forward.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Are Contract Farming Agreements The Future For Young Farmers? Will Riddington and Katie Andrews | For Flock&#39;s Sake Ep4

<p>Getting your foot on the farming ladder in the modern day can be a tricky business. However, one young couple turned their life upside down to make it work.</p><p>In this episode of <em>For Flock’s Sake</em>, the <em>Farmers Guardian</em> podcast championing young voices in farming, hosts Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder sit down with Will Riddington and Katie Andrews, who relocated from southern England to Northumberland after securing a Contract Farming Agreement (CFA) at Halton Red House Farm, near Hexham, to turn their dream of farming into a reality.</p><p>From balancing the books and getting to grips with farming in a new area to establishing a pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd, Will and Katie share how a CFA gave them the opportunity to farm without the burden of a mortgage and a limited amount of capital.</p><p>Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at <a href='mailto:FGsocials@agriconnect.com'><b>FGsocials@agriconnect.com</b></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Groundswell 2026: Reflections, Research and the Future of Regen

<p>Join three Farmers Guardian journalists: Jane Thynne, Toby Whatley and Ash Ellwood as they reflect on their time at Groundswell, discussing the ideas, research and conversations that stood out most. <br/><br/> From practical innovations and farmer experiences to the latest thinking on regenerative agriculture, they share what they learned, what surprised them and what deserves closer scrutiny. <br/><br/> The discussion concludes by exploring the bigger question: where does regenerative farming fit in the future of global food production?</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Is the future bright for Scottish farming?

<p>With Scottish agriculture at a pivotal point, farmers John McCulloch, David Barron and Kirsten Williams discussed the challenges and opportunities for Scotland&apos;s farming sector with Farmers Guardian at the Royal Highland Show.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

What do the latest SFI actions mean for Arable farmers? Funding changes, opportunities &amp; expert advice | The Farmers Guardian arable podcast

<p>The latest Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions have arrived, bringing fresh opportunities for farmers, but also plenty of questions.</p><p>In this episode, we sit down with Megan Whatty, Hutchinsons environmental specialist, to unpack the latest developments, explore what has changed, and discuss what the new actions could mean for farm businesses across the country.</p><p> </p><p>With funding levels lower than many in the industry had hoped, we take an honest look at where the real opportunities lie, which actions may offer the greatest value, and what farmers should consider as they plan for the future.</p><p> </p><p>Whether you&apos;re already participating in environmental schemes or are considering your options for the first time, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions for your business.</p><p> </p><p>Speakers</p><p>Ash Ellwood - Farmers Guardian head of arable</p><p>Megan Whatty - Hutchinsons environmental specialist</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Politics, pigs and price caps in focus at Royal Highland Show

<p>Following another fantastic Royal Highland Show, Farmers Guardian takes a look at the highs, the topics of conversation and the challenges facing the farming industry in Scotland, with the First Minister committed to price caps on essential food items and fears over the future of the pig sector.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Sir Keir Starmer resigns: What does it mean for farming?

<p>In this special episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, FG&apos;s news and business team discuss the Prime Minister&apos;s resignation, the impact on agriculture and the prospects of Andy Burnham as the next resident of Number 10.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Behind the scenes at Cereals 26

<p>The FG team reflects on the main action from this year’s event held at Diddly Squat including budget announcements, celebrity sightings and some encouraging slug statistics.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Bovine TB - The Big Debate

<p>With a cattle TB vaccine targeted by 2030 as the Government aims to eradicate bTB by 2038, Farmers Guardian livestock specialist Ellie Layton hosted a debate at the Royal Cornwall Show.</p><p><br/>Farmers and experts debated the next steps for bTB control in England. Guests included beef farmer Paul Westaway, who farms in a high-risk area in Gloucestershire and is a member of the Bovine TB Partnership; Alan Carter, Cornwall dairy farmer and Farmers Guardian columnist and Ed Simmons, veterinary surgeon, British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA). </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Clarkson’s Farm series 5: a look at the series so far

<p>In this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, deputy editor Alex Black and head of news and business Jane Thynne discuss the return of Clarkson&apos;s Farm for its fifth series on Prime Video.</p><p>The news and business team take a look at the key themes of the series, from Jeremy Clarkson’s health to the changes to Inheritance Tax and the ups and downs of the farming year, and whether the popular series is still worth a watch.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Why the platinum ten minutes matter after an on-farm accident

<p>Farming accounts for around 20% of UK workplace deaths despite making up just 1% of the workforce. In the first episode of our FarmersAid series, in partnership with RABI, Professor Stuart Maitland-Knibb explains why the first few minutes after a serious farm accident are where survival is decided, why fear can stop people from acting, and how the new FarmersAid app is designed to change that.<br/><br/>To learn more or download the app, visit www.farmersaid.org.uk</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Jeff and Katie Aiken: Stockmanship, success and starting again | For Flock’s Sake Ep3

<p>Jeff and Katie Aiken join Farmers Guardian’s Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder for the latest episode of For Flock’s Sake.<br/><br/>Known throughout the sheep world for their success with the renowned Procters Texel flock, the Aiken family have experienced both the highs of pedigree sheep breeding and the challenge of starting again.<br/><br/>In this episode, Jeff and Katie discuss growing up in livestock, life on the show circuit, the family dynamic behind their success and rebuilding at Ainstable Hall with the Coniston flock following the dispersal of Procters.<br/><br/>For Flock’s Sake is Farmers Guardian’s monthly special podcast series shining a spotlight on young farmers, new entrants and showcasing real farming stories to inspire the next generation of British agriculture.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Is oilseed rape making a comeback? Success strategies for UK growers | The Farmers Guardian arable special

<p>For years, many growers questioned whether oilseed rape still had a future in UK arable rotations. Pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle, difficult establishment seasons and rising input costs pushed confidence in the crop to some of its lowest levels in decades.</p><p>But after two stronger seasons, sentiment is beginning to shift.</p><p>So why is oilseed rape making a comeback on some farms? What are successful growers doing differently? And can OSR once again become a reliable and profitable break crop in modern arable rotations?</p><p>In this episode, we’re joined by Nigel Padbury from Premium Crops and Dorset farm manager Tom Baker to discuss the latest thinking around OSR establishment, varietal choice, cabbage stem flea beetle management, crop nutrition and rotational strategy.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The Farmers&#39; Choir are through to Britain&#39;s Got Talent finals - but who are the farmers behind the show?

<p>The Farmers&apos; Choir stormed through Britain&apos;s Got Talent semi-finals at weekend, soaring in to the final as possible winners.</p><p>With the whole of the UK&apos;s farming community behind them, the choir hope to spotlight some of the main issues facing agriculture, such as mental health and isolation. The choir was originally set up by Jeremy Clarkson to promote his Hawkstone beer and cider business, but its members found it was a way to get people off the farm.</p><p>In this special podcast, Katie Fallon speaks to Katryna and Ben from the choir to find out more.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Political change: What does it mean for farming?

<p>In the wake of the elections in Wales and Scotland, and the uncertainty over the future of Sir Keir Starmer, Alex Black and Jane Thynne discuss the latest changes in politics and what it means for the agriculture sector.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

From the classroom to the cattle shed - lecturers and students discuss careers in farming

<p>What does a career in agriculture look like in 2026? On this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, students and staff from Myerscough College discuss modern farming careers, college life, the changes in the industry over the recent decades and the opportunities available across the agricultural sector.<br/><br/>A massive thanks to David, Rachael, Molly and Josh for their time and to Myerscough College for hosting us<br/><br/>To learn more about the college, and the courses they offer, visit https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Inside Hexham Auction Mart with Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood | For Flock&#39;s Sake Ep2

<p>Livestock auction marts are a vital cog in keeping the rural community turning, with around 130 active auction marts scattered across the UK. Nowhere is this more evident than in Northumberland, the least densely populated county in England. <br/><br/> In this episode of For Flock’s Sake, the Farmers Guardian podcast championing young voices in farming, hosts Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder sit down with auctioneers Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood from Hexham and Northern Marts in Northumberland. </p><p> </p><p>From breaking into the auctioneering world to building trust and transparency in the ring, Drew and Harrison share their journeys and insights into the job and discuss how marts are evolving, reinvesting, diversifying, and adapting to secure their future, much like the farming businesses they serve. <br/><br/> Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at <a href='mailto:fgsocials@agriconnect.com'>fgsocials@agriconnect.com</a> </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Regen learnings from Duchy of Cornwall &#39;Focus Farmers&#39; | The Farmers Guardian arable special

<p>Join us for our second arable special where Farmers Guardian head of arable, Ash Ellwood, visits Duchy of Cornwall&apos;s Focus Farmers, Heather and Paul Gorringe. Together, they explore the Gorringes&apos; journey from a conventionally plough-based system to a biologically focused, regenerative system - and lessons they are learning along the way through the Focus Farmer programme.<br/> <br/>The Duchy of Cornwall’s regenerative ambitions are brought to life through its seven ‘Focus Farms’, each representing a different landscape and farming system across the estate. The initiative is designed to fast-track progress towards net zero while building a more nature-rich farming future, by trialling innovative practices and technologies.<br/> <br/>At Lower Blakemere Farm, the Gorringes are putting these ideas into action - experimenting with biological inputs, composting systems, nutrient-rich brews, and adapting small-scale regenerative principles for large-scale arable production.<br/> <br/>From Stabiliser cattle and mini trucks to bokashi composting, this episode is packed with practical insights and ideas for every kind of farmer.<br/> <br/>Find out more:<br/>https://www.lowerblakemerefarm.co.uk<br/>https://www.ukminitrucks.co.uk<br/>https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The wool industries fascinating farm to fabric journey

<p>In this week&apos;s Farmers Guardian podcast, we take a look at the wool industry, touching on its diversity and the problems faced within the industry. We are joined with Harriet Fletcher Gilhuys, textiles researcher at Fashion Roundtable who will talk about the Great British Wool Revival and its support for the farm to fabric journey.  </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>