The Farmers Guardian Podcast

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>

&quot;I will not become a grumpy backbencher on the sidelines&quot; - Minette Batters says farewell to NFU presidency

<p>What has it really been like to be the NFU&apos;s first female president? After six years at the top, Minette Batters reflects on the highs and lows of her time in the top job, what the future holds for the union and her biggest worry for the farming industry going forward, as well as her top tips for the next president and why they should keep their distance from social media.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Overcoming grief to raise mental health awareness in farming - Andy and Lynda Eadon on Mind Your Head Week

<p>This week’s podcast is a very special insight into mental health in farming. This week marks the Farm Safety Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign - an initiative to promote mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today.</p><p>So our guests for the podcast are two of the most inspirational people I have had the pleasure of interviewing. They are none other than Warwickshire based farmers Andy and Lynda Eadon. If you haven’t heard of Andy and Lynda’s story, it is a really upsetting journey through pain, grief, tragedy and agony. Their son Leonard Eadon, died on January 1 2022 at the age of 22. Leonard, or Len, had taken his own life.</p><p>His death had shocked the farming community and continues to have reverberations by those who knew and loved him dearly. The Office for National Statistics said 36 farming and agricultural workers in England and Wales had taken their lives during 2021.</p><p>Leonard was a young man who had the world at his feet - he was kind, generous, thoughtful and intelligent -  but unfortunately he felt he could no longer keep living.</p><p>I could never comprehend the pain Andy and Lynda have endured since Leonard’s death.</p><p>It is something they have had to relieve time and time again. </p><p>Losing a child must be one of the most profound and deeply upsetting experiences a human could experience. </p><p>Most people experiencing grief on this scale could have chosen to isolate themselves, to never think, to never hear, and to never discuss the pain of what they went through after losing their son.</p><p>But the work Andy and Lynda have achieved to overcome their grief, to raise awareness of mental health in both young and old farmers, as well as relieving that pain time and again to ensure no other family has to deal with its costly consequences has quite frankly moved many to tears.</p><p>Channeling their own suffering and heartache to connect with farmers - those who have and have not experienced something similar - and to save lives in the process is truly remarkable.</p><p>At the time of recording this podcast on February 13 2024, Andy and Lynda Eadon have helped to raise over £170,000 for mental health charities including the Farming Community Network, The Farm Safety Foundation (also known as Yellow Wellies) and Papyrus - a charity for the prevention of young suicide in the UK. An incredible achievement.</p><p>They also set up Len’s Light - a vision for mental health and the issues affecting farmers and how to positively overcome those feelings - which continues to be a ray of light in the goodness of farmers in the face of adversity. <br/>You might even remember their epic tractor relay tour from John O’Groats to Lands End - a 2,000 mile journey passing through communities in Scotland, Wales and England to ensure the message of positive mental health remains a constant and meaningful message. </p><p>As people, they are always on the move and planning their next step - whether that be discussing mental health with politicians or visiting school children about the importance of maintaining healthy well-being.</p><p>To have gone through the loss they have, but to continue helping others is testament to their character and nature. They are wonderful people. </p><p>And at a time when farmers are facing increased pressure to deliver not only for their business, but for the environment and food production, those working in the industry will undoubtedly face the weight and challenge that brings.</p><p>Working seven days a week, sometimes for over 15 hours, with very little contact in what can be one of the loneliest professions.</p><p>Andy and Lynda are doing all they can to keep the message</p><p>They are hosting several Big Farming tea breaks across the UK to get farmers together to have positive conversations about their health and wellbeing.</p><p>Enjoy the podcast as they discuss the power of conversation and mental health in farming.</p><p><br/><b></b></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

NFU elections: A look at the candidates for 2024

<p>Ahead of this year&apos;s NFU elections, Farmers Guardian&apos;s news and business team spoke to the candidates standing to be president, deputy president and vice-president.  <br/><br/>Tom Bradshaw, David Exwood, Rachel Hallos, Michael Oakes, Thomas Binns, Matt Culley and Mark Jeffrey share their views on Red Tractor, member engagement and diversity.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Eat Wild – bringing game meat into the mainstream

<p>In this week’s Farmers Guardian podcast, Emily Ashworth sits down with Louisa Clutterbuck at Eat Wild – formerly British Game Assurance – to speak about how game meat, from pheasant to venison, is a sustainable option. Through Eat Wild, Louise is looking to bring game meat into the mainstream and educate people on why they should be eating more of it.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

LAMMA SHOW 2024 LIVE: Machinery, careers and more

<p>In this Farmers Guardian podcast episode, we are reporting live from LAMMA Show 2024. You can listen to head of Machinery, Toby Whatley, talk all about the mood at LAMMA and the outlook for the machinery market, while online editor, Emily Ashworth, reports live from the careers zone where this year, for the first time ever, 30 children were brought to the show to learn all about the farming world and what opportunities there are. She caught up with some of our campaign ambassadors and farming influencers Will Roobottom from Cowley Hill Farm, and Bizza Walters, to hear all about their experience taking the students around LAMMA. You will also hear from Jennie Devine, head of education at NFU, about the importance of connecting with kids with farming. And last but certainly not least, Jeremy Gibbs talks about his project Forces Farming and how there is a place for army veterans in agriculture - and it could just benefit your business.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Farmers Guardian Podcast: Rural mental health with Adam Henson

<p>Farmer and BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson talks about rural mental health and the personal reason behind setting up his new rural mental health podcast &apos;Keeping on Track&apos; after losing a farming friend to suicide. He not only talks about the importance of the farming community coming together, but the need to reconnect again with consumers; for the country to value and better understand what farmers do to produce food and look after the land and the ongoing pressures they face each day. He said education at an early age was key to understanding the food we eat and what farmers do and strongly advocates for a GCSE in farming and land use.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The power of diversity and inclusivity in farming

<p>This week’s podcast is a very special insight into diversity and inclusivity in farming from the Oxford Farming Conference. News reporter Chris Brayford sat down with Inclusive Farm co-founder Mike Duxbury and dairy farmer Rory Christie from Dumfries during the conference to discuss the issues surrounding diversity in farming and the positive inroads being made to do even more. Mike, who was registered blind at the age of six-years-old, provided an inspirational key-note speech at the Oxford Farming Conference to showcase how anything can be achieved regardless of your background through hard-work, dedication and support in an industry we call our own. He challenged the industry to do even in an industry where people should be recognised for their commitment, rather than by what they cannot do. The team from Farmers Guardian - including Chris, chief reporter Rachael Brown and editor Olivia Midgley - were all at the conference last week to listen to a jam-packed programme on the power of diversity. We gained reaction and thoughts from farmers and industry leaders who participated in some thought-provoking and challenging debate around the issues impacting diversity in farming. There are still many challenges the industry faces in becoming more diverse - not just its people, but in its thoughts and actions. But we cannot forget the positive steps the farming profession has made in becoming one of the most welcoming and adaptable professions in the world. We should be proud of this industry and the in-roads it is making to learn, adapt and overcome the barriers to farming. We really hope you enjoy this week’s podcast.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Social value: What value do farms and estates add to the community?

<p>Following a CLA survey which looked at the social value provided by its members, Alex Black spoke to Judicaelle Hammond from the CLA, Johnny Wake at Courteenhall Farms, Ellen Francis at Quy Hall Estate and Rachel Rutherford at Northumberland Estates about their role in the local community and the value farms and estates add to rural Britain, which is often overlooked by policymakers and politicians.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Farmer Will&#39;s farming life

<p>Many will know Will Young as Farmer Will, the farming TikTok sensation. His social media has blown up and it has since seen him become of farming&apos;s most loved characters. What is he really passionate about though? In this Farmers Guardian podcast, online editor Emily Ashworth pays Will as visit, to talk about education, family farming and the passion he has for the industry - and showing it for what it really is.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Rural mental health with Adam Henson

<p>Farmer and BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson talks about rural mental health and the personal reason behind setting up his new rural mental health podcast &apos;Keeping on Track&apos; after losing a farming friend to suicide. He not only talks about the importance of the farming community coming together, but the need to reconnect again with consumers; for the country to value and better understand what farmers do to produce food and look after the land and the ongoing pressures they face each day. He said education at an early age was key to understanding the food we eat and what farmers do and strongly advocates for a GCSE in farming and land use.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Christmas with the Red Shepherdess

<p>Hannah Jackson AKA the Red Shepherdess has always been at the forefront, championing farming and all those who work in it. Seven months ago life changed, and Hannah and husband Danny welcomed baby Blake. In this Farmers Guardian Christmas special, online editor Emily Ashworth visits Hannah to talk all about her new role as a mother and the growing farm. And, of course, Hannah&apos;s love of the festive season.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

A view from Agritechnica and look ahead to LAMMA

<p>Farmers Guardian machinery editor Toby Whatley and Agriconnect publisher Ben Briggs report from the German tractor and farm machinery show Agritechnica, which took place in November. Discussing the machinery market, this is a timely look ahead to LAMMA Show, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on January 17-18, 2024.<br/><br/></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Female butcher finds her dream career in butchery

<p>Justine Fulton who is better known as &apos;Rack of Glam&apos; on social media, is pretty new to the butchery industry. Having entered as a novice, she has worked her way up and has found her dream career. In this episode she talks about challenging stereotypes, skills and the need to support local businesses like your butchers in order for them to thrive.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Social media chef Poppy O&#39;Toole aka &#39;The Potato Queen&#39;

<p>Michelin-trained chef Poppy O&apos;Toole known as &apos;The Potato Queen&apos; has become a Tik Tok sensation sharing her absolute love for the humble potato. She gave her top tips for making the best roast potato for your Christmas dinner and explained why she is passionate about supporting farmers and British grown produce, and why buying local and supporting British farmers is so important. And from one Potato Queen to our very own potato king, we also speak to FG&apos;s Cedric Porter to find out what is going on in the potato market right now and how growers are feeling about the year ahead.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The Wool Library: Putting British wool at the heart of the fashion industry

<p>In this Farmers Guardian podcast, livestock reporter, Katie Fallon talks to the founders of The Wool Library, John Atkinson, Maria Benjamin and Zoe Fletcher about their aspirations to champion British wool within the UK&apos;s fashion industry. With a mixture of farming, art and fashion backgrounds John, Maria and Zoe have joined forces to try and create more opportunities for British sheep farmers and their wool products, by developing a greater understanding and awareness of the value of British wool products, within the UK&apos;s fashion industry. We hear their story about setting up The Wool Library, what they hope to achieve through the initiative, and how they hope to further support our Great British sheep farmers.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Remembrance Day special: How one World War II evacuee found a lifetime of happiness on the farm

<p>On September 3, 1939, Great Britain declared war against Germany. A day in British history which will never be forgotten, and a day which changed the life of one little girl from Sunderland. In this Remembrance Day special podcast, our livestock reporter Katie Fallon, sits down with her grandmother, Norma Earnshaw, to reminisce on her childhood during the war and how her experiences as an evacuee went onto shape the course of her life. Now age 89, Norma reflects on the role the Second World War played in leading her to a life on the farm, which became not only a job, but a way of life.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Muller&#39;s chief executive, Rob Hutchison

<p>UK dairy industry is going through an unsettling period. The environment for UK dairy farmers is changing at a rapid pase with increased investment demands from regulation and a noticeable decline in sector confidence, it is why Muller’s chief executive says milk output can &apos;no longer be taken for granted&apos; and why they are closely monitoring future supply. Our chief reporter Rachael Brown sat down with Rob Hutchison to talk about Muller’s sustainability plan going forward, export markets and the need to ensure new entrants in the dairy sector are here to stay.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Diversification - what are your options and how can you make a success of it?

<p>In this Farmers Guardian podcast, features editor Emily Ashworth talks to Anna from Canalside Farm in Staffordshire about the family farm&apos;s diversification. For over 40 years, the family have built their various award-winning businesses up which include a farm shop, café and PYO experiences. We also speak to Brian Richardson, head of agriculture at Virgin Money, who gives us his top tips on finance and money, and talks about diversification trends.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

British Pasture Leather: From field to fashion

<p>Highlighting the journey from the heart of the countryside to the fashion world, British Pasture Leather founders Alice Robinson and Sara Grady talk to Farmers Guardian about their passion for sustainably produced leather from regenerative farms.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>