The Farmers Guardian Podcast

Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan Christmas special - farming, future plans and festive feasts

<p>In this Christmas in the Countryside special with Harriet Cowan, Emily Ashworth visits Clarkson&apos;s Farm star Harriet Cowan at her farm in Derbyshire, to find out about Harriet&apos;s farming life, her newfound stardom and what her farming future looks like. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Strong beef prices and bluetongue restrictions: A look back at 2025 at the marts

<p>As 2025 draws to a close, Alex Black speaks to auctioneers Joe Bowman, Hywel Evans and LAA’s Zanna Dennis about the trade over the past year, the impact of bluetongue on trade and expectations for 2026.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Regen special - changing methods to suit your individual farming business is key

<p>In this regenerative farming special, Farmers Guardian regen blogger Silas Headley-Lawrence talks about farmers who have changed practices and seen the benefits in both their land and their finances</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

What &#39;Dairy Data Warehouse&#39; has learned from the last 12 years working with dairy data

<p>A one-off special episode brought to you by the Dairy Data Warehouse (DDW) explores how data, technology, and collaboration are reshaping the future of dairy farming. Fernando Mazeris, Managing Director of Dairy Data Warehouse, joins us to unpack what 12 years of working with one of the world’s largest dairy datasets has revealed. We discuss how consistent data drives better decision-making, the shift from reactive to predictive herd management, and how breaking down industry silos can accelerate progress toward sustainability. Together, we examine what the next decade of artificial intelligence and data innovation means for farmers, consultants and the wider dairy value chain, and how smarter insights can help build a more resilient and sustainable industry.</p><p><br/></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Autumn Budget: What farmers need to know

<p>Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves&apos; Autumn Budget last week, Jane Thynne and Alex Black discuss what the change to spousal allowances means, speak to one of the farmers arrested at the Budget day protest and look at what happens next on Inheritance Tax</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

LIVE SPECIAL: Tractors blockade London and farmers arrested at Budget day protests

<p>Olivia Midgley and Jane Thynne report live from London as farmers descended on the capital in tractors despite an eleventh hour announcement from the Metropolitan Police that vehicles including tractors would not be allowed. But, with the Chancellor only making a small concession on Inheritance Tax changes in the Autumn Budget, what is next for the countryside’s biggest campaign?</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Students urge University of Nottingham to rethink agriculture courses suspension

<p>Following news that the University of Nottingham has suspended its agriculture courses, alongside a number of other degrees, Alex Black and Jane Thynne speak to students Herbert Pickford and Daisy Barrington-Phillips about what this means for students, the University and farming as a whole.</p><p>Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/save-agriculture-at-the-university-of-nottingham?recruiter=1394467878&amp;recruited_by_id=45aa1b10-bbeb-11f0-a6a7-553eee773799&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_campaign=starter_onboarding_share_personal&amp;utm_medium=copylink</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

EXCLUSIVE: British manufacturing stalwart Lord Bamford on JCB&#39;s future fuel ambitions

<p>In the global pantheon of industrial pioneers, few figures loom as large over British manufacturing as Lord Anthony Bamford. At 80, the chairman of JCB remains a titan of engineering ingenuity and a powerful advocate for British agriculture – particularly family farms. The Bamford story is one of relentless innovation and the family&apos;s investment in hydrogen combustion is testament to that. Machinery editor Toby Whatley speaks to Lord Bamford in this exclusive podcast.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Reflection on bluetongue season after legislation lifts

<p>This weeks podcast is supported by Virbac, discussing all things bluetongue. Following the lift of bluetongue rules this week, we reflect with industry experts on the disease prevalence and look ahead to next year and rule changes that livestock farmers are wanting.</p><p>Kate Ingram from Virbac joins up to discuss the role the vaccine plays in protecting livestock and what the uptake has been across the UK flock.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

One-year on: Where does the industry stand on IHT?

<p>Farmers Guardian&apos;s Alex Black and Jane Thynne are joined by farmer Ben Aveling to discuss the past 12 months, the impact of the reforms to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property relief on farm businesses and whether there is any prospect of changes being made.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

AHDB&#39;s Emily Norton on why she is determined to show Westminster what farmers can do

<p>This week we meet Emily Norton, the new chair of AHDB. Emily discusses her career to date and how she intends to use her time at the levy board to rebuild farmer confidence.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

A Ripping Yarn - The future fortunes of the British wool industry

<p>This week, to mark Wool Month, FG&apos;s Alex Black and Katie Fallon discuss the future fortunes of the British wool industry<br/><br/>We also have a short chat with Alice Lennox from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Party conferences: What was in discussion about farming?

<p>Farmers Guardian&apos;s news and business team discuss the Labour, Lib Dem, Conservative and Reform UK party conferences, what was being discussed about agriculture and farmers&apos; messages to Sir Keir Starmer.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Being Amanda Owen: &quot;I grew up with farming on a pedestal; farmers were guardians of the landscape&quot;

<p>Most of the country will know of Amanda Owen, the shepherdess who lives in the hills of the Yorkshire with nine children in tow, having watched them grow as a family over the years on popular TV programme, Our Yorkshire Farm. In this special episode, Amanda talks to Emily Ashworth, FG&apos;s digital editor, about the future of hill farming, family life and the importance of farming education in schools.  </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Inspirational diversification projects and a look at the opportunities in renewables

<p>Farmers Guardian’s news and business team discuss the best diversification projects they have reported on, a look at the current landscape for new farm enterprises and Bidwells’ Chris Thyer discusses the opportunities and challenges for solar and wind on-farm</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Regen farming - driven by farmers or by business?

<p>This week the FG team discuss the pros and cons of regenerative farming and whether it can boost the bottom line. We also chat to Kayleigh Robb a first gen farmer who has taken on a 10-year regen tenancy.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

New Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds and Reform UK conference: What does it mean for farming?

<p>Following the reshuffle which saw Emma Reynolds take the reins at Defra, Farmers Guardian&apos;s news team discuss the new team, what it means for farming and what we learned from the Reform UK conference.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

The Clarkson effect: Is it real and what has he really done for farming?

<p>In this Clarkson&apos;s Farm special, the FG team discuss what Jeremy Clarkson has really done for agriculture. Many applaud him for his ability to communicate the truth, and after another successful series of Clarkson&apos;s Farm, are people listening to him?</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Water focus: Challenges and opportunities for farmers amidst extreme weather

<p>In this week&apos;s Farmers Guardian podcast, the FG news and business team talk all things water. From the impact of extreme weather on farmers&apos; mental health to 2025&apos;s dry weather so far and a look at the challenges and opportunities that water brings for farms.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

A look at the pig sector and how a new scheme is providing an opportunity for farmers looking to diversify into finishing pigs

<p>The pig industry has faced some considerable challenges over the last few years due to market volatility and rising costs of production, but as Heidi Dekker-Woljung and Mark Jagger, of integrated supply chain specialist Pilgrim’s Europe, point out there is now good reason to be optimistic about the sector.</p><p>The industry is now showing good opportunities for farmers looking to innovate and diversify their income through pig finishing, and Pilgrim’s Europe’s new scheme aims to support farmers in doing just this.  </p><p>In this podcast we hear how the scheme has been designed to help new, and existing producers, to create a sustainable and profitable business for the long-term.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Harvest wins and woes and arable sector outlook

<p>Join Ash Ellwood, head of arable, and machinery reporter James Huyton to discuss all things harvest. From weather woes to new plant genetics, we explore the challenges and offerings of this year&apos;s harvest.</p><p>We also speak with mixed arable and poultry farmer Will Oliver, who farms just over 800 hectares in Leicestershire, to hear about his harvest and his thoughts on the industry&apos;s future. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

24 Hours in Farming: A beef and arable farmer&#39;s view | #farm24

<p>In this #farm24 special, ambassador Amy Wilkinson hosts this 24 Hours in Farming episode and talks about Inheritance Tax and the possible outcome, and how on her farm at home the beef business is going well, but it is quite the opposite on the arable side. But how does all of this impact consumers and do they understand? </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell - Building a sustainable farming business: &quot;We need to get MPs out on farms&quot;

<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 what a sustainable farming future really looks like, and how to achieve it. Some of last year&apos;s panellists join us once again to talk about getting MP&apos;s on farm and how sustainable farming systems can benefit you financially.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Michelin star chef Tom Aikens: &quot;It will be eye opening for people to connect with farmers and see what it takes to produce food&quot;

<p>Tom Aikens was the youngest British chef to receive two Michelin stars, and is a huge advocate for farming - what he can&apos;t grow himself, he sources from British farmers for his restaurants. This year, for the first time ever, Tom is our #farm24 chef ambassador, meaning more than ever 24 Hours in Farming can reach more members of the public.  </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell - Feeding the nation and making it healthy: Why aren&#39;t British farmers seen as part of the solution?

<p>The NHS, the health of the nation and the role farmers play in providing food for the public sector is a hot topic of conversation, and in this episode, which is part of a special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, we look at the connection between farmers, food and health. How can we get more British produce in hospitals and schools? Does the country&apos;s shopping habits need to change? Do farming methods change the nutritional value of food? Ed Brown, head of farming at WildFarmed, Rosa Holt, a nutritionist and Emily Linton, a vet, discuss all of this.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Farm safety special: “Your farm will be here longer than you, so take your time”

<p>This week’s podcast is a farm safety special in conjunction with Lantra, recorded live from the Royal Welsh Show. Digital editor Emily Ashworth speaks to Stephanie Berkeley from Yellow Wellies, farmer Ioan Humphreys and Lantra’s Clegg Bamber about the impact farm safety has on people and businesses</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell - Net Zero: Beyond the buzzword - &#39;Simple management changes can help improve your carbon footprint massively&#39;

<p>This episode discusses the industry&apos;s net zero target and how farming can be seen as a leader in this mission.</p><p>McDonalds Progressive Young Farmer Herbert Pickford, Map of Ag&apos;s sustainability lead Caroline Hope and consultant Chris Manley dive into how farmers are showcasing net zero practices on farm already, but also how data, technology and collaboration will collectively help to drive agriculture towards a state of net zero.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Welsh Government launches SFS scheme

<p>The Farmers Guardian news team discuss the newly launched Sustainable Farming Scheme, what it means for Welsh farming plus thoughts from FUW&apos;s Ian Rickman, NFU Cymru&apos;s Abi Reader and Plaid Cymru&apos;s Llyr Gruffydd</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

On Air at Groundswell - Building resilient farming systems: people, financial stability and policies that work for farmers

<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 resilience, and that comes in many forms, from financial resilience to futureproofing farming&apos;s labour workforce with new people. To delve into this topic, we are joined by farmer Jonathan Hockley, agronomist Louise Penn and agronomist Ben Allard. </p><p>Brought to you by  @_TheSSFF  <br/>https://www.schoolofsustainablefoodandfarming.org/</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Groundswell special - &quot;Regen is a broad term and that is part of the problem - what does it really mean?&quot;

<p>The Farmers Guardian team recorded this week&apos;s podcast live from Groundswell 2025. In this episode you will hear from a variety of people including the team at Lannock Farm who host Groundswell and talk about their farming systems. Well-known charity Jamie&apos;s Farm is also featured, with founder Jamie Fielden talking about his roundtable discussion with HRH Prince William, around farming&apos;s impact on mental health.</p><p>There&apos;s also an interesting chat with English Willow and finally, a discussion with the Royal Countryside Fund about the importance of building resilient communities and part of that means building resilient farming practices. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>