The Farmers Guardian Podcast

Open Farm Sunday: Thrimby Farm welcomes the public on-farm

<p>Over 170,000 people flocked to more than 250 farms around the UK on Open Farm Sunday. Alex Black visited Matthew and Dani Blair at Thrimby Farm in Cumbria, best known for their appearance on BBC&apos;s This Farming Life, as they opened up the gates to the public on June 11.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

False claims on red meat: why is an inaccurate report published in high profile medical journals influencing policy 4 years on?

<p>Farmers Guardian&apos;s Rachael Brown sat down with Professor Alice Stanton to talk about her continued campaign to remove incorrect claims around excessive red meat consumption and why farmers more than ever need to be supported by the government to produce sustainable red meat.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Land Girls: How thousands of women saved farming during WW2

<p>In this week’s podcast, Farmers Guardian’s head of news and business, Alex Black, speaks to FG’s features editor, Emily Ashworth, about her brand-new book all about the Women’s Land Army. These women - over 200,000 from 1939 to 1950 - took the place of men away at war and worked the land in Britain’s countryside to ensure food production did not cease. They were not, however, recognised, and in this new book, through a collection of Land Girl memoirs, Emily hopes to sine a whole new light on a force of women who deserve to go down in farming history. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Over the Farm Gate presents: At home with Milly Fyfe

<p>In this month&apos;s episode of the Farmers Guardian&apos;s At Home With series, hosted by Features Editor Emily Ashworth, Milly Fyfe talks about her brand new e-cookery book, No Fuss Meals For Busy Parents. You will no doubt have heard of Milly - she is a true advocate for the farming industry and in her book she encourages people to seek out local, British produce. Not only does this benefit our health, it benefits UK farmers and local jobs, communities and people.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Tom the young farmer - BBC Radio One, YFC and his new life in New Zealand

<p>Most of you will probably know Tom Everall as Tom the young farmer, a name that stuck after multiple appearances on BBC Radio One with renowned DJ, Greg James. Tom now writes a monthly blog for Farmers Guardian, after heading off on his travels to New Zealand. In this episode, Features Editor Emily Ashworth talks to Tom all about farm life on the other side of the world, his passion for Young Farmers and how travelling has reignited his passion for farming back home. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Mental Health Awareness Week: Dan Goodwin shares why he took a break from farming to protect his mental health

<p>During Mental Health awareness week, Farmers Guardian&apos;s Rachael Brown sat down with Dan Goodwin, an arable farmer and Farm Safety Foundation ambassador, to talk about why he took a break from farming to prioritise his mental health and the news and business team give their reaction to this week&apos;s Farm to Fork Summit at Downing Street. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Bovine TB: Lesley Griffiths discusses the situation in Wales

<p>Farmers on the Welsh border are feeling frustrated and like they are not being listened to by Welsh Government on bovine TB, with no light at the end of the tunnel. Farmers Guardian’s Rachael Brown put farmers’ concerns to Rural Affairs and North Wales Minister Lesley Griffiths.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Coronation Special: The King of the countryside

<p>Ahead of the celebrations for the coronation on May 6, Farmers Guardian’s Alex Black and Ben Briggs discuss King Charles III and his passion for the farming community and we hear from the Prince&apos;s Countryside Fund, founded by His Majesty in order to protect and support rural communities.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Labour policies and Great British Beef Week: Adding value to beef and Daniel Zeichner talks bTB and right to roam

<p>With the local elections looming next week and Labour well ahead in the national polls, FG&apos;s new chief reporter Rachael Brown spoke to Shadow Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner about his farming priorities and in Great British Beef Week, senior livestock reporter Hannah Morgan and Jilly Greed look back at the early days of the campaign</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Avian Influenza: Housing measures lifted but biosecurity remains paramount

<p>Farmers Guardian&apos;s livestock reporter Katie Fallon talks with the UK&apos;s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss following the lifting of mandatory housing measures placed on bird keepers in England to prevent Avian Influenza. </p><p>With the virus over-summering for first time ever across Europe and the UK, it created an unprecedented situation with over 330 cases recorded since October 2021. </p><p>While housing measures have been lifted, the risk of infection still remains and biosecurity within both large commercial sites and small backyard flocks is key to preventing further outbreaks. </p><p>Both industry and government are keeping a close eye on the status of the virus over the coming months, as ongoing spread and infection could potentially lead to the Avian Influenza becoming endemic within the UK&apos;s bird population. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

From NHS children&#39;s nurse to farmer: one woman&#39;s journey into agriculture

<p>Chloe Lucas was formerly a children&apos;s nurse, but when the pandemic hit, she found herself under a new unimaginable pressure. After taking some time off, she found a new passion for the outdoors and eventually for farming. Here she speaks to features editor Emily Ashworth about her change of career and why she thinks the industry is full of opportunities.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Easter special: Lamb sales boost and recipe tips for the perfect feast

<p>In a Good Friday special, Alex Black speaks to HCC&apos;s Rachael Madeley-Davies about the lamb markets and farmer Ed Swan about sales ahead of the holiday while cookbook author gives her top tips on creating an Easter feast</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

FG Take the Lead: Dog attacks causing misery for sheep farmers

<p>With spring in the air and tourists getting ready to head to the countryside for their Easter holidays meaning farmers are on high alert for dog attacks, Alex Black speaks to Lake District farmer Rachel Tennant about the impact of livestock worrying on her flock and Alice Dyer looks at the latest progress on gene editing.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Safe farm, safe driver, safe vehicle: Simple ways to keep safe on farm

<p>Incidents involving vehicles are the number one cause of death on British farms, killing 48 people in the past five years. Alex Black spoke to the Health and Safety Executive as they launch a new campaign highlighting the simple changes farmers can make to stay safe on farm.</p><p>Working with Work Right (a campaign by the Health and Safety Executive), we want to make 2023 a safer year on British farms.</p><p>For more on the campaign, visit <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/agriculture/'>https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/cam... </a></p><p>And for more on #FarmingCAN, visit <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.fginsight.com/farmingcan/farmingcan'>https://www.fginsight.com/farmingCAN</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Beef fraud and farmland birds

<p>Farmers Guardian’s news team talk about the latest in the food fraud scandal of South American beef being branded as British at a UK supermarket and Olivia Midgley speaks to RSPB chief executive Beccy Speight about farming policy and leaving land for nature </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

National Careers Week: Farming in London and celebrating FG&#39;s new editor

<p>It’s National Careers Week, and the agricultural industry has a lot to offer those looking for a rewarding career.</p><p>Farmers Guardian’s new editor Olivia Midgley speaks about her plans for the magazine and her career to date and Tom Davis, manager of Mudchute farm in the heart of East London tells us about his experience of coming into the industry from a non-farming background. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

One year on: How has the Ukraine war affected UK farming?

<p>The invasion of Ukraine in 2022 affected every sector of the agriculture industry in the UK. Farmers Guardian&apos;s Alex Black and Cedric Porter discuss the impact of the war and grain analyst Rupert Somerscales discusses the ups and downs of the grain markets since the war began.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Stirling bull sales roundup: How have the early pedigree sales faired in the current strong beef market

<p>In this week’s episode senior livestock reporter Hannah Park catches up breed society representatives after the first and second round of Stirling bull sales earlier this month. After what looked to be a strong start to the pedigree trade for the year, we ask whether the current strong beef trade has extended to the pedigree market and what the trade means for the pedigree sales coming up later in the year.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

How to save money on your farm energy bills

<p>FG’s deputy editor Olivia Midgley speaks to Knight Frank&apos;s Mark Topcliff and NFU Energy&apos;s Jon Swain for their top tips on how farmers can save money on their energy bills. From something as simple as cleaning out your buildings&apos; fans to make them more efficient, to which renewable energy technology is the best fit for your business. Plus, with planning barriers expected to be relaxed to help the country meet its net zero targets, it might be the perfect time to look at installing a wind turbine. We also bring you the latest on the solar energy market, an update on batter storage and advice on renegotiating your energy tariff.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Dog attack spotlight: New laws in the pipeline would give police more power

<p>Dog attacks on livestock take their toll on everybody involved and sadly it is an issue that continues to plight the countryside. </p><p>In this episode Hannah Park speaks to Wales rural and wildlife police crime co-ordinator Rob Taylor who outlines what new laws could mean for those affected. He explains how these would give police more powers when it comes to dealing with dog owners who repeatedly allow their dogs to chase livestock, including tougher penalties and putting restrictions on dog ownership. </p><p>We were also joined by Nicola Noble at the National Sheep Association, a body that continues to bang the drum for change through evidence gathering and lobbying for a change to the law. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Debunking agriculture&#39;s greatest myths with charity Farming Help

<p>British farmers work to some of the highest standards in the world. But media reports and activists can paint farmers in a negative light, holding them accountable for global issues and at times representing them unfairly.</p><p>New research by the Farming Community Network has shown how a lack of public understanding and appreciation for farming can contribute to mental ill-health.</p><p>This session will debunk some of the popular myths that surround farming, giving farmers the opportunity to highlight the many ways there protecting the environment and the enormous work that goes into providing high-quality animal welfare. It will also showcase how agriculture is an industry that welcomes people from different backgrounds, including those taking their first steps into this challenging, but immensely rewarding way of life. This talked is chaired by Farming Community Network&apos;s Alex Phillimore, Addington Fund&apos;s Annie Winn and the guest speakers are Andrew Ward, Anna Longthorpe and Will Roobottom</p><p>Farming Help</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.farminghelp.co.uk/'>https://www.farminghelp.co.uk/</a></p><p>Farming Community Network</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://fcn.org.uk/'>https://fcn.org.uk/</a></p><p>Addington Fund</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/'>https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Over the Farm Gate presents: At home with...Family farm blogger Beth Withers AKA Tractors and Tweed

<p>In this month&apos;s At Home With episode, Farmers Guardian features editor Emily Ashworth speaks with Beth Withers - or as everyone may know here, the force behind popular Instagram blog Tractors and Tweed. With three young children, Beth documents what daily life is like running a farm and bringing up three young boys. Here Here she talks all things motherhood, life on farm and the the delicate balance of it all. </p><p>Watch the video on youtube: <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://youtu.be/ahRrElX5Yws'>https://youtu.be/ahRrElX5Yws</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

ELM changes: Farming Minister Mark Spencer lays out Defra’s plans

<p>Alex Black spoke to Farming Minister Mark Spencer about the latest changes to the Environmental Land Management scheme and his role being the voice of the farmer within Defra</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

#FarmingCAN be a pillar of support

<p>Hannah Park and Emily Ashworth shine a light on some of the fantastic support networks and initiatives in the rural sector which are available to people should they need it with. Join them as they welcome guests Alex Phillimore at the Farming Community Network, a charity at the heart of the rural community providing support in many forms and Sheena Horna, one of the founders of #Run1000 – an initiative set up three years ago to inspire people to get moving and experience the benefits this can have on mental wellbeing in January while raising money for worthy rural charities. </p><p>Farming Community Network</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://fcn.org.uk/'>https://fcn.org.uk/</a></p><p>#Run1000</p><p><a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://www.run1000.org/'>https://www.run1000.org/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Inside the LAMMA Show

<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

A look back at 2022

<p>Alex Black remembers the key events of 2022 with NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw and takes a look at the farmland market and the trends for the year ahead with Savills&apos; Charlie Paton.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Over the Farm Gate presents: At home with Doodling Lucy; All things art, rural life and British farming

<p>The next episode in our &apos;At Home With&apos; series is all about art, country life, women and business with Lucy Gray AKA Doodling Lucy. With over 15,000 followers on Instagram, Lucy has seen her rural based art business blossom, especially after deciding to dedicate herself to it throughout Lockdown. But this is much more than just art, because Lucy is using her platform to highlight mental health, sustainability and champion farming and the rural community. </p><p>You can see what Lucy gets up to on her instagram @doodlinglucy5 or visit her website to find out more <a rel='noreferrer noopener' target='_blank' href='https://doodlinglucy.com/'>https://doodlinglucy.com/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Nuffield Farming Conference special

<p>FG editor Ben Briggs reflects on November’s Nuffield Farming Conference, which FG was media partners for. He speaks to former Nuffield scholars, current scholars and organisers of the amazing event in Cardiff and ask them what Nuffield means to them, why people should apply and what makes a good presentation.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Wild and free – the farms opening their gates to city kids

<p>For some children, the chance to run wild and free in a big grassy field, is a far-off dream they might never experience. Disadvantaged urban living is leaving many children around the UK with a poverty of experience, particularly when it comes to nature. One charity and its farmers are trying to change that though. Jez Fredenburgh speaks to Mary Hext at The Country Trust, which takes thousands of children a year to visit farms, and Michael Gent, a host farmer in Northamptonshire, about why sharing the countryside with the children is so rewarding. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>

Christmas in the countryside: festive traditions, family and cooking the perfect turkey

<p>Christmas is coming and in this Over the Farm Gate episode, Farmers Guardian&apos;s features editor, Emily Ashworth, gets a whole rounded look at the festivities going on in the rural community this season. First up is Matt Slack, a fifth-generation butcher from Doncaster. He has taken the business into a new, modern world by taking to Tik Tok and has over 100,000 followers. But what are people buying this Christmas? And what is the best way to cook a turkey? We also hear from farming and family blogger Beth Withers. She has three young children, so what is Christmas on farm like for them? </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206410/fan_mail/new">Message us</a></p>