R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Today on the All In series of the R2Kast I was joined by Nicholas Duffy 🎙️ The series where we share the stories of people with no ties to food or farming but who still have something powerful to say about life, ambition and what drives them 🌍Nick, who goes by the pen name Nicholas the Poodle, is an author, traveller and teacher from Massachusetts now living and working in Qingdao, China. We spoke about how the name came about, the meaning behind it, and how it’s helped him grow as a writer 📚We chatted about his books, five of them so far, that range from young adult fiction to poetry and how he wants to write stories that people actually want to read, not ones they feel they have to. He’s got a real creative energy about him and it’s clear he loves what he does ✏️We also spoke about teaching English across the world and how that’s taken him from Laos to Chile, California and now China. It was great hearing his take on what living here’s really like, the respect and patience in the culture, and how he’s learning Mandarin bit by bit 🇨🇳One of my favourite parts was when Nick talked about the way writing connects people, not just through words but through how we listen and understand each other. It’s that same energy I see in teaching too and it made for a really honest and thoughtful chat 🌱A proper conversation about life, learning and seeing the world with open eyesEnjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Annie Landless onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Annie works on a 600 acre organic mixed farm in the Cotswolds where she manages everything from veg boxes to beef cattle and pigs. Her passion for regenerative systems shines through as she talks about herbal lays, mob grazing, and the importance of soil health. 🌱🐄🐝We explore Annie’s journey from a family farm with a reputation for organic beef to her current role at Harnhill. She shares how bread and sourdough brought her back into farming and how her interest in good food links directly with the way she now grows grain for local mills and bakers. 🍞🌾Annie also reveals her love for beekeeping, a skill passed down from her aunt, and how she finds peace in the company of thousands of buzzing bees. We dive into how she balances farming with communications and marketing, and even touch on her McGregor roots with a family story that may link her to the outlaw Rob Roy. 🐝🍯🏴It is a conversation full of heritage, humour, and hope for a future shaped by regenerative thinking and community connections.Enjoy! 😊#AnnieLandless #OrganicFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #MixedFarming #MobGrazing #PastureForLife #MarketGarden #VegBoxes #CotswoldsFarming #Beekeeping #Sourdough #LocalFoodSystems #FarmToFork #HerbalLays #SouthwestGrainNetwork #CommunityFarming #SustainableFood #FamilyFarms #BeefLady #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is Alex Gray! 🎙️ A lecturer in agriculture, countryside management, and horticulture, Alex is passionate about breaking down the silos in rural education. 🌳📚We talk about his background in ecology and farming, and how those two worlds—often seen as opposites—can come together through regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. Alex shares how he is rolling out new systems at Brooksby College that get agriculture students, ecologists, and horticulture students working on the same land. 🌱👨‍🏫Our conversation explores the need for holistic land stewardship education, how New Zealand provides inspiration, and why young people should learn about ecosystems before specialising. It is a powerful discussion about the future of rural learning and how we prepare the next generation. 🌍✨Enjoy! 😊#AlexGray #Agroforestry #RegenerativeAgriculture #RuralEducation #EcologyAndFarming #LandStewardship #BrooksbyCollege #SustainableFarming #HolisticLearning #AgriEducation #AgriFuture #SoilHealth #AgriStudents #RuralSkills #EducationInnovation #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I welcome Bryce Cunningham onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ An organic dairy farmer from Ayrshire, Bryce is flying the flag for Ayrshire cows and sustainable systems. 🐄🥛At Mossgiel Organic Farm, Bryce has built a cow-with-calf system that keeps mothers and calves together for up to eight months. He also runs a dairy business delivering across Scotland, works with other organic farms, and has even added a bakery and coffee shop with no ultra-processed ingredients. 🍞☕We talk about history too—how Robert Burns once farmed on the same land and how Ayrshire cows connect past and present. From heritage to modern challenges, Bryce shares his belief in doing things differently while building a future for the family farm. 🌱✨Enjoy! 😊#BryceCunningham #MossgielFarm #OrganicDairy #CowWithCalf #AyrshireCows #SustainableFarming #OrganicMilk #ScottishFarming #LocalFood #FarmInnovation #HeritageFarming #FoodTransparency #NoUltraProcessed #FarmCooperative #FarmingFuture #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Tom Newbury onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A new entrant farmer, butcher, and tree surgeon, Tom embodies the many routes into agriculture. 🌳🥩Tom shares how a childhood love of farming never left him, even though his family had no farming background. From early days “helping” on local smallholdings to finding his way through butchery and beyond, his path shows the grit and passion needed to carve out a future in food and farming. 💪🌾We talk about his journey into land, the challenges of getting started, and how resilience and adaptability shape every step. It is the very spirit of what R2Kast was built on—stories of how people find their way into this sector. 🌍✨Enjoy! 😊#TomNewbury #NewEntrantFarmer #Butchery #TreeSurgery #RoutesIntoFarming #FirstGenFarmer #UKFarming #AgriLife #AgriResilience #YoungFarmers #FoodAndFarming #AgriJourney #SustainableFarming #FarmDreams #FarmingPassion #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is Tom Martin! 🎙️ Known for vibrant shirts and even brighter ideas, Tom joins me to talk about his decade in farming and the unexpected paths that led him here. 👕🌾Farming is Tom’s fourth career, and he reflects on how much has changed in just ten years. Practices once seen as “howling at the moon” are now mainstream, and he asks what today’s wild ideas will look normal a decade from now. 🌙➡️☀️We talk about identity in farming, how a farm can reflect the personality of the farmer, and why curiosity matters. Along the way there is humour, honesty, and plenty of chat about shirts. 👔✨It is a conversation about embracing change, enjoying the journey, and celebrating individuality in agriculture. 🌱Enjoy! 😊#TomMartin #FarmingJourney #RegenerativeAgriculture #AgriShirts #FutureFarming #FarmIdentity #AgriChange #FarmingInnovation #RuralStories #AgriLife #FarmersOfUK #FarmingPassion #SustainableFuture #AgriCommunity #AgriCulture #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I sit down with Iain Riddell! 🎙️ After nearly 45 years with SRUC, Iain reflects on a career that saw him advise farmers through countless reforms, challenges, and opportunities. 👨‍🌾📖We talk about how consultancy has evolved—from free advisory services in the early days to today’s scheme-driven pressures—and the constant truth that farming is never without challenge. Iain shares stories of Elgin, Stonehaven, and St Boswell’s, and how Scottish agriculture has changed through decades of policy shifts. 🇬🇧🌾Now semi-retired, Iain has turned his attention to hemp, exploring new uses and opportunities in a crop that just keeps surprising him. 🌿It is a conversation about continuity, change, and the deep relationships that make agriculture so rewarding. 🌱✨Enjoy! 😊#IainRiddell #SRUC #FarmAdvisory #AgriculturalConsultancy #ScottishFarming #CommonAgriculturalPolicy #FarmingHistory #FarmSupport #RegenerativeCrops #HempFarming #RuralScotland #AgriPolicy #SustainableFarming #AgriInnovation #FarmingJourney #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I welcome Tim May onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A fourth-generation farmer from Hampshire, Tim has transformed Kingsclere Estate into something far beyond a traditional farm. 🌾We hear how his Nuffield Scholarship inspired him to shift from 100 percent arable into a mixed regenerative system, bringing livestock back and building a network of partners rather than employees. Tim shares his vision of farming as a platform for multiple businesses—from roaming dairies and hens to rental units and food ventures. 🐄🐓Our conversation dives into PitchUp, his innovative way of inviting entrepreneurs onto the farm to co-create circular economies. Tim speaks with honesty about change, family legacy, and the challenge of redefining what a farm can be. 🌍It is a story of reinvention, resilience, and bold thinking about the future of food and land use. 🌱✨Enjoy! 😊#TimMay #KingsclereEstate #PitchUp #RegenerativeFarming #MixedFarming #CircularEconomy #FarmInnovation #NuffieldScholar #FarmDiversification #FarmerLedChange #AgriBusiness #SoilHealth #RuralInnovation #FarmingFuture #PartnershipFarming #FoodSecurity #UKFarming #AgriTech #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Lee-Anne Oliver onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A farm vet based near Hexham, Lee-Anne has built her own practise while balancing the pressures and joys of working with livestock and rural communities. 🐄🐑We hear how she graduated in 2007, worked across farm animal practice, and eventually took the leap to run her own business. Lee-Anne speaks honestly about the realities of being a farm vet, from calving cows at two in the morning to supporting families as much as animals. She reflects on generational change, community bonds, and why resilience is as much about people as it is about medicine. 💉👩‍⚕️Our conversation also covers the challenges in the veterinary profession today, from graduate support and corporate buyouts to work-life balance and the emotional weight of caring for clients. Lee-Anne shares why she still loves her role, how seasons shape her outlook, and why the future of large animal practice needs the right mix of passion and protection. 🌦️❤️A heartfelt, powerful chat about the human side of veterinary work in agriculture.Enjoy! 😊#LeeAnneOliver #FarmVet #VeterinaryLife #LivestockCare #CattleAndSheep #VetPractise #RuralCommunity #AgProfessionals #VetChallenges #WorkLifeBalance #FarmingFamilies #VetSupport #AgSector #FarmAnimalHealth #GenerationalChange #VetLeadership #ResilientCommunities #VetStories #R2Kast #PeopleInAg #SeasonalLife #VetResilience #RuralVet #FarmVetLife #AgPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I welcome Glen Barclay onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A journalist with The Scottish Farmer and vice chair of SAYFC communications, Glen has a story that blends timber contracting, football sidelines, and rural journalism in a way few could imagine. 🌲⚽We hear how growing up in a timber family gave him a grounding in rural life before he found himself sitting on the bench as a substitute goalkeeper with a notebook, writing match reports. That passion for words eventually took him to Australia, where he worked with the Central Coast Mariners during the time Usain Bolt tried his hand at football. 📰🌏Glen shares how Covid left him stranded abroad, how journalism became his calling, and why stripping opinion out of agricultural reporting is one of the toughest parts of his work. He also reflects on history, from Russian revolutions to family forestry, and how those roots keep him connected to the land. 🌳📖A brilliant chat with someone who is shaping agricultural media while still keeping a love of sport and heritage at his core.Enjoy! 😊#GlenBarclay #ScottishFarmer #YoungFarmers #JournalismInAg #TimberRoots #FootballStories #CentralCoastMariners #UsainBoltFootball #CovidJourneys #RuralLife #FamilyFarming #StorytellingInAg #MediaAndFarming #HistoryLover #SoilToSport #AustralianAdventure #PodcastLife #R2Kast #ScotAgStories #YouthInAg #CommsAndMarketing #AgJournalism #FarmingCommunity #CulturalJourneys #PeopleInAg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Niels Corfield onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A consultant, educator, and soil enthusiast, Niels has become one of the leading voices in regenerative agriculture across the UK. 🌱🌍We hear how he grew up in a scientific household, moved through IT and tech work, then found his way back to land through plant nurseries and adult education. That shift led him to become a trainer in soil health, running field sessions where farmers literally put spades in the ground to understand structure, rooting depth, and infiltration. 🪱🌿Niels speaks with me about beating the weather, why dry soils are harder to manage than wet ones, and how monitoring on more than 250 farms has given him clear patterns to share with the industry. He explains what healthy soil really looks like and why practical, hands-on learning is the best way to engage farmers of all kinds. 🌦️🚜An inspiring conversation for anyone interested in resilience, climate, and the future of food.Enjoy! 😊#NielsCorfield #SoilHealth #RegenerativeAgriculture #BeatingTheWeather #SpadeTest #SoilStructure #FarmingResilience #ClimateAdaptation #PastureFed #Agroecology #FieldEducation #SoilMonitoring #FarmingClusters #OrganicMatter #SustainableFood #WeatherAndFarming #HealthyLand #AgTraining #R2Kast #FutureOfFarming #AgStories #LandSkills #SoilLife #RegenerativePractices #PeopleInAg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is a special one as I bring the full Scottish Rally team onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Jillian, Joanne, Angela, Kelly and I came together to share our experience of this summer’s Rural Youth Europe rally in Slovenia. 🇸🇮🌍We talk about what Rally actually is, the theme of planting ideas and cultivating the future, and how rural youth can shape policy and create opportunities across Europe. From committee work to travel stories, the five of us reflect on learning, laughter, and the challenges that come with such an international gathering. 🌱🤝Jillian and Joanne share their Munro-climbing fundraiser for SAYFC’s Big Build, Angela talks about leaving nursing in Aberdeen for a one-way ticket to Australia, and Kelly reflects on the juggle of teaching primary sevens while leading in Young Farmers. The stories show how much adventure, commitment, and passion is in Scotland’s youth movement. 🏔️✈️This was a chance to relive Slovenia, from cultural exchange to building friendships that will last a lifetime.Enjoy! 😊#ScottishRallyTeam #RuralYouthEurope #Slovenia2025 #YoungFarmers #YouthLeadership #InternationalExchange #SAYFC #BigBuildChallenge #MunroBagging #PrimaryTeaching #NursingAbroad #ForestManager #ArchitectureInAg #PolicyYouthVoice #RuralIdentity #TravelAndLearning #EuropeanConnections #AgYouthMovement #R2Kast #GlobalYouth #PlantingIdeas #CultivatingTheFuture #FriendshipsForLife #AgStories #CommunityInAction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Rodrigo Navarro onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Rodrigo’s story takes us from a South African restaurant in London where he worked as a head chef, all the way to Hampshire where he now runs an organic pastured egg business. 🍳🌿Rodrigo shares how he and his wife decided to leave the city behind and chase a dream of rural living, influenced by their family histories in Chile and Ireland. What began with cooking meat over fire has transformed into caring for 600 hens in mobile sheds that follow organic dairy cows across herbal leys, creating a near circular system of farming. 🐓🐄We dive into his chef background, the South African braai, his passion for bold flavours, and the enormous shift to regenerative poultry farming. Rodrigo explains the challenges of access to land, why organic standards matter, and how timing chicken movements with dairy herds can create healthier soils and better eggs. 🌱🥚It is a fascinating conversation about food, farming, heritage, and bravery in changing paths. Rodrigo’s passion for doing things the right way and his belief in sustainability shines through, showing us how food and farming are deeply connected. 🌍🍷Enjoy! 😊#RodrigoNavarro #OrganicPoultry #PastureRaised #ChefToFarmer #SustainableFarming #OrganicEggs #RegenerativeAgriculture #KingsclereEstates #SouthAfricanFood #BraaiCulture #BoldFlavours #RuralDream #FromCityToCountryside #HeritageFarming #SoilHealth #CircularFarming #FoodAndFarmingStories #R2Kast #FarmToFork #ChileanRoots #IrishHeritage #CommunityFarming #OrganicLiving #HealthyLandHealthyFood #PasturedEggs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Tom Ware onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A 22 year old farmer from Nottinghamshire, Tom has carved a unique path across contracting, drone photography, gin making, and social media, while also becoming a strong voice for mental health in agriculture. 🚜📸We talk about his adventures in Australia, from 60,000 acre farms and endless combine hours to the simplicity of just posting on Facebook and landing a job. Tom shares the beauty and challenge of farming at that scale, and how those experiences shaped his outlook back home. 🌏🌾At home, Tom’s story takes another turn as he speaks about the heartbreaking loss of two close friends, Len and Harvey, in separate tragic circumstances. Out of that grief, Tom created Just Talk Agri, a platform for farmers to share honestly about mental health. His words on resilience, loss, and the importance of talking are powerful and deeply moving. 💚🙏We also cover drones, gin making, sheep work, and the variety that makes farming life so unpredictable and rewarding. This episode is raw, open, and inspiring, exactly what conversations in agriculture need to be. 🌅✨Enjoy! 😊#TomWare #JustTalkAgri #MentalHealthInFarming #BritishFarmingAwards #ContractFarming #DronePhotography #AustralianHarvest #FarmLife #SheepFarming #AgriContent #YoungFarmers #MentalHealthAwareness #NottinghamshireFarming #FarmingCommunity #Resilience #GriefAndHope #LossAndRecovery #AgMentalHealth #TalkAboutIt #AgricultureLife #FarmStories #GinMaking #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Michaela Scott onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ At only 19, Michaela is already shaping the political conversation in Scotland. A student of Criminology and Politics at Stirling, she is passionate about ensuring young people in rural areas have a real say in decisions that shape their lives. 🗳️🌱We dive into how criminology and politics overlap, from injustices in the justice system to policy making, and how Michaela has used this mix to strengthen her voice. She shares openly about speaking in the Scottish Parliament, shadowing MSPs, and even turning down an offer to run for election while still at uni because she values gaining experience first. 💬🏛️Michaela speaks with energy about youth voices, education, and the need for politics to be explained in ways that everyone can understand. Her story is a reminder that confidence grows from opportunities, and that young leaders can step into rooms that once felt unreachable. 🌍✨An inspiring conversation with someone who is just getting started on a journey that could shape Scottish politics in years to come.Enjoy! 😊#MichaelaScott #YouthVoice #ScottishPolitics #CriminologyAndPolitics #RuralYouth #ScottishParliament #FutureLeaders #StudentVoices #PolicyMatters #YouthEmpowerment #ScotlandPolitics #PoliticalEngagement #YoungLeaders #RuralRepresentation #EducationMatters #FutureOfPolitics #YoungVoicesHeard #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the R2Kast I sit down with one of the true pioneers of regenerative agriculture, Gabe Brown! 🎙️ From four years of crop failure and 1.5 million dollars in debt to becoming a global leader in soil health, Gabe’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. 🌱We talk about his switch to no till, integrating livestock, and embracing biodiversity to rebuild his land and his business. Gabe explains why profit comes from working with nature, not fighting it, and how food grown in healthy soil can truly become medicine. 🍎💪From being introduced by Prince William at Groundswell to starring in Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, Gabe has carried the message of regeneration around the world. His passion for teaching farmers and consumers alike shines through every word. 🌍✨A story of resilience, mindset, and hope for the future of farming.Enjoy! 😊#GabeBrown #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #DirtToSoil #CommonGroundFilm #KissTheGround #Groundswell #NoTill #CoverCrops #HealthySoilHealthyFood #SoilToHumanHealth #FoodAsMedicine #FarmResilience #Agroecology #CarbonFarming #BiodiversityMatters #LivestockIntegration #SoilIsOurCommonGround #GlobalAgLeaders #SustainableFarming #NatureBasedSolutions #HealthyFarmsHealthyPeople #UnderstandingAg #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Ketrin Kastehein onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Ketrin is the chairperson of Rural Youth Europe and brings a fascinating perspective from Estonia where youth work is not just a passion but a recognised profession. 🇪🇪✨We hear how she grew up between city and rural life, at once a capital girl and a countryside girl, before finding her place through dance, rhythmic gymnastics, and youth activism. From joining 4H at eight years old to studying a degree in youth work, her story shows the power of grassroots youth groups to shape leaders. 💃🌿Ketrin shares her experiences with the International Farm Youth Exchange programme in the United States, where she lived with farming families and saw American rural culture first-hand. She reflects on how 4H across the world offers young people the chance to learn life skills, connect internationally, and grow in confidence. 🌍🤝We explore her journey onto the Rural Youth Europe board, the challenges and opportunities of leading an umbrella organisation that has been around for almost 70 years, and how she balances tradition with modern needs. She also speaks about her current role as a school youth worker, blending formal and non-formal education so that students gain confidence, citizenship skills, and a sense of belonging. 🎓💡This episode is full of insight into cultural identity, leadership, and the future of rural youth. An inspiring story of someone who has turned local opportunities into a global impact. 🌱🌟Enjoy! 😊#KetrinKastehein #RuralYouthEurope #YouthWork #4H #InternationalFarmYouthExchange #IFYE #YouthDevelopment #Estonia #RuralYouth #GlobalCitizenship #SoftSkills #NonFormalEducation #LeadershipJourney #YouthEmpowerment #SchoolYouthWork #CommunityBuilding #ActiveCitizenship #CulturalExchange #FutureLeaders #GlobalYouth #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #RuralLeadership #YouthOpportunities #InspiringStories #EducationForAll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Sally Crowe onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Sally is well known to many from This Farming Life and has built a life she truly calls living the dream up in Caithness. 🐑 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 We hear how her journey has taken her across the world, from the shearing sheds of Western Australia to the global stage of the Golden Shears in New Zealand. Sally tells me about the buzz of being part of the Scottish shearing team, the skill behind wool handling, and the intricacies of presenting a fleece to perfection. ✂️🌏Our conversation also takes in life on the croft, travelling abroad, and the joy of building a lifestyle where she can focus on health and happiness. Sally’s humour, honesty, and passion for her craft shine through. An inspiring listen that captures the spirit of crofting, competition, and community. 🌱✨Enjoy! 😊#SallyCrowe #ThisFarmingLife #Crofting #Caithness #WoolHandling #ShearingLife #GoldenShears #ScottishShearingTeam #RuralScotland #CroftLife #ShearingSheds #WesternAustralia #NewZealandShearing #FleecePreparation #FarmingCommunity #SheepFarming #WoolTrade #R2Kast #GlobalFarming #FarmStories #WomenInFarming #AgricultureLife #FarmingPodcast #LivingTheDream #ScottishAgriculture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Tracey and Tom Davey onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Tracey is from the same village on Arran as me and over the past year has gone through a huge transformation, both physically and mentally. From realising she was unhappy at 90 kilos to now preparing for her first bodybuilding show, her story is one of resilience and change. 💪✨Tracey opens up about the moment that pushed her to act, sparked by a school photo with her daughter, and how she has since lost over 30 kilos, found confidence, and discovered a passion for bodybuilding she never expected. Tom, her husband, has been alongside her not only as her partner but also as her coach, guiding her through nutrition, training, and the mental battles that come with competition prep. 🏋️‍♀️🥗We talk about the reality of balancing this with life as parents of two young girls, from 5am gym sessions to making time around work and childcare. The girls themselves are now joining in with their own weights and play gym sessions, showing how much of a family journey this has become. 💑🔥This chat is about more than bodybuilding. It is about mindset, family, and the power of deciding to make change. It shows how health journeys can inspire those around you and proves that parents really can carve out time to invest in themselves. Truly inspiring. 🌟Enjoy! 😊#TraceyDavey #TomDavey #BodybuildingJourney #FitnessTransformation #FamilyAndFitness #HealthyMum #MumLifeStrong #WeightLossJourney #FigureAthlete #PrepLife #GymMotivation #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #FitnessFamily #StrengthAndResilience #PlayGym #ArranStories #HealthyLifestyle #RelationshipGoals #CoachingAndMarriage #MindsetMatters #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome James Nixey onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ James is the National Chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, leading one of the UK’s largest rural youth movements. 🌱👩‍🌾👨‍🌾 He is also the Club Leader for Princes Risborough YFC, a club he first joined back in 2008, and his journey from there has carried him all the way to the national stage. ⭐James and I reflect on our shared time in Slovenia at the European Rural Youth Parliament, where rural youth from 22 countries came together to learn, share, and shape a better future. 🇸🇮🌍 We talk about the atmosphere of those events, the friendships made, and why Slovenia might just be Europe’s best kept secret. 🏞️Beyond youth work, James shares his personal story of being an electrician who never farmed himself but grew up rooted in agriculture. His reflections on leadership, resilience, and the role of young farmers in connecting communities make for a powerful conversation. ⚡🌾A brilliant chat that shows how farming values extend beyond the farm gate. 💡✨Enjoy! 😊#JamesNixey #NFYFC #YoungFarmers #RuralYouth #PrincesRisboroughYFC #Slovenia #LakeBled #YouthLeadership #RuralFuture #ElectricianLife #FarmingCommunity #EuropeanRuralYouth #AgricultureYouth #LeadershipJourney #UKFarming #YoungFarmersClubs #RuralDevelopment #NFYFCChair #R2Kast #FarmingPodcast #FarmStories #CommunityLeadership #RuralNetworks #AgricultureInTheUK #ResilientYouth #FutureOfFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome David Tennant onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ David is the Head of the Royal Highland Show, and his journey is a brilliant example of how someone not from a farming background can come to lead one of the most iconic events in agriculture. 🦌🎪We hear how David first encountered the Highland Show and the impact it had on him, before stepping into the role where he now oversees everything from livestock lines to innovation halls. He talks openly about the challenges of delivering a world-class event and how the Show continues to balance its proud traditions with the demands of a modern audience. 🐑🚜David speaks with me about the international influence of the Highland, welcoming visitors from across the globe, and why it is far more than just four days in June. For him it is about Scottish identity, connection, and showcasing farming and food at their very best. 🌍💬We also dive into his vision for the future — embracing sustainability, technology, and ensuring the next generation of young people see the Show as their stage to shine. His reflections on leadership, community, and the responsibility of carrying an event with more than two centuries of history are inspiring and full of honesty. ✨A fascinating insight into the man leading Scotland’s greatest agricultural celebration.Enjoy! 😊#DavidTennant #RoyalHighlandShow #ScottishAgriculture #HighlandShow #RHShow #FarmingPride #AgriCulture #FutureOfFarming #RuralScotland #YoungFarmers #HighlandShow2025 #AgInnovation #LivestockExcellence #AgriVoices #R2Kast #FarmersOfScotland #FarmingHeritage #AgLeadership #FoodAndFarming #HighlandShowMemories #FarmingCommunity #ShowGroundStories #CelebratingFarming #ScotlandTheBrave Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I welcome Peter Eccles onto the R2Kast 🎙️ Peter is a farmer entrepreneur and former Farmers Weekly Farm Manager of the Year who runs a 200 acre family farm near Tranent where Herefords meet a gym called the Fitness Farmyard 🐂💪We talk about how Peter built a pedigree herd of docile forage efficient Herefords launched meat boxes during COVID and combined this with his diversification into farm based fitness classes. From flipping tyres in the yard to welcoming PTs and locals into a rustic training space Peter has turned farming into a real community hub 🌾🏋️‍♂️Peter opens up about challenges including a devastating fire that destroyed 100 tonnes of straw and how living between farm and town brings both risks and opportunities. He reflects on exploring organic conversion his consultancy work with estates moving into regenerative systems and the importance of adapting farm assets for the future 🌱📈We also chat about his past life as a rugby player for Heriots and Melrose and how the transition from competitive sport to farming has shaped his views on resilience teamwork and community. It is a story of grit adaptability and finding balance between tradition and innovation 🔥🏉Enjoy 😊#PeterEccles #Herefords #FarmDiversification #FitnessFarmyard #FarmGym #SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAg #OrganicFarming #FarmResilience #FarmLife #MeatBoxes #CommunityFarming #RugbyAndFarming #FarmManagerOfTheYear #AgInnovation #FutureOfFarming #FamilyFarm #FarmEntrepreneurship #CattleFarming #ScottishFarming #FarmBusiness #FarmingStories #FarmWellbeing #PeopleInAg #R2Kast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I welcome Jess Stokes onto the R2Kast 🎙️ Jess is an insect scientist with a PhD in veterinary parasitology who has spent years studying midges Schmallenberg virus and the unpredictable way new diseases emerge 🦟🔬We chat about how growing up in rural Gloucestershire during the foot and mouth outbreak sparked her fascination with disease spread. That journey took her through Swansea Bristol and Liverpool before leading her into high containment labs at the Pirbright Institute. Jess shares how every time she studies a virus it seems to vanish earning her the reputation of being a curse in entomology 🌍🧪Together we dive into the mysteries of Schmallenberg and blue tongue virus appearing in Europe, the role of birds and trade in spreading disease, and how climate shifts are changing insect behaviour. Jess also talks about stepping beyond academia into consultancy, trap design, forecasting, and her work with the Royal Entomological Society on insect welfare and insects as food and feed 🐝🌱It is a fascinating conversation that mixes science with humour from sick blackbirds to the unpredictability of midges and shows how curiosity can shape a career in unexpected ways ✨Enjoy 😊#JessStokes #Entomology #MidgeResearch #VectorBorneDiseases #SchmallenbergVirus #BluetongueVirus #InsectScience #RoyalEntomologicalSociety #InsectsAsFood #ClimateAndDisease #Epidemiology #Parasitology #VeterinaryScience #GlobalHealth #InsectWelfare #DiseaseSpread #ScientificCuriosity #UKScience #AgResearch #Biosecurity #OneHealth #VectorControl #AcademicToIndustry #R2Kast #PeopleInAg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Featuring: Hannah Fraser, James Thompson, David Coop, Dan Smith, Rob Ward, and Hannah ThorogoodBack at NuffFest, this second Food for Health panel dives deeper into the crucial question of how farming systems—and especially soil health—shape the nutritional composition of our food. 🌱🥕👩‍⚕️ Dr Hannah Fraser shares her perspective as both a doctor and farmer, arguing for better medical education on nutrition and stronger recognition of how soil health impacts food quality.🛒 James Thompson draws on his retail background to reveal the challenges of consumer demand, supermarket incentives, and how buzzwords like “organic” and “regenerative” often miss the bigger nutritional picture.🌾 David Cooke highlights the breeding world, noting the absence of incentives for farmers to prioritise nutrient density in crops—and why change must come from consumer pull.🌍 Dan Smith reflects on his work with disadvantaged teenagers on therapeutic farms, showing how culture, access, and lived experience shape food choices and health outcomes.💡 Rob Ward brings the agri-tech and investment angle, stressing the role of microbes, gut health, and AI in transforming farming into high-resolution systems that connect soil to stomach.🐄 Hannah Thorogood discusses her work with Pasture for Life, explaining how pasture-based livestock systems not only benefit the environment but also produce nutritionally richer meat and dairy.The panel also tackles food labelling, ultra-processed diets, cultural barriers to healthy eating, and how education from schools to supermarkets could reset the nation’s relationship with nutrition. From “eat two carrots” to multi-million-pound plant breeding, it’s a conversation that challenges, inspires, and demands action.Enjoy! 😊#NuffieldScholar #TalesOfANuffieldScholar #FoodForHealth #SoilHealth #NutritionMatters #RegenerativeFarming #AgriTech #PublicHealth #DietAndHealth #FoodEducation #NutrientDensity #PastureForLife #FarmToFork #SoilToStomach #MedicalNutrition #ChildHealth #RetailFood #SupermarketImpact #AgInnovation #SustainableFarming #GutHealth #UltraProcessed #FoodPolicy #FarmImpact #AgriVoices #FutureOfFarming #R2Kast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Shabawn Farrall to the R2Kast! 🎙️A year ago to the day this episode goes out, I headed to Cheshire for what turned into a two-hour interview at Hills Green Marketing — with no idea where Cheshire even was. One of the people I met that day was Shabawn, and over the past 14 months she’s become a good friend.Her journey is a masterclass in following opportunities wherever they lead. From her first day in a livestock market as a teenager, to supporting farmers through the foot and mouth crisis, to retraining as a florist and running her own wedding business, to now heading up people and influencers at Hills Green — she’s embraced each new chapter with curiosity and energy. 💐🚜We talk about chance conversations that changed everything (including the side-of-a-football-pitch chat that brought her to Hills Green, and the car park conversation with Tom Pemberton that sparked a UK-first influencer marketing division). There’s also plenty on culture-building, hiring lessons, weddings, Covid’s reset on priorities, and why people will always be at the centre of her work. ❤️🌾Enjoy! 😊#ShabawnFarrell #HillsGreen #AgInfluencers #AgMarketing #PeopleInAg #InfluencerMarketing #RuralBusiness #AgCommunity #FarmersOfInstagram #AgNetworking #MarketingToFarmers #AgInspiration #WomenInAg #AgLeadership #RuralInnovation #AgricultureUK #FarmLife #AgStorytelling #FoodAndFarming #FutureOfFarming #AgriCulture #FarmingWithPeople #CollaborationInAg #AgCareers #AgJourney #FromFloristToFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Kit Franklin to the R2Kast! 🎙️From Harper Adams student to the world’s first autonomous farmer, Kit’s story blends big ideas with bigger fields. As co-creator of the Hands Free Hectare and Hands Free Farm projects, he’s shown that automation in agriculture isn’t decades away – it’s already here. 🤖🌾A lecturer, public speaker, and president-elect of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Kit is passionate about bringing young people into ag engineering and building networks that last. We talk about his Brash Ag podcast, the importance of collaboration, and how professional accreditation can open doors.There’s also a look at funding, farm tech adoption, and why good board work is more than just sitting round a table. 🚜💡Enjoy! 😊#KitFranklin #AgEngineering #HandsFreeFarm #AgTech #PrecisionAg #AutomationInFarming #RuralInnovation #YoungEngineers #NuffieldNetwork #BrashAg #AgPodcast #FutureFarming #FoodSecurity #SustainableAg #FarmInnovation #AgLeadership #FarmRobotics #AgNetworking #EngineeringTheFuture #FarmingWithTech #InspiringAg #AgricultureCommunity #UKFarming #AgInspiration #FutureOfFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Sharon May to the R2Kast! 🎙️From sports injuries to the deep work of counselling, Sharon’s journey is one of following the thread of what truly matters. After retraining while raising a young family (not something she recommends lightly!), she’s built a thriving network of therapists from her organic mixed farm. 🌾💬A Nuffield scholar’s wife and a farmer herself, Sharon talks openly about moving from physical to mental health, the values that guide her, and the challenges of running a practice that meets people where they are. We explore her love of people, the ‘why’ behind our goals, and how authenticity can be the anchor in times of change. 🧠❤️We also hear about harvest time, Highland Games, and the occasional bramble-picking shift for visitors…Enjoy! 😊#SharonMay #Counselling #MentalHealthInAg #FarmLifeBalance #ValuesDriven #OrganicFarming #NuffieldConnections #TherapistLife #RuralWellbeing #FarmersMentalHealth #Leadership #FarmBusiness #AgricultureCommunity #AgResilience #InspiringStories #RegenerativeAg #MixedFarming #FarmLifeUK #AgInspiration #FamilyAndFarming #FarmTherapist #WomenInAg #WellbeingMatters #AgLife #FutureOfFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I welcome two Australian Nuffield Scholars to the R2Kast 🎙️ Thanh Truong better known as the Fruit Nerd and aquaculture expert Connor Wass joined me at my kitchen table on Arran to talk all things food farming and the oceans that connect them 🍑🐟 Filmed on Arran after a weekend showing them my home the chat was full of warmth insight and a fair bit of funThanh shared his journey from growing up in his family’s business Aus Asia Produce one of Australia’s largest fruit and veg exporters to becoming a TV host author and social media storyteller with a mission to get people engaged with fruit and veg From analysing shopper behaviour in supermarkets to creating viral mango videos he explained why flavour and memories can inspire deeper connections to what we eat 🍓🥭Connor took me inside the world of salmon farming from feed conversion ratios to the realities of on land versus sea farming and reflected on his path through nutrition technology and global aquaculture With candour and humour he spoke about industry challenges public perception and his own custodianship of the ocean 🌊🐠Together we explored consumer trends sustainability and the power of storytelling in bridging the gap between producers and the public This is a conversation that moved from supermarket aisles to salmon pens from mission driven careers to gin on the beach A warm insightful and inspiring chat about the many fruits of land and sea 🌍✨Enjoy! 😊#ThanhTruong #FruitNerd #ConnorWass #NuffieldScholar #Aquaculture #SalmonFarming #SeafoodLovers #FruitAndVeg #FoodStorytelling #ConsumerBehaviour #Sustainability #SupermarketInsights #Horticulture #OceanCustodianship #SeafoodInnovation #SocialMediaForGood #FlavourFirst #GlobalFarming #EngageNotEducate #FoodMemories #RegenerativeFoodSystems #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #R2Kast #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Featuring: Tom Pearson, David Walker, Chris Manley, Kate Arthur, and Mark WarnerThis episode is a bit different – recorded live from the first ever NuffFest, a summer gathering of Nuffield scholars with a focus on a crucial question: is your food healing or harming you? 🥦🧠Led by Wallace and David Rose, the session explores how farming practices directly impact nutrition and public health. From childhood obesity to chronic disease, the panel dives into why a stronger bridge between agriculture and medicine is urgently needed.🩺 Dr Tom Pearson – a GP and farmer – shares insights from his Nuffield journey into how farmers can positively impact community health.👨‍⚕️ Professor David Walker reflects on decades in paediatrics and the vital role of nutrition in cancer recovery and child development.💬 Chris Manley speaks on mental health and the transformational impact of his Walk With Me campaign.🥩 Kate Arthur brings her experience as a dietitian and AHDB’s human nutrition lead, spotlighting the importance of balanced messaging around red meat and dairy.🌱 Mark Warner tells a personal story of health transformation following a cancer diagnosis, highlighting how regenerative farming and holistic living reshaped his life.Together they discuss the gaps in medical training, the rise of misinformation, the elitism of access to nutritional education, and the immense opportunity farming has to lead public health progress. From cold showers to childhood food education, it’s a conversation full of thought, feeling and forward thinking.Enjoy! 😊#NuffieldScholar #TalesOfANuffieldScholar #FoodForHealth #PublicHealth #NutritionMatters #RegenerativeFarming #ChildhoodNutrition #AgriHealth #WalkWithMe #MedicalNutrition #EatWell #BalancedDiet #FarmToFork #FarmBasedHealing #ChrisManley #KateArthur #TomPearson #DavidWalker #MarkWarner #NuffFest #UKFarming #AHDB #MentalHealthMatters #RedMeatInDiet #FoodEducation #NuffieldVoices #R2Kast #AgriVoices #SoilToStomach #FutureOfFarming #FarmHealthRevolution #NutritionAndFarming #FarmImpact #HealingThroughFood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Peter Craven onto the R2Kast! 🎙️From Lincolnshire spuds to Natural England strategy, Peter’s story is one of stepping up, stepping back, and then stepping in to shape real change. 🥔➡️🌿A Nuffield scholar, policy influencer and potato expert, Peter shares how one course jolted him awake to the huge shifts facing UK farming. Since then, he’s gone from perfect Instagram potatoes to shaping policy for farming with nature at its heart. 🧠🌱We chat leadership, missed smells of the soil (yes, really!), and the importance of not staying still when the world is changing fast.Enjoy! 😊#PeterCraven #NuffieldScholar #NaturalEngland #FarmingWithNature #FarmTransition #SustainableAg #PotatoGrower #AgPolicy #NatureRecovery #AgLeadership #UKFarming #FarmChangeMakers #LincolnshireFarming #FarmToPolicy #PeopleInAg #SmellOfTheSoil #FoodSystems #FarmLifeShift #YoungLeaders #FutureOfFarming #InspiringAg #Agribusiness #ClimateAction #NatureConservation #AgInspiration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is someone I’ve followed for years – the incredible Laura Young! 🌍🎙️From leading the charge to ban disposable vapes across the UK 🚭 to studying climate resilience as part of her PhD, Laura’s life is packed with purpose. She’s part scientist, part activist, and all-in when it comes to protecting people and planet. 💥📚We talk flooding, fire risks, fashion footprints, and how campaigning isn’t just shouting – it’s educating, empowering, and staying persistent. Oh, and Troon’s now her home, so she gets to stare at Arran every day – lucky thing! 🏖️🏔️An absolute force for good and one of the most engaging environmentalists around.Enjoy! 😊#LauraYoung #LessWasteLaura #Environmentalist #ClimateResilience #CommunityEngagement #DisposableVapesBan #PhDStudent #ActivismMatters #EnvironmentalScience #PlasticPollution #SustainableLiving #WomenInSTEM #GreenCampaigns #TroonLife #LitterAwareness #PublicHealth #ClimateChangeScotland #PolicyImpact #RecyclingRevolution #YoungChangemakers #SustainableScotland #NatureMatters #EnvironmentalEducation #AgPodcast #PeopleInAg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Mairi Gougeon to the R2Kast! 🎙️From local politics in Brechin to becoming Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi’s journey has been anything but typical! Starting out straight from uni into council work (accidentally elected! 😂), her political roots go deep – her first campaign stint was at just 14 years old! 💪We chat about that surreal moment of walking into Holyrood, why representation matters, and how her belief in independence and community empowerment drives her work. Mairi brings honesty, humour, and a real human touch to a world that’s often seen as distant and complex. 👩‍⚖️🌾Politics… but with coffee, cake and craic on a sunny day in Arran. You can’t say fairer than that! ☀️☕Enjoy! 😊#MairiGougeon #ScottishPolitics #RuralAffairs #CabinetSecretary #Holyrood #YoungPoliticians #FromBrechinToParliament #LandReform #IslandLife #WomenInPolitics #AgPolicy #SNP #ScottishIndependence #YouthVoice #CommunityLeadership #IslandPolicy #PoliticalJourneys #RuralVoices #SRUCAlumni #PurposeDriven #AgInScotland #WomenInLeadership #PublicService #AuthenticLeadership #PolicyMatters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Ruth Vichos onto the R2Kast! 🎙️From Shetland to SRUC to TV screens across Scotland, Ruth is a horticulture lecturer with a heart for education and a passion for plants! Now a senior lecturer, Ruth didn’t begin in horticulture (it actually started with nursing!) but soon found her calling in plant science after a family nudge. Her journey includes food security research in Tanzania, working with Guernsey-based charities, and now presenting on Beechgrove Garden. 🌍🌱She shares how careers advice can sometimes miss the mark and why more students need to know plant science is an option. We chat identity, purpose, and how a rural upbringing laid the roots for a blooming career. 💡🌸Oh, and this was her first podcast… but you’d never know it!Enjoy! 😊#RuthVichos #Horticulture #BeechgroveGarden #SRUC #PlantScience #WomenInAg #ShetlandRoots #FoodSecurity #CropDiversification #EducationMatters #RuralScotland #IslandLife #STEMCareers #AgCareers #GreenFutures #AgLecturer #PeopleInAg #TVPresenter #ScienceInFarming #SRUCLecturer #AgPodcast #WomenInScience #AgriculturalEducation #CareerPaths #AgInspiration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Rob Ward — entrepreneur, innovator, and agri-tech visionary.Rob’s story begins on a tenanted family farm in Shropshire where early lessons in strawberries and supermarket selling taught him resilience and strategy. From handing out pick-your-own baskets to selling tech globally, Rob’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. 🍓📈He shares how family values shaped his business ethic, what it took to buy their farm from Prudential, and how shifting from direct selling to supermarket contracts changed everything. We also hear his thoughts on the Eastern European labour migration that transformed the UK horticulture scene. 🌍💼Now a key figure in ag-tech acceleration, Rob reflects on highs, lows, and the art of not just keeping up with change but driving it. A powerhouse of experience, vision, and humility.Enjoy! 😊The views in this podcast are those of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#RobWard #NuffieldScholar #AgriTech #UKHorticulture #FarmToSupermarket #InnovationInAg #StrawberryFarming #EntrepreneurialFarming #FarmSuccession #TenantToOwner #LabourMigration #EasternEuropeInAg #SupermarketContracts #PeopleInAgTech #R2Kast #TalesofaNuffieldScholar #FarmBusiness #AgTransition #AgriculturalLeadership #FarmingInnovation #NuffieldStories #FarmOwnership #BritishAg #AgFunding #AgInspiration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Derrick Josi onto the R2Kast! 🎙️Better known online as The Honest Farmer, Derrick brings 1 million+ followers into the realities of US dairy life — and he’s not holding back! From Oregon’s lush Tillamook to a 450-acre Jersey dairy, Derrick shares his family legacy (started in 1918) and how the farm evolved from 60 cows to nearly 1000. He chats co-op models, cheese markets, mental health, family dynamics, and the not-so-glamorous side of influencer life. 🧀📉We dive into the generational shift in work mentality (130 hours a week isn’t the flex it used to be) and how vacations are becoming a priority again. Derrick’s storytelling is real, relatable, and raw — just like his content. 🛠️💬Enjoy! 😊#DerrickJosi #TheHonestFarmer #DairyFarming #USAg #Tillamook #FarmInfluencer #FamilyFarming #GenerationalShift #JerseyCows #CheeseProduction #AgMentalHealth #CooperativeFarming #AgTech #SocialMediaInAg #RealAgStories #FarmLegacy #AmericanDairy #PeopleInAg #AgStorytelling #DigitalFarming #AgContentCreator #OnlineAgCommunity #FarmLifeUnfiltered #AgTransitions #AgLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Rhona Forbes onto the R2Kast! 🎙️From biology teacher to TikTok star, Rhona is bringing fresh energy to the Scottish Young Farmers scene! Based in Edinburgh, she’s not only part of Ed Jack (Edinburgh JAC) but the brains behind what might just be the most entertaining young farmers account in Scotland. Rhona tells us how she’s used social media to break stereotypes, boost membership, and make young farming look cool (and chaotic!) 🎬✨We also dive into her journey into teaching, navigating professionalism while keeping the “blue hair” identity alive (and why the pupils want it back) 🎨📚A hilarious and honest chat about modern agriculture, identity, and the unexpected power of a ring light and a good mic setup. 😂💡Enjoy! 😊#RhonaForbes #YoungFarmers #TikTokAg #EdinburghJAC #WomenInAg #AgEducation #AgCommunications #TeacherLife #SocialMediaInAg #StereotypesInFarming #BlueHairChronicles #ModernFarming #RuralScotland #ScottishAg #BehindTheScenes #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #AgInspiration #FarmingYouth #AgAdvocacy #AgInfluencer #EdJack #AgOutreach #AgTikTok #AgPassion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Elspeth Hay onto the R2Kast! 🎙️From Maine to Cape Cod, Elspeth’s journey took a nutty turn when she discovered you can eat acorns… and never looked back! Originally a food and environment journalist, Elspeth now champions the cultural and nutritional value of tree nuts, especially acorns. Her fascination led to a new book and a whole radio show dedicated to local food stories on the Cape. 🧠🎙️We talk ancient human-forest relationships, the joy of hyperlocal food, and how falling down an oak-scented rabbit hole can reshape your entire career. Her passion is infectious and her curiosity inspiring. 🌳🔍A beautiful reminder that food stories are everywhere — even in the forest floor.Enjoy! 😊#ElspethHay #TreeNuts #AcornsAreFood #CapeCod #LocalFood #FoodAndEnvironment #WomenInAg #Foraging #NutritiousNature #WildFood #RuralMedia #AgJournalism #FoodCulture #ForestToTable #CulturalAg #RadioStories #AgInfluence #SustainableFoodSystems #TreeNutBook #FoodStories #AgCuriosity #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #AgInspiration #AcornNerd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Helen Brookes onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ With roots in rural Essex, Helen blends a childhood on chicken farms with a career in science and leadership — now playing a key role at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. 🐄🔬Helen’s journey spans animal science at Rittle College to cutting her teeth in sheep genetics with Innovis and developing sector-wide change through AHDB. She opens up about why pure research wasn’t for her and how she found purpose in making science work for people. 🧬🌿We explore her passion for livestock, from cattle to poultry, and her talent for building bridges across sectors. Helen shares how she’s developed her ‘half-pint’ skillset — enough to kickstart collaboration, even if not an expert in every niche. 🧩🤝From AHDB to CL to UK Agri-Tech Centre, Helen’s career reflects a drive to unite research, tech, and practice in agriculture. Her humility, knowledge, and love for systems-thinking shine through in a conversation that’s both inspiring and practical. 🌍💼Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#HelenBrookes #UKAgriTechCentre #LivestockScience #AnimalWelfare #RittleCollege #AgriTechLeadership #SheepGenetics #Innovis #AHDB #AgricultureInnovation #WomenInAg #HalfPintSkills #ScienceInFarming #AgriCollaboration #UKAgriculture #DairyBeefPoultry #PeopleInAgTech #FoodAndFarming #R2Kast #HowdenRural #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Jo Franklin and Rob Hodgkins — sheep farmers, Nuffield Scholars, and the founders of Cabrito in Hertfordshire. 🐑🌍Jo and Rob take us through their journey into sheep farming, from working family farms in Hertfordshire and Sussex to launching a 2,000-acre diversified business with 2,500 ewes, including a sheep dairy unit. Their story began with a Nuffield meeting — and hasn’t stopped growing since! 🌾📈They dive into the realities of regenerative grazing in a non-traditional sheep region, their experience with genomics in New Zealand, and how the name “Caboy” (Maori for “food over water”) captures their global mindset and business ethos. 🇳🇿🌊We also hear their thoughts on the expectations placed on Nuffield Scholars — from personal growth to international travel — and why depth over distance still offers value. A powerful look at resilience, innovation, and partnership in UK sheep farming. 🧬💪Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#JoFranklin #RobHodgkins #NuffieldScholar #SheepFarming #CaboyFarm #GenomicSelection #UKSheepSector #RegenerativeGrazing #AgriInnovation #FoodOverWater #MaoriInspiration #NuffieldJourney #DairySheep #FarmDiversification #HertfordshireFarming #AgTechInSheep #ResilientFarming #GlobalPerspective #TalesofaNuffieldScholar #R2Kast #HowdenRural Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Hannah Lloyd onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A podcast host, rural advocate, and property professional, Hannah brings passion and insight to her journey from urban Edinburgh to championing women across Scotland’s rural sector. 🏡🎧We learn how a gap year in South Africa teaching vulnerable children shaped her path, alongside a career twist from teaching to property to business development. Hannah shares why she co-founded the Women and Wellies podcast and how it’s helping amplify unheard rural voices. 🌍💪From childhood summers near the Pentlands to managing events for Scottish Land and Estates, Hannah’s enthusiasm for countryside living and its stories shines through. She’s worked in castles, opened a Highlands office, and now helps others find belonging in rural life. 🏰🚜The episode also dives into the challenges of renovating a farmhouse, the supportive power of rural networks, and why podcasting is such a powerful tool for connection and growth. A conversation full of warmth, energy, and reflection. 🎙️🛠️Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#HannahLloyd #WomenAndWellies #RuralScotland #RuralVoices #PodcastHost #FarmhouseRenovation #WomenInAg #WomenInProperty #PropertyDevelopment #RuralBusiness #ScottishLandandEstates #RuralLeadership #EmpoweringWomen #SouthAfricaGapYear #EdinburghToHighlands #UKFarming #PodcastLife #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #HowdenRural Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Alison Milne onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A powerful voice in Scottish agriculture, Alison shares how her journey from NFUS to the SRU board reflects her deep love for rural life — even if she was never quite a natural with a baler! 🚜💼We dive into her career, from studying psychology and management to holding director-level roles at NFU Scotland. Alison explains how her passion for future-proofing the industry led to founding the NextGen programme — boosting succession and developing young rural leaders. 🌱👩‍🌾Alison reflects on growing up on a mixed arable and sheep farm, and how enthusiasm often outpaced skill on the machinery front! Her shift from comms assistant to director was fuelled by a deep belief in commercial representation and purposeful policy. 📊📣We explore her current roles, including with the Scottish Rugby Union and as a board effectiveness consultant. Alison’s story is about showing up, standing tall, and paving the way for others in an industry that needs fresh voices and bold ideas. 🏉🌾Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#AlisonMilne #NFUScotland #NextGenAg #ScottishRuralLeadership #FarmSuccession #PolicyAndFarming #WomenInAg #RuralLeadership #SupplyChainVoices #YoungFarmers #SRUBoard #FarmingPsychology #FarmToBoardroom #ScotlandAg #AgComms #RuralFuture #PeopleInFarming #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Susan Poizner onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A fruit tree expert, author, and podcast host, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge about sustainable horticulture and the unexpected turns that led her from journalism at the BBC to growing urban orchards. 🌳📚We hear how a backyard gardening project—sparked by her husband—blossomed into a lifelong passion for tree care, community orchards, and education. Susan shares how she learned the hard way that fruit trees aren’t like zucchini, and how this led her to write books and teach online to empower others. 🍎🌿Susan speaks with Wallace about her work in Russia post-USSR, helping teach market economics through storytelling with the BBC. Their conversation spans global travel, language learning, and the importance of empathy across borders—highlighting how storytelling and curiosity can unite people. 🌍📖We close with practical advice on regenerative gardening and fruit tree care—from the importance of soil microbes and leaf mulch to pruning techniques and why the right tree choice makes all the difference. An inspiring, warm, and wise chat on nature, education, and kindness. 🌱✨Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#SusanPoizner #FruitTrees #UrbanOrchards #GrowFruitTreesFast #RegenerativeGardening #SoilHealth #BBCWorldService #TreeCare #BackyardGardening #CommunityOrchard #HorticultureEducation #SustainableFarming #SoilMicrobes #CompostWisdom #PruningTips #StoryBasedLearning #GlobalPerspective #KindnessMatters #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #HowdenRural Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome ourselves—Wallace and Ed—onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ For this special 350th episode, we take a step back from interviews to chat candidly about health, mindset, and the path from 139kg to 114kg in just 8 weeks. 🏋️‍♂️💬We reflect on why weight gain happens so easily in desk jobs, the mental shift it took to start losing it, and the balance between accountability and kindness. From raw milk debates to diet changes, it’s an open, honest look at personal health journeys. 🥩⚖️Ed brings insight from his active lifestyle and audible habit, while Wallace shares what finally flipped the switch after years of struggle. The episode is as much about physical change as it is about reshaping habits and identity. 🎧💡An unfiltered chat between two friends that just might inspire you to start your own journey, whatever it looks like. 🛤️❤️Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#WallaceCurrie #EdMartin #R2Kast350 #HealthJourney #WeightLossStory #PersonalGrowth #WellbeingMatters #RawMilkChat #DeskToFit #LifestyleChange #CarnivoreDiet #FitnessMindset #FriendshipGoals #HonestConversations #AgriVoices #TransformationStory #BodyPositivity #SelfAwareness #HowdenRural #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #HealthMatters #RuralFitness #MentalResilience Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Gavin Lane — a soon-to-be CLA President, passionate property investor, and longstanding advocate for British agriculture. 🇬🇧🌱Gavin shares his incredible story of returning to farming under a contract agreement with his father, growing his own operation through grit and diversification. From contract farming to tenancy, he reflects on the differences, the hardships of the early 2000s, and what kept him grounded through volatile markets. 🚜📉We dive into his experiences with property — from rural cottages to international ventures in Poland — and his views on managing risk, seizing opportunity, and maintaining joy in the process (yes, even when the Polish flat floods!). 🏘️🍺Finally, Gavin shares his Nuffield journey in farm shop retailing, his involvement with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, and his leadership in the CLA. His honest insights on imposter syndrome and sector advocacy make this an essential listen for those shaping UK agriculture’s future. 🗣️📖Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#GavinLane #NuffieldScholar #ContractFarming #TenancyVsOwnership #FarmingResilience #CLA #LeadershipInAg #WorshipfulCompanyOfFarmers #FarmDiversification #UKAgriculture #FarmShopRetail #FarmlandAccess #AgriPolicy #RuralBusiness #RegenerativeFarming #PropertyInvestment #AgriLeadership #NuffieldFarming #HowdenRural #TalesofaNuffieldScholar #R2Kast #AgriVoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Jerry Andrada onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A self-proclaimed “pretend” farmer and forester, Jerry brings honesty and humour to a deep discussion about what modern land stewardship truly means. 🌲🚜We explore Jerry’s path from amenity tree work to forestry and suckler cows, and why he questions the need for a quarter-million-pound tractor to be considered “real.” He shares why Devon’s lanes don’t suit scale—and why the system shouldn’t demand it. 🌿🚧Jerry dives into his values around environmental consciousness, his frustrations with industry contracts, and how farming doesn’t need to be intensive to be impactful. Wallace also discusses his fascination with “Maximising Sustainable Output,” a topic sparking real traction in agriculture. 📈🌍A refreshing take on what it means to work the land in a way that prioritises balance over output. It’s a frank, thoughtful episode on sustainability, identity, and forestry’s role in the future of farming. 🌱🗣️Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#JerryAndrada #ForestryUK #SmallScaleFarming #SustainableFarming #MSO #ChrisClarke #PretendFarmer #SucklerHerd #AgriVoices #DevonFarming #TreeSurgery #NatureBasedSolutions #EnvironmentalEthics #RuralWork #FarmEquipmentDebate #FarmingSustainably #PodcastChat #ForestryWork #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #ModernAgriVoices #RegenForestry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Sammi Rogers onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From greasy spoon cafes and fashion design for royalty to opening her own ice cream empire in Bala, Sammi’s journey is as wild as it is wonderful. Her story captures the spirit of risk-taking, reinvention, and resilience. 🍦👗We explore Sammi’s unexpected move from climbing clothing design and couture internships to rural entrepreneurship, restoring vintage Maseratis with her husband and opening not one but two ice cream shops! 🚙🍨Sammi reflects on the challenges of working in care, freelancing, and running a business with no experience—all while putting community, local sourcing, and her own wellbeing front and centre. Her passion is contagious! 💼🌱From hand-beading £20,000 gowns to making sorbet in Snowdonia, this episode is a reminder that your path doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else—as long as it excites you! 🧭💬We even planned a trip to Italy! 🇮🇹 🍨 🍕 Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#SammiRogers #IceCreamWales #SmallBusiness #FoodStory #DairyGoodness #Entrepreneurship #FashionToFood #WomenInAg #LocalProduce #NorthWalesBusiness #MountainLife #RockClimbingFashion #GreasySpoonToCEO #RuralInnovation #MaseratiRestoration #FarmRetail #AgriEntrepreneurs #CommunityBusiness #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #AgriVoices #FoodFounders #WalesFoodScene #WomenInBusiness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Ben Briggs onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From Editor at Farmers Guardian to Head of Marketing and Comms at the UK AgriTech Centre, Ben’s journey through agricultural journalism and strategy is full of purpose. But it’s not just media—Ben is also a Wainwright finisher and passionate fellwalker. 🏞️We explore Ben’s love for the Lake District, where walking helped him process work stress and stay grounded. He shares how it all started with his gran dragging him up Parlick at age three, and how he now walks with his sons, passing on that love for the outdoors. 👨‍👦‍👦⛰️Ben also reflects on his rural upbringing—his parents ran a milk round in Blackburn—and his pride in the town’s moment of football glory in 1995. A Blackburn Rovers fan for life, his story intertwines sport, identity, and place. ⚽🥛This episode blends personal stories with big-picture reflections on leadership, rural storytelling, and giving back to the sector. A thoughtful, energising listen! 📢💬Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#BenBriggs #Wainwright214 #FellWalking #UKAgriTechCentre #FarmersGuardian #RuralMedia #AgriLeadership #BlackburnRovers #FarmLife #MilkRound #RuralCommunities #AgriJournalism #NatureTherapy #FamilyTime #CountrysideStories #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #OutdoorLife #RuralRoots #FarmComms #AgriVoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Arthur Parkinson onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Arthur is a passionate gardener, illustrator, writer, and poultry enthusiast who brings creativity and honesty to rural life. With five published books—including one on rare-breed chickens—and a loyal Instagram following, Arthur’s story is one of beauty, care, and bold expression. 🌸We dive into his experiences at the Chelsea Flower Show, both as a worker and now as an invited guest. From luxury press days to the reality of garden building, Arthur’s insight into the evolving educational potential of Chelsea is refreshing and reflective. 🌼🛠️A true advocate for authenticity, Arthur shares his journey through floristry, content creation, and calling out injustices in large-scale animal systems. He blends art, advocacy, and agriculture in a way that invites all to engage. 🐓✍️Arthur’s honesty and humility shine throughout, reminding us that there’s strength in vulnerability, and that growing, drawing, and sharing rural life can be deeply powerful. A tender, artistic episode you won’t forget! ❤️🌿Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#ArthurParkinson #RareBreedChickens #ChelseaFlowerShow #FloristLife #PoultryPassion #Gardening #CountryCreatives #BritishFarming #RuralArts #FarmingVoices #ChickensAndCrops #FarmToSketchbook #IllustratorLife #AuthenticFarming #FarmCreativity #AnimalWelfare #FlowerFarming #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #FarmWithHeart #AgriInfluencer #RuralHonesty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome David Miller—pioneer of regenerative direct drilling and a respected voice in the future of sustainable arable farming. 🌾🌍With roots on a 400-acre Essex farm and decades of real-world experience, David shares his path from grammar school dropout to thought leader in low-disturbance farming. His honesty about imposter syndrome is both grounding and inspiring. 🚜💡David reflects on his Nuffield journey, his work with David Rose, and why soil health must underpin productivity. He champions systems that nurture biodiversity, manage inputs wisely, and build long-term resilience. 🌱🪱A powerful episode with reflections on humility, sustainability, and reimagining what good looks like in UK agriculture. Essential listening for anyone exploring regen ag or farmer-led change. 🐞📖Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#DavidMiller #NuffieldScholar #RegenAg #DirectDrilling #ArableFarming #SoilHealth #FarmerVoices #SustainableAg #NuffieldFarming #AgriInnovation #FieldToFork #AgTech #AgriChangeMakers #FarmerLedResearch #KnowledgeExchange #SoilMatters #ResilientFarming #FarmingFutures #AgriLeadership #HowdenRural #TalesofaNuffieldScholar #R2Kast #AgriVoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Lucy Fabbri onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A nurse with a twist, Lucy balances trauma care at weekends with a weekday focus on the carnivore lifestyle. Her story blends science, introspection, and unconventional health choices—delivered with wit, warmth, and honesty. 🥩🩺After nearly studying philosophy and theology, Lucy’s life took a surprise turn into nursing thanks to her sister’s quick thinking. Now working in orthopaedic trauma, she brings a deep and philosophical perspective to patient care and human connection. 📚❤️We dive into her transition to the carnivore diet—why she did it, how it works for her, and the unexpected benefits she’s seen. From beef to lamb to eggs, she shares how this change reshaped her energy, wellbeing, and sense of control. 🥚🍖Lucy is proof that career paths don’t need to be linear and that personal health can take many forms. A truly insightful episode about instinct, care, and questioning the norm! 🧠✨Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#LucyFabbri #CarnivoreNurse #OrthopaedicTrauma #MeatBasedLiving #PhilosophyInPractice #WomenInHealth #HealthcareVoices #BeefAndBrains #LambAndLogic #PatientCare #RuralNursing #CarnivoreLife #FoodForFuel #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #HealthChoices #NursingJourney #SisterSupport #HowdenRural #UnconventionalWellness #DeepThinkers #MedicalMinds #EatToThrive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.