The Farmers Weekly Podcast

In this episode, we ask who is to blame for Defra's reported £358m underspend on farming – and can it really be justified?A better year ahead? After a challenging time, the latest forecasts suggest UK dairy has finally turned the corner.We get to grips with the latest developments on precision breeding – which could pave the way for UK farmers to grow gene-edited crops.We find out how blended finance is helping farmers fund nature recovery projects on a landscape scale.And we speak to the newly crowned Farm Champion of the Year.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable reporter Louise Impey.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected] the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, after a week of torrential rain and floods washes away newly drilled cereal crops, we ask: will it really be another wet autumn?We find out why Defra policy is on hold ahead of the Autumn Budget – in a special interview with NFU president Tom Bradshaw.We discover how farmers are measuring their environmental and social impact –and making their businesses more profitable as a result.You can find out more about environmental and social baselining by visiting Soil Association Exchange and the Lloyds Banking Group.And we speak to Andrew Brewer – the newly crowned Carbon Farmer of the Year, courtesy of the Farm Carbon Toolkit.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable reporter Louise Impey.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected] the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we look at the future for farm support following a UK cereal harvest said to be among the worst in living memory.We travel to London for Back British Farming Day as growers and livestock producers meet MPs to get the farming message across to politicians.We look at NFU calls for an increase in the UK budget for agriculture – and industry calls for recognition of the wider benefits farming brings.We examine how high street banks are offering special deals for farmers prepared to adopt more sustainable management practices.We discuss the merits of the HSBC Sustainable Farming Pathway and the Soil Association Exchange initiative supported by Lloyds Bank.And we discover how bees are helping Euston Estate Farms in Suffolk ensure that landscape management delivers the benefits it promises.The harvest 2024 report referred to in this episode was published by the Economic and Climate Change Unit.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable reporter Louise Impey.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, please email [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we look at the future of the UK potato sector with a special visit to the Potato Days UK event at Dyson Farming.With the crop under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, we find out how potato growers and processors are reducing greenhouse gas emissions.We discuss the role regenerative agriculture has when it comes to potato production – a crop which involves moving huge amounts of soil.And we look at the latest research on biostimulants and ask: do they really work and what is the science behind them?We also discuss prospects for budget cuts at Defra, the latest on the UK bluetongue outbreak and vaccines for combating bovine tuberculosis.This special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable reporter Louise Impey.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Cookstown in Northern Ireland.Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues.Our panel is:- John Gilliland, Professor of Practice in Agriculture & Sustainability, Queens University Belfast - John McLenaghan, deputy president, Ulster Farmers Union. - Bronagh O'Kane, livestock farmer- Jude McCann, Farming Community Network- Michael Meharg, Loch Neagh PartnershipTopics include:- How to solve Lough Neagh pollution- Support for smaller livestock farms- How to get new entrants into farming- Making the most of Jeremy Clarkson- Tenancies and rental opportunities- Northern Ireland Farm Welfare Bill- Health and wellbeing among farmers- Tips for profitable farmingSponsored by Lantra, this Farmers Weekly Question Time event was recorded in front of a live studio audience on Thursday, 29 August 2024.Hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker. To attend future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Queen guitarist and wildlife campaigner Brian May is under fire after calling for an end to badger culling in England.The complaints come head of a  BBC TV documentary in which Sir Brian argues that badgers are wrongly blamed for spreading bovine tuberculosis.We look at why British holidaymakers have been banned from bringing back feta cheese from Greece this summer.The move is part of a wider ban on UK imports of sheep and goat products  from Continental Europe, which is being ravaged by a ruminant disease. We've a harvest update and all the latest commodity prices – and find out why Clarkson's Farm means a boost for agricultural students.And we discover why a snail farm in a Liverpool office building is at the centre of allegations about tax avoidance.This special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick. To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we pay a special visit to the UK's biggest farmer-owned grain storage facility at the height of harvest. Camgrain stores up to 500,000 tonnes of cereals, oilseed rape and pulse crops every year on behalf of its 500 farmer-members.Camgrain's four advanced processing centres work around the clock to take in hundreds of lorry loads of grain from the field every day.We follow the grain trail from the field into the store where grain is tested and blended to get the best value for growers.We visit the grain laboratory and discover how Camgrain ensures grain meets the strict specifications and consistent supply demanded by customers.This special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Farmers Weekly arable correspondent Louise Impey.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we get to grips with the latest Sustainable Farming Incentive – and what it means for your farm business.Scottish growers face heavy losses after virus-hit potato crops are destroyed in an effort to protect high-health status seed production.Could more winter linseed be grown as an alternative break crop?We've a harvest update and all the latest market prices.And we review a sumptuous history book of Aberdeen Angus cattle – the world's most popular pedigree beef breed.This episode is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Sandy Kirkpatrick, with additional reporting by Philip Case and Adam Clarke.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the government pledges a new deal for farmers to boost confidence across the industry.We look at what the promise might mean – and what it might deliver.Lottery money for landscapes – farmers could be among the winners from a £150m heritage fund to revitalise wildlife habitats and the environment.Industry leaders highlight the importance of the sheep sector – and the contribution it makes to rural communities and the environment.We find out more during a visit to the National Sheep Association's flagship sheep event at the Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire.We’ve our regular market round-up and all the latest commodity prices.And a Suffolk farmer unveils a memorial to an American aircrew whose bomber crashed on his farm in World War Two.This episode is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Farmers Weekly arable correspondent Louise Impey, with additional reporting by Philip Case and Charlie Reeve.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, farm leader Tom Bradshaw says a bigger budget is needed for British farmers to deliver food security and reach Net Zero.The NFU president wants the government to set aside £5.6bn for agriculture – more than twice the current annual amount.We visit the Royal Welsh Show where the budget for agriculture in Wales is also a hot topic of debate and discussion.We’ve a harvest update – and all the latest commodity prices.And former farm minister Mark Spencer spills the beans on his time in government – and what it’s like to be in the Defra hot seat.And a Scottish funeral director turns a land rover defender into a hearse.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick.Additional reporting by Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay, Philip Case, Philip Clarke and Guy Peckett.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, a young farmer tells how he is lucky to be alive after being trapped under a stack of falling bales.Christopher Rolfe was airlifted to hospital following the accident thanks to Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.Chris told his story at the start of Farm Safety Week – the annual campaign by the Farm Safety Foundation and the Yellow Wellies charity.The busy harvest period often sees a spike in the number of farm accidents – including collisions on the road between tractors and other vehicles.As harvest continues, police are conducting roadside are checks on tractors and trailers to make sure they are safe.We learn how the Tilly Your Trailer campaign can ensure your grain and silage trailers are properly maintained and stay on the right side of the law.We also take a look at the prospects for oilseed rape following ongoing concern for the future of the crop in the UK.We’ve our regular market round-up and all the latest commodity prices.And we find out why King Charles has bestowed the royal title on the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat breed – and what it means for farming.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick.Additional reporting by Farmers Weekly arable correspondent Louise Impey.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, in a special harvest preview, we look at the prospects for cereal crops as combines roll into oilseed rape.New Defra secretary Steve Reed makes his first speech to farmers at the Great Yorkshire Show.What can we expect from the new government when it comes to supply chain fairness – and will it put its money where its mouth is?More farmers are growing blended wheats to increase resilience to disease and more consistent performance.And we catch up with sheep shearer Rosie Hazlewood, who sheared 660 sheep in 24 hours for charity.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Scottish farmer Sandy KirkpatrickAdditional reporting by Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay, chief reporter Philip Case, Louise Impey and Mike Abram.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, after being swept to power in a landslide general election, we examine what the UK's new Labour government means for farming.We get the low-down on the policies we can expect for agriculture – and the challenges likely to be faced when funding them.We discuss the implications, opportunities and the threats – with former Defra secretary George Eustice and former NFU president Minette Batters.We look at the impact of the election result on farming across the UK – including the devolved nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.And we examine the importance of continued government funding for agri-environment policies put in place by the previous administration.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay.Additional reporting by Sandy Kirkpatrick; Rhian Price; and Rachel Martin, farming editor of the Irish Examiner.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we join the crowds at the 2024 Groundswell event to find out how regenerative agriculture has fared in a challenging season.We ask: is regenerative agriculture really more resilient than conventional farming?We find out about the premiums available for farming regeneratively and ask whether farmers should abide by a set of standards?We speak to American regenerative farming expert John Kempf who suggests the UK could catch up with the USA when it comes to sustainable agriculture.We discover the latest in eco-acoustics and listening to worms is a good indicator of soil health and microbial activity.And we learn how a bike ride with the Rob Stephenson Trust is bringing people together and raising money for a good cause.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker; and specialist arable agricultural journalist Louise Impey.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tells Farmers Weekly he has a clear plan for UK agriculture – if the Tories win the General Election.With farm machinery becoming ever more expensive, we meet the farmer who decided to reduce costs by building his direct drill.We visit the Royal Highland Show and discuss the future for Scottish agriculture – with a key piece of new legislation.We've all the latest farm prices and get to grips with the mysteries of the commodity markets thanks to a new podcast: Agonomics with David and Jack.And we celebrate Farmers’ Weekly’s 90th birthday – and take a stroll with the farmers walking 5k every day during June.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick, with additional reporting by Phil Case.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, farm leader Tom Bradshaw calls for Covid-style business loans to help farmers ride out the impact of a challenging year.We join thousands of growers at the 2024 Cereals event in Hertfordshire – the UK's biggest two-day show for arable farmers.We get the low-down on the latest wheat and barley varieties – and ask: do they deliver what they promise when it comes to yield and resilience?We examine the importance of data analysis and using benchmarking methods to optimise arable business performance.We celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Recommended List for cereals – and discuss how the list is changing to meet the needs of growers and end users.And we get cooking lessons from two farmers who have baked the world's biggest loaf of bread to highlight the importance of a fair supply chain.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker; and specialist arable agricultural journalist Louise Impey.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, with an increase in dog attacks on livestock, we look at the options for farmers trying to combat a growing problem.Politicians are battling for farmers' votes in the run-up to next month's elections – so why aren't would-be MPs being clear about policies for agriculture?We preview this month's Cereals event – and look ahead to autumn crop establishment and the dilemma about early drillingAnd we discuss the prospects for the malting barley market alongside all the latest commodity prices.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick with additional reporting by Phil Case, Guy Peckett, Louise Impey and Mike Abram.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we ask is there a problem with young farmer culture?The debate follows a Farmers Weekly's investigation into the experiences of young women of sexual assault at young farmers' events.We look at why farmers could be faced with changes to the amount of muck and slurry they can spread in the autumn following a landmark legal case.We bring you the latest tips on handling livestock safely and efficiently. We’ve our regular market round-up and the latest commodity prices.And we look at how you can vote for our favourite tractor of the last 90 years.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay and Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick with additional reporting by Phil Clarke and Charlie Reeve.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.