In this episode, could solar panels really be banned from much of England's farmland? We look at the reasons for and against. How milking just 10 times in seven days could mean a better work-life balance for dairy farmers – and be good for the cows and profitability too. As lamb exports resume from the UK to the USA after more than 20 years, we look at the benefits for the sheep sector. On the markets, we've all the latest commodity prices. And we speak to photographer Amy Bateman, whose Forty F...
Oct 14, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 128
In this episode, the government unveils plans to boost farm productivity and food security. But how exactly will it do it? How was it for you? We have the verdict on this year's wheat harvest – which varieties performed ø– and which didn't. We visit the farming couple who taught themselves to milk from YouTube – and are going great guns after starting a dairy farm in Norfolk We have a global round-up of grain prices. And we speak to the champion ploughman who proposed to his fiance – in the fiel...
Oct 07, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 127
This week, with the UK money markets in turmoil – we examine the impact of the government's 'mini-budget' on your farm business. As Defra confirms it is "rapidly reviewing" its flagship Environmental Land Management scheme – we ask: what is the future for ELMs? We meet the dairy farmer making bokashi – fermenting muck and slurry to retain more nutrients and reduce emissions. And we speak to the Scottish tractor driver trying to make the farming world a safer place – after losing his thumb in a c...
Sep 30, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 126
In this episode, arson attacks on farms are on the increase – with culprits torching straw stacks and property going up in smoke. The cost is immense, with damage often totalling tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds and farmers concerned for their livelihoods. So what can be done? We examine the winter outlook for drought-hit livestock farmers, who are facing shortages of grazing and forage. We look at why one of the world's biggest farm machinery manufacturers wants to change into an agri-te...
Sep 23, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 125
In this episode, we profile new Defra secretary Ranil Jayawardena and examine the challenges faced by UK agriculture. We speak to Norfolk farmer Kit Papworth as he prepares to take on a new role as Red Tractor combinable crops and sugar beet sector chairman. As Prince William takes on the 52,000ha Duchy of Cornwall estate, we find out how you pass on £1bn of landed assets. And we meet the Scottish farmer who had a key role in the pomp and ceremony surrounding Queen Elizabeth's funeral. This epis...
Sep 20, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 124
This special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is dedicated in its entirety to the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September 2022. In a series of specially recorded interviews for Farmers Weekly, farmers recall the times they met the Queen and her in-depth knowledge of agriculture. Farmers reflect on the Queen's ability to put people at their ease, her enthusiasm for horses and livestock breeding – and love for the countryside. With contributions from Peter Kendall, Christin...
Sep 10, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 123
In this episode, Liz Truss outlines her priorities for farmers as she seeks to become Conservative Party leader and the UK's next Prime Minister. A farm worker has an extremely lucky escape when his articulated trailer overturns – and so does the tractor pulling it. On the markets, we find out why there's a big surge in on-farm machinery sales. It's Love Lamb Week – we speak to the industry leaders about the challenges facing the sheep and beef sectors. And we join the crowds following the plume...
Sep 02, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 122
In this episode, how a decision to shut down ammonia production will affect the market for UK fertiliser – and impact the livestock sector. How a new buying group – started by a Darlington livestock farmer – could help your business beat farm input inflation and raise money for charity. On the markets, we have a harvest round-up, including all the latest prices. We meet the Welsh farmer's wife who was lucky to escape with her life after being attacked by a freshly calved cow. And we find out how...
Aug 26, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 121
In this episode, will the UK's next Prime Minister be good for farming? Conservative Party leadership candidate Rishi Sunak holds a live Q&A in person and online at the National Farmers Union headquarters at Stoneleigh. Farm leaders say the government must do more to ease the labour shortage and drought pressures on growers and livestock producers. We find out how the cost of living crisis could hit consumer spending on dairy – and we take a special look at the farmland market. We meet farme...
Aug 19, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 120
As drought is declared across eastern, central and southern England, we assess the impact on the livestock and arable sectors. We look at the prospects for grazing, winter forage and animal health – and examine the best time to drill oilseed rape. And we speak to the onion grower who is giving away his crop after hot, dry weather meant it failed to meet storage specifications. On the markets, we've the latest ringside from Skipton Mart and we look at the market for low protein wheat and where to...
Aug 12, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 119
In this episode, we examine why criminals are returning to the countryside – sparking a 40% increase in rural theft – and what farmers can do about it. Are you ready for Rishi? Or do you want Liz for leader – we ask growers and livestock producers who should be the UK's next Prime Minister? On the markets... we head to one of the season's first sheep breeding sales at Thame. We hear from farmers and vets at the first ever national youngstock conference, held at Harper Adams University in Shropsh...
Aug 05, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 118
In this episode, lack of detail about government plans for agriculture is denting farmer confidence to invest in their businesses. Defra farm minister Victoria Prentis says farmers must learn to live with uncertainty – despite calls for clarity on farm policy. We examine the UK's first post-Brexit trade agreement – why isn't the Australia-UK trade deal being scrutinised by parliamentary debate? We've all the latest commodity prices – and find out why so many cereal growers missed out on cashing ...
Jul 29, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 117
In this episode, the hottest harvest ever – how was it for you? We have a full report, including field fires, overheating grain and an interview with the farmer where the UK temperature reached a record-breaking 40.3 degrees. As MPs launch an inquiry into the government's Environmental Land Management scheme (ELM) for England, we ask: is it delivering for farmers? On the markets, we've all the latest commodity values. And a special look at straw. With fertiliser prices so high, should you chop o...
Jul 22, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 116
In this episode, with the UK heatwave set to see temperatures climb towards a record-breaking 40ºC, we ask could it simply become too hot to harvest? As the latest farm fatality figures are released, we look ahead to Farm Safety Week – and the 10th anniversary of the Farm Safety Foundation. On the markets, we examine why commodity prices have eased so much in the past month. Farming – it's a stressful job often involving long hours often working alone. So are we doing enough to look after our me...
Jul 15, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 115
Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – brought to you in association with plant breeders Limagrain UK. Rising input costs, market volatility and climate change all mean more robust wheat varieties are increasingly sought after. Better genetics mean better performance – agronomically as well as financially – both in the field and in the marketplace. Farmers Weekly arable correspondent Louise Impey went to Suffolk in search of the perfect package when it comes to winter wh...
Jul 14, 2022•20 min
In this episode, hot weather has prompted heat stress warnings for UK crops and livestock – we look at the options for farmers. Young farmers join forces to combat rural crime in Cumbria – how a new initiative to reduce farm theft could be rolled out across the country. On the markets, as the UK cereal harvest continues, we've all the latest commodity prices for crops and livestock. How much UK farmland do we need? Why politicians are looking at a land-use strategy for England. And what we can l...
Jul 11, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 114
In this episode, it's a record-breaking early start to harvest – with some UK farmers reporting decent yields from winter malting barley crops. But supply chain issues mean other growers are still waiting to take delivery of new combine harvesters. Will they arrive in time? The UK's climate change watchdog says agriculture is making 'glacial' progress towards Net Zero targets. But who is to blame? Farmers or the government? On the markets, we look at the impact of rising inflation on the food sh...
Jul 01, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 113
In this episode, we spend two days at Groundswell 2022 – the UK's biggest farm event for regenerative agriculture. Also known as conservation farming, regenerative agriculture is all about looking after the soil and improving biodiversity – as well as producing food. But how does it stack up financially? The government's Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) aims to reward arable farmers and livestock producers in England who prioritise soil health. We speak to Defra secretary George Eustice, as h...
Jun 26, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 112
In this episode, the pick the bones out of the government's long-awaited national food strategy for England. Has it been worth waiting for? Will it help deliver a better future for food and farming? Or is it – as critics suggest – a disappointment? We give our verdict on a 'game-changing' new herbicide to tackle some of the UK's most challenging grassweeds – including blackgrass and ryegrass On the markets, we find out why there has been a sudden dip in arable prices. We pay a visit to New Zeala...
Jun 20, 2022•57 min•Season 1Ep. 111
In this episode, we investigate the impact on fertiliser prices as a major manufacturer confirms plans to close one of its UK sites. Government minister Jo Churchill promises lots of new money for agri-innovation – but will it make a difference to farmers? With talk of £40/tonne, could we be about to see a big price increase for sugar beet growers? And with ag-inflation soaring, will it be linked to rising input costs? On the markets, land sales get busier and prices increase. And we find out wh...
Jun 13, 2022•45 min•Season 1Ep. 110
In this episode, we look at ways to overcome some of the biggest challenges facing UK growers and livestock producers. Could robot tractors help farmers overcome high input costs and labour shortages? How can growers best secure access to a fair share of water? And what about rural crime, fly-tipping and hare-coursing? On the markets, as cattle numbers tighten beef prices are converging across the UK, Ireland and the European Union. We meet the UK charity working with farmers and foodbanks to he...
Jun 06, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 109
In this episode – farmer and MP Robert Goodwill outlines his priorities as chairman of the committee which scrutinises the government's farming policies for England. A new group calls for science to lead the debate when making farm policy decisions. On the markets, we have all the latest commodity prices. New rules make it easier to vaccinate badgers against bovine tuberculosis. And we visit the Yorkshire dairy farm making Icelandic style yogurt. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-...
May 29, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 108
In this episode, a Herefordshire farmer pleads guilty to damaging the River Lugg – after undertaking unauthorised river maintenance work. Was the work necessary? Or did it cause needless environmental damage? We look at both sides of the story – and ask what happens next? Ag-inflation is forcing agricultural contractors to increase their prices. What should you be paying for fieldwork and other farm jobs? On the markets, we look at this year's Beef Expo event. And as shearing gets under way, we ...
May 23, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 107
In this episode, war and weather are the key driver of commodity prices – we look at how each are impacting on the prospects for harvest 2022. We're at the Pig and Poultry Fair – where producers are determined to secure a better future for their sector – so long as they can ride out the big dipper. On the markets, in theory we're talking about fertiliser. We speak to Belgian farmers visiting the UK on a post-Brexit trade tour. Why do they want to send us their pork and potatoes? And we get ready...
May 13, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 106
In this episode, farmers in England are to receive advance support payments – as the government tries to each a cashflow crisis caused by soaring input costs. We speak to Defra farm minister Victoria Prentis – who explains why farmers will receive half their basic payment for 2022 six months early. We visit the water company which is paying farmers to look after our rivers – by reducing fertiliser applications and planting trees. Insect protein in animal diets – we discover how UK legislation is...
May 07, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In this episode, as bird flu restrictions are finally lifted after six months, we examine the prospects for egg prices. Are producers getting a fair deal? As the 12th annual celebration that is British Beef Week draws to a close – we look at the future for UK suckler cow producers. We talk to NFU president Minette Batters as the union launches its agri-food export strategy – and we have all the latest market prices. With a week left to have your say on the future of the AHDB, we find out what ha...
May 03, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 104
In this episode, as farm input costs soar, we ask: how can farmers mitigate the impact of ag-inflation on their businesses? Input costs have risen by a whopping 46% over the past 18 months, according to the AgInflation Index, published by the AF Group . We visit a group of farmers working to improve soil carbon – benefiting their businesses as well as helping to reach Net Zero targets. On the markets, we're ringside with the latest beef and sheep update from Skipton mart . Find out how you can t...
Apr 23, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 103
In this episode, industry leaders pay tribute to 'greatest ever' farming advocate Lord Henry Plumb, who has died aged 97. We look at the payment rates for the Sustainable Farming Incentive and ask: how can the government entice more farmers to take part? On the markets, we have the all latest commodity prices. Farm management company Velcourt acquires a 50% stake in the regenerative agriculture consultancy Oakbank Game & Conservation. How significant is it? The first UK plantations of carbon...
Apr 16, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 102
In this episode – as frustration builds at the challenges faced by farmers, a new poll shows the UK government is falling out of favour with rural voters. We ask: Is the party over for the Conservatives in the countryside? There is an air of optimism at the DairyTech event – but what exactly are the prospects for milk production when input costs continue to climb? On the markets, we look at the latest grain prices. We find out how small farms are using ethical crowd-funding to start new enterpri...
Apr 09, 2022•57 min•Season 1Ep. 101
In this episode, the government confirms a reprieve for urea fertiliser – easing fears of an outright ban and delaying restrictions by at least a year. And long-awaited clarity on farming rules for water will make it simpler for farmers in England to apply manure and slurry this autumn. The concessions are included in a raft of measures to help farmers in England cope with a sharp rise in fertiliser prices, which have reached record levels. As Defra prepares to launch its retirement scheme for f...
Apr 01, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 100
