In this episode, a farmer jailed for causing damage to a protected river has defended his actions, insisting they helped prevent flooding. In an exclusive interview, John Price of Herefordshire says he has no regrets, despite serving a prison sentence after dredging the River Lugg. Just what can we expect from new Defra secretary Steve Barclay? We discover his likely priorities – and take a look at his in-tray. We've the latest commodity prices and our regular market roundup – and look at the pr...
Nov 17, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 183
This week, will government targets to protect 30% of UK land leave enough left to maintain UK food security? We try to find out by asking the head of agriculture at Natural England, the government's landscape agency. We know agriculture is part of the problem when it comes to climate change – but how can farmers ensure it is part of the solution too? What options are there for farmers how do we make agriculture fairer, more equitable and more inviting for women. We discuss the launch of a new Fa...
Nov 10, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 182
This week, Defra secretary Therese Coffey says the government is looking at paying farmers to store flood water on their land. It follows another winter storm and widespread flooding in the south and east of the country – as well as among farming communities in Scotland. What does the future hold for egg producers? We find out as the government launches a review to increase fairness, transparency and accountability in the egg supply chain. Technology or tradition? What is the best strategy for g...
Nov 03, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 181
This week, NFU leader Minette Batters apologises to farmers upset by its handling of Red Tractor plans asking producers to demonstrate their environmental credentials. Proposals by the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Scheme will see a Greener Farm Commitment introduced next year. Mrs Batters admitts she has “made lots of mistakes” during her time as leader, but she says she is committed to “getting things right.” Meanwhile, Scottish farmers face more uncertainty as the Holyrood government struggles t...
Oct 27, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 180
In this episode, anger at the Red Tractor assurance scheme reaches a new high after it refuses to back down over plans to carbon footprint producers. Also, Welsh farmers say they will lose out after their government slashes the budget for agriculture in Wales. Should consumers pay more for food? Just one topic for discussion at our latest Farmers Weekly Question Time event And we preview this month's Borderway Expo event – the flagship showcase for UK livestock held in Carlisle. All this and our...
Oct 20, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 179
Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Newcastle University. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board chairman Nicholas Saphir Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Julia Aglionby Northumberland & LEAF demonstration farmer John Renner Newcastle University Farms director...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 14 min
This week, the Red Tractor farm assurance scheme is embroiled in controversy after asking farmers to measure their carbon footprint. Farmers say the scheme's plan for a 'greener farm commitment' means more expense and red tape – and the only real winners will be supermarkets. Red Tractor bosses say the alternative is even greater costs as supply chains are told to demonstrate their environmental credentials. But the National Farmers Union says farmers should have been properly consulted on the p...
Oct 13, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 178
This week, former government minister Jacob Rees-Mogg outrages British farmers by saying he would allow hormone-treated Australian beef into the UK. We visit the Conservative Party conference in Manchester and scrutinise the government's policies for agriculture and UK farming. As farmers face a huge huge in levy rates paid to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, we ask: can any increase really be justified? On the markets, we've all the latest commodity prices. How much land do w...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 177
This week, the Liberal Democrats are making some bold pledges – including an extra £1bn for farmers – if they form the next UK government. We find out what it could mean for your farm business – and find out whether the Lib Dems stand a chance of winning the next general election. With livestock farmers battling to keep a lid on costs, we meet the north-east beef producer who has cut inputs by 40%. As Russia's illegal war continues, a Scottish charity founded by farmers delivers its 200th pickup...
Sep 29, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 176
Maize seed success! Fears for next year's UK maize crop disaster averted as the government agrees to new seed dressing licenses. Are your cows ready to go digital? Are you ready to take up your passports? Defra launches the Digital Cattle Movement System consultation. Just how do one bank’s farming customers feel at the moment with sky-high inputs and farm policy confusion? Top US cattleman tells us why US beef numbers are still going down. We meet Britain’s Fittest Farmers fighting it out at th...
Sep 22, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 175
In this episode, we examine the benefits of Back British Farming Day – and ask what impact does it really have on politicians ? We meet the new shadow Defra secretary. How would he make farmers lives better if Labour won the next election? We investigate the impact of the cost of living crisis on retail milk sales. As a topsy turvy season continues for grassland farmers, we look at the prospects for winter forage supplies. And we meet the Essex couple growing Frankenstein-shaped pumpkins for Hal...
Sep 15, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 174
This week, Rishi Sunak made a host of promises to farm leaders at a Downing Street summit held in back in May. But industry representatives have voiced frustration at what they say is a lack of progress when it comes to delivering the Prime Minister's pledges. We ask: what is going on? It's deadlock when it comes to sugar beet price talks between the NFU and processing giant British Sugar. Can a price deal be struck? We preview this year's Great British Calf Week. And will you still be ploughing...
Sep 08, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 173
This week, farmers are set to lose access to a market worth millions after the government scrapped water pollution rules for housing developers. What are the implications for growers and livestock producers? And how will they make up the unexpected shortfall? Farmers in Cornwall start to sell up and quit the industry after more than 3,000ha of Lands End is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. An American commentator voices concern that Europe's push towards organic farming could ...
Sep 01, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 172
In this episode, the Environment Agency is under fire after accusing farmers of breaching rules to protect water quality. Defra blames technical issues as it delays the opening of its flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive to applications. On the markets, we've all the regular commodity prices. We talk to the MP who says it should be easier for online shoppers to buy British food and drink, which he argues should be more clearly labelled. And we go for a ride with the eight-year-old farmers' son...
Aug 25, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 171
In this episode, we take a special look at farming in Canada – visiting family farms in the western prairie province of Alberta. We look at the vast scale of prairie agriculture, meeting producers, processors and politicians with farming interests. We discover how Canadian farmers are adding value to commodities like malting barley and discuss the future for Alberta beef production. We meet the fire-fighting farmer who has been flying helicopters over Alberta in the battle to stop wildfires from...
Aug 18, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 170
This week, we find out how UK farmers can best deal with uncertainty – and secure a more profitable future for their farm business. As a challenging harvest continues, we look at autumn drilling options for winter cereal varieties – what's hot and what's not? We visit the farmers and environmental groups who have joined forces for a groundbreaking soil restoration project in the Fens. We've all the latest commodity prices – including a special report from the Thame Sheep Fair in Oxfordshire. And...
Aug 11, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 169
In this episode, as annual figures show another rise in farm theft, we meet the former SAS soldier helping to combat crime in the countryside. With wet summer weather making national news headlines, we've a full report on the frustrating stop-start harvest – up and down the country. On the markets, we get to grips with another dip in beef values – and we've all the latest commodity prices. It's billed as the future for arable farming. But could the UK government's food safety watchdog stifle att...
Aug 04, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 168
In this episode, we're at the Royal Welsh Show, where farm leaders say they will boycott a new agri-environment scheme. Welsh government plans requiring trees to be planted on 10% of farmland make the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme unworkable, says NFU Cymru. Dumbing down Net Zero might be popular with politicians seeking votes – but what impact will it have on farm? A major export contract will see 3000 lambs per week shipped abroad – helping to boost incomes for sheep producers. Amid stub...
Jul 28, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 167
In this episode, we ask does Natural England have an anti-farming bias when it comes to rolling out new habitat schemes? Or is it simply doing its job? Organic producers are concerned they will be shortchanged by an interim agri-environment scheme in Wales. We find out why the ex-farm beef price of beef falling – and we have our regular commodity market report. Killer Cows... just how many incidents occur involving walkers and cattle? One blog site thinks many incidents go unreported. And we tal...
Jul 21, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 166
This week, as Farm Safety Week gets under way, we ask: just why are so many people being killed on UK farms? MPs tell the government they should compensate farmers for damage caused by the reintroduction of beavers into the countryside. and we look at current global trends in the grains market . And we talk to the scientists trying to find out whether daffodils in dairy diets can reduce methane emissions from cattle. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Su...
Jul 14, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 165
This week, as a flaming June means it's all go for harvest 23, we find out whether early yields are meeting expectations. We ask why the UK animal vaccine supply chain has been so disrupted. On the markets, we speak to a grain analyst in Ukraine – and find out the importance of the latest Black Sea grain deal. And we speak to the team undertaking a 2000-mile tractor run for charity across the length and breadth of Britain. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Surrey farmer ...
Jul 07, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 164
This episode recorded at the 2023 Groundswell event in Hertfordshire. Compare the Market, how do the numbers between conventional and regen systems vary? Organic or not? The Soil Association diversifies into farm evaluation. We have the latest market prices, and look at how you can map carbon from the sky and we meet the regen potato growers. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Surrey farmer Hugh Broom and Farmers Weekly's Louise Impy. To contact The Podcast, please email ...
Jun 30, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 163
In this episode, we look at the latest offering of government support for English farmers – the long-awaited 2023 Sustainable Farming Incentive. What does it mean for your farm? And what happens to the thousands of farmers who signed up for the 2022 scheme, which is now being scrapped? We head to the Royal Highland Show as a government leak reveals the possible future of Scottish farm policy – and Hollywood actor pays a special visit. We look at all the latest commodity prices – and examine the ...
Jun 23, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 162
In this episode, farmers face a hike in levy rates under plans announced by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. It follows what has been described as a 'near death experience' by the levy board and an admission that it hasn't been delivering for growers. We join the crowds as the Cereals event welcomes visitors to a new venue – the Thoresby Estate in Nottinghamshire. Defra farm minister farm minister Mark Spencer tells us he plans to put the 'meat on the bones' of the government'...
Jun 16, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 161
In this episode, a rural crime wave has seen machinery and high-tech equipment stolen from farms across the country. We ask, what are the police doing about it? With harvest not far off, we get latest advice for growers seeking to get the most from their wheat and barley crops. Tighter enterprise margins mean profits are likely to be down this year. So how can farmers maintain or even increase their income? We look at all the latest commodity prices – and we look at how changes in regulation thr...
Jun 08, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 160
This week, with new season prices now unveiled, how should you best secure your fertiliser requirements? A food security expert says the government needs to think differently when supporting farmers to feed the nation healthily – and affordably. On the markets, we talk to the European tractor manufacturer who has just made a big marketing announcement. We find out who growers and livestock producers think is best political party to run the countryside. And we preview this month's Cereals event –...
Jun 02, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 159
This week, tenant farmers accuse the government of taking a “pick and mix” approach to reform of the tenanted sector in England. It follows the government's long-awaited response to last autumn's Rock Review, set up to provide a framework for a more resilient tenanted sector. We hear about the future for the UK's small abattoirs – and how a resurgence could help meet demand for local food from local farmers. On the markets, we've all the latest commodity prices and hear about the prospects for t...
May 26, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 158
This week, Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper and Rishi Sunak pose for the cameras at No. 10 Downing Street. So was the Prime Minister's Farm to Fork summit just a PR stunt? Or is the government finally taking food security seriously? We take a trip to Ireland, where livestock producers are racing ahead of UK farmers when it comes to environmental foot-printing. We find out why a Hampshire grower is planting fruit trees across the middle of his wheat field. We've all the latest commodity prices –...
May 23, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 157
In this episode, as Rishi Sunak summons farm leaders to Downing Street, we ask: what can we expect from the Prime Minister's food summit? High inflation has made food increasingly unaffordable for many consumers – but many farmers say high input costs mean food is actually too cheap. Where does the truth lie? Meanwhile, MPs slam Defra's IT systems – putting food safety and security at risk in the event of a major animal disease outbreak. On the markets, we've all the latest commodity prices and ...
May 12, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 156
Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: Former Defra secretary Rt Hon. George Eustice MP Hertfordshire farmer Jo Franklin Professor of Rural Policy & Strategy Tom MacMillan Country Land & Business Association president Mark Tufnel...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 35 min
