The Farmers Weekly Podcast

In this episode, we examine new farm-level evidence suggesting phosphorus is coming into balance on farms in the River Wye catchment – and ask what it means for water pollution. We visit a field trial where precision breeding could make UK-grown soya commercially possible. We examine the continuing decline in cattle and sheep numbers, and run the rule over the latest livestock and arable markets. And we discover why some of Britain’s biggest music names are heading to Suffolk for a harvest festival with a difference. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:51 – River Wye: are farmers turning the tide on pollution? 10:18 – Bayer autumn drilling update: tackling weeds field by field 12:20 – Could gene-edited soya become a UK break crop? 21:51 – Farming news: El Niño, Asian hornets and SFI26 26:07 – Why are Britain’s beef and sheep herds shrinking? 32:21 – Markets: beef firms as grain prices rise 34:59 – A Great British Harvest Festival with a difference 42:13 – That’s all for this week Guests Dan Smith – farm facilitator, Herefordshire Rural Hub Rachel Banks – technical manager, Bayer Crop Science Dr Frank Röber – Europe Breeding Alliances lead, Corteva Agriscience Philip Case – Farmers Weekly Prys Morgan – beef and lamb sector director, AHDB Andrew Sunnucks – farmer and music producer Useful links River Wye nutrient balance project River Wye water quality – Environment Agency SFI26 Window 2 AHDB Beef & Lamb Bayer Crop Science Great British Harvest Festival This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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, how much rain is enough to start drilling after one of the driest summers in recent memory? We look at autumn crop establishment as growers weigh up whether to put oilseed rape and other crops into exceptionally dry soils – or wait for more meaningful rainfall. We assess the prospects for the coming sugar beet harvest after drought, heat and pest pressure take their toll on crops. And farm leaders call for tougher controls on Brazilian beef and imported eggs as questions mount over whether food coming into Britain meets the same standards expected of UK producers. Meanwhile, fertiliser suppliers urge growers to start talking about next season’s requirements as geopolitical disruption threatens to disrupt another buying season. And finally, a police watchdog says firearms licensing in England and Wales is “not fit for purpose”. What would a new national licensing authority mean for the thousands of farmers and other rural businesses that rely on shotguns and firearms for their work? This episode is brought to you by KWS – seeding the future since 1856 . Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:53 – How much rain is enough to drill oilseed rape? 02:24 – How late is too late for oilseed rape? 03:21 – Drilling into exceptionally dry seed-beds 04:01 – Should growers increase seed rates? 05:07 – Has this week’s rain changed anything? 07:14 – Grass, cover crops and an exceptionally early maize harvest 08:21 – What happened to cabbage stem flea beetle? 09:24 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS 11:45 – How badly has drought hit sugar beet? 14:02 – Beet armyworm adds to pest pressure 15:01 – Building more resilient sugar beet crops 16:05 – Can plant breeding deliver drought tolerance? 16:52 – What are growers expecting from harvest? 19:29 – A difficult lifting campaign ahead? 20:49 – Calls to stop Brazilian beef imports 21:11 – Imported eggs and the salmonella outbreak 22:53 – Farmers urged to plan fertiliser requirements early 24:17 – Geopolitics puts fertiliser supply chains under pressure 25:01 – But what about farm cash flow? 26:17 – Can the supply chain cope with another late rush? 28:59 – Markets update 29:20 – Firearms licensing ‘not fit for purpose’ 30:25 – Farmers’ experience of firearms licensing 31:26 – Would a national firearms authority work better? 32:18 – Closing remarks Guests Jock Willmott – partner and agronomist, Ceres Rural Matt Bull – product manager, KWS Dr Georgina Barratt – head of crop production, British Beet Research Organisation Harriet Trewin – head of fertiliser, Agricultural Industries Confederation Lee Freeman – HM inspector of constabulary Useful links ⁠ Ceres Rural ⁠ British Beet Research Organisation ⁠ Agricultural Industries Confederation Latest UKHSA salmonella outbreak update Government firearms licensing guidance This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

Could government-backed crisis loans help cash-strapped farmers recover from drought and keep Britain producing food? This week, we examine industry proposals for a Keep Britain Growing Loan – an interest-free, government-backed scheme planned for farmers. With the bluetongue outbreak continuing to spread northwards, we hear why livestock producers are being urged to vaccinate susceptible cattle and sheep as soon as possible. We look at China’s drive for greater food self-sufficiency and what it could mean for global agricultural markets. And a new report called From Risk to Reward examines the financial cost of switching to regenerative farming. If farmers lose money during the transition, should food companies and the wider supply chain shoulder more of the risk? This episode is brought to you by Bayer CropScience - weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:02 – Could crisis loans keep farmers farming? 04:30 – Would the loans make a difference? 09:46 – Autumn Drilling Update with Bayer Cropscience 11:44 – Bluetongue spreads further across Britain 17:05 – Is it too late to vaccinate? 17:57 – Preparing for bluetongue in 2027 23:34 – Harvest, autumn cultivations and SFI 27:07 – China targets greater food self-sufficiency 30:06 – Markets 33:16 – Who pays for regenerative farming? 39:02 – Should food companies share the risk? Guests Alex Godfrey – Lincolnshire farmer and chairman, GB Potatoes Rachel Banks – technical manager, Bayer Cropscience Claire Wise – acting national livestock chair, NFU Mandy Nevel – head of animal health, AHDB Joe Stanley – head of sustainable farming, Allerton Project Useful Links Keep Britain Growing Loan Bluetongue – latest situation Bayer weed management advice Regenerative agriculture and Nestlé Allerton Project From Risk to Reward This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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, Defra unveils a £65m package to help drought-hit farmers – we examine how it could help your farm business. We also look at whether growers should start drilling winter crops into exceptionally dry soils – and assess the worsening forage situation for cattle and sheep. Elsewhere, farmers in South Wales help firefighters tackle wildfires, grain markets respond to renewed turmoil in the Black Sea, And three veteran kayakers take to the rivers of East Anglia to raise money for rural mental health charity YANA (You Are Not Alone). This episode is brought to you by plant breeder KWS . Guests Ian Gould – Independent farm adviser John Cousins – Weed scientist, ADAS Andrew Jones – Independent dairy and beef nutritionist Brian Bowen – South Wales farmer Henry Kilvert – Norfolk farmer and YANA supporter Chapters 00:00 – Defra unveils £65m drought package 01:52 – SFI flexibility in extreme drought 06:33 – What does the £65m package actually offer? 10:40 – Extra grazing for livestock farmers 13:07 – Can farmers rely on SFI long term? 15:51 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS 18:04 – When should growers start autumn drilling? 23:17 – Blackgrass, herbicides and dry seedbeds 26:06 – Should growers risk drilling oilseed rape? 28:37 – Livestock forage crisis deepens 29:57 – Drought threatens fertility and production 32:18 – Sheep, forage and winter feed stocks 5:23 – Listener feedback and farming resilience 36:34 – Farmers battle South Wales wildfires 39:29 – Grain prices react to Black Sea attacks 40:26 – This week’s farmgate prices 42:56 – Three old men in boats 44:37 – Tackling loneliness in farming Usel links Government £65m drought support announcement: Sustainable Farming Incentive: Environment Agency drought and water resources information AHDB harvest progress AHDB drought, feed and fodder advice ADAS YANA – rural mental health support This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

As drought conditions worsen across England, MPs demand urgent government action to safeguard water supplies for food production. South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough says farmers need more flexible abstraction licences, simpler rules for building reservoirs and adequate support. We examine Defra’s new £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant and ask whether improving personal resilience can help farmers navigate increasingly volatile weather, markets and government policy. Meanwhile, grain marketing consultant Richard Whitlock warns growers to carry out due diligence when selling grain as profitability among merchants comes under pressure. And we celebrate 150 volumes of the Aberdeen Angus Herd Book – and ask how genetics and data could shape the breed’s next 150 years. Guests * Ben Goldsborough – Labour MP for South Norfolk * Samantha “Sammy” Seaman – farm leadership, mindset and resilience coach * Richard Whitlock – grain marketing consultant * Robert Gilchrist – chief executive, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Chapters 00:55 – Farmers demand their fair share of water 01:25 – Ben Goldsborough: “Drier than Jerusalem” 02:28 – Abstraction licences and regulation 03:16 – Food security versus data centres 03:48 – What farmers can do 05:35 – Is Defra listening? 08:17 – What help do drought-hit farms need? 10:57 – A climate “doom loop”? 14:37 – Bayer Autumn Drilling Update 16:55 – £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant 17:20 – Samantha Seaman on handling pressure 20:01 – Building resilient farm businesses 23:25 – Can farmers bounce back? 26:31 – Bluetongue situation worsens 30:57 – Sustainable Farming Incentive update 32:27 – Harvest quality surprises 34:47 – Be careful who buys your grain 36:47 – Checking your grain buyer 38:30 – Commodity markets 41:27 – Aberdeen Angus at 150 42:29 – Why Aberdeen Angus endures 43:17 – Genetics, DNA and lower emissions 49:30 – Closing remarks Useful links - Rural Payments Agency extreme weather guidance - Defra Farmer Welfare Grant - Samantha Seaman Coaching - Richard Whitlock – grain merchant analysis - Bayer Crop Science weed management - Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

Sheep farmers are being urged to consider vaccination as a surge in bluetongue cases causes serious losses across south-west England. We have the latest on the worsening outbreak, the risks associated with livestock movements and whether vaccination makes financial sense. We also examine the impact of extreme heat and drought on this year’s harvest. Soil scientist Danni Robb explains why high temperatures can damage grain yields, how warmer nights affect crops and what growers can do to improve resilience. Plus, we discuss forage shortages, chickpea prices, straw and wool insulation, and the latest farm commodity prices. And Louise visits the winner of the 2026 Silver Lapwing Award – and sees how farming goes hand-in-hand with outstanding environmental management in Gloucestershire. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim . Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:57 – Surge in bluetongue cases hits sheep farms 01:19 – Philippa Page and Phil Stocker assess the outbreak 03:03 – Should farmers vaccinate before tupping? 04:55 – Hugh Broom on sheep losses in south-west England 07:48 – Certis Belchim message: managing take-all in cereal crops 09:29 – Heat, drought and poor harvest yields 11:06 – How warm nights affect wheat yields 12:16 – Which crops have performed better? 13:28 – Varieties, soil health and climate resilience 24:11 – Podcast updates and listener feedback 25:40 – Chickpea prices and imported competition 27:03 – Warning over adding moisture to stored grain 27:38 – The environmental impact of free-range eggs 31:09 – Hugh tries British wool insulation 33:06 – This week’s farm commodity prices 35:24 – Frampton Court Estate wins the Silver Lapwing Award 36:05 – Peter Clifford on agroforestry and farm partnerships 37:35 – Funding environmental work in the future 42:07 – Closing remarks Guests * Philippa Page, president, Sheep Veterinary Society * Phil Stocker, chief executive, National Sheep Association * Dani Robb, soil scientist, Ceres Research * Peter Clifford, Frampton Court Estate Useful links * Bluetongue guidance * Bluetongue vaccination guidance * National Sheep Association * Sheep Veterinary Society * British Society of Soil Science * Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group * Silver Lapwing Award * Frampton Court Estate This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

What does Dame Angela Eagle’s appointment as Defra secretary mean for UK agriculture? This week, we examine the new secretary of state’s priorities, political influence and ability to secure the long-term budgets farmers say they need. We also hear from NFU Sugar chairman Kit Papworth following British Sugar’s proposal to stop processing beet at its Cantley factory in Norfolk. At the Royal Welsh Show, farmers respond to a three-year, £340m-a-year funding settlement for the Sustainable Farming Scheme. We pay tribute to NFU livestock board chairman David Barton, hear how the drought is affecting harvest and examine rising farmgate prices. And during Farm Safety Week, combine fire survivor Andrew Williamson explains why machinery can be replaced—but people cannot. This episode is brought to you by seed breeder KWS. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:51 – What will Angela Eagle mean for farming? 05:58 – A farmer-friendly appointment at Defra? 07:37 – Cantley sugar factory faces closure 12:30 – Can Britain rebuild its rural economy? 18:21 – Imported cane sugar versus home-grown beet 23:09 – Welsh farmers receive funding certainty 27:48 – Has Wales found a better approach? 33:45 – Remembering David Barton 36:41 – Harvest and drought update 38:52 – Abby’s new investigative role 40:03 – Farm markets 42:38 – Combine fires and Farm Safety Week 46:02 – Why farm safety is not improving Special Guests: Dame Angela Eagle – secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Kit Papworth – Norfolk sugar beet grower and chairman of the NFU Sugar Board Andrew Williamson – farmer and vice-chairman of the NFU Combinable Crops Board The episode is presented by Johann Tasker , Abi Kay , Hugh Broom and Anne Dunn. Useful links ⁠ British Sugar’s announcement on the proposed Cantley closure ⁠ NFU Sugar: Growers need certainty following Cantley proposal ⁠ Welsh Government: £1bn multi-year funding commitment ⁠ NFU Cymru response to the funding settlement ⁠ Farm Safety Foundation – Yellow Wellies ⁠ Farm Safety Week 2026 ⁠ Farmers Weekly: Level the Field – physical health in farming ⁠ KWS UK Email the podcast team at podcast@fwi.co.uk . Listeners in the UK can text FARM , followed by their message, to 88440 . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does an Andy Burnham government mean for UK agriculture? This week, Westminster watcher Jeremy Moody examines the new prime minister’s farming credentials – and whether a land value tax could hit agricultural businesses. We also examine the law on defending yourself and your property after prosecutors decide that a Derbyshire farmer who fatally shot an intruder will face no criminal charges. Agricultural solicitor Aled Owen explains when force may be considered necessary and reasonable—and why picking up a firearm should always be a last resort. Elsewhere, we bring you the latest harvest results, advice on handling exceptionally dry oilseed rape, this week’s livestock and arable prices, and an unusual field fire started by a buzzard. And finally, could chickpeas become a profitable, climate-resilient break crop for UK growers? Louise Impey visits field-scale trials in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to find out. This episode is brought to you by plant breeder KWS . Special Guests Jeremy Moody – secretary and adviser, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers Matt Bull – product manager, KWS Aled Owen – agricultural solicitor and partner, HCR Law David White – Cambridgeshire arable farmer and chickpea trial grower Josiah Meldrum – Hodmedod’s Wholefoods Chapters 00:55 What does an Andy Burnham government mean for agriculture? 04:51 Could farmers face a land value tax? 08:45 Will rural Britain be heard? 11:47 Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS 15:15 Farmer faces no charges over fatal shooting 15:52 What does the law allow householders to do? 19:44 Advice for farmers facing an intruder 26:10 Harvest results: wheat, barley, beans and oilseed rape 28:02 Adding moisture to very dry oilseed rape 29:23 Buzzard blamed for standing-crop fire 30:48 Church rejects blanket rewilding target 31:41 Environment Agency farm inspection findings 33:04 Should rural speed limits fall to 20mph? 35:31 Market update 38:11 Could chickpeas become a UK break crop? 45:18 Closing remarks Useful links ⁠ Farmers Weekly ⁠ Central Association of Agricultural Valuers ⁠ HCR Law agricultural regulatory team ⁠ Crown Prosecution Service guidance on self-defence and crime prevention ⁠ AHDB grain-storage moisture targets United Oilseeds ⁠ NIAB: UK chickpea production research ⁠ Hodmedod’s Farmers Weekly market prices This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Abi Kay, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130 Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

A third summer heatwave is creating difficult harvesting conditions, with shrivelled grain, variable cereal yields and combines being forced to operate early in the morning or late at night. We examine warnings against “grain washing” - adding water to very dry harvested grain before it goes into store - and consider the risks of hot spots, mould and contamination. Elsewhere, MPs challenge Defra over whether its new 25-year farming roadmap contains enough detail, investment and ambition to improve profitability and food security. And finally, Norwegian football star Erling Haaland explains why he buys raw milk, beef and honey from a Cheshire farm. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim . Special Guests: * Amy Caitlin, AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds team * Alistair Carmichael MP, Efra committee chairman * Emma Reynolds MP, Defra secretary * Erling Haaland, Manchester City and Norway footballer * Helen Southworth, Cheshire dairy farmer, Greenoaks Farm Chapters 00:59 Heatwave harvest challenges 01:27 Warning over grain washing 02:34 Early harvest results 04:09 Should growers add moisture? 07:17 Silage and maize conditions 09:47 Partner message: Certis Belchim 11:29 Is Defra’s farming roadmap credible? 11:54 Emma Reynolds challenged by MPs 13:28 Alistair Carmichael interview 23:32 Farming sentiment in Scotland 29:07 Harvest disrupts farm plans 30:14 Markets update 32:07 Erling Haaland backs British farm produce 33:39 The Haaland effect 36:52 England versus Norway 37:38 Closing remarks Useful links Farmers Weekly Podcast AHDB grain storage guide AHDB grain-cooling guidance Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future Defra Farming Roadmap summary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Food Standards Agency: raw drinking milk This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

This week’s Farmers Weekly Podcast comes from the Groundswell show in Hertfordshire, where Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tells farmers she wants their ideas for a new rural policy. Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Ms Badenoch says future policy should be shaped by farmers and land managers – not just by officials in Westminster and Whitehall. We also examine whether private finance can help pay for greener farming, as Lloyds Bank launches the Food and Nature Resilience Fund with Wildfarmed, Severn Trent Water, Affinity Water and AXA. Plus, Farmers Weekly editor Andrew Meredith joins Hugh Broom and Louise Impey to discuss Defra, countryside stewardship higher tier, harvest progress, private finance and the mood at Groundswell. And finally, we hear from Groundswell co-founder Alex Cherry as the UK’s leading regenerative farming event marks its 10th anniversary. This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists. Special Guests: * Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party * Ben Makowiecki, agriculture sustainability director, Lloyds Bank * Alex Cherry, co-founder, Groundswell * Andrew Meredith, editor, Farmers Weekly Chapters 00:00 – Episode introduction from Groundswell 01:03 – Hugh Broom opens the show 01:22 – Kemi Badenoch visits Groundswell 09:07 – Andrew Meredith joins the discussion 11:47 – Countryside stewardship higher tier changes 16:37 – Lloyds Bank launches Food and Nature Resilience Fund 17:06 – Ben Makowiecki explains private finance for regen farming 23:49 – Can private money really support farmers? 27:10 – Harvest report 29:23 – Donald Trump and regenerative farming 30:31 – Contaminated meat and World Cup anti-doping tests 31:47 – Off-grid living, guinea pigs and pigeon meat 32:42 – Sir Peter Kendall calls for more farming optimism 34:23 – Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel 36:33 – Groundswell marks its 10th anniversary 42:31 – Final reflections from the show Useful links Farmers Weekly Groundswell Conservative Party Lloyds Bank Agriculture Wildfarmed Soil Association Exchange Woodland Trust Defra This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Hugh Broom. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

This week, we examine whether the government’s long-awaited 25-year Farming Roadmap will deliver the certainty, confidence and investment farmers need. NFU president Tom Bradshaw gives his reaction to Defra’s plan, while we discuss profitability, agri-environment funding, climate resilience and the value of farming to the wider economy. We debate the impact of hot weather and this month's record-breaking temperatures on farm enterprises. We also examine Defra’s refreshed bovine TB strategy, including new testing approaches and the prospect of cattle vaccination by 2030. With the UK marking 10 years since the Brexit referendum, Cheffins chairman Bill King explains how leaving the EU has changed the trade in second-hand farm machinery. And we visit Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, winner of a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists. Special Guests. * Tom Bradshaw, president, NFU * Paul Tompkins, deputy president, NFU * Josh Swain, farm animal vet, Synergy Animal Health * Bill King, chairman, Cheffins * Dr Johnny Wake, managing partner, Courteenhall Estate Chapters 00:00 Intro and headlines 01:13 Defra unveils 25-year farming roadmap 01:45 Tom Bradshaw on whether the roadmap goes far enough 05:42 Louise and Hugh analyse the plan 12:09 Certis Belchim partner message: managing take-all risk 13:48 Defra refreshes bovine TB eradication strategy 14:59 Josh Swain explains new TB testing technology 16:30 Hugh and Louise discuss TB testing, vaccination and farm impact 24:24 Hot weather, harvest prospects and climate adaptation 26:30 Brexit: 10 years on for farm machinery trade 27:04 Bill King on export friction after Brexit 31:25 Hugh and Louise assess Brexit’s farming legacy 36:45 This week’s commodity prices 38:31 Courteenhall Estate wins King’s Award for sustainability 42:41 Looking ahead to Groundswell Useful links * Defra farming roadmap * Defra bovine TB strategy update * Cheffins farm machinery auctions * Courteenhall Estate * King’s Awards for Enterprise * Groundswell This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

Defra has finally unveiled the budget for its flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme – but is £240 million enough to meet demand from farmers? Former Natural England agriculture head Geoff Sansome gives his verdict – and explains why thousands of farmers could still be left in limbo when existing agreements expire. We also bring you an exclusive interview with new Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin, who responds to criticism of the farm assurance scheme. Just weeks into the role, Mr McLaughlin outlines plans for reform and explains how technology, AI and simpler audits could help rebuild trust with farmers. Recorded at the Cereals event at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, we discuss why this year’s show has been one of the most talked-about industry events in years. And we hear about the NFU’s call for government support to protect growers from soaring fertiliser costs. Finally, we meet the team behind Only Farmers – a new online platform designed to help farmers market products, share equipment, promote experiences and connect with customers. Guests * Geoff Sansome – former head of agriculture, Natural England * Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin * NFU president Tom Bradshaw * Lisa Hogan – co-founder, Only Farmers * Wolfe Bentinck – co-founder, Only Farmers Chapters 00:00 SFI budget finally confirmed 01:45 Geoff Sansome on whether £240m is enough 05:41 Industry reaction to the SFI announcement 09:02 Exclusive: Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin 11:36 Why assurance reform is taking so long 14:05 Imports, standards and farmer frustrations 16:38 Technology, AI and the future of farm assurance 20:41 Panel reaction to Red Tractor’s plans 24:49 Cereals 2026 from Diddly Squat Farm 25:14 Has Jeremy Clarkson changed Cereals? 30:51 NFU fertiliser resilience plan explained 35:43 Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel 38:34 Only Farmers: a new platform for agriculture 41:47 Can farmers benefit from Only Farmers? 43:50 Final thoughts and goodbye Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive Red Tractor National Farmers Union Cereals Event Only Farmers Natural England Farmers Weekly This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

This live Cereals 2026 episode tackles one big question: with high input costs and mediocre grain prices will planting cereals this autumn be financially worthwhile? The discussion starts with markets and margins, including break-even wheat prices, grain carryover, milling wheat premiums and the risks of holding out for higher prices. Part Two looks at how growers can reduce risk through variety choice, BYDV resistance, hybrid wheat, yellow rust resilience and AHDB decision-support tools. Finally, we asks whether the public and politicians really understand farming — and how Clarkson’s Farm has changed the conversation about food security and farm profitability. Guests Andrew Williamson – Shropshire farmer and NFU Combinable Crops Board vice-chair Andrew Dewing – Dewing Grain chief executive and grain trader Clare Leaman – NIAB cereal variety specialist Sacha White – AHDB crop protection scientist Patrick Galbraith – Daily Telegraph rural affairs writer Charlie Ireland – Ceres Rural and adviser to Clarksons Farm George Badger – Ceres Rural and adviser to Clarksons Farm Chapters 00:00 – Introduction Live from Cereals 2026 at Diddly Squat Farm. 01:15 – Are cereals still worth drilling? Andrew Williamson outlines the pressure on arable margins. 04:12 – Grain markets and break-even prices Andrew Dewing assesses wheat values, cost of production and selling opportunities. 05:30 – Feed prices and livestock links Hugh Broom looks at what low grain prices mean for livestock producers. 09:04 – Fertiliser costs and possible support The NFU’s call for help if fertiliser prices spike. 11:44 – Feed wheat, milling wheat and risk Louise Impey and the panel discuss whether milling wheat still stacks up. 16:37 – Grain marketing strategy When should growers lock in prices for harvest 2026 and 2027? 19:20 – Growing a cost-effective crop Claire Lehman and Sasha White join the discussion. 20:10 – BYDV-resistant varieties Why barley is moving faster than wheat on BYDV tolerance. 21:30 – Hybrid wheat Could new hybrid wheat varieties change the market? 23:13 – Yellow rust resistance How breeders are responding to resistance breakdowns. 24:24 – AHDB’s new BYDV tool Sasha White explains how the tool can help growers decide whether spraying is worthwhile. 28:28 – Decision support and SFI tools How AHDB is helping growers weigh up complex agronomic and business choices. 32:04 – Resilience over yield Why variety choice is increasingly about consistency and risk management. 34:45 – Does the public understand farming? Patrick Galbraith, Charlie Ireland and George Badger join the final panel. 35:52 – Telling farming stories in national media How farming issues are explained to non-farming audiences. 37:17 – Behind the scenes at Diddly Squat What Clarkson’s Farm gets right about farming life. 42:27 – Food security and public awareness Why the link between shoppers and producers remains fragile. 44:32 – Reasons for optimism Mixed farming, SFI, land opportunities and long-term business thinking. 49:09 – How farming is perceived Patrick Galbraith on public sympathy, politics and why farming should keep pushing its case. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

This week, Defra confirms England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive will reopen for applications on 30 June – but only for some farmers, and with questions over budget. Farm business adviser Katie Hilton explains the key changes in SFI 26, including land use caps, no-till rules and revised payment rates. We also examine a High Court ruling which could mean lower meat inspection charges for abattoirs, processors and livestock producers. And royal recognition for Open Farm Sunday which celebrates its 20th anniversary – we find out why even small events can help reconnect the public with farming. Podcast guests: * Katie Hilton, director, Cheffins * John Royle, NFU chief livestock policy adviser * Rachel Risdon, Devon farmer and Open Farm Sunday host Chapters 00:53 – Sustainable Farming Incentive 12:59 – High Court ruling on meat inspection charges 17:18 – Why small abattoirs matter to livestock farmers 24:19 – Listener feedback on Red Tractor reform 27:32 – Farmers Weekly Podcast Live at Cereals 30:23 – Sainsbury’s white eggs and trailer safety 33:53 – Market prices 36:16 – Open Farm Sunday celebrates 20 years 40:23 – Why public engagement matters 43:11 – Closing remarks Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive guidance Cheffins National Farmers Union Association of Independent Meat Suppliers British Meat Processors Association Food Standards Agency Open Farm Sunday LEAF Tilly Pass trailer safety Farmers Weekly stage at Cereals This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

This week, farmers report delays receiving payments from soil carbon scheme Agreena – with some growers saying they are owed thousands of pounds. We examine the latest Farm Assurance Review and ask whether Red Tractor and other schemes can deliver fairer treatment for UK grain producers facing competition from unassured imports. We review Harvest , the new book by former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters. And we visit the Green Farm Collective’s Soil to Slice conference in Harrogate, where farmers, millers, wholesalers and bakers are working together to build more value into regenerative supply chains. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and headlines 00:51 Agreena payment delays spark farmer frustration 09:40 Farm Assurance Review – what happens next? 19:56 Minette Batters’ new book Harvest 25:29 Sugar beet with a clover understorey 28:33 Rural crime falls by 21% 33:53 Markets: lamb breaks £9/kg, diesel dips below £1/litre 36:48 Soil to Slice: building value through regenerative supply chains 47:15 Podcast wrap-up Guests * George Dunn, Chief Executive, Tenant Farmers Association * Michael Kavanagh, Green Farm Collective * Verity Megginson, Yorkshire regenerative farmer * Natalia Spinetto, Director of Impact & Strategy, Collective Food * George Herbert, Hobbs House Bakery Useful links * Agreena * Tenant Farmers Association * Red Tractor Assurance * Green Farm Collective * Collectiv Food * Hobbs House Bakery This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

This week, police pledge tougher action on hare coursing after an Essex farmer suffers almost 200 incidents in eight months. The government unveils plans to slash tariffs on 100 food items imported into the UK. We examine the impact of food price controls on UK farmers. Beef sector leaders call for fairer pricing as the market eases ahead of the Beef Expo industry showcase at Melton Mowbray livestock market . And we meet the farmer testing “firewater” – a Defra-funded ADOPT project aiming to make nitrogen from air, water and electricity. Guests Tom Bradshaw – NFU president Neil Shand – chief executive, National Beef Association Hugh Brown – chief executive, Gillstream Markets / Melton Mowbray Market Matthew Register – Essex farmer Robyn Munton – NFU vice-president Tim Ellis – farmer involved in the Firewater ADOPT project Chapters 01:04 – Food tariffs and price caps 01:43 – Tom Bradshaw warning 03:24 – Food import controls analysed 14:36 – Beef market analysis 27:30 – Hare-coursing crackdown 30:34 – Red diesel thefts and fuel duty 34:30 – Markets update 36:46 – Fertiliser from air and water Useful links Targeted food tariff cuts NFU update on hare-coursing sentencing guidelines NBA Beef Expo 2026 Adopt Project on firewater Farmers Weekly Market Prices This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . 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.

Fuel shortages triggered by the Iran conflict could leave crops rotting in fields this harvest unless food production is prioritised. We hear from CAAV adviser Jeremy Moody, who warns that red diesel availability is now an immediate concern for arable farmers, with further uncertainty for autumn planting. We also visit Dyson Farming’s new research centre in Lincolnshire, where managing director Daniel Cross explains how the business hopes to transform British agriculture. At the Pig and Poultry Fair, Pig World editor Alistair Driver reports on mixed market sentiment, falling pig prices and concern over Morrisons giving notice to some British pig suppliers. Plus, Hugh Broom rounds up the markets, Louise Impey reflects on glyphosate; and the Princess Royal receives for Farmers Club Cup for her long-standing support for UK agriculture. In this episode: 00:00 Fuel shortages threaten harvest 14:41 Dyson Farming’s research centre 30:05 Weather, silage, maize and glyphosate 35:08 Pig and Poultry Fair market mood 39:23 Hugh’s market report 42:11 Princess Royal receives Farmers Club Cup This week’s guests: Jeremy Moody, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers Daniel Cross, Dyson Farming Alistair Driver, Pig World Chris Riddle, The Farmers Club Useful links: House of Commons Efra Committee Dyson Farming Research British Pig & Poultry Fair Farmers Weekly markets data This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, food and environmental groups call for a ban on pre-harvest glyphosate use. We look at the alternatives – and whether this could be the thin end of the wedge. We also hear why farm leaders are pushing back against proposals to extend environmental permitting to beef and dairy farms. Plus, has the beef bubble burst? AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke explains why cattle prices have eased – and Hugh Broom looks at what could happen next. And finally, we visit Whins Farm in Cumbria, where the Addington Fund is offering a rare starter farm tenancy for a new entrant. In this episode: 0:00 Pre-harvest glyphosate: should it be banned? 11:02 Environmental permitting for beef and dairy 20:23 Farm update, silage and maize drilling 22:51 Women in Agriculture Awards 24:08 Beef prices: has the market turned? 34:10 Markets with Hugh Broom 36:05 Starter farm tenancy at Whins Farm, Cumbria This week’s guests: Martin Lines, Nature Friendly Farming Network Paul Tompkins, NFU deputy president Hannah Clarke, AHDB lead analyst Simon Mountjoy, Addington Fund Useful links: Women in Agriculture Network Addington Fund Whins Farm tenancy details GSC Grays tenancy application details Farmers Weekly markets data This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s episode is brought to you with Bayer Crop Science. As fertiliser prices rise and new-season supplies tighten, we ask when farmers should buy — and whether a little-and-often approach is the best way to manage risk. We also look at a new 25-year regenerative farm business tenancy from the Duchy of Cornwall, and ask whether longer agreements could give tenants the confidence to invest for the future. Plus, TikTok cow-hugging, seeds that can “hear” rain, Welsh election pledges, this week’s markets — and how artificial intelligence is being used to count birds on farm. In this episode: 0:00 Fertiliser prices and supply concerns 12:38 Bayer Crop Science: Vivalis fungicide 15:40 Duchy of Cornwall launches 25-year regenerative FBT 26:20 Cow-hugging, rare breeds and seeds hearing rain 32:25 Welsh election pledges, milk production and lab-grown meat 35:50 Markets with Hugh Broom 38:40 AI bird counting and biodiversity monitoring This week’s guests: Michael Pater, Origin Soil Nutrition Rachel Banks, Bayer Crop Science Matthew Morris, Duchy of Cornwall George Caterer, Wilder Sensing This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity farmer Jeremy Clarkson speaks out as soaring fuel and fertiliser costs force arable growers to rethink autumn cropping plans. MPs urge Kier Starmer to help reduce red diesel prices as they tell the prime minister the Iran war makes food security paramount. We preview this summer’s Cereals event – to be held on 10-11 June at Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds. And how a royal estate is working to improve safety on its tenant farms. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.