R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Today we’re back with Field to Front Door 🎙️ David, Martin and Wallace catching up after a couple of weeks away, with harvest largely behind us and attention starting to turn towards what comes next. A big part of this one was David’s growing direct selling venture. We chatted about everything from vegetables, milk and meat through to eggs, delivery companies and whether bringing produce from multiple farmers together could create something genuinely competitive while still giving the farmer a fairer share. We also got into SFI and what it actually means for farmers. David talked through some of the options he’s considering, while Martin questioned whether schemes like this really reward the farmers who have already spent years changing how they farm. There was plenty on low input farming too. Martin shared the results from around 100 acres grown with virtually no inputs, the money saved on fertiliser and sprays, mixed cropping with peas and cereals, and why yield alone doesn’t necessarily tell you whether a crop has made money. And the Johnson Sue experiments continue, with David now treating oilseed rape seed and leaving untreated areas to see whether they can actually spot a difference as the crop develops. We’re keeping this going fortnightly, so feel free to send us any ideas or topics you’d like us to get into. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I had Clare on the R2Kast 🎙️ Clare is a farmer’s daughter, behavioural scientist and the driving force behind Grounded Research, using research and data to make sure farmers and others across the food supply chain have a genuine voice in decision making. 🌾 We spoke about growing up on an arable farm in Cambridgeshire, moving into marketing and consultancy, life as a military wife and eventually finding her way back into agriculture during the pandemic. That journey also led Clare into behavioural science and understanding why people actually make the decisions they do. 🍎 A big part of the conversation focused on Five Bar Gate and the communities Clare has created to make agricultural research easier, quicker and more representative. We spoke about paying farmers for their time, building robust data sets and making sure the people actually producing food are involved in the research and decisions that affect them. 🌍 We also chatted about ADOPT, farmer led innovation, getting farmers engaged in research and Clare’s nomination for Woman of the Year at the British Farming Awards. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Series three of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar is here 🎙️ Thank you for watching series two, where we looked ahead to the scholars and Next Gen Scholars presenting at the 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Conference in Leeds. This time we’re changing things up and looking at some of the biggest challenges, innovations and conversations shaping agriculture today 🌾 To start the series I was joined by Natalie Hepburn, a fellow scholar from my own Nuffield cohort and someone I travelled to Brazil with on our CSC. Natalie farms around Cardiff, keeping sheep and goats while producing goats milk skincare and sheep milk cheese. Natalie’s scholarship explored farm diversification and how farmers actually manage everything that comes with turning what they produce into a product. Her travels took her to Brazil, Rwanda, the Netherlands, Ireland, Northern Ireland and around the UK, with one of her biggest takeaways being the importance of networks and businesses supporting each other 🌍 The main focus of this episode though was the relationship between a Nuffield Scholar and their sponsor. Natalie’s scholarship was sponsored by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust and we spoke about how that relationship went far beyond simply providing the funding. From visiting NFU Mutual headquarters and being connected with people who could help her research, to keeping in touch throughout her travels and sharing her findings afterwards, it showed the role sponsors can play throughout the whole Nuffield journey. We also chatted about turning months of travel into a 5,000 word report and 12 minute presentation, the Nuffield moments that can completely change your thinking and why sometimes the best thing you can do while travelling is leave gaps in the diary for the opportunities you never planned for 🌱 A great way to kick off series three and a chance to highlight a part of Nuffield that we probably do not speak about enough. Thank you to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I had Frank on the R2Kast 🎙️ Frank is a Chartered Security Professional whose career has taken him from farming in Lincolnshire into the military and then security roles across the world, including a decade working in Kazakhstan. 🌾 We spoke about how that career eventually brought him back towards agriculture and the creation of Rural Safeguard, using decades of experience in security to help farmers better understand and reduce their risk of rural crime. From machinery and livestock theft to hare coursing and farmyard security, we got into just how broad rural crime actually is. 🍎 A big part of the conversation focused on protecting farms without turning them into fortresses. Frank explained the importance of understanding where you’re vulnerable, building sensible layers of security and having a plan for what happens if someone does enter the farm. His message of better tin than skin was a simple one, protecting yourself and your family has to come before protecting machinery. 🌍 We also spoke about how rural crime is changing through technology, cyber attacks and increasingly sophisticated organised crime, alongside the Demeter Initiative and Frank’s work to bring farming, policing, government and the security sector together to tackle the problem. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Field to Front Door – Episode 14 on selling direct, harvest, food prices and taking back control Today we’re back with Field to Front Door 🎙️ David, Martin and Wallace catching up as harvest continues, with plenty happening around grain, changing markets and some increasingly ambitious plans from David. We got into regenerative milling wheat, cleaning grain, mixed cropping and what Martin has learned from growing wheat and peas together. There was also plenty around harvest, from spelt and buckwheat through to linseed and how different crops are performing this year. A big part of this one was David’s latest experiment with selling food directly from farms to consumers. Potatoes, vegetables, flour, apples and even milk are already involved, with meat potentially coming next. We spoke about whether farmers can work together to create a genuinely competitive alternative that gives customers fresher food while being completely transparent about what the farmer actually gets paid. That led into a wider chat about supermarkets, postage, contracts and why the price paid to farmers can feel completely disconnected from what eventually reaches the consumer. We also got into the drought, food shortages and why farming seems to operate differently from almost every other industry when supply drops. And we finished with the British Farming Awards, with David up for Content Creator of the Year and somehow already making friends with the competition 😂 We’re going to keep this going fortnightly for now and see where it takes us. If you’ve got ideas on what we should cover or who we should bring in, send them our way. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I had Grace on the R2Kast 🎙️ Grace is a British vet based in New Zealand, working across large animal medicine, parasite management and the development of DAGI, while also helping establish the Aotearoa Veterinarians Union. 🌾 We spoke about a pretty incredible upbringing across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Africa and the Middle East, before eventually coming back to the UK to study veterinary medicine at Bristol. From there her career took her through Cornwall and South Africa before eventually settling in New Zealand and building a life and career there. 🍎 A big part of the conversation focused on drench resistance and DAGI, which stands for Drench and Grazing Integration. We spoke about refugia, grazing, weather and parasite risk, and how DAGI is helping make some of those invisible decisions much easier for farmers to see. We also got into the scale of drench resistance in New Zealand and plans to bring DAGI to the UK. 🌍 DAGI are currently looking for UK farmers interested in being part of the beta trial ahead of its planned launch here. Anyone interested can get in touch with Grace and the team through the DAGI website contact page or at info.dagi.nz@gmail.com. We also chatted about veterinary wellbeing, setting up the Aotearoa Veterinarians Union, biosecurity, travelling the world and why your veterinary degree doesn’t have to define everything you do for the rest of your career. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Tales of a Nuffield Scholar supported by NFU Mutual we bring series two to a close with something slightly different 🎙️ After seven episodes looking at the presentation groups taking to the stage at the 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Conference in Leeds, we finish with the Next Gen Scholars who will also be taking to that stage to share their experiences 🌱 The Next Gen Scholarship gives those aged 18 to 25 the opportunity to experience Nuffield through a curated study tour, travelling together, visiting businesses and learning from some of the best people across the sector. For this episode we hear from both the Regenerative Agriculture and Dairy groups who will be presenting their experiences in Leeds 🌍 First up were Regenerative Agriculture Next Gen Scholars Summer Wyatt Buchan and Jessica Walker, with Craig Alexander Byrne completing their group but unfortunately unable to join us for the episode. We heard about four weeks travelling together around farms and businesses across England and Wales, exploring soil health, resilience, livestock integration and the importance of community within regenerative systems 🚜 What really stood out was how much the experience went beyond simply learning about regenerative practices. For Summer, coming from outside farming but working within climate resilience, it offered an intense introduction to practical agriculture. For Jessica, growing up on an organic beef and sheep farm in the Scottish Borders, it provided the opportunity to challenge what she already knew and learn from the journeys of people who have spent years developing their systems. For the second half we moved into dairy with Lottie Wilson, Ed Martin and Isobel Bennett 🐄 Three young dairy farmers already taking serious responsibility within their family businesses, but operating across completely different systems in Wales, Scotland and England. Their journey took them from Yorkshire through Scotland and across England before heading to the Netherlands, seeing everything from low input grazing systems to incredibly intensive automated dairies. We spoke about labour, succession, efficiency, family farming, environmental pressures and what British dairy can learn from the challenges already being faced elsewhere in Europe 🌾 One of my favourite parts of both conversations was hearing how quickly strangers became friends. Weeks travelling in the same car, staying with hosts and constantly questioning what they were seeing created relationships that will undoubtedly continue long after the scholarship itself. That network has always been one of the most powerful parts of Nuffield and it was brilliant seeing it beginning so early for these six scholars. All six Next Gen Scholars will take to the stage in Leeds alongside the wider Nuffield Scholar presentations, sharing what they learned from their respective journeys and what they plan to take forward. It feels like a really fitting way to finish series two and our preview of what you can expect from the 2026 conference. Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I had Tim on the R2Kast 🎙️ Tim is a livestock farmer in Yorkshire, Deputy Chair of the Food Standards Agency and someone who has spent his career working across agriculture, science and public health. 🌾 We spoke about farming in the South Pennines, running Beef Shorthorn cattle and sheep, and why changing weather patterns are becoming one of the biggest challenges facing upland farming. We also discussed his passion for working with nature, producing high quality food and creating a farm that leaves a positive legacy for future generations. 🍎 A big part of the conversation focused on the Food Standards Agency and the role it plays in keeping food safe, tackling food fraud and assessing emerging technologies such as precision breeding and cultured proteins. We also discussed how science, evidence and independent regulation help shape public confidence in the food system and why understanding where our food comes from has never been more important. 🌍 We also chatted about his journey through medical research, helping establish NICE, the relationship between agriculture and human health, and why following your passions and staying curious can lead to opportunities you never expected. It was a fascinating conversation that brought together farming, science and policy in a way that affects every one of us. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re back with Field to Front Door 🎙️ David, Martin and Wallace catching up as harvest continues, with plenty to chat about from heritage grains and regenerative farming through to some pretty brutal yields and what actually makes farming stack up financially. David had been exploring heritage grains and the growing market around them, which led into a really interesting conversation about older varieties, milling, sourdough and whether sometimes the future of farming might actually involve looking back at what worked in the past. We got properly into regenerative farming again too, including what regen actually means, whether reducing one spray is enough to call something regenerative, cover crops, soil biology and the challenge of changing a farming system when you still need to make money while doing it. Harvest brought some fairly stark realities as well. Some crops have performed, others really haven’t, and we spoke about the frustration of putting a year into something only to find there simply isn’t enough crop there to make it pay. That led into why finding different markets, selling direct and getting paid properly for lower input produce could be so important. We also got into saving your own seed, different varieties adapting to individual farms, soil testing, organic matter and plenty more experiments for David and Martin to try before the next one. We’re going to keep this going fortnightly for now and see where it takes us. If you’ve got ideas on what we should cover or who we should bring in, send them our way. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I had Philip on the R2Kast 🎙️ Philip is a parasitologist at the Moredun Research Institute who has spent decades researching sheep and cattle parasites, helping farmers better understand disease and develop more sustainable approaches to livestock health. 🌾 We spoke about growing up in Northern Ireland, how a fascination with parasitology led him into research, and the work Moredun has done over many years to improve animal health through diagnostics, vaccines and better parasite management. It was a fascinating insight into a subject that affects almost every livestock farm but often goes unnoticed until problems appear. 🍎 A big part of the conversation focused on parasite resistance, why routine blanket worming is no longer sustainable and how targeted treatments, diagnostics and breeding more resilient livestock can help protect both animal health and the effectiveness of the medicines we still have available. We also discussed liver fluke, roundworms, climate change and the way parasites continue to adapt alongside changing farming systems. 🌍 We wrapped up chatting about curiosity, research and why there will always be new challenges in livestock health. It was a brilliant conversation that showed just how much science, practical farming and long term thinking come together to support healthier animals and more sustainable farming. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on series two of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar supported by NFU Mutual we continue looking ahead to the 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Conference in Leeds 🎙️ This is the final episode of the series focusing on the main Nuffield Scholarship presentation groups before we finish series two with the Next Gen Scholars 🌍 This episode focuses on the presentation group “Sustainable Growth through Innovation and Regeneration” with Dave Oates, Edward Fane Trefusis and Sam Steggles. Martin Gott will also join the group on stage in Leeds, but unfortunately could not join us for this conversation 🌱 We spoke about three very different approaches to building resilient rural businesses. Dave explored stacking land uses and how farming, nature, energy and other uses can work together on the same land. Edward looked at managing risk in a changing environment and what businesses need in place to anticipate challenges, adapt and bounce back. Sam brought a slightly different perspective with a brilliantly simple question after years of growing and diversifying his own business, when is enough enough? 🚜 Sam’s story was particularly fascinating. His original Nuffield journey was interrupted by Covid while he was in Australia, with his cheese business losing almost all of its market almost overnight. What followed was a pop up farm shop that grew into a substantial retail and hospitality business, completely reshaping both his business and eventually the questions he wanted his Nuffield work to answer. Dave and Edward took us around the world too, exploring everything from different approaches to land use and environmental delivery to the foundations that allow businesses to innovate and grow. A big theme throughout was context. What works brilliantly in one country, landscape or business might make absolutely no sense somewhere else, and understanding your own situation has to come before simply copying someone else’s solution 🌾 There was also a really interesting conversation around what Nuffield itself gives you. Travel is a huge part of it, but the people, networks and conversations often become even more valuable. Whether that meant learning from scholars across the UK, travelling with other scholars or simply following a conversation to an unexpected farm or business, some of the best learning was never part of the original plan 🌍 Without giving away everything that will be shared on stage in Leeds, this was a brilliant way to round off our look at the main presentation groups and another reminder of just how broad the ideas being explored through Nuffield can be. Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I had Hans on the R2Kast 🎙️ A commercial fisherman and boat builder who has spent decades working the west coast of Scotland and is now operating what he believes is the world’s only fully electric commercial fishing boat. 🌾 We spoke about growing up between Glasgow and Argyll, learning boat building before moving into commercial fishing, and how years of working on the water eventually led him to question whether a fishing boat really needed a diesel engine. That curiosity turned into years of research, design and problem solving before converting his own working boat into a fully electric vessel. 🍎 A big part of the conversation focused on the practical realities of electric fishing. We discussed battery technology, range, maintenance, running costs and the challenges of convincing others that the concept can work commercially. Hans shared why he believes the biggest benefits aren’t just environmental, but also reliability, simplicity and dramatically lower maintenance compared to conventional engines. 🌍 We also chatted about life as a west coast fisherman, building boats, the future of the fishing industry and why innovation often starts with someone simply asking, “What if?” It was a fascinating conversation about challenging assumptions and finding practical solutions to real world problems. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re back with Field to Front Door 🎙️ David, Martin and Wallace catching up as harvest begins, discussing everything from grain markets and crop prices to social media and what’s happening on farm as another busy season gets underway. A big part of this episode focused on grain markets and futures trading, looking at the risks of selling crops before they’re harvested and how weather, yields and global markets can completely change the financial picture for farmers. It led into a wider conversation around food security, subsidies and why producing food profitably is becoming more challenging every year. We also spent plenty of time talking about regenerative farming, with discussions around Johnson Sue compost, compost extracts, seed treatments, soil biology and the role of farmyard manure in improving soil health. It was another fascinating insight into the practical experiments happening on farms and why there’s no single right answer. Alongside that we chatted about harvest decisions, oilseed rape, wheat, rainfall and how sharing the realities of farming on social media can help people better understand what goes on behind the scenes. We’re going to keep this going fortnightly for now and see where it takes us. If you’ve got ideas on what we should cover or who we should bring in, send them our way. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I had Georgia on the R2Kast 🎙️ Georgia is a veterinary student, Commonwealth Games medallist and World Champion who has gone from competing at the highest level in para cycling to pursuing a career as a vet. 🌾 We spoke about growing up around horses in rural Leicestershire, always wanting to become a vet and then unexpectedly being identified through a talent programme that led her into elite cycling. What followed was a whirlwind few years of learning to ride on the track, competing internationally and eventually representing England at the Commonwealth Games before becoming a World Champion tandem pilot. 🍎 Also! As of date of release Georgia is currently on the ground at Glasgow 2026 commentating on her summer break before 4th year! A big part of the conversation focused on resilience and adapting when plans change. Georgia shared how setbacks in sport ultimately pushed her back towards veterinary medicine, leading her to join one of the UK’s newest veterinary schools and finally pursue the career she had wanted since childhood. 🌍 We also discussed veterinary education, practical learning, placements, large animal medicine and the realities of life as a vet student. It was a fascinating insight into two very different worlds that both demand huge commitment, discipline and teamwork. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on series two of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar supported by NFU Mutual we continue looking ahead to the 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Conference in Leeds 🎙️ Across this series we’re hearing from scholars who will feature within the conference presentation groups, giving a flavour of the conversations, ideas and experiences set to shape the event 🌍 This episode focuses on the presentation group “From Pigs to Pullets to Insects” with Charlotte Cole, Gregor Bruce and Ben Lowe 🌱 We spoke about three very different journeys into livestock production, from poultry health and pig farming through to circular farming systems. Although each scholarship has a different focus, all three are asking similar questions about how we produce food more efficiently while improving sustainability, animal welfare and long term resilience 🚜 Charlotte shared her work as a poultry vet, exploring how the earliest stages of a laying hen’s life can influence health, welfare and productivity for the rest of its career. Gregor discussed his search for ways to improve productivity in pig farming without compromising animal welfare, staff wellbeing or the wider sustainability of the system. Ben spoke about building a truly circular farming business, looking at how locally produced feed, nutrients and resources can reduce waste and strengthen the resilience of mixed farming businesses 🌾 One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was that innovation is not always about producing more. It is about asking better questions, making smarter use of resources and recognising that healthier animals, healthier soils and healthier farming systems often go hand in hand. From pig genetics and poultry management to nutrient cycling and feed systems, each scholar challenged conventional thinking in their own way 🌍 Without giving away everything that will be shared on stage in Leeds, this episode offered another fascinating glimpse into the future of livestock production and the practical innovations already beginning to shape the sector. Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of the series, we explore how the island's farmers have diversified their businesses to adapt to changing markets and build resilience for the future. Along the way, we'll discover how these new enterprises are creating benefits that extend far beyond the farm gate, supporting local jobs, producing essential goods and services, creating educational opportunities, and helping people reconnect with the land and the food they eat. Episode guests Alisa Currie Ailsa Currie set up and runs the visitor and education programme at Bellevue Farm , a family-run beef, sheep and arable farm located near Blackwaterfoot. The farm welcomes tourists, families and students to learn about farming, experience local food and build a deeper connection with Arran's landscape and natural environment. Bellevue also hosts a regular farmer's market in partnership with other local food producers. Kenny Bone Kenny Bone is a mixed farmer at Glenkiln Farm who also runs a livery business, indoor riding arena, holiday lets, a hydroelectric energy scheme, and is the co-owner of The Drift Inn in Lamlash - alongside several other enterprises! Kenny is interested in caring for Arran's environment and is involved with many local organisations, including Arran Economic Group, Arran Development Trust and the local Forestry Commission panel as well as hosting the Arran Farmers Show. He was awarded Diversified Farm of the Year and the Champion of Champions award at the Scottish Agriculture Awards in 2024. Colin Mackenzie Colin Mackenzie successfully transitioned his family farm business away from dairy and now runs Mackenzie Logs - supplying seasoned firewood across the island. He also has a small herd of beef breeding cattle and store lambs. Alistair Dobson Alongside his role of Managing Director at Arran Dairies which he runs with his son Matthew, Alistair Dobson is Managing Director of Taste of Arran , a collaborative business that promotes, sells, and distributes food and drink from 10 SME producers on Arran to markets in the UK and abroad. Alistair is also the founding Chairman of VisitArran and a founding member of the Arran Economic Group focused on fostering community development and preserving Arran’s cultural and natural heritage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Field to Front Door – Episode 11 on regenerative farming, harvest decisions and learning from failure Today we’re back with Field to Front Door 🎙️ David, Martin and Wallace catching up on everything from harvest preparations and regenerative farming to football, Yorkshire Show and what’s happening on their farms right now. Field to Front Door 11.pdf A big part of this episode was a deep dive into regenerative farming. We got into soil biology, Johnson Sue compost, seed treatments, crop rotations and why changing farming systems isn’t about finding one magic answer but learning through trial and error. There was a really honest discussion around the fear of trying something different and accepting that not everything will work first time. We also chatted about harvest, with oilseed rape, wheat and linseed all coming into focus, how weather can completely change decisions in the field, and why growing crops is only half the challenge if you’re trying to add value and sell them differently. One of the most interesting conversations was around how farming has changed over generations. We talked about machinery, soil disturbance, biodiversity and how modern knowledge can be combined with older farming principles rather than simply trying to go backwards. As always there were plenty of laughs along the way, from Yorkshire versus Scotland, combine breakdowns and hats, through to planning next season before this one has even finished. We’re going to keep this going fortnightly for now and see where it takes us. If you’ve got ideas on what we should cover or who we should bring in, send them our way. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I had Sally-Ann on the R2Kast 🎙️ What a conversation this was. Sally-Ann wears more hats than almost anyone I’ve had on the podcast, working across agriculture, entomology, ecology, palaeontology and education, while somehow also becoming part of the winning Hawstone Farmers Choir on Britain’s Got Talent. 🌾 We started with the choir journey, from answering a social media advert looking for farmers who could hold a tune, through to filming adverts, building friendships and eventually standing on the Britain’s Got Talent stage. Sally-Ann shared what it felt like to go from an ordinary farming and science background to performing live in front of millions of people and ultimately winning the competition. 🍎 A big part of the conversation focused on dung beetles and why they matter so much. We discussed the role they play in soil health, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, pasture management and wider ecosystem function. It was a fascinating insight into a part of farming that most people never think about, despite its huge importance to both agriculture and nature. 🌍 We also spoke about curiosity, learning, Land Rovers, expeditions, mental health, finding your tribe and making the most of opportunities when they appear. It was one of those chats that could have gone on for hours because there was always another story waiting around the corner. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on series two of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar supported by NFU Mutual we continue looking ahead to the 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Conference in Leeds 🎙️ Across this series we’re hearing from scholars who will feature within the conference presentation groups, giving a flavour of the conversations, ideas and experiences set to shape the event 🌍 This episode focuses on the presentation group “Strengthening the People Who Shape Our Sector” with Andrew Richardson, Lucia Slack, Natasha Edwards, Peter Green and Sharon May 🌱 While many of the previous episodes have focused on crops, livestock, land use and natural resources, this conversation put people firmly at the centre. Across five very different scholarship topics, the common thread was understanding how we support the individuals, families and communities that underpin food, farming and aquaculture every single day 🚜 We spoke about mental health, suicide prevention, family wellbeing, succession, identity, leadership and the importance of community. Lucia shared insights from her work as a mental health nurse and her research into suicide within agriculture, while Sharon explored how best to support farming families and the wider networks around them. Both highlighted the importance of trust, connection and tackling the stigma that still prevents many people from seeking support 🌾 Andrew brought a completely different perspective from the aquaculture sector, looking at how young people are encouraged into food production industries and what agriculture can teach other sectors about building identity, belonging and strong peer networks. Peter explored the characteristics and behaviours that help farmers successfully navigate change, while Natasha examined how certification schemes can support farmers through transition and create opportunities for more sustainable and profitable systems 🌍 One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was that people matter just as much as policy, technology or production systems. Whether it was strengthening communities, supporting wellbeing, encouraging young people into the sector or helping businesses adapt to change, the discussion repeatedly returned to the importance of relationships and human connection. Without giving away everything that will be shared on stage in Leeds, this episode offered a powerful reminder that the future of farming is ultimately shaped by people, and supporting those people well is essential for the future success of the sector. Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you thrive on challenge? Or perhaps you’re looking for someone who can help bring clarity to the whirlwind of running a business and a busy life? 🌱 Today on the TwoCan Mentor podcast I was joined by Becci Berry and Andrew Ferguson 🎙️ Becci came into farming from a completely different background in marketing and sponsorship, taking on the family farm following the loss of her husband and learning the industry from the ground up. Andrew’s journey saw him unexpectedly return home to take on the family farm after losing his father, building a diverse rural business with everything from commercial units and a brewery to a café and indoor cricket centre. We spoke about the value of having someone independent to challenge your thinking, offer perspective and provide reassurance when running a business can feel overwhelming. Despite coming from different backgrounds, both found common ground in resilience, community and creating opportunities from difficult circumstances. 🌍 A big theme throughout the conversation was confidence. Not necessarily changing what you’re doing, but having someone help you step back, reflect on what you’ve already achieved and trust your own judgement. 💭 We also discussed the flexibility of the mentoring relationship and how some of the biggest benefits come not from technical advice, but from having honest conversations with someone who understands the challenges of building a business, leading people and navigating life’s twists and turns. 🌱 Enjoy! ☺️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.