

The Farmers Weekly Podcast
Farmers Weekly
The inside track on the biggest stories affecting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker and Louise Impey. Every Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 51min
'Godfather' of regenerative agriculture Gabe Brown on future of farming, support for nature-friendly food production, & plan to monetise farm data
In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the future of regenerative agriculture and examine whether it is right for your farm.We have a special interview with American farmer Gabe Brown, described as the 'god father' of regenerative agriculture, as he visits the UK.We discuss the role of government support when it comes to agro-ecology and nature-friendly farming practices.And we look at plans for a not-for-profit National Agency for Smart Data in Agriculture (NASDA) to help farmers monetise their farm data safely and confidentially.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact 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.

Jul 18, 2025 • 54min
Former British Lion Tom Youngs talks rugby and farming, progress on national food strategy, Sustainable Farming Scheme for Wales, & variable catchy harvest
In this episode, former British Lion Tom Youngs shares his thoughts on farming and rugby.We run the rule on the government’s latest iteration of a national food strategy - and discuss the implications for farmers.NFU Cymru president Aled Jones voices concern about the newly announced Sustainable Farming Scheme for Wales.And we look at the ups and downs of harvest ahead of the market prices.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact 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.

Jul 11, 2025 • 50min
Drought and wildfire warning, new Tesco boss backs farmers, parts suppliers frustration, growing olives in Lincolnshire
In this episode, as drought is declared in Yorkshire, we look at the impact of the dry weather across the country.Scotland faces a wildfire warning – following a 30,000 acre blaze which saw farmers and game-keepers come together to fight the flames.Tesco's new chief executive Ashwin Prasad gets out on farm – just a week into the job – saying he wants to work in partnership with farmers.Hugh has a problem getting replacement parts for his topper.And a Lincolnshire farmer establishes a 10ha olive grove near Spalding with big plans to produce high-quality virgin olive oil.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact 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.

Jul 7, 2025 • 49min
Groundswell 2025: £150m in capital grants for farmers, former Defra adviser on farming future, how to unlock nature markets, big business invests in farming, AHDB chief exec plans for farm levies
In this episode, a former Defra adviser says the government must win back farmers' trust if it is serious about successful agriculture.The government unveils £150m in capital grants for farmers – we look at what the money is likely to fund and how it will work.We find out about new funding opportunities for farmers – thanks to private investment from big corporations.We spend two days at Groundswell 2025, the regenerative agriculture festival, and look at the options for growers and livestock producers.And we speak to Emily Norton – the new chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development board – about her plans for farm levies.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact 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.

Jun 27, 2025 • 51min
Early start for harvest 2025, moisture meters, why it's gone quiet on inheritance tax, Fram Farmers trials day, & CowPie Country Show
In this episode, we preview the early start to harvest 2025 as the first combines roll into barley crops.One year after the Labour came to power, we ask why farm leaders have gone so quiet on government plans to impose inheritance on farmers.We visit a Fram Farmers trials day in Suffolk – and Hugh goes to his local Cowpie Country Fair.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact 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.

Jun 21, 2025 • 42min
Red Tractor must avoid 'fudged' reform, bluetongue restriction havoc in Wales, Scottish beef at the Royal Highland Show, Farming Rules for Water, and more on skylarks at Cereals
Andrew Watts, a Hertfordshire grower and former NFU Combinable Crops chairman, shares his insights on vital reforms needed for the Red Tractor assurance scheme to restore farmer confidence. He discusses the challenges posed by bluetongue disease restrictions affecting livestock movement between England and Wales, highlighting the frustrations of farmers. Additionally, listeners get a peek into the Royal Highland Show, with important updates on competition and initiatives supporting young farmers, alongside the latest regulations on muck spreading and water management.

Jun 12, 2025 • 42min
Verdict on government spending review, outrage at imported supermarket beef, bumper Cereals event, & top accolade for 21-year-old oat variety
In this episode, UK farm leaders voice dismay after three major British supermarkets start selling beef from Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand.Is the government's spending review really better than expected when it comes to farming and the environment?We discuss the implications of departmental cuts at Defra – and the impact for growers and livestock producers.We spend two days at the Cereals event – the UK's annual showcase for the combinable crops sector.And we discover why plant breeders behind a 21-year-old oat variety are celebrating after being awarded a rare industry accolade.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Recorded live on Wednesday and Thursday 11-12 June 2025 at the UK Cereals event at Heath Farm, Leadenham, Lincolnshire.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact 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.

Jun 6, 2025 • 43min
Spending review - likely impact on farming, Cereals event preview, and getting the message across on Open Farm Sunday
In this episode, we look at the likely impact of the government's spending review on UK farming and the environment.We have a sneak preview of this month’s Cereals event – and why reducing carbon emissions isn't as easy as people might think.And why it is so important to get the farming message across on Open Farm Sunday.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact 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.

May 30, 2025 • 42min
Farmers quit UK to farm in France, nature-friendly farm support concerns, North Sheep, Red Tractor latest, yellow rust gene failure confirmed, & Madam Tussauds celebrates national sausage roll day
In this episode, a UK farming couple quit the UK to go farming in France, saying they feel more valued by the French government.Defra declines to comment on reports that the government's Spending Review will slash the budget for nature friendly farming.We've the latest on high-profile movers and shakers in the farming sector, as Assured Food Standards appoints a permanent chairman for Red Tractor.And Madame Tussauds waxworks museum in London prepares to celebrate national sausage roll day.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact 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.

May 23, 2025 • 50min
Janet Hughes 'hard act to follow at Defra', new AHDB chair, Green Farm Collective, regenerative wheat & wool, UK-EU veterinary deal, & beef under the climate cosh
In this episode, as senior civil servant Janet Hughes decides to leave Defra, we look at what it means for the Sustainable Farming Incentive.It's a revolving door at the AHDB, with the appointment of a new chair – and the announcement that chief executive Graham Wilkinson is moving on.Scottish livestock leaders say a climate committee report calling for less beef consumption is based on flawed evidence.Why a new deal between London and Brussels could make life easier on your farm.And Louise visits the Green Farm Collective – and discovers that bread made from regenerative wheat really does taste different.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact 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.