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The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Latest episodes

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Jan 3, 2025 • 43min

Profitable food production in 2025, how to make money from the environment, & making sense of Labour's policies for farming – our special Oxford Farming Conference preview

In this episode, we look at the prospects for farming in 2025 – and discuss the opportunities for growers and livestock producers.We examine the outlook for profitable UK food production, ways to generate income from the farmed environment and the likely direction for government policy.First, though, we preview the Oxford Farming Conference (8-10 January) – which has a reputation for setting the political agenda for the farming year.This year's conference will see a keynote speech by Defra secretary Steve Reed following a series of controversial policy announcements.Does the (still) fledgling Labour government really understand farming? And, if so, why has it imposed inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1 million?Contributors include:Oxford Farming Conference chairman Geoff SansomePolicy analyst Emily Norton, Farm ForesightGraham Redman, The Andersons CentreTim Isaac, Ceres RuralListeners in England can obtain free farm support advice until March 2025 under Defra's Farm Resilience Fund – subject to eligibility criteria.This episode is hosted by Johann Tasker.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, please email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In England, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
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Dec 20, 2024 • 33min

From artificial insemination to artificial intelligence ~ how agri-tech is shaping the future of farming

In this episode, we visit the AgriTechE REAP conference – the annual showcase for the latest innovations in agriculture.We find out how simple innovations can make farming more profitable – enabling farmers to work smarter rather than harder.From completing Sustainable Farming Incentive applications at the push of a button to using semen analysis to breed better livestock.We talk to start-up agri-tech entrepreneurs and some of the biggest global names in farming who are embracing big ideas to boost productivity.We get together with the Silicon Valley expert who explains how artificial intelligence is available now – and how farmers can get involved.And we meet the co-founder of a fledgling business on a quest to brew the perfect cup of coffee from UK-grown ingredients.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann TaskerTo contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
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Dec 13, 2024 • 37min

Tractor protest brings London to standstill, knock-on impact of tax changes, Farming Explained YouTube channel, & who are #Together?

Hundreds of tractors descend on central London as farmers ramp up protests against the government's autumn Budget.As 500 tractors park outside Downing Street, we speak to farmers and protest organisers – and scrutinise the latest government announcement.Farmer and agricultural historian Oli Fletcher, from the Farming Explained YouTube channel, puts the protests in their wider context.We also analyse claims by Defra that it has injected £350m into farming to boost the UK's food security.Other government policies mentioned in this episode include:Mirror agreements for Countryside Stewardship Higher TierAgreement extensions for Higher Level StewardshipCapital grants: guidance for applicants and agreement holdersFurther protests are being planned – including a rally of opposition politicians, farmers, other business owners at the London Palladium.Farmers fear they will have to sell-up after the government decided to end inheritance tax exemptions for farming families.We examine the knock-on effects of changes on the wider rural economy – and look at what might happen next.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable reporter Louise Impey.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk.In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
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Dec 6, 2024 • 38min

Ban threat for autumn manure spreading, controversy over Bovaer feed additive, capital grants halted, wheat and barley recommended list, & London tractor protest

In this episode, could ban on autumn manure-spreading applications be the next body blow to hit Britain’s farmers?Well, quite possibly, as industry representatives are summoned to meet Defra officials following two legal challenges over the issue.We delve into the controversy over the decision by dairy processor Arla to use a new feed additive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cows.With campaigners calling for a milk and dairy boycott – we ask whether their concerns are justified – or just a load of hot air? Fear and loathing in the countryside – we examine Defra’s abrupt halt to capital grants for agri-environment work.We’ve the pick of the bunch of the latest combinable crop recommended list varieties – freshly unveiled for your drilling delight.And farmers prepare to ramp up protests against the government's inheritance tax decision – by driving hundreds of tractors into central London.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable farming journalist Louise Impey.To contact us, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.For the latest news, views and market prices for UK agriculture, visit fwi.co.uk.
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Nov 29, 2024 • 1h 8min

Farmers Weekly Question Time: Impact of inheritance tax on family farms - Farmers Weekly Question Time

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Harper Adams University in Shropshire.Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues.This episode focuses on the impact of the autumn 2024 Budget decision to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1m.Our panel is:- Julia Buckley, Labour MP for Shrewsbury- Jeremy Moody, secretary to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers- Clive Bailye, farmer and founder of The Farming Forum- Kelly Seaton, dairy farmer and AHDB knowledge exchange manager- Professor Karl Behrendt, of the Global Institute for Agri-Tech EconomicsSponsored by Lantra, this Farmers Weekly Question Time event was recorded in front of a live studio audience on Thursday, 14 November, 2024.Hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker. To attend future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime.
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Nov 22, 2024 • 42min

London ‘farm tax’ protest special - featuring Clarkson and thousands of family farmers

Thousands of farmers gather in London to lobby MPs and protest against changes to inheritance tax rules.From April 2026, agricultural assets worth more than £1m will be liable for 20% inheritance tax – leaving many farmers fearing for their livelihoods.Some 15,000 farmers descended on Westminster to oppose the changes, worried that the autumn Budget decision will force them to leave the land.Join us as we report live from the event - speaking to protest organisers, politicians and farmers on the streets around parliament.Could a compromise be possible – allowing the government to achieve its goal while enabling farmers to continue farming?Or are both sides digging in for the long haul?This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable farming journalist Louise Impey.To contact us, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
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Nov 15, 2024 • 38min

Clarkson joins London farm tax protest, 100 rural MPs voice concern over Budget, advice on changes to farm support, NFU anger at human cost of measures

In this episode, Jeremy Clarkson is set to join thousands of farmers protesting against the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farmland.The TV celebrity and star of Clarkson's Farm is expected to address farmers as they gather in London on Tuesday 19 November.Farm business consultants are continuing to wade through the government’s budget documents - looking at ways to mitigate their worst effects.We've a special interview with Richard Means, managing partner of Ceres Rural.And NFU president Tom Bradshaw says he understands farmers' anger at the Treasury for ignoring the "human cost" of the Budget.
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Nov 8, 2024 • 39min

Budget uproar - call for peaceful protest, life insurance and inheritance tax, tax on farm pick-ups, basic payment phase-out, future for family farms

In this episode, industry leaders urge farmers not to take direct action following the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farmland.Thousands of farmers are expected to descend on London after the Budget announcement sent shockwaves through the industry.The protest will coincide with what the NFU is describing as a ‘mass lobbying’ of MPs to get the government decision reversed.The inheritance tax facing farmers following the Budget has understandably grabbed all the headlines.But the Chancellor also unveiled many more measures affecting agriculture.They included company car tax on farm pick-ups, an increase in employers national insurance – and the faster phase out of direct payments.Life insurance could be one way of mitigating the impact of inheritance tax on farmland.But farmers are urged to take advice rather than making rash decisions.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable reporter Louise Impey.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk.In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
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Nov 1, 2024 • 27min

Budget bombshell: Inheritance tax - how to reduce your liability

A special episode after an autumn Budget which promises huge changes to farm businesses – and indeed for farming families.The Budget saw Chancellor Rachel Reeves announce major changes to agricultural property relief and inheritance tax rules relating to farming.From April 2026, farmers will be subject to 20% inheritance tax on agricultural and business assets worth more than £1 million pounds.In this episode, four experts discuss ways farmers can reduce their liability.Our experts are:Amy Cowdell, from solicitors Shakespeare MartineauRobert Sullivan, from chartered surveyors GSC GraysJason Beedell, from farm business consultants Strutt & ParkerSam Kirkham, from accountants Albert GoodmanTopics discussed include gifting land and assets to family members; business structures, including limited companies; moving assets into a trust; succession planning; and life insurance.Thank you for listening to the Farmers Weekly Podcast. This episode was conceived, written, edited and produced by Johann Tasker.To contact us, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
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Oct 25, 2024 • 41min

Budget preview, HedgeFest - payments fuel hedgerow revival, hill farming vital to upland future, & carbon-friendly fertiliser

In this episode, as the government's Budget looms we ask three experts what farmers should expect in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement.We find out why the Sustainable Farming Incentive is fuelling interest in hedgerow management in England – and how farmers can obtain payments.We visit the Lake District, where upland farmers fear they are being left behind by the government's flagship environmental schemes.And we go under the North Sea where a carbon-friendly fertiliser is being mined to replenish sulphur levels on UK farms.Thank you for listening to the Farmers Weekly Podcast. This episode is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Louise Impey.To contact us, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

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