The Farmers Weekly Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, MPs say the government should delay plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers – and revise its controversial policy.Defra announces a partial reopening of the Sustainable Farming Incentive for growers and livestock producers in England.US agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins tells Farmers Weekly that poultry and pork are "on the table" to be next for a trade deal between the USA and the UK.And Hugh attends a Defra food strategy meeting.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.

In this episode we look at the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive agri-environment scheme. Natural England head of agriculture Peter Craven tells us the scheme will return – and be better for farming and the environment, albeit with a likely smaller budget.We assess the impact of the UK-US trade deal on the beef and arable sectors – and ask whether it is the shape of things to come?MPs debate the future for Britain's small abattoirs – which are often a lifeline for smaller livestock producers serving higher-value niche markets.And, as the silage season hots up, we talk to safety campaigner Jane Gurney about the latest trailer advice on the road and in the field.A wealth of safety advice and daily checks can be downloaded from the Tilly Pass website. Please download the Head to Tow app mentioned in this episode.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.

Record-breaking temperatures see crops sweltering in the spring sunshine. A worry or just another challenge for arable growers?UK former home secretary James Cleverly and Save British Farming campaigners say the government must take food security more seriously.As the UK commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and the end of World War Two, we ask, could we really see the return of rationing?A ground-breaking new farm tenancy agreement – how the Crown Estate and the Tenant Farmers Association are working together.And Rothamsted Research – the world’s oldest agricultural research station – announces a big restructuring and 90 redundancies.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.