The Farmers Weekly Podcast

This week – a shortage of workers is making it harder for farmers to produce food profitably, but what should be done?Should more visas be granted to overseas workers? Do technology and robotics have a role to play?And how do we change the perception of agriculture as a low-wage industry?Elsewhere, we examine how garlic can help dairy cows fight mastitis and the government unveils a new slurry grant scheme.On the markets, we'll have all the latest grain prices – including the influence of plantings and prospects in the southern hemisphere.And Britain's next generation of farmers tell us their hopes and fears for the future as they carve out a career in agriculture.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Charlotte Cunningham and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with additional reporting by Andrew Meredith.

In this episode,  why are UK supermarkets importing eggs rather than paying British farmers more to offset higher production costs?We examine the impact on your farm business as the UK government unveils a huge round of spending cuts.As the mild – and now wet – autumn continues, we've the latest on arable crop establishment, pests and diseases out in the field.On the markets, we've all the latest prices.And we look at the legacy of Jimmy's Farm – with the man himself, 20 years after the hit TV show first made it onto our screens.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Charlotte Cunningham and Hugh Broom.

In this episode, the government is urged not to reduce farm support as the it seeks to plug a £60 billion hole in its public finances.Farm leaders and environmental groups say it would be a folly to slash the farm budget at a crucial time for the industry.Confidential details involving 1,500 farms will be strictly protected as Defra strives to deliver better policies for agriculture, says the government.On the markets, we look at why lamb prices are on the rise.The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board finally reveals its plans for the different farm sectors – and how it will spend farmers' money.And on Remembrance Day, we pay a visit to Britain's Thankful Villages, where everyone returned safely from both World Wars.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with additional reporting by Charlotte Cunningham, Philip Clarke and Michael Priestley.

In this episode, why politicians are being urged to put their money where their mouth is when promising to back British farming.One year after Boris Johnson outraged pig producers by dismissing the crisis engulfing the sector, how are farmers faring now?With some arable farmers ripping up oilseed rape, we look at the prospects for the crop over the coming season.We find out how young farmers get on the farming ladder in West Africa.And we meet the seed merchant donating grain for a local mill to turn into flour for a local food bank.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom. Additional reporting by Charlotte Cunningham, Andrew Meredith, Philip Clarke, Phil Case and Ed Henderson.

In this week's episode, are you ready for Rishi? We look at what the food security promises made by Rishi Sunak – the UK's third Prime Minister in just seven weeks – mean for farmers.Can the government really strike the right balance between boosting food production and looking after for the environment?On the markets, we look at why diesel is so stubbornly expensive.Why some experts want to make it easier to breed cows without horns – and how it will benefit beef and dairy producers.And it's a pumpkin bonanza – how UK farmers are cashing in on the craze for Halloween more than ever before.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Charlotte Cunningham and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.

In this week's episode, UK farm input costs have increased by 34% over the past year – so exactly how can farmers combat soaring ag-inflation?We meet the dairy farmers cushioning their business against input cost increases by powering their tractor with methane produced by their cows.We assess the impact of the government's new bird flu restrictions on producers – will it really help to combat the disease?On the markets, we speak to representatives from the UK's largest livestock auction group as they record a surge in profits.And we speak to 12-year-old young farmer who impressed a celebrity chef with his sausage-making recipe.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Charlotte Cunningham with Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.

In this episode, could solar panels really be banned from much of England's farmland? We look at the reasons for and against.How milking just 10 times in seven days could mean a better work-life balance for dairy farmers – and be good for the cows and profitability too.As lamb exports resume from the UK to the USA after more than 20 years, we look at the benefits for the sheep sector.On the markets, we've all the latest commodity prices.And we speak to  photographer Amy Bateman, whose Forty Farms project  has been documenting life on 40 farms in Cumbria.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker with Charlotte Cunningham and Surrey Farmer Hugh Broom.Additional reporting by Ed Henderson.

In this episode, the government unveils plans to boost farm productivity and food security. But how exactly will it do it?How was it for you? We have the verdict on this year's wheat harvest – which varieties performed ø– and which didn't.We visit the farming couple who taught themselves to milk from YouTube – and are going great guns after starting a dairy farm in NorfolkWe have a global round-up of grain prices.And we speak to the champion ploughman who proposed to his fiance – in the field after winning a ploughing match.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Charlotte Cunningham and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.Additional reporting by FW chief reporter Philip Case, FW arable correspondent Louise Impey and FW deputy livestock editor Judith Tooth.

This week, with the UK money markets in turmoil – we examine the impact of the government's 'mini-budget' on your farm business.As Defra confirms it is "rapidly reviewing" its flagship Environmental Land Management scheme – we ask: what is the future for ELMs?We meet the dairy farmer making bokashi – fermenting muck and slurry to retain more nutrients and reduce emissions.And we speak to the Scottish tractor driver trying to make the farming world a safer place – after losing his thumb in a circular sawThis episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker with Charlotte Cunningham and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.

In this episode,  arson attacks on farms are on the increase – with culprits torching straw stacks and property  going up in smoke.The cost is immense, with damage often totalling tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds and farmers concerned for their livelihoods.So what can be done?We examine the winter outlook for drought-hit livestock farmers, who are facing shortages of grazing and forage.We look at why one of the world's biggest farm machinery manufacturers wants to change into an agri-tech company.We've all the latest market prices, with a special focus on sheep sales.And we meet the couple battling it out to become Britain's Fittest Farmer.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, Hugh Broom and Charlotte Cunningham, with additional reporting by Michael Priestley.