The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – brought to you in association with plant breeders Limagrain UK.Rising input costs, market volatility and climate change all mean more robust wheat varieties are increasingly sought after.Better genetics mean better performance – agronomically as well as financially – both in the field and in the marketplace.Farmers Weekly arable correspondent Louise Impey went to Suffolk in search of the perfect package when it comes to winter wheat.

In this episode, hot weather has prompted heat stress warnings for UK crops and livestock –  we look at the options for farmers.Young farmers join forces to combat rural crime in Cumbria – how a new initiative to reduce farm theft could be rolled out across the country.On the markets, as the UK cereal harvest continues, we've all the latest commodity prices for crops and livestock.How much UK farmland do we need? Why politicians are looking at a land-use strategy for England. And what we can learn from the Netherlands.And how a new healthy convenience food  is creating a new market for UK farmers – Katsu Curry Oats.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.

In this episode, it's a record-breaking early start to harvest – with some UK farmers reporting decent yields from winter malting barley crops.But supply chain issues mean other growers are still waiting to take delivery of new combine harvesters. Will they arrive in time?The UK's climate change watchdog says agriculture is making 'glacial' progress towards Net Zero targets. But who is to blame? Farmers or the government?On the markets, we look at the impact of rising inflation on the food shop.It's the UK's worst bird flu season so far – we speak to the scientists embarking on a new research drive to tackle the virus.And we meet the Channel Island dairy farmer who  has started her own Only Fans website channel – to get the farming message across.This episode is co-hosted by  Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.Additional reporting by Phil Case and Lizzie McLaughlin.

In this episode, we spend two days at Groundswell 2022 – the UK's biggest farm event for regenerative agriculture.Also known as conservation farming, regenerative agriculture is all about looking after the soil and improving biodiversity – as well as producing food. But how does it stack up financially?The government's Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) aims to reward arable farmers and livestock producers  in England who prioritise soil health.We speak to Defra secretary George Eustice, as he announces the SFI launch date – and we ask him whether the scheme is ambitious enough.We look at how growers can benefit from introducing grass into arable rotations, get the latest on carbon markets and look at a project to reduce farm paperwork.To help with the  farm paperwork project, visit www.farmadminsurvey.co.uk. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Farmers Weekly arable correspondent Louise Impey.Recorded entirely on location at the Groundswell event – held on 22-23 June 2022 at Lannock Manor Farm, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK.

In this episode, the pick the bones out of the government's long-awaited national food strategy for England.Has it been worth waiting for? Will it help deliver a better future for food and farming? Or is it – as critics suggest – a disappointment?We give our verdict on a 'game-changing' new herbicide to tackle some of the UK's most challenging grassweeds – including blackgrass and ryegrassOn the markets, we find out why there has been a sudden dip in arable prices.We pay a visit to New Zealand, where farmers are improving their environmental credentials – and discover why it matters for UK livestock producers.And we learn how women are the driving force behind Ukraine farmers following the Russian invasion earlier this year.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with FW arable correspondent Louise Impey and FW machinery reporter Matilda Bovingdon. 

In this episode, we investigate the impact on fertiliser prices as a major manufacturer confirms plans to close one of its UK sites.Government minister Jo Churchill promises lots of new money for agri-innovation – but will it make a difference to farmers?With talk of £40/tonne, could we be about to see a big price increase for sugar beet growers? And with ag-inflation soaring, will it be linked to rising input costs?On the markets, land sales get busier and prices increase.And we find out what it's like being the host farmer for the Cereals event.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom – including on location at Duxford, Cambridgeshire.

In this episode, we look at ways to overcome some of the biggest challenges facing UK growers and livestock producers. Could robot tractors help farmers overcome high input costs and labour shortages?How can growers best secure access to a fair share of water? And what about rural crime, fly-tipping and hare-coursing?On the markets, as cattle numbers tighten beef prices are converging across the UK, Ireland and the European Union.We meet the UK charity working with farmers and foodbanks to help stop less well-off people from going hungryAnd we're on farm lighting a beacon to celebrate the Queen's platinum jubilee.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh BRoom.

In this episode – farmer and MP Robert Goodwill outlines his priorities as chairman of the committee which scrutinises the government's farming policies for England.A new group calls for science to lead the debate when making farm policy decisions.On the markets, we have all the latest commodity prices.New rules make it easier to vaccinate badgers against bovine tuberculosis.And we visit the Yorkshire dairy farm making Icelandic style yogurt.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with Farmers Weekly acting deputy livestock Charlotte Cunningham

In this episode, a Herefordshire farmer pleads guilty to damaging the River Lugg – after undertaking unauthorised river maintenance work.Was the work necessary? Or did it cause needless environmental damage? We look at both sides of the story – and ask what happens next?Ag-inflation is forcing agricultural contractors to increase their prices. What should you be paying for fieldwork and other farm jobs?On the markets, we look at this year's Beef Expo event. And as shearing gets under way, we find out the latest prospects for wool.We run the rule over the results of the ballot which decides how the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board will spend your levy money.And we find out why the Big Farmland Bird Count is a good barometer of the work farmers do to look after the countryside and environment.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey Farmer Hugh Broom with FW chief reporter Phil Case.

In this episode, war and weather are the key driver of commodity prices – we look at how each are impacting on the prospects for harvest 2022.We're at the Pig and Poultry Fair – where producers are determined to secure a better future for their sector – so long as they can ride out the big dipper.On the markets, in theory we're talking about fertiliser.We speak to Belgian farmers visiting the UK on a post-Brexit trade tour. Why do they want to send us their pork and potatoes?And we get ready for #AgriLeadershipWeek – highlighting training opportunities that can make a real difference to your farm business.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly acting deputy livestock editor Charlotte Cunningham.To get in touch with Johann and Hugh, email podcast@fwi.co.uk.