The Farmers Weekly Podcast

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.

In this episode, farmers in England are to receive advance support payments – as the government tries to each a cashflow crisis caused by soaring input costs.We speak to Defra farm minister Victoria Prentis – who explains why farmers will receive half their basic payment for 2022 six months early.We visit the water company which is paying farmers to look after our rivers – by reducing fertiliser applications and planting trees.Insect protein in animal diets – we discover how UK legislation is holding back what many people believe is the future for livestock feed.On the markets, will oilseed rape prices ever stop risingAnd we meet a first-time farmer from Huddersfield who is making a success of pasture-based poultry – rearing chickens on grass.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey Farmer Hugh Broom, with deputy livestock editor Charlotte Cunningham.

In this episode, as bird flu restrictions are finally lifted after six months, we examine the prospects for egg prices. Are producers getting a fair deal?As the 12th annual celebration that is British Beef Week draws to a close – we look at the future for UK suckler cow producers.We talk to NFU president Minette Batters as the union launches its agri-food export strategy – and we have all the latest market prices.With a week left to have your say on the future of the AHDB, we find out what happens after the Shape The Future vote ends at midday on 9 May.And we catch up with former NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts, who is helping to draft the Liberal Democrats manifesto for farming.We also reflect on the career of Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiston, who has resigned after watching pornography while in Parliament.Mr Parish was chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, which scrutinises the government's food and farming policies.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom. To contact us, email podcast@fwi.co.uk.

In this episode, as farm input costs soar, we ask: how can farmers mitigate the impact of ag-inflation on their businesses?Input costs have risen by a whopping 46% over the past 18 months, according to the AgInflation Index, published by the AF Group.We visit a group of farmers working to improve soil carbon – benefiting their businesses as well as helping to reach Net Zero targets.On the  markets, we're ringside with the latest beef and sheep update from Skipton mart.Find out how you can take part in Open Farm Sunday – and help spread the farming message.And we go inside the Health Hut – a mobile health centre which is making it easier for farmers to look after themselves in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk.

In this episode, industry leaders pay tribute to 'greatest ever' farming advocate Lord Henry Plumb, who has died aged 97.We look at the payment rates for the Sustainable Farming Incentive and ask: how can the government entice more farmers to take part?On the markets, we have the all latest commodity prices.Farm management company Velcourt acquires a 50% stake in the regenerative agriculture consultancy Oakbank Game & Conservation. How significant is it?The first UK plantations of carbon-capturing tree species Paulownia are due to be planted on a Suffolk estate – what income will they generate?And we meet the agricultural contractor who has traced one of his first tractors – 50 years after he last used it on the farm.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with FW arable correspondent Louise Impey.

In this episode – as frustration builds at the challenges faced by farmers, a new poll shows the UK government is falling out of favour with rural voters.We ask: Is the party over for the Conservatives in the countryside?There is an air of optimism at the DairyTech event – but what exactly are the prospects for milk production when input costs continue to climb?On the markets, we look at the latest grain prices.We find out how small farms are using ethical crowd-funding to start new enterprises and fund business expansion.And we meet meet the Londoner who turned his entire allotment into a wheat field so he could make a home-grown pizzaFull of news, views and analysis, this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey Farmer Hugh Broom.To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. 

In this episode,  the government confirms a reprieve for urea fertiliser – easing fears of an outright ban and delaying restrictions by at least a year.And long-awaited clarity on farming rules for water will make it simpler for farmers in England to apply manure and slurry this autumn.The concessions are included in a raft of measures to help farmers in England cope with a sharp rise in fertiliser prices, which have reached record levels.As Defra prepares to launch its retirement scheme for farmers, we ask: is it safe to be doing farm work full-time when you're nearly 90?We find out why organic farmers and growers think the government should be doing more to recognise the value of organic agriculture.And in an April Fools prank, we pay a visit to the regenerative farmers celebrating Min-Till Monday – is it really the sustainable answer to Plough Sunday?This, the 100th episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly arable correspondent Louise Impey.

In this episode, it's mainly all about the money.What does the UK government's latest spring budget statement mean for your farm business? Two experts give us their views.Rob Hitch from accountants Dodd & Co and Gary Markham from Land Family Business examine the likely impact on the livestock and arable sectors.How will the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board make up a £4m shortfall after being told it is no longer exempt from VAT rules?It's the latest in a series of challenges faced by AHDB chief executive Tim Rycroft who also addresses concerns about key employees leaving the levy board.On the markets, dairy giant Arla  says it wants to recruit more farmers as suppliers as it unveils a five-year plan to secure more value from milk.We find out how sheep producers are lambing without antibiotics – and look at new sheep movement rules.And we speak to the agricultural  contractor and farm safety campaigner who rebuilt his life after losing his left arm in a potato harvester accident.The video with James Bannister, chairman of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors, can be found here.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly senior livestock reporter Michael Priestley.

In this episode – why isn't the UK government doing more to encourage food production?We examine concerns over rising input costs, food imports and the government's environmental policies for farmers.Fertiliser prices are high, availability is low – will it be worth growing wheat next year? Will digital grain passports really add value and make life easier for growers?On the markets, cull cow prices surge.Jeremy Clarkson joins farmers on the vegan menu picket line in Oxfordshire. Why doesn't  the local authority want to serve meat to councillors?And we look at opportunities for young farmers to get their businesses fit for the future – with help from the Allerton Project.The online Fit for Future Farm Business guide is available on the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs website.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with senior livestock reporter Michael Priestley.Additional reporting by news editor Phil Case and news reporter Ed Henderson.