The Farmers Weekly Podcast

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Question Time Podcast examines a ground-breaking new farm tenancy agreement.Developed by the Crown Estate and the Tenant Farmers Association, the agreements are called Environmental Farm Business Tenancies (eFBTs).EFBTs are 15-year-long tenancy agreements which encourage tenant farmers to diversify in a way which benefits both the tenant and the landlord.The expert panel answering questions on this podcast episode are:Defra farm minister Daniel Zeichner MPGeorge Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers AssociationPaul Sedgewick, managing director of Windsor and rural at the Crown EstateKevin Kennedy, partner at law firm Burgess SalmonThis Farmers Weekly Question Time session was recorded live at the Tenant Farmers Association conference on 1 May 2025 at Windsor Great Park.Farmers Weekly Question Time is hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker. To attend future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime.

In this episode, one in three farmers fear their children will sink the farm business when it's handed on to the next generation.Why farming families are walking a tightrope between succession and inheritance tax.Dairy producers are forced to dump thousands of litres of milk after a breakdown at a key processing plant in Lancashire.We've all the latest commodity prices.And we find out why climate-friendly farmers are turned off by the quest for net zero.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 get to grips government grants to fund on-farm innovation and technology to improve productivity.With British Beef Week around the corner (23-30 April), we run the rule over the NFU's 10-year vision for the UK's beef industry.We look at why farm hedges could be the latest victim of the government's decision to close the Sustainable Farming Incentive to new applications.And we find out why singing sweary farmers are all the rage in Oxfordshire.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, the government appoints former NFU president Minette Batters to lead a Defra review to solve farming's 'profitability problem'.Her appointment – by Defra secretary Steve Reed – aims to help growers and livestock producers increase their profit and financial resilience.We ask three experts what Baroness Batters should really be looking at – and whether farmers should be encouraged to diversify.Emily Norton, from Farm Foresight; Richard King, from Andersons farm business consultants; and Jonathan Armitage, from Strutt & Parker, share their thoughts.We get out in the field, where resistant wheat crops are showing signs of yellow rust - samples for analysis should be sent to the UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS).We look ways farmers can supply more local food - according to the Local Food Plan.And we try to track down a giant red fibre glass cow after it goes missing.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, livestock industry leaders warn of a devastating animal disease outbreak unless the government tightens border controls.MPs quiz. Defra minister Daniel Zeichner as cereal growers 'go on strike' in protest at government policies affecting UK farming.Will there really be no hot cross buns at Easter?We've the latest on the Sustainable Farming Incentive and how the Rural Payments Agency continues to process a backlog of applications.And one year after he took up the role, we've a special interview with Graham Wilkinson, chief executive of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.Plus all the latest commodity prices – and how Donald Trump's tariffs will affect UK agri-food products imported into the USA.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, the Red Tractor assurance scheme responds to criticism by pledging to make farm audits easier for farmers.We speak to the Red Tractor interim chairman Alistair Mackintosh and operations director Philippa Wiltshire.Also in this episode – the government unveils long awaited plans to reduce pesticide usage by 10% within five years.We look at the likely impact on your farm business – and on food production.And a medical microbiologist says farmers need to remain vigilant after the first case of bird flu is confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire.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, farmers ramp up food production following the closure of the government's flagship environmental scheme.Arable growers who were preparing Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications are now drilling spring crops instead – with strong demand for spring seed and fertiliser.Natural England former head of agriculture Geoff Sansome says mistakes were made when drawing up the SFI – but the scheme should be refined rather than redesigned.Why Chancellor Rachel Reeves must avoid targeting red diesel when she unveils the government's Spring Statement.And how big food companies are investing in agriculture – and incentivising farmers to adopt more sustainable practices.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.

Just why did the government close its flagship agri-environment scheme without warning?We examine the options for farmers unable to join Defra's Sustainable Farming Incentive.A new study says the government must take food security and sustainable farming much more seriously.Published by the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission, the report is called Paying the Price: Cheap food, big business and the cost to farming and food security.And we ask: Is there really a future for lab grown meat?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 emergency episode, we examine the implications of Defra's decision to stop accepting applications for its flagship agri-environment scheme.The shock announcement to draw a line under the Sustainable Farming Incentive was announced at 6pm Tuesday, 11 March.Defra gave farmers no notice of the decision, which came into effect with immediate effect, leaving would-be applicants high and dry.We look at the reasons for the announcement – and where it leaves farmers and farm businesses across England.With thanks to special guests:Martin Lines, chairman of the Nature Friendly Farming NetworkJamie Burrows, chairman of the NFU combinable crops boardEd Hutley, partner with farm business consultants Ceres RuralThis 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 growing number of 'rebel' Labour MPs are supporting farmers against the government on inheritance tax.We have an exclusive interview with Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid- and South Pembrokeshire, who is calling for a government amnesty on the issue.A warm start to spring sees UK temperatures warmer than Madrid and Barcelona – and it's only the beginning of March.We find out how farmers are adapting to climate change - and get the low-down on the farmland market.The AHDB has published a special Climate Change Adaptation report.And a livestock mart in south-west England hits out at keyboard warriors after its Monday sale is cancelled.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Additional reporting by Phil Case.Follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerFollow Louise (X): @louisearableFollow Hugh (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.