The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Farmers are reporting signal problems with John Deere GPS satellite receivers – we find out what's going on.New planning proposals are unveiled in the Queen's Speech – what impact could they have on your farm business?Could government plans to ramp up animal welfare leave British farmers at a disadvantage?On the markets, we find out why the cost of building materials has gone sky-high – and some are being rationed.Big job cuts are planned at the AHDB – after growers vote to abolish two levies. We have the latest details.Methane emissions and cattle – is UK beef fatting a fair deal.And we speak to veteran broadcaster and Farmers Weekly columnist David Richardson about his new book.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with FW senior machinery reporter Edd Mowbray.

Oilseed rape has had more than its fair share of problems over recent years  - with many growers abandoning the crop  due to cabbage stem flea beetle.But some farmers believe it is worth sticking with rape – and record-breaking prices mean it could make a wider return to  arable rotations.In this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we visit north-east Norfolk grower Kit Papworth who talks about his strategy for the crop.We also talk to NIAB specialist Colin Peters, who explains a cross-industry partnership working with growers to combat cabbage stem flea beetle.And we speak to James Hood, of United Oilseeds, who looks at the market prospects for the crop which has risen in value to record levels this spring.This special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is presented by Farmers Weekly arable writer Louise Impey and sponsored by Corteva.

In this episode, farmers and tractor drivers and reporting problems with blocked fuel filters after taking delivery of red diesel.The problem is affecting farmers in Scotland and the eastern England – and costing  thousands of pounds in replacement parts.The government says it is doing all it can to resolve a shortage of labour in the dairy sector – but is it really enough to help farmers?On the markets, is the lamb bubble about to burst?Do farm rents need to fall to reflect the forthcoming phase-out of direct payments – we talk to an expert in Contract Farming Agreements.And how a school teacher hopes to secure a new lease of life for an old piece of farm equipment – a Victorian seed barrow.

In this episode, a robotic tractor makes its UK debut – we find out how it works on a demonstration day in Suffolk.We tackle the thorny issue of farm succession planning: what could be in store for the next generation of your family?Growing trees in fields – six East Anglia growers open their gates to show how agro-forestry benefits their farm business.On the markets, we look at a novel way of keeping abreast of all the latest bidding at Ireland's livestock marts.And we talk to the Durham farmer who had a visit from royalty.

In this episode, we look at how farmers are tackling the cold, dry spring – with crops and grass in desperate need of rain.Farm machinery suppliers and manufacturers are warning of a machinery shortage – have you got your spares in the shed?How will the latest carbon targets affect your farm? We speak to the head of the government's Climate Change Committee.And Picnics in the Vineyard – we find out how one Yorkshire farm has worked hard to make the lockdown pay.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with Farmers Weekly senior machinery reporter Edd Mowbray.

More than 50 people have lost their lives in farm-related accidents over the past year.The shocking statistic is equivalent to one person every week going to work on a UK farm and never returning home.We look at the reasons behind agriculture's appalling safety record – and ways to improve it.With farm incomes forecast to decline – how are you preparing for the future?On the markets, beef prices continue to rise.We examine the controversy over poor water quality – are farmers really to blame? Or should water companies shoulder more of the responsibility?And we pay tribute to Prince Philip – as farmers share their memories of the Duke of Edinburgh.Guests on this episode include NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts, Stephanie Berkeley (Farm Safety Foundation), Stephen Britton (Health & Safety Executive), Aled Jones (NFU Cymru), Mark Lloyd (Rivers Trust), Sarah Belton (Hydrologist), Jason Beedell (Strutt & Parker), Rutland farmer Andrew Brown, Geoff Sansome (Natural England), and Teresa Dent (Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust).This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Brown, with Farmers Weekly senior livestock reporter Michael Priestley.

An Essex farmer reveals how he was scammed out of £8,500 when trying to buy a tractor online – and warns others not to fall victim to the same fraud.We've a special look at crop management progress this spring – as the cold snap provides growers and agronomists with time for a short breather.On the markets, signs emerge of light at the end of the tunnel for pig prices.Police and safety experts urge farmers to secure loads when towing trailers – or run the risk of a serious and potentially fatal accident.And school children in the Lake District make a special film welcoming tourists and encouraging visitors to act responsibly in the countryside.The NFU farm safety webinar mentioned in this episode can be seen in full here. The Tilly Pass farm safety check website is www.tillypass.co.uk.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with FW correspondent Debbie James.

With its future under threat, we talk to a group of farmers who want to continue paying levies to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.As Scotland passes a new law to curb the number of fatal dog attacks on livestock, we ask could other UK nations follow suit?It's Easter – and more people are enjoying the great outdoors – will a new version of the Countryside Code encourage them to act responsibly?The video we mention by Surrey farmer Mark Frost, who highlights problems with dogs and livestock, can be viewed on YouTube here.As the farming year progresses, we look towards the summer and the best way to recruit harvest students – and how students can get the best jobs going.We've a round-up of all the best – and worst – farming April Fools gags.And we meet Merseyside farmer Olly Harrison who says he is earning enough from his YouTube video channel to buy a new sprayer.This episode of the Farmers Weekly podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with FW news reporter Ed Henderson.

In this week's episode, votes to scrap the compulsory levy for two key farm sectors mean a smaller future for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.In an exclusive interview, Defra secretary George Eustice  says the statutory levies for potatoes and horticulture will go – and other farm sectors will now face similar votes.So what happens next?Sugar beet growers say it has become too risky to grow the crop, as hundreds of farmers take British Sugar to task over low prices.With overseas holidays looking difficult this year, we look at how farmers can tap into the market for staycations.And we meet the Welsh teenager who took on his family's dairy farm following the tragic death of his father.

In this episode, plans to build the UK's biggest solar farm on a swathe of productive agricultural land have sparked calls for a debate on the future of the countryside.Opponents say the farmland should be used to produce food – not energy. But the company behind the scheme say it is needed to combat climate change.More than 2000 farmers have joined an online platform to increase returns from their livestock enterprises – we examine how it works.What's the verdict on the Red Tractor farm assurance scheme? We find out from NFU leaders from the livestock, dairy and cereal sectors.And we meet the Norfolk cheese maker who invested £250,000 to turn a wooden goat shed into a state of the art farm shop.