The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Human trafficking and modern slavery are major problems for UK agriculture, with up to 13,000 workers exploited annually in the food and farming sector.A clampdown on worker welfare means farmers will soon have to show they are abiding by modern slavery rules under plans for the Red Tractor scheme.Is it sensible move?Or will it mean yet more red tape for growers and livestock producers?As Brexit talks go down to the wire, we look at the likely impact of no-deal on trade in beef and other products between the UK and Ireland.Discover how you can make money by turning your farm into a film set.And a new survey shows that farmers are the most trusted part of the food chain – but will a bumper year for farm shops continue into  Christmas?This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with FW editor designate Andrew Meredith.

A flood-hit farmer has vowed to clear his name after being accused of illegally damaging a mile-long stretch of protected riverside in Herefordshire.John Price, of Day House Farm, Kingsland, says he had permission to carry out work on a flood-prone stretch of the river Lugg, near Leominster.But his actions now face scrutiny by three government agencies.They have launched a joint investigation following reports of activities including dredging, the illegal felling of trees and profiling of the river banks.We also look at the vital contribution made by hill farmers to the Welsh economy - and how producers face an uncertain future due to changes in farm support.What is natural capital? And how can you make it pay on your farm?The Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board unveils a new five-year plan – and wants you to have your say on the levy board's future.The Red Tractor Farm Assurance announces a review of its standards – and we've all the latest market prices in our regular round-up.And crisp giant Walkers creates climate-friendly fertiliser using potato waste – and carbon dioxide from a brewery.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with Farmers Weekly news editor Phil Case.

The government launches its plans for post-Brexit  farm support, but have they told us anything new? And what about payments?As the EU Trade talks enter the very final stages what is it really going to happen on farm after the Brexit transition ends on 31 December 2020.We ask What does re-wilding really mean? And could it be good for farmers?The government says it will pay farmers to quit – so younger and more innovative farmers can take their place. How will it work?We've all the latest market prices – as more farmers decide to stop growing oilseed rape. Can the crop make a comeback?And young farmers find a way around Christmas Covid rules – by organising a drive through nativity.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with Farmers Weekly deputy news editor Andrew Meredith. 

We take a sneak preview as the government finally prepares to unveil details of its flagship Environmental Land Management scheme.How easy will it be to join? And how much money can you expect to receive?Machinery giant JCB has gone green – and launched its first fully electric farm telehandler – we get the lowdown on its power and performance.The world's a less lonely place when it comes to regenerative agriculture – with the launch of a new agronomy group.We talk to a 24-year-old farmer who almost lost his life after being crushed by a cow – and speak to a surgeon who says farm accidents are as bad as car crashes.We've the latest market prices – and examine the case of hundreds of farmers who claim a high street bank acted illegally when lending them money.And we meet the farmer who hopes to "knock 'em for six" by opening a first class cricket coaching centre.

Sugar beet growers hit by virus yellows could be given special permission to use neonicotinoid-treated seed next spring – if the government gives the go-ahead.Growers are walking away from the crop after seeing yields plummet due to the disease. But will an emergency neonicotinoid application work?Defra secretary George Eustice hits back following criticism after suggesting UK sheep and dairy farmers could ride out a no-deal Brexit.What was he talking about? We've the latest market prices – and welcome news for farmers of an extension to annual investment allowance tax relief. Our farm medicine usage is edging up as new sector  targets are launched – but is it blip more than an upward trend?We find out how California has cut its dairy methane by a quarter – and examine what UK producers can learn from the drive for Net Zero. And we hear what happened when two Hollywood stars bought a Welsh football club and make a spoof advertisement for a farm trailer manufacturer.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly deputy business editor Andrew Meredith.

In this exclusive interview, Defra secretary George Eustice hits back at criticism after suggesting UK sheep and dairy farmers could adapt to a no-deal Brexit.It comes after Mr Eustice rejected the suggestion that no-deal would devastate the UK lamb sector – insisting instead there would be opportunities despite a short-term dip in prices.Mr Eustice defends his view that some mixed beef and sheep enterprises would take the opportunity to switch to producing more beef and less lamb.The claim – made on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, 15 November 2020 – was described as laughable by the National Sheep Association.Mr Eustice also defends his view that Danish dairy processor Arla would have to relocate production of its Lurpak butter to the UK so it could still supply the British market.Lurpak has said this would be impossible because legal origin protection rules mean it can only produce Lurpak in Denmark using Danish milk.Interview by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker.

A shake-up in the farm machinery dealer network has seen major restructuring for big name brands and franchises.We look at what it means for farmers – and for other machinery manufacturers.Pressure is mounting on the government to help ease the pain of reduced farm support as the basic payment scheme is phased out.Could it do more to help farming families?On the markets, we look at the prospects for oilseed rape – and the impact that a rise in Sterling could have on your farm business.Defra approves an NFU proposal for the Environmental Land Management scheme to include ways of encouraging farmers to reach Net Zero.As livestock producers take action to mitigate climate change, we ask whether concern over methane emissions is justified – or just a load of hot air?And we talk to the independent film-makers who are asking farmers to go Dutch as they plan a myth-busting movie about glyphosate.For more details about the Glyphosate Chronicles film featured in this episode, visit sugarrushfilm.nl/glyphosate.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly deputy business editor Andrew Meredith.

The government has unveiled controversial plans to ban urea fertiliser – we examine what it means for your farm business.Ministers finally agree to give farmers a bigger say on food imports.But is it enough to stop British farmers from being undermined by food imports produced using methods that would be illegal in the UK?As England enters another coronavirus lockdown, we examine ways producers can tap into the latest consumer trends in red meat, dairy and fresh produce.We travel across the Atlantic for the US election – and find out what a change in American president means for British  farmers.And we celebrate the winners of some new awards for young farmers who go the extra mile for their friends and colleagues.This episode is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with Farmers Weekly deputy business editor Andrew Meredith.

Red Tractor chairman Lucy Neville-Rolfe is out after she voted against measures to protect British farmers from substandard food imports.What next for the farm assurance scheme?Growers and livestock producers take to the streets over the government's refusal to ban food imports produced using methods that are illegal in the UK.One year after footage of his flood-hit farm was beamed around the world, Henry Ward  says he fears a repeat of the disaster that left his house reachable only by boat.Capital allowances for agriculture are changing - and we've all the latest commodity prices in our latest market round-up.And could turning insects into animal feed be the next big thing?This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly deputy business editor Andrew Meredith.

Assured Food Standards chairman Lucy Neville-Rolfe faces calls to resign after she voted against measures to protect British farmers from cheap food imports.Baroness Neville-Rolfe voted against amendments to the government's Agriculture Bill – in a move farmers say undermines the credibility of the AFS Red Tractor assurance scheme.The amendments sought to ensure food imports to the UK meet the same high standards as those met by British growers and livestock producers.Also on this week's podcast, Back in the USA – British beef is being sold in America for the first time in 24 years. Could China could be next on the menu?As a big supermarket chain unveils plans to source food only from UK farms that are carbon neutral, we talk to a new group formed to promote regenerative agriculture.We've all the latest market news – with arable prices climbing upwards this week, how much should you be paying for straw supplies this coming winter?And we meet Britain's Fittest Farmers – after dozens of contestants tough it out to be crowned national winners.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly business editor Suzie Horne.