The Farmers Weekly Podcast

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. 

One of farming's flagship charities has surprised its supporters by unveiling plans to sell off its residential care homes.The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution says it can better serve the farming community by using the money elsewhere.Is it spring yet? How an early disease detection test for cereals can cut your fungicide bill for wheat.On the markets lamb retail sales see record growth.As 20 farm business consultants leave Strutt & Parker to set on their own as Ceres Rural, we ask what's going on?Farm education makes history as 200,000 kids go back to school – and tune into a new TV show .And we meet the farmer who got a shock when he downloaded the footage from a video camera he set up to catch fly-tippers.

In this episode, farmers turning out cattle this spring are being warned to this twice before  putting cattle and calves in fields with public footpaths.We look at ways livestock producers can carry on farming – while ensuring people are safe when using public rights of way.Trade deals with other countries must be matched with protection for UK farmers from substandard food imports, says a watchdog.But does the recommendation go far enough? And does the government's independent Trade and Agriculture Commission strike the right balance?In the markets, oilseed rape is the latest commodity to see a price surge.Two business management experts examine the implications of this week's  give-and-take Budget for your farm business.And we look at the opportunities for young farmers to start sheep shearing – and how it can take you right around the world.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.

In this episode, we investigate how criminal gangs are stealing farm dogs worth thousands of pounds – and selling them on the black market.As Defra secretary George Eustice confirms that all AHDB sector bodies will now face a vote  on their future – we ask how exactly will the ballot work?Family farms face an 'economic shock' as direct payments are phased out, says the Labour Party – but what does leader Keir Starmer propose instead?On the markets, lamb prices are on the rise gain.Trade and industry secretary Liz Truss unveils a £2m export campaign for British food and drink – but will it benefit farmers or just food processors?And we find out how an online book club is bringing hundreds of people together to discuss the future for food, farming and the countryside.To join the Fieldwork Book Club, email fieldworkbookclub@gmail.com. The two books mentioned are English Pastoral by James Rebanks; and Sitopia by Carolyn Steel.Special guests include Liz Truss (Secretary of State for International Trade), Luke Pollard (Shadow Defra secretary), Will Bevan, (shepherd, Gloucestershire), Aled Davies (NFU Cymru adviser for Carmarthenshire), Adam Bedford (Fieldwork Book Club), Sarah Morris (FieldMouse Research), Carolyn Steel (author).This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with FW livestock reporter Michael Priestley.

In this episode, we examine the implications for farmers after growers vote to end the compulsory levy they pay to AHDB Horticulture.As a terrible sugar beet season nears an end, we ask whether a support package from British Sugar is enough for farmers to keep growing the crop.On the markets, it's all about lamb prices – where will they go next?The chairman of the Red Tractor cereals board seeks to reassure growers that assurance scheme standards aren't out of control.It's Mind Your Head week and we visit an East Yorkshire microbrewery which has launched a brand new beer to help raise money for a farm charity.And we look at the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on mental health among farmers – and how more people are talking about the challenges they face.The following charities and organisations are among those offering support for farmers, including help with mental health and wellbeing:Farming Community NetworkRoyal Agricultural Benevolent AssociationRSABIAddington FundYou Are Not Alone (YANA)Guests on this week's episode include flower grower Simon Redden (Redford Flowers), carrot grower Rodger Hobson (British Carrot Growers Association),  tomato grower Philip Pearson (APS Produce), sugar beet grower Stafford Proctor (Proctor Bros), NFU sugar chairman Michael Sly, auctioneer Ted Ogden (CCM Auctions, Skipton), Essex farmer Guy Smith (Red Tractor cereals), James Hodgson (Great Newsome Brewery), Dr David Rose (Reading University) and Stephanie Berkeley (Yellow Wellies / Farm Safety Foundation).This episode of the Farmers Weekly podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.

In this episode. we examine government plans to let farmers in England take a one-off lump sum in place of their remaining direct payments.The aim is to help some farmers leave the industry while making way for new entrants. How might the scheme work – and what do we need to know?The latest Countryside Stewardship offering is open for applications – we take a special look at the latest improved options and payment rates.With peak lambing season almost here, veterinary students will be arriving on farms for work experience placements.We look at how you can get the best from your lambing student – and make sure they have a good experience at the same time too.On the markets, we have the latest arable commodity prices – and store cattle are on the rise.And we speak to some of the winners of this week's Farmers Weekly Awards – with a special message from HRH the Prince of Wales.Special guests include Lynette Steel (Tenant Farmers Association),  George Lyon (former president, NFU Scotland), Alison Rickett (Fresh Start Enterprise Centre), Vicky Robinson (Natural England), John Aynsley (farm manager, Skelton Farming, North Yorkshire), Paul Dennison (Strutt & Parker), Peter Eccles (farm manager, Saughland Farm, Midlothian), Abi Reader (dairy farmer, Vale of Glamorgan).This episode of the Farmers Weekly podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with FW editor Andrew Meredith and FW livestock reporter Michael Priestley.

In this episode, we examine the reasons  behind a worrying increase in dog attacks on sheep. What are the facts behind the figures?Farmers are great at looking after their crops and livestock – but as a busy spring time approaches, what is the best way to look after yourself? We look at the best foods to eat to keep you "Fit and Farming" with a top sports dietician who is starting a new course for farmers.Commodity prices have been buoyant – but is the heat coming out of the market?MPs question the government's commitment to the environment – as flagship legislation is delayed again. We look at the implications for farm businesses.And with the year's biggest farming celebration set to get under way. we have a special preview of the Farmers Weekly Awards.Who will the winners  be?This episode of the Farmers Weekly podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.

In this episode, a Norfolk farming family says the National Trust is threatening their livelihood – by refusing to a remove a restrictive covenant.We examine what farmers in a similar position can do to get covenants removed.With Red Tractor farm assurance prepared to ratchet up standards, two farmers debate the pros and cons of the scheme.Does Red Tractor really deliver benefits?On the markets, calf prices jump as supplies tighten, with many buyers bidding keenly for limited numbers before spring.As winter floods start to recede, the NFU says a government strategy is vital to give farmers a key national role in water management.We chase after a Lincolnshire farmer who lost four stone in just nine months before running a marathon for the #Run1000 farm charity campaign.And we meet the two young farmers from Wales behind the Pub Yields podcast – with top banter for everyone missing a Friday night pint with their friends.Special guests on this episode include: Norfolk farmer Julie Barber, Roythornes solicitor Tim Russ, Staffordshire farmer Clive Bailye, Surrey farmer Laurence  Matthews, Hertfordshire farmer and NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts, Yorkshire farmer Richard Bramley, Lincolnshire farmer Charles Anyan, and Bridgend farmers Jacob Anthony and David Rees. This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker with Surrey farmer Hugh Broom and Farmers Weekly livestock reporter Michael Priestley.

In this episode, paying farmers to look after the environment could create more stable farm incomes, say researchers.We examine possible payment rates for the forthcoming Environmental Land Management Scheme – and who will pay to get your farm in order?Second-hand tractor sales are the latest victim of new Brexit rules – with machinery having to be thoroughly cleaned of mud before it can be exported.The new requirement aims to stop plant diseases spreading from country to country – we look at the implications for farmers selling machines.Meat processors are also warning of problems with Brexit red tape – as export delays mean livestock are starting to back up on farms.We examine the latest advertisement campaign from vegan drink manufacturer Oatly. Dairy farmers are furious – are they right to complain?And we look at the prospects for the agricultural show calendar – which events will go ahead this summer? And which ones are deciding to postpone?Special guests include crop scientist Caroline Harkness (Rothamsted Research & Reading University), Leicestershire farmer Phil Jarvis (NFU environment forum chairman), Nick Allen (British Meat Processors Association), Pembrokeshire dairy farmer Steve Evans,  machinery auctioneer Bill Pepper (Cheffins), Richard Parris (Parris Tractors),  consumer insight manager Susie Stannard (AHDB), Steve Hughson (Royal Welsh Agricultural Society), Chris Riddle (Royal Cornwall Show) and Michael Stocker (Cranleigh & South Eastern Agricultural Society).This episode is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly livestock reporter Michael Priestley and senior machinery reporter Edd Mowbray.