The Farmers Weekly Podcast

In this episode,  the National Farmers Union wins a victory against the BBC after complaining about the broadcaster's “meat is killing the planet” programme.Tory rebel MPs who voted against their own government say there is still hope for British farmers who want to keep substandard food imports out of the UK.The cost of farm fires reaches a five-year high – we examine innovative ways of reducing the risk of arson and electrical faults.We've all the latest market news – and we  pay a special visit to the sheep sales at Melton Mowbray mart in LeicestershireAs fatalities involving cattle hit the headlines, could landowners be allowed to divert footpaths to keep walkers safe when livestock are in the field?And it's not about the place, it's about the people. We meet the young farmers who set up a pop-up living room at Sedgemoor livestock market in Somerset.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 episode, the government says it is unlikely to accept amendments to its Agriculture Bill – find out the implications for farm businesses.Arable farmer Olly Harrison says a lorry load of his wheat was unfairly rejected. What should you do when a buyer says your grain isn't up to scratch?Industry leaders publish a blueprint they say will enable farmers to deliver the government's new environmental land management scheme.We find out whether Defra secretary George Eustice agrees.Plans are hotting up for a new way to trace livestock movements. But will they come to fruition in a way that works for you?And we speak to the Irish dairy farmer behind the global phenomenon that is Ag Mental Health Week – helping to improve wellbeing on the farm.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 episode, plans to impose a 'carbon tax' on farmers who finish prime beef cattle later than 27-months-old have split industry opinion.Some farmers have welcomed the idea – but others say it would favour intensive beef production and unfairly discriminate against traditional breeds reared on grass.Meanwhile, growers have triggered a ballot on the future of AHDB Horticulture – arguing that the levy board fails to deliver value for money.With the barn doors closing on this year's cereals harvest, we take a special look at grain prices in our latest market round-up.We pump some iron – or at least go for a run – as we join the hunt for Britain's Fittest Farmer.And we celebrate the best of British Food Fortnight – with the UK's national harvest festival. There's a special royal message – and a you can take part too.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly livestock editor Rhian Price and Farmers Weekly business editor Suzie Horne.

In this week's podcast: it's raining and storms are on their way – could we be looking at a repeat of last year's wet autumn?We look at the long-term weather forecast for the coming weeks – and how it could affect your cropping plans.Growers reveal their drilling intentions for winter wheat – who is going early and who is going late? And what's the risk?We've details of an interim post-Brexit support scheme for English farmers facing the abolition of direct payments – plus our latest market prices.With the US presidential election looming, we go stateside to examine whether American farmers could win Donald Trump a second term in office.And we get the lowdown on a robotic moisture meter that 'swims' through in-store grain to help check and maintain its quality.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 and Farmers Weekly arable correspondent Louise Impey.

It's a year since the National Farmers Union unveiled ambitious plans for UK agriculture to be carbon neutral within two decades.We examine whether the NFU's Net Zero 2040 target is realistic and achievable – and ask whether it goes far enough.Ongoing uncertainty over post-Brexit border arrangements between the UK and Ireland could have a huge impact on trade in agri-food products.We look at the implications for farmers after Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that food producers could face swingeing tariffs.In other news, scientists at Lancaster University say the clock is ticking on the world's soils – are they really running out?And we visit Northumberland for a British lamb barbecue as LEAF gears up for an action-packed weekend of food and virtual farm tours to welcome British Food Fortnight.

The 2020 badger cull gets under way to combat bovine tuberculosis in cattle – we meet a farmer who says it is helping tackle the disease.As the Brexit rhetoric ramps up, so too are efforts to ensure British farmers aren't undermined by a flood of cheap food imports. Will they succeed?A top UK expert explains what is really happening in trade talks – and what it means for farmers and food producers.A deadline to get a fair deal for dairy farmers is about to expire. Have you had your say and could it mean a fair price for all?And the world's biggest monthly farm machinery auction makes a welcome return after a six-month lockdown due to coronavirus.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with Farmers Weekly deputy business editor Andrew Meredith.

Farmers will have more say in the way their levy money is spent by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).In this exclusive interview, AHDB chairman Nicholas Saphir talks about the timetable for a ballot to be held after details are finalised with the government.The decision for "root and branch reform" follows a Defra call for views from levy payers on ways to improve the way the AHDB operates.The organisation will also improve the way it communicates with farmers – and be more transparent in the way it works, suggests Mr Saphir."When will they see change? Pretty much straight away," he says.Difficult choices lie ahead to ensure the levy board delivers for farmers, he adds.Other reforms include a review of the AHDB's board and committee structure, Mr Saphir tells Farmers Weekly Podcast co-host Hugh Broom.

Government ministers and MPs are being urged to Back British Farming ahead of a crucial four months of post-Brexit trade talks.It comes amid a stark warning from a top economist who says one in three family farms could go bankrupt in the event of a no-deal Brexit.It's a challenging harvest in Yorkshire – and many other places too – we've the latest prospects and prices in our regular market round-up.The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board pledges substantial changes – and says it will let farmers decide how their levy money is spent.And Britain's most expensive broadband – a Cumbrian farmer is told he must pay more than £104,000 to get a decent connection.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.

Farmers working hard to look after the environment face being disadvantaged because the government won't allow changes to countryside stewardship agreements.It follows a government decision to abolish EU “greening” rules requiring farmers to manage some of their land as ecological focus areas – or EFAs.The concern is that thousands of hectares of EFA land could now be ploughed up unless Defra allows farmers to include it in countryside stewardship.We examine the implications.Meanwhile, British Sugar is offering sugar beet growers are a new contract to grow the crop. But does it taste as sweet as it should?Sheep producers could get compensation for a no-deal Brexit. It could happen – but will be worthwhile – and can the government afford it?UK scientists are testing a new vaccine against bovine tuberculosis – describing it as a potential breakthrough.And a rally-driving Herefordshire farmer becomes something of an internet sensation after filming some dare-devil car stunt action in his farm yard.This episode of the Farmers Weekly podcast is presented by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.

Food security and self-sufficiency must be a key part of the UK's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, say farm leaders.UK self-sufficiency in food production stands at just 64%, according to the latest figures from the National Farmers Union (NFU).The country would run out of food on 21 August if it had to rely entirely on domestic supplies for a whole year, says the union.In this podcast, we also examine growing concerns over the impact of a challenging harvest on UK cereal production.Can you farm without nitrogen? The government wants farmers to reduce pollution from agriculture as it sets out new environmental targets.Meanwhile, in a boost for milk producers, food campaigners say UK dairy products are more sustainable than any plant-based alternative.And we celebrate the 100th episode of the Dewing Grain Podcast, which has gained a cult following for its informative – and sometimes irreverent – look at UK farming.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly executive editor Philip Clarke and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom with FW chief reporter Johann Tasker and FW arable editor Richard Allison.