The Farmers Weekly Podcast

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.

The cost of new machinery continues to scale new heights with John Deere slapping a hefty price tag on its latest X9 1100 combine.Many growers will struggle to find the best part of £1m to spend on the flagship combine, which is capable of harvesting 100 tonnes of wheat an hour.Is farm machinery too expensive – and how can we make it more affordable? Farm business consultant Gary Markham explains.It's been a terrible harvest for oilseed rape – more growers are abandoning the crop – but should we be sticking with it?We speak to Essex grower Will Streeter and Harper Adams entomologist Tom Pope, who is looking at alternative ways of combatting cabbage stem flea beetle.Trade was buoyant at the Thame Summer Sheep Sale – a welcome sign of confidence in breeding ewes and a successful lambing season.Auctioneer Simon Draper gives his verdict on the sale, as do sheep seller Rob Harrison and buyer Becky O'Neill.We've a special focus on prospects for wheat and barley sales - with Kent-based Cefetra grain trader Tim Porter.And Prince Charles lends his support to a new mental health charity started by first-generation Herefordshire tenant farmer Sam Stables.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and senior machinery reporter Edd Mowbray, with deputy livestock editor Hayley Parrott.

UK farmers are being reminded to store fertiliser safely after an explosion involving 2750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate killed over 130 people in Beirut.For Lincolnshire farmer Andrew Green, the tragedy brought back memories of the 1974 Flixborough disaster – when a chemical plant exploded in his village, killing 28 peopleAlso in this episode, we look at the latest rural crime report.With Crime in the countryside at an eight-year high, we examine the impact on farmers – look at what is at the top of the farm theft shopping list.Min-till is all the rage for some farmers – but it certainly isn't for everyone.We visit a group of farmers in Scotland and find out how they are regenerating their soils by getting down and dirty with the brown stuff in the field.We've all the latest prices – in our regular market round-up with a special look at spring barley and winter wheat as a patchy harvest continues.And there's a glimmer of hope for sheep producers seeking a fair price for wool – thanks to a petition signed by thousands of people.

Defra has confirmed that farmers in England will no longer have to comply with environmental greening rules to receive their full annual basic payment.We examine what the end of the three-crop rule means for farmers and the countryside – and the future for agri-environment schemes.Following the launch of a government commission on food standards, we speak to the farmer who will get your message across to ministers and trade negotiators.Will it really make a difference?As a variable harvest continues, we have the latest reports on yield and quality – as well as our regular round-up of market prices, with a special look at dairy.We look at one idea to deregulate the planning system – and how it might benefit your farm business and diversification.And we discuss the target audience for the BBC's Countryfile programme – after a farmer's jokey tweet at the show's expense goes viral.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 wheat harvest has kicked off in the south of England, with variable yields highlighting the challenges faced by the tricky growing season.Growers give their verdict as combines roll into wheat crops across the country.We talk to Defra chief scientist Gideon Henderson about a breakthrough in the battle against bovine tuberulosis - could a new test make all the difference?It’s Farm Safety Week with good news that fatalities are falling – but a recent worrying spike means there is no room for complacency.And is it time to chop in your smutty diesel 4x4 for an all-electric pickup? We speak to a farmer who plans to go green.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly senior machinery reporter Edd Mowbray and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly arable reporter Emma Gillbard and executive editor Phil Clarke.

On the Farmers Weekly Podcast, it's Farm Safety Week – and we have a special interview with farm safety campaigner Jane Gurney. Jane's teenage son Harry was killed in an accident involving an unroadworthy trailer – and she founded the Tilly Your Trailer safety campaign in his memory.She talks about the campaign, how it is improving safety on farms  – and the launch of the Head to tow app.We look at what the government's Animal Health & Welfare Pathway means for livestock producers and how it could benefit the red meat sector – if done correctly.Rural crime is always a hot topic – and we examine how police and farmers are joining forces to combat fly-tipping, hare-coursing and farm theft.On the markets, we look at the latest dairy costings – and get to grips with straw prices as combines continue to roll into cereal crops.And we talk to a farmer who has won a three-year battle to bring land back into production after a 10-year environmental stewardship scheme – the result could be in your favour too.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly executive editor Philip Clarke, deputy business editor Andrew Meredith and news reporter Ed Henderson.

In this week’s Podcast we talk to the growers who want a ballot to decide the future of their AHDB Levy.The OSR harvest gets underway across the country just as one of the key processing sites suffers a major fire.We look at the results of this year’s annual crop plantings survey from AHDB and how farm tourism gets a boost from VAT cuts.Auction marts across the UK work flat out to keep the show on the road, innovating and adapting in preparation for the big autumn breeding sales.And we find out how you can cut your fuel bills by a quarter… the answer is hydrogen.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly executive editor Phil Clarke and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly business editor Suzie Horne.

In this week's podcast, harvest 2020 is go with combines rolling into barley across the south of England as a challenging season nears its conclusion.We talk to two growers – one in Devon and one in East Anglia – and get the lowdown on yields and moisture content as the first crops are combined.In a surprise announcement, the government has finally agreed to set up a  commission to help ensure British farmers aren't undermined by substandard food imports.We ask NFU president Minette Batters and farming campaigner Vicki Hird of Sustain whether they think the commission will deliver on the government's promise.On the markets, we examine the prospects for arable farmers and livestock producers – as the AHDB unveils its latest commodity outlook report.And we take a look farm safety as the latest annual fatality figures show that workplace deaths in agriculture have fallen to their lowest recorded level.More farmers are using apps to help them keep safe while at work – we look at two of them: one for lone workers and one for tractor drivers.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly deputy arable editor David Jones.

Farmers are being urged to help shape the government's forthcoming Environmental Land Management Scheme.The flagship support scheme – which will come into place as direct payments are phased out – will require farmers to undertake environmental work on their land. We speak to Natural England head of agriculture Geoff Sansome and Tenant Farmers Association chief executive George Dunn about how the new scheme will work.With the coronavirus lockdown easing further, we examine whether it is the right time to invest in your farm business – by talking to one of the UK's top agri-bankers.We have our latest market round-up – and talk to Welsh sheep farmer Gerallt Hughes who is trying to salvage some value from worthless wool – by using it as fertiliser.On the arable front, scientists have found a wasp that kills cabbage stem flea beetle – could it be the answer oilseed rape growers are looking for?And enterprising farmer Elaine Clarke beats social distancing rules and woos customers by opening a drive-through strawberry shop in Staffordshire.This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly news reporter Ed Henderson.