
The Farmers Weekly Podcast
The inside track on the biggest stories affecting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker and Louise Impey. Every Friday.
Latest episodes

Jul 19, 2024 • 39min
Young farmer cheats death in bale accident, police target dangerous trailers, Oliver Walston tribute, Farm Safety Week, reboot urged for oilseed rape, & Royal Golden Guernsey Goat
In this episode, a young farmer tells how he is lucky to be alive after being trapped under a stack of falling bales.Christopher Rolfe was airlifted to hospital following the accident thanks to Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.Chris told his story at the start of Farm Safety Week – the annual campaign by the Farm Safety Foundation and the Yellow Wellies charity.The busy harvest period often sees a spike in the number of farm accidents – including collisions on the road between tractors and other vehicles.As harvest continues, police are conducting roadside are checks on tractors and trailers to make sure they are safe.We learn how the Tilly Your Trailer campaign can ensure your grain and silage trailers are properly maintained and stay on the right side of the law.We also take a look at the prospects for oilseed rape following ongoing concern for the future of the crop in the UK.We’ve our regular market round-up and all the latest commodity prices.And we find out why King Charles has bestowed the royal title on the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat breed – and what it means for farming.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick.Additional reporting by Farmers Weekly arable correspondent Louise Impey.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

Jul 12, 2024 • 34min
Harvest 2024, blended wheats, supply chain fairness pledge by new Defra secretary Steve Reed, market prices, & shearing 660 sheep in 24 hours
In this episode, in a special harvest preview, we look at the prospects for cereal crops as combines roll into oilseed rape.New Defra secretary Steve Reed makes his first speech to farmers at the Great Yorkshire Show.What can we expect from the new government when it comes to supply chain fairness – and will it put its money where its mouth is?More farmers are growing blended wheats to increase resilience to disease and more consistent performance.And we catch up with sheep shearer Rosie Hazlewood, who sheared 660 sheep in 24 hours for charity.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Scottish farmer Sandy KirkpatrickAdditional reporting by Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay, chief reporter Philip Case, Louise Impey and Mike Abram.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

Jul 5, 2024 • 48min
What the Labour government means for your farm business; with former Defra secretary George Eustice and former NFU president Minette Batters
In this episode, after being swept to power in a landslide general election, we examine what the UK's new Labour government means for farming.We get the low-down on the policies we can expect for agriculture – and the challenges likely to be faced when funding them.We discuss the implications, opportunities and the threats – with former Defra secretary George Eustice and former NFU president Minette Batters.We look at the impact of the election result on farming across the UK – including the devolved nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.And we examine the importance of continued government funding for agri-environment policies put in place by the previous administration.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay.Additional reporting by Sandy Kirkpatrick; Rhian Price; and Rachel Martin, farming editor of the Irish Examiner.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

Jun 28, 2024 • 46min
What is best: Conventional v regenerative agriculture? Soil health; Premiums for climate-friendly farming - who should pay? Groundswell 2024; John Kempf; eco-acoustics; & the Rob Stephenson Trust
In this episode, we join the crowds at the 2024 Groundswell event to find out how regenerative agriculture has fared in a challenging season.We ask: is regenerative agriculture really more resilient than conventional farming?We find out about the premiums available for farming regeneratively and ask whether farmers should abide by a set of standards?We speak to American regenerative farming expert John Kempf who suggests the UK could catch up with the USA when it comes to sustainable agriculture.We discover the latest in eco-acoustics and listening to worms is a good indicator of soil health and microbial activity.And we learn how a bike ride with the Rob Stephenson Trust is bringing people together and raising money for a good cause.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker; and specialist arable agricultural journalist Louise Impey.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

Jun 21, 2024 • 45min
Rishi Sunak's £1bn pledge for farming, farmer builds own direct drill, future for Scottish agriculture, Farmers Weekly 90th birthday, Ag-onomics with David and Jack, & 5K every day in June
In this episode, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tells Farmers Weekly he has a clear plan for UK agriculture – if the Tories win the General Election.With farm machinery becoming ever more expensive, we meet the farmer who decided to reduce costs by building his direct drill.We visit the Royal Highland Show and discuss the future for Scottish agriculture – with a key piece of new legislation.We've all the latest farm prices and get to grips with the mysteries of the commodity markets thanks to a new podcast: Agonomics with David and Jack.And we celebrate Farmers’ Weekly’s 90th birthday – and take a stroll with the farmers walking 5k every day during June.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick, with additional reporting by Phil Case.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

Jun 13, 2024 • 50min
Covid-style business loans for farmers, Cereals 2024, latest wheat varieties, arable input costs, Recommended List 80th anniversary, & world's biggest loaf of bread
In this episode, farm leader Tom Bradshaw calls for Covid-style business loans to help farmers ride out the impact of a challenging year.We join thousands of growers at the 2024 Cereals event in Hertfordshire – the UK's biggest two-day show for arable farmers.We get the low-down on the latest wheat and barley varieties – and ask: do they deliver what they promise when it comes to yield and resilience?We examine the importance of data analysis and using benchmarking methods to optimise arable business performance.We celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Recommended List for cereals – and discuss how the list is changing to meet the needs of growers and end users.And we get cooking lessons from two farmers who have baked the world's biggest loaf of bread to highlight the importance of a fair supply chain.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker; and specialist arable agricultural journalist Louise Impey.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

Jun 7, 2024 • 42min
Dog attacks on sheep, battle to win farm votes, Cereals event preview, early drilling conundrum, & malting barley prospects
In this episode, with an increase in dog attacks on livestock, we look at the options for farmers trying to combat a growing problem.Politicians are battling for farmers' votes in the run-up to next month's elections – so why aren't would-be MPs being clear about policies for agriculture?We preview this month's Cereals event – and look ahead to autumn crop establishment and the dilemma about early drillingAnd we discuss the prospects for the malting barley market alongside all the latest commodity prices.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick with additional reporting by Phil Case, Guy Peckett, Louise Impey and Mike Abram.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

May 31, 2024 • 51min
Young farmer culture, muck and slurry legal case, livestock handling safety, & best tractor over 90 years
In this episode, we ask is there a problem with young farmer culture?The debate follows a Farmers Weekly's investigation into the experiences of young women of sexual assault at young farmers' events.We look at why farmers could be faced with changes to the amount of muck and slurry they can spread in the autumn following a landmark legal case.We bring you the latest tips on handling livestock safely and efficiently. We’ve our regular market round-up and the latest commodity prices.And we look at how you can vote for our favourite tractor of the last 90 years.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay and Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick with additional reporting by Phil Clarke and Charlie Reeve.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

May 24, 2024 • 44min
Lowdown on latest SFI offer, general election candidates target farmers, glyphosate and regenerative farming, Wildfarmed wheat, Green Farm Collective, & 10 years of Yellow Wellies
In this episode, we look at what the forthcoming General Election might mean for UK farmers – who is promising what and to whom.After Defra unveils its latest offer for the Sustainable Farming Incentive, we get the lowdown on the implications for your farm business.Glyphosate or ploughing – what is best for soil health? We find out at the Green Farm Collective Open Day.How the Wildfarmed flour brand is being stocked by more retailers – and why farmers are enjoying growing their wheat.We’ve our regular market roundup and the latest commodity prices.And we reflect on 10 years of the Yellow Wellies farm safety campaign – with the Farm Safety Foundation.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Louise Impey with additional reporting by Phil Clarke.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

May 17, 2024 • 40min
Farm to Fork Summit 2.0, Rishi Sunak's food security index, Is pig sector recovery all porky pies?, technology helps overcome challenging season, & charity sheep shearing
In this episode, we run the rule over Defra's new food security index – will it really mean a better deal for British farmers?We get the lowdown on Rishi Sunak's second Farm to Fork Summit – and ask whether the Prime Minister's garden party for food producers will achieve anything?Is it positive for pigs? An upbeat Pig and Poultry Fair suggests the sector is on the road to recovery. But is it enough to see off shadows on the horizon?How technology is helping to optimise farm margins in a challenging year for arable growers and livestock farmers.The two pieces of technology mentioned in this item are the free Ruumi grazing app and Yagro's crop tracker software.We’ve got our regular market roundup and the latest commodity prices.And we meet the female farmer who hopes to shear more than 400 sheep in 24 hours for charity – despite having had 11 knee operations.To go along and support Rosie Hazlewood during her sheep shearing challenge – or simply to make a donation, please visit her Facebook page.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick with additional reporting by Phil Case.You can contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast by emailing podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
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