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

Jan 5, 2024 • 35min
More money for Sustainable Farming Incentive, delinked payments, cross-compliance abolished, Oxford farming conferences, the power of diversity, Level the Field campaign, & Six Inches of Soil film
In this episode, the government unveils a big expansion of its Sustainable Farming Incentive for England – including a 10% payment hike.But is the new scheme compatible with food production?As cross-compliance is abolished and delinked payments are introduced for English farmers, who are the winners and losers?The Oxford Farming Conference theme is the Power of Diversity – in all its forms. What does that mean for farmers?We introduce the latest Farmers Weekly campaign. Called Level the Field, it seeks to secure an equitable future for women in agriculture.And the Oxford Real Farming Conference hosts the film premiere of Six Inches of Soil – a feature-length documentary about regenerative agriculture.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hsoted by Johann Tasker and Scottish farmer Sandy Kirkpatrick.Additional reporting by Phil Clarke, Phil Case and Abi Kay.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.

Dec 20, 2023 • 49min
Farming predictions for 2024, food security, NFU general election manifesto, urea fertiliser rules, ammonia restrictions, & festive farm walk helps local food bank
In this episode, as the farming year draws to a close , we look at the prospects for UK agriculture in 2024.Which sectors will be the winners and losers?With a general election due within the next 12 months, we get to grips with food security and the NFU's manifesto for farming.Due to come into force from April 2024, how will greenhouse gas restrictions on urea fertiliser affect your farm business?And farmers on a festive farm walk help out a local food bank charity.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted and produced by Johann Tasker with Surrey farmer Hugh Broom.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.

Dec 8, 2023 • 43min
Bluetongue battle as disease hits UK – what you need to know, autumn washout, spring cropping options, making money from biodiversity net gain, & criminals jailed for GPS theft
This week, as bluetongue disease is confirmed in Norfolk, we look at what needs to be done to bring the situation under control.As more wet weather pummels the UK, we look at the options for those who won't get crops drilled this winter.We find out what revenue opportunities exist around biodiversity net gain – and the benefits it could bring to your farm business.On the markets, we've all the latest commodity prices.And two criminals are behind bars after stealing over £200,000 of farming equipment.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with additional reporting by 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.

Dec 1, 2023 • 38min
Under scrutiny: Defra secretary Steve Barclay, new recommended list for cereals and oilseed rape varieties, badger culling and bovine TB, & what can English farmers learn from Welsh farmers?
This week, Defra secretary Steve Barclay delivers his first major speech as he gets to grips with his new job.We examine his plans for agriculture and the countryside – and take a look at Labour's promises too when it comes to farming.What's hot and what's not when it comes to seeds? We run the rule on the recommended list for cereals and oilseeds varieties.We find out why the Welsh Assembly government is refusing to cull badgers to help combat bovine TB in cattle.We've our regular round up of the latest market prices – and an update on last week's auction of Massey Ferguson memorabilia.And we find out what English Farmers can learn from their counterparts in Wales.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with additional reporting by Abi Kay, Louise Impey and Rhian Price.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.

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 9min
Farmers Weekly Question Time: Royal Welsh Winter Fair - Farmers Weekly Question Time
Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.Recorded in front of a live studio audience at Builth Wells, farmers quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues.Our panel is:NFU Cymru President Aled JonesWelsh Rivers Union founder Kim WatersLlyr Gruffydd MS (Plaid Cymru), North WalesAnne-Marie Harries, Farmers Food At HomeProfessor Glyn Hewinson Sêr Cymru research chair in the Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis for Wales, Aberystwyth UniversitySponsored by The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture and Lightsource BP, this Question Time event was recorded on Monday, 27 November 2023.With grateful thanks to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society for providing the Royal Welsh Showground venue for this event.Hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker. To attend future FW Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime.

Nov 24, 2023 • 49min
World's biggest sale of Massey Ferguson memorabilia, what Autumn Statement means for your farm business, CLA president unveils priorities, latest market prices, & combating sheep scab in Scotland
This week, as the Chancellor unveils his latest spending plans, we find out what the Autumn Statement means for your farm business.The new president of the Country Land and Business Association pledges to get the best for rural Britain. Just how will she do it?We meet the experts working to eradicate sheep scab from a Scottish island.We've our regular round up of the latest market prices.And we preview the sale of the world's biggest collection of Massey Ferguson toys, models and memorabilia – built up over 50 years.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with additional reporting by Michael Priestley.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.

Nov 17, 2023 • 41min
Jailed farmer has 'no regrets' after dredging river, new Defra secretary Steve Barclay, dismay over Welsh bovine TB strategy, oilseed rape prospects, & farmer survives heart attack after reading Farmers Weekly
In this episode, a farmer jailed for causing damage to a protected river has defended his actions, insisting they helped prevent flooding.In an exclusive interview, John Price of Herefordshire says he has no regrets, despite serving a prison sentence after dredging the River Lugg.Just what can we expect from new Defra secretary Steve Barclay? We discover his likely priorities – and take a look at his in-tray.We've the latest commodity prices and our regular market roundup – and look at the prospects for oilseed rape this season.Welsh farmers voice dismay at bovine TB policy – and lack of engagement from the Welsh Assembly government.And we meet the farmer who survived a heart attack – after reading some handy health tips in Farmers Weekly.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with additional reporting by Abi Kay, Phil Case 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.

Nov 10, 2023 • 48min
Is UK food security under threat? What cereal levy rise means for growers, how to combat climate change profitably, Level the Field campaign promotes equality in agriculture, & Coronation Food Project
This week, will government targets to protect 30% of UK land leave enough left to maintain UK food security?We try to find out by asking the head of agriculture at Natural England, the government's landscape agency.We know agriculture is part of the problem when it comes to climate change – but how can farmers ensure it is part of the solution too?What options are there for farmers how do we make agriculture fairer, more equitable and more inviting for women.We discuss the launch of a new Farmers Weekly's campaign – and explain how you can take part by completing our Level the Field survey.Oxford University professor Sir Charles Godfray shares his thoughts on how UK farmers can reduce emissions while remaining profitable.And King Charles uses his 75th birthday to launch the Coronation Food Project to reduce food waste and help tackle food poverty.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with additional reporting by Louise Impey and Abi Kay.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.

Nov 3, 2023 • 51min
Paying farmers to store flood water, egg industry review, technology v tradition - can regen farming and science go hand-in-hand? cashflow prospects and winter interest rates, & celebrating agricultural shows
This week, Defra secretary Therese Coffey says the government is looking at paying farmers to store flood water on their land.It follows another winter storm and widespread flooding in the south and east of the country – as well as among farming communities in Scotland.What does the future hold for egg producers?We find out as the government launches a review to increase fairness, transparency and accountability in the egg supply chain.Technology or tradition? What is the best strategy for growers and livestock producers to adopt for their farm business?We look at the prospects for interest rates and farm cashflows this winter.And we meet the agricultural show organisation celebrating its centenary.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with additional reporting by Andrew Meredith.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.

Oct 27, 2023 • 55min
NFU apologises over Red Tractor debacle, Scottish farm policy uncertainty, Pig producer levy increase, market prices, diversification boost for farm incomes, & New Scientist Live
This week, NFU leader Minette Batters apologises to farmers upset by its handling of Red Tractor plans asking producers to demonstrate their environmental credentials.Proposals by the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Scheme will see a Greener Farm Commitment introduced next year.Mrs Batters admitts she has “made lots of mistakes” during her time as leader, but she says she is committed to “getting things right.”Meanwhile, Scottish farmers face more uncertainty as the Holyrood government struggles to outline its vision for agriculture.As the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board prepares to increase its levies, we hear what pig producers can expect in return.On the markets, we've the latest commodity prices.With farm incomes under pressure across the UK, we look at how more farmers are generating much needed extra revenue from diversification.And we look at how science is attracting more youngsters into agriculture.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with additional reporting by Abi Kay and Toby Hudson.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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