The Farmers Weekly Podcast

In this week’s podcast, we have a special interview with tenant farming commissioner Alan Laidlaw following his appointment.

What does his new role mean for landlords and tenants? And how does he see a code of practice for the tenanted sector working in England?

How artificial intelligence is helping livestock farmers increase productivity in a way that boosts income while benefiting the environment.

And we visit the new Future of Foo...

As growers rip up autumn cropping plans following another challenging season, we look at ways to get the best for your farm business.

A new group of rural Labour MPs says it is backing British food producers – and launches its own action plan for the countryside. Will it make a difference?

We look at the fallout after the Rural Payments Agency tries to reclaim Sustainable Farming Incentive funding from farmers.

And how a new conferenc...

In this episode, thousands of farmers face a cliff-edge when their countryside stewardship agreements expire – with nothing to replace them.

Those with mid-tier schemes running out at the end of this year – just three months away – are left facing a stark choice: maintain beneficial environmental features at their own expense, or destroy them up and plant them with crops to earn some much-needed income.

The dilemma could be resolved ...

In this episode, we look at what farmers can expect from new Defra secretary Emma Reynolds - her policies and personality.

To discuss that and more, we’re joined by Jonathan Reynolds, director of external affairs at the Country Land and Business Association.

The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs says it has been told it will no longer receive a Defra grant – Defra says the suggestion is "false".

Who is right?

Shadow farm mini...

In this episode, farmers are helping firefighters battle a huge moorland blaze in Yorkshire.

Farmers are using slurry tankers to deliver water to fire crews fighting flames which have engulfed thousands of acres of the Yorkshire Moors.

Hot weather and lack of rain has seen hay and straw is imported into the UK from France to help drought-hit livestock farmers.

Pollution from pig and poultry production is being targeted by wildlife ca...

Harvest has been hugely variable this summer – with many growers in prime arable areas reporting terrible cereal yields.

But has one crop bucked the trend?

After years of decline and disappointment, oilseed rape is having a bit of a moment.

Could it, perhaps, be crop of the year?

Is £30/t an acceptable price for sugar beet? We find out.

We’ve more on electronic tagging for cattle.

Just what’s driving up food price inflation?

And we pay tr...

A data error means the latest harvest progress report over-estimates yields – and triggers an investigation by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

Why wasn't the report right in the first place?

Industry leaders give a mixed reaction to the latest inheritance tax proposals.

And one of Britain's biggest livestock auctioneers voices concern at differences in electronic identification systems for cattle between England an...

In this episode, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch visits an Essex farm – meeting farmers to talk about inheritance tax.

We’ve an exclusive interview.

We meet the Yorkshire dairy farmer who is starting a renewable energy company – and powering up the local community.

And we take an in-depth look at autumn weed control.

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.

Contact or follow Johann...

In this episode, Donald Trump leaves UK prime minister Keir Starmer in stony silence as he explains why American farmers don’t pay inheritance tax.

But would British farmers really be better off if President Trump was in charge of UK agriculture?

Is it time to get an electric farm pickup – we look at the latest fully electric truck as it goes on sale in the UK.

Jeremy Clarkson’s farm goes down with bovine tuberculosis – and a Scottish...

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the future of regenerative agriculture and examine whether it is right for your farm.

We have a special interview with American farmer Gabe Brown, described as the 'god father' of regenerative agriculture, as he visits the UK.

We discuss the role of government support when it comes to agro-ecology and nature-friendly farming practices.

And we look at plans for a not-for-profit National Age...

In this episode, former British Lion Tom Youngs shares his thoughts on farming and rugby.

We run the rule on the government’s latest iteration of a national food strategy - and discuss the implications for farmers.

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones voices concern about the newly announced Sustainable Farming Scheme for Wales.

And we look at the ups and downs of harvest ahead of the market prices.

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast...

In this episode, as drought is declared in Yorkshire, we look at the impact of the dry weather across the country.

Scotland faces a wildfire warning – following a 30,000 acre blaze which saw farmers and game-keepers come together to fight the flames.

Tesco's new chief executive Ashwin Prasad gets out on farm – just a week into the job – saying he wants to work in partnership with farmers.

Hugh has a problem getting replacement parts f...

In this episode, a former Defra adviser says the government must win back farmers' trust if it is serious about successful agriculture.

The government unveils £150m in capital grants for farmers – we look at what the money is likely to fund and how it will work.

We find out about new funding opportunities for farmers – thanks to private investment from big corporations.

We spend two days at Groundswell 2025, the regenerative agricultu...

In this episode, we preview the early start to harvest 2025 as the first combines roll into barley crops.

One year after the Labour came to power, we ask why farm leaders have gone so quiet on government plans to impose inheritance on farmers.

We visit a Fram Farmers trials day in Suffolk – and Hugh goes to his local Cowpie Country Fair.

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Br...

In this episode, a former NFU combinable crops chairman sats the pace of change at Red Tractor is too slow to win back farmers' confidence.

Cross-border bluetongue restrictions on livestock brought from England into Wales threaten to cause havoc, say farm leaders.

We've the latest on muck spreading and Defra's Farming Rules For Water.

And we visit the Royal Highland Show for a beefy announcement.

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podc...

In this episode, UK farm leaders voice dismay after three major British supermarkets start selling beef from Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand.

Is the government's spending review really better than expected when it comes to farming and the environment?

We discuss the implications of departmental cuts at Defra – and the impact for growers and livestock producers.

We spend two days at the Cereals event – the UK's annual showcase for t...

In this episode, we look at the likely impact of the government's spending review on UK farming and the environment.

We have a sneak preview of this month’s Cereals event – and why reducing carbon emissions isn't as easy as people might think.

And why it is so important to get the farming message across on Open Farm Sunday.

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.

Contact or...

In this episode, a UK farming couple quit the UK to go farming in France, saying they feel more valued by the French government.

Defra declines to comment on reports that the government's Spending Review will slash the budget for nature friendly farming.

We've the latest on high-profile movers and shakers in the farming sector, as Assured Food Standards appoints a permanent chairman for Red Tractor.

And Madame Tussauds waxworks museum...

In this episode, as senior civil servant Janet Hughes decides to leave Defra, we look at what it means for the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

It's a revolving door at the AHDB, with the appointment of a new chair – and the announcement that chief executive Graham Wilkinson is moving on.

Scottish livestock leaders say a climate committee report calling for less beef consumption is based on flawed evidence.

Why a new deal between London...