The Farmers Weekly Podcast

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...

In this episode, MPs say the government should delay plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers – and revise its controversial policy.

Defra announces a partial reopening of the Sustainable Farming Incentive for growers and livestock producers in England.

US agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins tells Farmers Weekly that poultry and pork are "on the table" to be next for a trade deal between the USA and the UK.

And Hugh attends a Defra...

In this episode we look at the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive agri-environment scheme.

Natural England head of agriculture Peter Craven tells us the scheme will return – and be better for farming and the environment, albeit with a likely smaller budget.

We assess the impact of the UK-US trade deal on the beef and arable sectors – and ask whether it is the shape of things to come?

MPs debate the future for Britain's small...

Record-breaking temperatures see crops sweltering in the spring sunshine. A worry or just another challenge for arable growers?

UK former home secretary James Cleverly and Save British Farming campaigners say the government must take food security more seriously.

As the UK commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and the end of World War Two, we ask, could we really see the return of rationing?

A ground-breaking new farm...

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Question Time Podcast examines a ground-breaking new farm tenancy agreement.

Developed by the Crown Estate and the Tenant Farmers Association, the agreements are called Environmental Farm Business Tenancies (eFBTs).

EFBTs are 15-year-long tenancy agreements which encourage tenant farmers to diversify in a way which benefits both the tenant and the landlord.

The expert panel answering questions on th...

In this episode, one in three farmers fear their children will sink the farm business when it's handed on to the next generation.

Why farming families are walking a tightrope between succession and inheritance tax.

Dairy producers are forced to dump thousands of litres of milk after a breakdown at a key processing plant in Lancashire.

We've all the latest commodity prices.

And we find out why climate-friendly farmers are turned off by ...

In this episode, we get to grips government grants to fund on-farm innovation and technology to improve productivity.

With British Beef Week around the corner (23-30 April), we run the rule over the NFU's 10-year vision for the UK's beef industry.

We look at why farm hedges could be the latest victim of the government's decision to close the Sustainable Farming Incentive to new applications.

And we find out why singing sweary farmers ...

In this episode, the government appoints former NFU president Minette Batters to lead a Defra review to solve farming's 'profitability problem'.

Her appointment – by Defra secretary Steve Reed – aims to help growers and livestock producers increase their profit and financial resilience.

We ask three experts what Baroness Batters should really be looking at – and whether farmers should be encouraged to diversify.

Emily Norton, from Far...

In this episode, livestock industry leaders warn of a devastating animal disease outbreak unless the government tightens border controls.

MPs quiz. Defra minister Daniel Zeichner as cereal growers 'go on strike' in protest at government policies affecting UK farming.

Will there really be no hot cross buns at Easter?

We've the latest on the Sustainable Farming Incentive and how the Rural Payments Agency continues to process a backlog o...

In this episode, the Red Tractor assurance scheme responds to criticism by pledging to make farm audits easier for farmers.

We speak to the Red Tractor interim chairman Alistair Mackintosh and operations director Philippa Wiltshire.

Also in this episode – the government unveils long awaited plans to reduce pesticide usage by 10% within five years.

We look at the likely impact on your farm business – and on food production.

And a medica...

In this episode, farmers ramp up food production following the closure of the government's flagship environmental scheme.

Arable growers who were preparing Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications are now drilling spring crops instead – with strong demand for spring seed and fertiliser.

Natural England former head of agriculture Geoff Sansome says mistakes were made when drawing up the SFI – but the scheme should be refined r...

Just why did the government close its flagship agri-environment scheme without warning?

We examine the options for farmers unable to join Defra's Sustainable Farming Incentive.

A new study says the government must take food security and sustainable farming much more seriously.

Published by the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission, the report is called Paying the Price: Cheap food, big business and the cost to farming and food se...

In this emergency episode, we examine the implications of Defra's decision to stop accepting applications for its flagship agri-environment scheme.

The shock announcement to draw a line under the Sustainable Farming Incentive was announced at 6pm Tuesday, 11 March.

Defra gave farmers no notice of the decision, which came into effect with immediate effect, leaving would-be applicants high and dry.

We look at the reasons for the announc...

In this episode, a growing number of 'rebel' Labour MPs are supporting farmers against the government on inheritance tax.

We have an exclusive interview with Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid- and South Pembrokeshire, who is calling for a government amnesty on the issue.

A warm start to spring sees UK temperatures warmer than Madrid and Barcelona – and it's only the beginning of March.

We find out how farmers are adapting to climate ch...