The Farmers Weekly Podcast

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Inside the biggest news stories impacting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker from Farmers Weekly and UK farmer Hugh Broom. Every Friday.

Episodes

December 4, 2023 36 mins

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 Asse...

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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.

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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.

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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 ...

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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 acco...

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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.”
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Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Newcastle University.

Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues.

Our panel is:

Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board chairman Nicholas Saphir
Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Julia Aglionb...

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In this episode, anger at the Red Tractor assurance scheme reaches a new high after it refuses to back down over plans to carbon footprint producers.

Also, Welsh farmers say they will lose out after their government slashes the budget for agriculture in Wales.

Should consumers pay more for food? Just one topic for discussion at our latest Farmers Weekly Question Time event

And we preview this month'...

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This week, the Red Tractor farm assurance scheme is embroiled in controversy after asking farmers to measure their carbon footprint.

Farmers say the scheme's plan for a 'greener farm commitment' means more expense and red tape – and the only real winners will be supermarkets.

Red Tractor bosses say the alternative is even greater costs as supply chains are told to demonstrate their environmental cre...

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This week, former government minister Jacob Rees-Mogg outrages British farmers by saying he would allow hormone-treated Australian beef into the UK.

We visit the Conservative Party conference in Manchester and scrutinise the government's policies for agriculture and UK farming.

As farmers face a huge huge in levy rates paid to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, we ask: can any increase really...

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This week, the Liberal Democrats are making some bold pledges – including an extra £1bn for farmers – if they form the next UK government.

We find out what it could mean for your farm business – and find out whether the Lib Dems stand a chance of winning the next general election.

With livestock farmers battling to keep a lid on costs, we meet the north-east beef producer who has cut inputs by 40%.

As Russia's...

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Maize seed success! Fears for next year's UK maize crop disaster averted as the government agrees to new seed dressing licenses.

Are your cows ready to go digital? Are you ready to take up your passports? Defra launches the Digital Cattle Movement System consultation.

Just how do one bank’s farming customers feel at the moment with sky-high inputs and farm policy confusion?

Top US cattleman tells us ...

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 In this episode, we examine the benefits of Back British Farming Day – and ask what impact does it really have on politicians ?
 
 We meet the new shadow Defra secretary. How would he make farmers lives better if Labour won the next election?
 
We investigate the impact of the cost of living crisis on retail milk sales.
 
As a topsy turvy season continues for grassland farmers, we look at the prospects for ...

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This week, Rishi Sunak made a  host of promises to farm leaders at a Downing Street summit held in back in May.

But industry representatives have voiced frustration at what they say is a lack of progress when it comes to delivering the Prime Minister's pledges.

We ask: what is going on?
 
It's deadlock when it comes to sugar beet price talks between the NFU and processing giant British Sugar. Can...

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This week, farmers are set to lose access to a market worth millions after the government scrapped water pollution rules for housing developers.

What are the implications for growers and livestock producers? And how will they make up the unexpected shortfall?

Farmers in Cornwall start to sell up and quit the industry after more than 3,000ha of Lands End is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
<...

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In this episode, the Environment Agency is under fire after accusing farmers of breaching rules to protect water quality.

Defra blames technical issues as it delays the opening of its flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive to applications.

On the markets, we've all the regular commodity prices.

We talk to the MP who says it should be easier for online shoppers to buy British food and drink, which he ...

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In this episode, we take a special look at farming in Canada – visiting family farms in the western prairie province of Alberta.

We look at the vast scale of prairie agriculture, meeting producers, processors and politicians with farming interests.

We discover how Canadian farmers are adding value to commodities like malting barley and discuss the future for Alberta beef production.

We meet the fire-fight...

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This week, we find out how UK farmers can best deal with uncertainty – and secure a more  profitable future for their farm business.

As a challenging harvest continues, we look at autumn drilling options for winter cereal varieties – what's hot and what's not?

We visit the farmers and environmental groups who have joined forces for a groundbreaking soil restoration project in the Fens.

We'v...

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In this episode, as annual figures show another rise in farm theft, we meet the former SAS soldier helping to combat crime in the countryside.

With wet summer weather making national news headlines, we've a full report on the frustrating stop-start harvest – up and down the country.

On the markets, we get to grips with another dip in beef values – and we've all the latest commodity prices.

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In this episode, we're at the Royal Welsh Show, where farm leaders say they will boycott a new agri-environment scheme.

Welsh government plans requiring trees to be planted on 10% of farmland make the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme unworkable, says NFU Cymru.

Dumbing down Net Zero might be popular with politicians seeking votes – but what impact will it have on farm?

A major export contract will...

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