The Farmers Weekly Podcast

This week’s Farmers Weekly Podcast comes from the Groundswell show in Hertfordshire, where Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tells farmers she wants their ideas for a new rural policy.

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Ms Badenoch says future policy should be shaped by farmers and land managers – not just by officials in Westminster and Whitehall.

We also examine whether private finance can help pay for greener farming, as Ll...

This week, we examine whether the government’s long-awaited 25-year Farming Roadmap will deliver the certainty, confidence and investment farmers need.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw gives his reaction to Defra’s plan, while we discuss profitability, agri-environment funding, climate resilience and the value of farming to the wider economy.

We debate the impact of hot weather and this month's record-breaking temperatures on...

Defra has finally unveiled the budget for its flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme – but is £240 million enough to meet demand from farmers?

Former Natural England agriculture head Geoff Sansome gives his verdict – and explains why thousands of farmers could still be left in limbo when existing agreements expire.

We also bring you an exclusive interview with new Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin, who ...

This live Cereals 2026 episode tackles one big question: with high input costs and mediocre grain prices will planting cereals this autumn be financially worthwhile?

The discussion starts with markets and margins, including break-even wheat prices, grain carryover, milling wheat premiums and the risks of holding out for higher prices.

Part Two looks at how growers can reduce risk through variety choice, BYDV resistance, hybrid whea...

This week, Defra confirms England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive will reopen for applications on 30 June – but only for some farmers, and with questions over budget.

Farm business adviser Katie Hilton explains the key changes in SFI 26, including land use caps, no-till rules and revised payment rates.

We also examine a High Court ruling which could mean lower meat inspection charges for abattoirs, processors and livest...

This week, farmers report delays receiving payments from soil carbon scheme Agreena – with some growers saying they are owed thousands of pounds.

We examine the latest Farm Assurance Review and ask whether Red Tractor and other schemes can deliver fairer treatment for UK grain producers facing competition from unassured imports.

We review Harvest, the new book by former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters.

And we visit the...

This week, police pledge tougher action on hare coursing after an Essex farmer suffers almost 200 incidents in eight months.

The government unveils plans to slash tariffs on 100 food items imported into the UK. We examine the impact of food price controls on UK farmers.

Beef sector leaders call for fairer pricing as the market eases ahead of the Beef Expo industry showcase at Melton Mowbray livestock market.

And we meet the farmer ...

Fuel shortages triggered by the Iran conflict could leave crops rotting in fields this harvest unless food production is prioritised.

We hear from CAAV adviser Jeremy Moody, who warns that red diesel availability is now an immediate concern for arable farmers, with further uncertainty for autumn planting.

We also visit Dyson Farming’s new research centre in Lincolnshire, where managing director Daniel Cross explains how the b...

This week, food and environmental groups call for a ban on pre-harvest glyphosate use. We look at the alternatives – and whether this could be the thin end of the wedge.

We also hear why farm leaders are pushing back against proposals to extend environmental permitting to beef and dairy farms.

Plus, has the beef bubble burst? AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke explains why cattle prices have eased – and Hugh Broom looks at what...

This week’s episode is brought to you with Bayer Crop Science.

As fertiliser prices rise and new-season supplies tighten, we ask when farmers should buy — and whether a little-and-often approach is the best way to manage risk.

We also look at a new 25-year regenerative farm business tenancy from the Duchy of Cornwall, and ask whether longer agreements could give tenants the confidence to invest for the future.

Plus, Tik...

Celebrity farmer Jeremy Clarkson speaks out as soaring fuel and fertiliser costs force arable growers to rethink autumn cropping plans.

MPs urge Kier Starmer to help reduce red diesel prices as they tell the prime minister the Iran war makes food security paramount.

We preview this summer’s Cereals event – to be held on 10-11 June at Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds.

And how a royal estate is working ...

In this episode, Travellers set up an unauthorised encampment in Hertfordshire and new planning rules face their biggest test yet.

The situation has big implications for growers and livestock producers – as Louise finds out when she spoke to one local farmer affected by the development.

How cereal farmers could secure a fairer share from the grain market and help mitigate the impact of rising input costs, and we’ve the ...

In this episode, farm charities offer a listening ear as inheritance tax rules come into effect – leaving farming families facing a hefty bill following the death of a loved one.

We’ve the latest on help for those who might be affected by the changes, including farmers who haven't yet taken advice.

The Farming Community Network helpline is 03000 111 999 (7am to 11pm daily) or via email at help@fcn.org.uk.

Electrici...

In this episode, an influential group of MPs launches a campaign to boost farm profitability.

The Labour Rural Research Group has already had some success persuading the government to ease back on inheritance tax for farmers.

We speak to Noah Law MP and ask: will their campaign be successful this time around?

Lamb prices boom in Scotland – we find out why and how long the good times will last.

Hugh visits Denmark where he get...

In this episode, red diesel prices reach new highs as the Iran War escalates.

The government unveils it’s long-awaited Land Use Framework – and says farmland must be managed differently and some must come out of production.

There's concern for upland farmers who face being shut out of two flagship agri-environment schemes.

And how one farmer is managing to make a profit – despite all these challenges and more.

Thi...

UK cereal farmers earn less than the minimum wage, according to the latest government figures.

Why environmental payments aren’t delivering for growers and livestock producers.

And Reform leader Nigel Farage is under fire after saying we shouldn’t worry about cheap imports of chlorinated chicken.

Farm business income figures for England are published by Defra based on information collected from farmers by the annual&nbs...

As war spreads across the Middle East, we look at the implications for UK farmers – including the impact on fertiliser, fuel and food security. 

In a volatile market, we examine the latest information on prices and availability – and what you can do to secure vital farm inputs. 

Supply chains both up and down from the farm gate have already been affected as the world gets to grips with a widening conflict at a...

Just what is the government’s long-term plan for farm support? We’ve an exclusive interview with Defra farm minister Angela Eagle.

We get to grips with the latest proposals for the revamped Sustainable Farming Incentive – how your business will be affected.

A campaigning farmer hits out over lack of action on fly tipping – and takes Defra secretary Emma Reynolds to task over the issue

And what next for ...

In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind a big drop in farmland sales – and it isn't all to do with inheritance tax.

We join dozens of farmers who’ve teamed up to create the UK’s biggest ever landscape recovery project – worth £100m

We've the latest on the Red Tractor farm assurance scheme; and we've a chocolate spot disease warning for winter bean growers.

And we speak to the farmer with eight reservo...