The Farmers Weekly Podcast

This week – a shortage of workers is making it harder for farmers to produce food profitably, but what should be done?

Should more visas be granted to overseas workers? Do technology and robotics have a role to play?

And how do we change the perception of agriculture as a low-wage industry?

Elsewhere, we examine how garlic can help dairy cows fight mastitis and the government unveils a new slurry grant scheme.

On the markets, we'll...

In this episode,  why are UK supermarkets importing eggs rather than paying British farmers more to offset higher production costs?

We examine the impact on your farm business as the UK government unveils a huge round of spending cuts.

As the mild – and now wet – autumn continues, we've the latest on arable crop establishment, pests and diseases out in the field.

On the markets, we've all the latest prices.

And we look at the l...

In this episode, the government is urged not to reduce farm support as the it seeks to plug a £60 billion hole in its public finances.

Farm leaders and environmental groups say it would be a folly to slash the farm budget at a crucial time for the industry.

Confidential details involving 1,500 farms will be strictly protected as Defra strives to deliver better policies for agriculture, says the government.

On the markets, we look at w...

In this episode, why politicians are being urged to put their money where their mouth is when promising to back British farming.

One year after Boris Johnson outraged pig producers by dismissing the crisis engulfing the sector, how are farmers faring now?

With some arable farmers ripping up oilseed rape, we look at the prospects for the crop over the coming season.

We find out how young farmers get on the farming ladder in West Africa...

In this week's episode, are you ready for Rishi? 

We look at what the food security promises made by Rishi Sunak – the UK's third Prime Minister in just seven weeks – mean for farmers.

Can the government really strike the right balance between boosting food production and looking after for the environment?

On the markets, we look at why diesel is so stubbornly expensive.

Why some experts want to make it easier to breed cows wit...

In this week's episode, UK farm input costs have increased by 34% over the past year – so exactly how can farmers combat soaring ag-inflation?

We meet the dairy farmers cushioning their business against input cost increases by powering their tractor with methane produced by their cows.

We assess the impact of the government's new bird flu restrictions on producers – will it really help to combat the disease?

On the markets, we...

In this episode, the government unveils plans to boost farm productivity and food security. But how exactly will it do it?

How was it for you? We have the verdict on this year's wheat harvest – which varieties performed ø– and which didn't.

We visit the farming couple who taught themselves to milk from YouTube – and are going great guns after starting a dairy farm in Norfolk

We have a global round-up of grain prices.

And we spe...

This week, with the UK money markets in turmoil – we examine the impact of the government's 'mini-budget' on your farm business.

As Defra confirms it is "rapidly reviewing" its flagship Environmental Land Management scheme – we ask: what is the future for ELMs?

We meet the dairy farmer making bokashi – fermenting muck and slurry to retain more nutrients and reduce emissions.

And we speak to the Scottish tractor dri...

In this episode,  arson attacks on farms are on the increase – with culprits torching straw stacks and property  going up in smoke.

The cost is immense, with damage often totalling tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds and farmers concerned for their livelihoods.

So what can be done?

We examine the winter outlook for drought-hit livestock farmers, who are facing shortages of grazing and forage.

We look at why one of the world's b...

In this episode, we profile new Defra secretary Ranil Jayawardena and examine the challenges faced by UK agriculture.

We speak to Norfolk farmer Kit Papworth as he prepares to take on a new role as Red Tractor combinable crops and sugar beet sector chairman.

As Prince William takes on the 52,000ha Duchy of Cornwall estate, we find out how you pass on £1bn of landed assets.

And we meet the Scottish farmer who had a key role in the pomp...

This special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is dedicated in its entirety to the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September 2022.

In a series of  specially recorded interviews for Farmers Weekly, farmers recall the times they met the Queen and her in-depth knowledge of agriculture.

Farmers  reflect on the Queen's ability to put people at their ease, her enthusiasm for horses and livestock breeding – and love...

In this episode, Liz  Truss outlines her priorities for farmers as she seeks to become Conservative Party leader and the UK's next Prime Minister.

A farm worker has an extremely lucky escape when his articulated trailer overturns – and so does the tractor pulling it.

On the markets, we find out why there's a big surge in on-farm machinery sales.

It's Love Lamb Week – we speak to the industry leaders about the challenges fa...

In this episode,  how a decision to shut down ammonia production will affect the market for UK fertiliser – and impact the livestock sector.

How a new buying group – started by a Darlington livestock farmer – could help your business beat farm input inflation and raise money for charity.

On the markets, we have a harvest round-up, including all the latest prices.

We meet the Welsh farmer's wife who was lucky to escape with her lif...

In this episode, will the UK's next Prime Minister be good for farming?

Conservative Party leadership candidate Rishi Sunak holds a live Q&A in person and online at the National Farmers Union headquarters at Stoneleigh.

Farm leaders say the government must do more to ease the labour shortage and drought pressures on growers and livestock producers.

We find out how the cost of living crisis could hit consumer spending on dairy ...

As drought is declared across eastern, central and southern England, we assess the impact on the livestock and arable sectors.

We look at the prospects for grazing, winter forage and animal health – and examine the best time to drill oilseed rape.

And we speak to the onion grower who is giving away his crop after hot, dry weather meant it failed to meet storage specifications.

On the markets, we've the latest ringside from Skipton...

In this episode, we examine why criminals are returning to the countryside – sparking a 40% increase in rural theft – and what farmers can do about it.

Are you ready for Rishi? Or do you want Liz for leader – we ask growers and livestock producers  who should be the UK's next Prime Minister?

On the markets... we head to one of the season's first sheep breeding sales at Thame.

We hear from farmers and vets at the first ever nat...

 In this episode, lack of detail about government plans for agriculture  is denting farmer confidence to invest in their businesses.

Defra farm minister Victoria Prentis says farmers must learn to live with uncertainty – despite calls for clarity on farm policy.

We examine the  UK's first post-Brexit trade agreement – why isn't the Australia-UK trade deal being scrutinised by parliamentary debate?

We've all the latest comm...

In this episode, the hottest harvest ever – how was it for you? 

We have a full report, including field fires, overheating grain and an interview with the farmer where the UK temperature reached a record-breaking 40.3 degrees.

As MPs launch an inquiry into the government's Environmental Land Management scheme  (ELM) for England, we ask: is it delivering for farmers?

On the markets, we've all the latest commodity values. And a ...