Farm Gate

At its heart, regenerative agriculture is an opportunity to reset a farm's relationship with both nature and economics. Most farmers who take the time to re-think their system, to reduce their use of expensive inputs, to mix livestock and crop production into long rotations, and to maximise the efficacy of free natural resources (such as sunlight and water), find that they are more economically resilient, that nature thrives in their fields and that they're just happier and healthier people.In this programme we hear from four UK farmers who've unleashed the power of regeneration on their farms - we'll hear their stories, and we'll ask what tools have enabled their success.With Graham Rutherford from Viewlaw Farm in Northumberland, Verity Megginson from Kirkburn Manor Farm in East Yorkshire, Rhys Jones from Pearson Gape Farming Partnership in Cambridgeshire, and Sian Jones from Moelogan Fawr in North Wales.This programme has been sponsored by Regenerate Outcomes.Farm Gate is part of 8point9.com.Listen to the edited audio version by searching for Farm Gate wherever you get your podcasts.

Antibiotics are critical medicines for humans and livestock - but profligate use has led to rapidly increasing resistance, which is a threat for animal and human health. How then do we replace, reduce and refine the use of antibiotics in farm settings? And what are the opportunities for livestock producers?ffinlo Costain is joined two southwest dairy farmers - Sophie Alexander from Hemsworth Farm, and Karolina Klaskova from Higher Mere Park Farm - and by two livestock vets, Rebecca Price and Lucy Hepworth, both from Friars Moor Livestock Health.

Brazil has lifted 40 million people out of food insecurity in just two years. This historic achievement was driven by political choices that put family farmers and food access first. ffinlo Costain is joined by Elisabetta Recine, the President of the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Security Council - and by Raj Patel, a professor of food systems from the University of Texas.

Integrated pest management is about establishing a farm as a connected ecosystem. To investigate the subject ffinlo Costain is joined by horticulturalist, Andy Dibben, the head grower at Abbey Home Farm near Cirencester - by Patrick Barker an arable farmer from Lodge Farm near Westhorpe in Suffolk - and by Angus Walton, a livestock producer from Peelham Farm in the Scottish Borders.

Martin's Farm: February. ffinlo Costain finds out about integrated pest management and a hedge-laying competition run by Martin Lines at Papley Grove. Martin and ffinlo are also joined by Peter Craven, head of agriculture at Natural England, who's talks through Natural England's new strategy and what it means for farmers and food production. ffinlo Costain is the editor of 8point9.com and producer of the Farm Gate podcast.Martin Lines is Chief Executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network.

Dr. Jonathan G Lundgren is an agroecologist, the founder and director of the Ecdysis Foundation, and Chief Executive of Blue Dasher Farm. He's the author of 107 peer-reviewed journal articles, he received the Presidential Early Career Award for Science and Engineering at the White House, and served as an advisor for regulatory agencies on pesticide and GM crop risk assessments. On GM, Lundgren says, "I'm not saying ban stuff. As soon as you say, 'Farmer, I'm taking something away from you...', it's like, 'Oh yeah, get ready...' But if you say, 'Why're you buying all that crap - that's dumb,' then suddenly that gets their attention - because they don't want to be used by anybody, certainly not the government, but also not by large corporations. "

In this month's Wheat from the Chaff, ffinlo Costain (8point9.com) and Joe Stanley (GWCT Allerton Project) discuss:Venezuela, Greenland and world securityMinette Batters' Farm Profitability ReviewSustainable Farming Incentive back in JuneInheritance tax climb downRFK's call to 'Eat real food'Farmers back nature-friendly farmingFarm Gate is the world's highest ranking food security podcast, and we're part of 8point9.com, the land use news channel. 8point9 is supported by First Milk, Pelican Ag, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Friar's Moor Livestock Health, Agrolo and individual donors.Search for ‘Farm Gate' wherever you get your podcasts - and visit https://8point9.com/https://8point9.com/

Stuart Rogers has found the sweet spot - by focussing on herd health and the overall health of his system, Rogers' dairy herd at Longmoor Farm in Dorset is both high yielding and regenerative. Listen now to find out how he does it.This is the latest in our Farm Gate Leaders series in which ffinlo Costain meets remarkable regen food and farming innovators.Farm Gate is part of 8point9.com, the land use news channel, which is supported by First Milk, Pelican Ag, Friars Moor Livestock Health, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Agrolo and individual donors.

ffinlo Costain (8point9.com) talks to Martin Lines (Nature Friendly Farming Network) to find out what's happening this January at Papley Grove farm.The pair also meet Alice Groom (RSPB) and Vicki Hird (The Wildlife Trusts) to review what's happened in food, farming and nature policy in 2025 - and to peer into the crystal ball for 2026.

ffinlo Costain (8point9.com) and Joe Stanley (GWCT Allerton Project) meet for Farm Gate's monthly news discussion programme.This time:Christmas round-upSuccession planning, IHT and SFICOP30 and food systemsBacksliding on environmental policySoil carbonFinding lights in a dark age

What's it like living next door to Britain's most notorious rewilder? The new movie, Derek vs Derek investigates.In this programme ffinlo Costain meets the two Dereks - rewilder, Derek Gow, and dairy farmer, Derek Banbury - alongside the film's director James Dawson.#derekvsderek

What's happening this December on Papley Grove Farm, St Neots? ffinlo Costain talks to Martin Lines from the Nature Friendly Farming Network – and meets Michael Meharg, who farms near Dundrod in Northern Ireland. Michael is a past chair of the NFFN in Northern Ireland.The trio discuss farming's contribution to Christmas, Irish Moiled cattle, the ecological crisis in Lough Neagh (the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles), and the funding situation for farmers in Northern Ireland.#farming #food #regenerativefarming #organicfarming #northernireland #loughneagh #irishmoiledcattle #cattle #nifarming #irishfarming

The farm vet is critical for farmers navigating the transition to food and ecological security. In this programme we find out what that means in practice. How is the veterinary profession changing? Can a business model built on meds and emergency care pivot to preventative health and farm system advice? ffinlo Costain is joined by The Regenerative Vet, Claire Whittle - by Lee-Anne Oliver from Ruminant Revival - and by Helen Rogers, a regenerative farmer and a director of Friars Moor Livestock Health.

ffinlo Costain talks to author Chris Smaje, whose new book, Findings Lights in a Dark Age, is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone with a vested interest in the future of humanity.Now is the time, says Smaje, for local communities - not multinational corporations or centralised government - to reorganise economy, land, energy and food production, so that the light at the end of the tunnel is lit, and when we fall into a global multiverse of crises, we can find our way more easily to a better world.Findings Lights in a Dark Age, by Chris Smaje, is published by Chelsea Green, and is available wherever good books are sold.

We focus on natural capital opportunities for farmers in Scotland. How can farmers and other land owners get support and earn an income by improving nature and selling natural capital outcomes.ffinlo Costain is joined by Bruce Wilson, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Scottish Wildlife Trust - by David Robertson, Director of Investment and Business Development at Scottish Woodlands Limited - and by Johnnie Balfour, Managing Partner at Balbirnie Home Farms.#soilcarbon #carbonfarming #regenerativefarming #resilience #biodiversity #rivers #watermanagement #forests #timber #forestcarbon #trees #nature #naturefriendly

Professor Sir Dieter Helm's recent paper - The future of British farming - has received applause and consternation on social media. For Helm, British farming stands on the brink of its most profound transformation "since the coming of tractors and fertilisers" - but the vision he sets out is disturbing. The paper describes the technical and financial forces shaping modern agriculture, while treating regenerative farming with a sceptic's eye. Is Helm right? Is data-enabled precision ag, AI and vertical farming the future? Should the polluter pay? Is regen poorly defined and glyphosate dependent? And - what does all this mean for the family farm?ffinlo Costain meets Professor Sir Dieter Helm alongside regenerative and organic farmer, Patrick Holden, the Chief Executive of the Sustainable Food Trust. * Farm Gate is the world's highest ranking food security podcast* More land use news at 8point9.com

ffinlo Costain (8point9.com) and Joe Stanley (GWCT Allerton Project) meet for Farm Gate's monthly discussion programme. This time:They discuss:Radical war-scale transformation needed in UK food systemHow food security depends on geopoliticsProf. Sir Dieter Helm's new paper: The Future of British FarmingLloyds report aims to help farmers reduce climate and nature risks"Extreme weather is making our bread less British"Class action style legal claim on the River WyeUsing nature to help tackle mental health issuesMore land use news at 8point9.com

What's happening on Papley Grove Farm this November? ffinlo Costain talks to Martin Lines from the Nature Friendly Farming Network - and meets Ifan Davies, who farms with his daughter at Carreg-y-Bîg in Wales, to talk about the pressures of social media and the Welsh Sustainable Farming Incentive.More land use news at 8point9.com

What's the business model for regenerative dairy? What sort of financial models are required to help deliver regeneration through the dairy value chain.This conversation is based on a panel at Land Alive at The Dairy Show at the Bath & West Showground.ffinlo Costain is joined by:Nick Hindle, First Milk's Communications DirectorTamara Giltsoff, Senior Associate at the Soil Association Exchange and co-founder of Land AliveNiels Corfield, an independent farming advisor & trainerHarry Farnsworth, who works on financial innovations within the food and agriculture supply chain at RabobankThomas Slattery, a comms specialist working with the ADOPT Support Hub.Land Alive at The Dairy Show was curated by Tom Pycraft from Ark Events.

Stuart Rogers is a high yielding milk producer delivering regenerative outcomes on his 471 acre farm. He's also the Farm Carbon Toolkit's Carbon Farmer of the Year 2025. Stuart's pasture management and agroforestry create healthy, biodiverse, carbon-rich soils - and his cattle produce high quality milk and excellent ecological outcomes.We will be recording a Farm Gate Leaders episode with Stuart in due course.This is our first Farm Gate Short - What do you think?Farm Gate is part of 8point9.com

Nature friendly farming can help producers achieve economic, social and ecological resilience in the face of increasingly extreme weather.Last week saw Scotland's first Nature Friendly Farming Summit, which took place in Edinburgh. The theme was: Farming for nature, profit and public good.ffinlo Costain meets:~ Denise Walton, an organic, Pasture for Life-certified livestock farmer from Peelham Farm in Berwickshire - she's also the Chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network Scotland~ Matt Griffin, the Farm Manager at Neidpath Farm in the Scottish Borders and a member of the NFFN Steering Group~ David McKay, the Co-Director of the Soil Association Scotland. * Farm Gate is the world's number one food security podcast. It's part of 8point9.com

FFINLO COSTAIN (8point9.com) and JOE STANLEY (GWCT Allerton Project), are joined by MARY-ANN OCHOTA, the president of CPRE, The Countryside Charity.They discuss:

English nature faces an unprecedented human-made environmental crisis as thousands of Countryside Stewardship agreements expire at the end of this year. Over 4,500 farms are affected, threatening to undo years of conservation work.We'll discuss why we're in this mess - what it could mean for England's nature - and what can be done about it. ffinlo Costain (8point9.com) is joined by Anna Biesty (Deepdale Farm) Martin Hole (Montague Farm) Chris Millward (Bibbey's Wild Farms) and Martin Lines (Nature Friendly Farming Network).* Watch instead? Search 'Farm Gate podcast' on YouTube* More land use news at 8point9.com

This is the first episode of our new monthly podcast series, Martin's Farm. *MARTIN LINES is the Chief Exec of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, and throughout the year we'll be learning about what's happening month-by-month on his farm, Papley Grove Farm in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We'll also meet key staff and farmers from within the NFFN.In this episode, we speak to ADAM FORREST the Scotland Manager at NFFN, for a dive into Scottish farm policy - where it's at - what the priorities are - and what the opportunities are for nature-friendly farmers. (* Last month we piloted a new series called, Nature Friendly Farm Gate - this is the same series, but we've upgraded the name.)Want to watch instead of listen? Search for 'Farm Gate podcast' on YouTube.More Land use news and features at 8point9.com

In this programme we discuss the new book - The Profitable Farm, Balancing business, nature and energy through maximum sustainable output - and I'm joined by the authors: CHRIS CLARK and BRIAN SCANLON.To buy the book, click here: https://5mbooks.com/product/profitable-farm* More land-use news at 8point9.com* To watch the rough cut video of this audio podcast, please search for 'Farm Gate podcast' on YouTube

In the last of our Agroforestry Show in-the-field podcasts, FFINLO COSTAIN is joined by LAURA GUDE (Programme manager, Innovative Farmers), KATE STILL (Head of Farming, Soil Association, and DAVE OATES (Rosuic Farm, Cornwall).The podcast covers:The launch of the new learning network for trees and livestock healthThe diverse benefits for different livestock species (poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep)Nutritional advantages of trees like willow and mulberryThe commercial case for agroforestryPractical advice for farmers

Thomas Gent (Gentle Farming) proposes an agroforestry co-operative, to support farmers and landowners in the management and sale of agroforestry-managed farmland and assets. What do you think?

Are trees a liability or an asset for whole farm carbon footprints? Speaking to the Farm Gate podcast at the Agroforestry Show, Wiltshire farmer, STUART ROGERS, and JEMMA MORGAN from the Farm Carbon Toolkit, discuss the carbon impact of integrating agroforestry into farm systems. Rogers extols the benefits of trees but recognises the carbon accounting challenges they can present, while Morgan considers how trees can add nature value to soil carbon credits.This is the fourth of six impromptu in-the-field podcasts recorded at the Agroforestry Show 2025.

RICHARD THOMAS (a farmer from North Herefordshire) and LOTTIE ALVES (Nature Friendly Farming Network) dig into what agroforestry means to them and search for the common ground between farming and forestry. What are the challenges and opportunities? How can one system support the other?This is the third of six impromptu in-the-field podcasts recorded at the Agroforestry Show 2025.

CLAIRE WHITTLE and BEN RASKIN join FFINLO COSTAIN in-the-field at the Agroforestry Show.We don't know what the world will look like in 2050, but we do know that our temperatures and weather will be more extreme. How will farms, landscapes and livestock need to change to become more resilient? How will agroforestry help farmers maintain food and fibre production - and profitability? This is the second of six impromptu in-the-field podcasts recorded at the Agroforestry Show 2025.

Defra Secretary of State, Steve Reed, has been catapulted into the Dept of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Farming minister, Dan Zeichner, is out - and instead, in come Emma Reynolds and Angela Eagle.Is there an opportunity for farmers in the chaos? Could this Defra defenestration offer light at the end of a dark tunnel?With Labour struggling in the polls, what does Kier Starmer's reshuffle tell us about his attitude to food and farming?In a conversation, live at the Agroforestry Show, FFINLO COSTAIN meets EMILY NORTON (AHDB), STEPHEN BRIGGS (Agroforestry pioneer), MARTIN LINES (NFFN) and VICKI HIRD (Wildlife Trusts).COMING NEXT WEEK: More Farm Gate in-the-field at the Agroforestry Show

The UK Agroforestry Show takes place at Woodoaks Farm in Hertfordshire on the 10th and 11th of September - and in this programme, FFINLO COSTAIN is joined by BEN RASKIN from the Soil Association - by CAROLINE HARRISON, Technical Policy Manager at the Institute of Chartered Foresters - by TOM KEMP, the director of Working Woodlands Cornwall CIC - and by JOHN PAWSEY, from Shimpling Park Farm.They discuss:

FFINLO COSTAIN (8point9.com) and JOE STANLEY (GWCT Allerton Project), are joined by TOM PYCRAFT (Ark Summit), who's producing Land Alive at The Dairy Show this October 1st. This time:

This is a new series on the Farm Gate podcast channel that we're calling Nature Friendly Farm Gate.In this series, FFINLO COSTAIN will be joined by MARTIN LINES (Chief Executive of the Nature Friendly Farm Network). The pair will reflect on food and farming policy landscape in each of the four UK nations, and we'll find out about the ups and downs of Martin's farm business in Cambridgeshire.This time, ffinlo and Martin discuss the impact of English farm policy, the need for a strong (but not too strong) Secretary of State at Defra - and we hear about the harrowing possible future for Martin's farm.* To watch this podcast instead, search for 'Farm Gate podcast' on YouTube.* Farm Gate is Britain's top-ranked regenerative agriculture podcast - globally ranked 2nd for food security; 3rd for regen.* Farm Gate is part of 8point9.com, the land use news channel, which is sponsored by First Milk, Pelican Ag, Rural Solutions, the Usk Catchment Partnership, Agrolo and individual donors.

FFINLO COSTAIN talks to ANDY CATO, who as one half of Groove Armada, gave us classic dance anthems such as I See you Baby and At The River - but who gave it all up to farm regeneratively in France, and who now, back in Britain, is the face and founder of Wildfarmed bread. A 'steward of complexity,' who has risen to become an icon of agroecological farming.Key moments:* Cato's time with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band* The Miners' Strike (1984/'85) and the Criminal Justice Bill ('94)* The trombone, the DJ and the sound of Groove Armada?* The decision to farm in France* How baking bread became the answer to Cato's problems* The genesis of Wildfarmed bread* Defining the Wildfarmed approach?* Fusing old knowledge with new tech* Wildfarmed standards?* Balancing practices and outcomes* Scaling regenerative supply chains * Is it possible to feed people well, at the prices they currently pay?* Farm Gate is Britain's top-ranked regenerative agriculture podcast - globally ranked 2nd for food security; 3rd for regen.* Farm Gate is part of 8point9.com, the land use news channel, which is sponsored by First Milk, Pelican Ag, Rural Solutions, the Usk Catchment Partnership, Agrolo and individual donors.* To watch instead, search for 'Farm Gate podcast' on YouTube.

Towards the end of last year, the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales made a recommendation to Welsh Government: nature should have a voice in decisions about flood policy and infrastructure.Today we ask, why? How? And what difference would it make - if nature had a voice?ffinlo Costain is joined by Dr David Clubb, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, and Eurig Salisbury, a poet and lecturer at Aberystwyth University.

Can removing the preference for on-site biodiversity net gain (BNG) delivery accelerate market growth and nature recovery?As the government considers the future of the BNG policy, new research has identified opportunities to strengthen delivery, accelerate market growth and achieve greater benefits for nature, developers and communities.FFINLO COSTAIN joined by the report's lead author, DAVID HILL, former Deputy Chair of Natural England and Founder of the Environment Bank, and by contributor, ROB HINDLE, the Executive Director of Rural Solutions.* Farm Gate is Britain's top-ranked regenerative agriculture podcast - globally ranked 2nd for food security; 3rd for regen.* Farm Gate is part of 8point9.com, the land use news channel, which is sponsored by First Milk, Pelican Ag, Rural Solutions, the Usk Catchment Partnership, Agrolo and individual donors.* To watch instead, search for 'Farm Gate podcast' on YouTube.

Wheat from the Chaff is Farm Gate and 8point9.com's monthly discussion programme. Regulars, ffinlo Costain (8point9.com) and Joe Stanley (GWCT Allerton Project), are joined by Nikki Yoxall, Technical Director at Pasture for Life, and Rhys Evans, NFFN Cymru's Sustainable Farming Lead.This time:

A farmers' jury has found that carbon tunnel vision is alienating many farmers and slowing action to address the nature crisis. ffinlo Costain is joined by Dr Amy Jackson (University of Nottingham), Adrian Ivory (Strathisla Farms in Perthshire), and Liz Warner (Green Shoots Farm Consultancy).Key moments:* The motivation behind the farmers' jury* Key takeaways* Views on net zero and how it's been applied to farming* The dangers of carbon tunnel vision* Metric used to assess farm impact* Changing the way that we measure methane* The dangers of offshoring emissions reduction from food production* Net zero has created resistance in the farming community* Motivating farmers to address the climate and nature crisesFarm Gate is Britain's top-ranked regenerative agriculture podcast - globally ranked 2nd for food security; 3rd for regen.To watch this podcast instead, search 'Farm gate podcast' on YouTube.#netzero #climate #regenfarming #farming #food #methane #GWP* #AFNNetwork+

ffinlo Costain's guest today is John Kempf - an Amish farmer, entrepreneur and host of The Regenerative Agriculture Podcast. We discover what makes Kempf tick - who is he - what are his personal values? How does being Amish influence his view of the world - and what does he really think of Bobby Kennedy?QUESTIONS INCLUDE:What was Kempf's 'aha' moment?How has being part of the Amish community shaped his approach to the land?How does podcasting fit within the Amish worldview?Why is sharing his voice different to sharing his face?What does Kempf value most in society?How does Kempf feel about the state of the USA today?What does Kempf make of Bobby Kennedy and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report?What does Kempf think are the greatest risks facing human beings today?***This is the fourth of our Farm Gate Leaders programmes.Farm Gate is now Britain's top-ranked regenerative agriculture podcast - globally ranked 2nd for food security; 3rd for regen.Watch the rough cut of this audio podcast on YouTube - search 'Farm Gate podcast'.#johnkempf #bobbykennedy #regenfarming #regenag #robertfkennedy #amish

This programme is the last in our series of impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this episode we discuss memorable sessions, what we've taken away from the regenerative farming festival. ffinlo Costain is joined by Joe Stanley (Allerton Project) - Jez Fredenburgh (journalist) - and Rowan Phillimore (Gaia Foundation).

This programme is part of our series of impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this episode we The Wildlife Trusts' new vision for the future of farming in England. ffinlo Costain is joined by Vicki Hird (Strategic lead on agriculture, The Wildlife Trusts).

This programme is part of our series of impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this episode we discuss water's role in restoring the land and managing climate extremes. ffinlo Costain is joined by Didi Pershouse (Land and Leadership initiative and author of Ecology of Care) - and Nick Viney (Landscape Reimagineer).

This programme is part of our series of impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this episode we discuss how to finish beef cattle on grass.ffinlo Costain is joined by Johnnie Balfour (Pasture for Life; Balbirnie Home Farms) and Kate Martin (Treway Farm).

This programme is part of our series of impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this episode we ask what role food companies play in supporting and accelerating growth in regenerative food and farming systems?ffinlo Costain is joined by Øistein Thorsen (FAI Farms) - Emma Keller (Nestlé) - and Harriet O'Regan (Arla).

This programme is part of our series of impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this episode we discuss funding for innovation in regenerative and agroecological funding. We look back on Innovative Farmers - and discuss the new ADOPT fund.ffinlo Costain is joined by Helen Browning (Soil Association) and Prof Tom MacMillan (Royal Agricultural University).

This programme is part of our series of impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this episode we discuss how to regenerate the soil and the microbiome - and how food growing and eating are interconnected.ffinlo Costain is joined by Dr Lucy Williamson and John Pawsey.

This programme is part of our series of impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this episode, we discuss opportunities for young people in regenerative food and farming - and the Emergent Generation network. ffinlo Costain is joined by Becky Grove, founder of Emergent Generation), and network members: Amy Chapple, Tristan Leslie and Melissa Walker.

This programme is part of our series of impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this episode we discuss whether farming can ever escape its glyphosate dependency? ffinlo Costain is joined by Ian Wilkinson (FarmED) - Prof Andy Neal (Rothamsted) - and Tim Parton (Intelligent Farming)

This is the first of our impromptu in-the-field podcasts, recorded at Groundswell 2025.In this programme we discuss the role and unique perspectives of women in regenerative farming. ffinlo Costain is joined by Nikki Yoxall - Claire Beaumont - and Nick Viney.