Over The Farm Gate

The Farmers Guardian team recorded this week's podcast live from Groundswell 2025. In this episode you will hear from a variety of people including the team at Lannock Farm who host Groundswell and talk about their farming systems. Well-known charity Jamie's Farm is also featured, with founder Jamie Fielden talking about his roundtable discussion with HRH Prince William, around farming's impact on mental health.There's also an interesting chat with English Willow and finally, a discussion with the Royal Countryside Fund about the importance of building resilient communities and part of that means building resilient farming practices. Message us

As part of our special podcast series brought to you by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, this episode discusses sustainable farming practices and how to encourage the widespread adoption of such practices across the industry.  Leprino Foods' sustainability manger Ben Williams, Liz Bowles, a net zero consultant and Wallace Currie from the AgriTech Centre discuss what sustainability truly means, the impact of changing policy and how farm businesses must work to their own strengths and needs in order to future-proof their business.Brought to you by  @_TheSSFF  https://www.schoolofsustainablefoodandfarming.org/Message us

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Robert Graham of Graham's Family Dairy, a proudly homegrown Scottish dairy business deeply rooted in family values and strong relationships with producers across Scotland and just south of the border.  Live from the Royal Highland Show, Dr Graham discusses the journey of growing the family business, dedication to quality Scottish dairy, balancing beef, dairy and sheep enterprises and the future of the industry as a whole.  Dr Graham also offers advice for the next generation of farmers and discusses new product innovations, from protein trends to evolving consumer tastes. Whether you're part of the farming community or simply passionate about where your food comes from, there is plenty to take away from this conversation.Message us

This week's Farmers Guardian has ‘gone green' as we take a deep dive into what regenerative farming means for you, as farmers, and how it relates to today's farming industry. To investigate this further, Katie Fallon and Jane Thynne spoke to Northumberland mixed farmer, Stuart Johnston, on his own journey into regen, what a regen system looks like on his farm and his top tips for farmers who are starting to think about applying regen practices on their own farm.  Message us

The FG machinery team take a first look at John Deere's 9RX 830, it's certainly an eye catcher, but does its size offer a true practical solution for many UK farms?This year's Cereals Event gave the first opportunity for many to take a first look at the world's largest production tractor. Initially launched back in early 2024 at the Commodity Classic show Houston, Texas, the John Deere 9RX 830 finally touched down at a UK show.  Made up of three models, we take a look around the flagship 9RX powerhouse, boasting a maximum power output of 913hp. Surprisingly emissions standards are achieved through the brand's own 18-litre JD18X engine without the need for a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system. But it's not all about power, the 9RX also features a new fully-mechanical e21 PowerShift transmission, a new CommandView 4 Plus cab and a mountain of tech to bring the 9RX into the era of autonomy. Message us

With farming in a period of major change as the UK looks to set its first farming and environmental policies in decades, Alex Black spoke to NFU vice president Rachel Hallos about NFU Develops, her journey in the union and why it is so important to engage the future leaders the industry needs.Message us

The spotlight is well and truly on farming, and for the launch of this year's epic 24 Hours in Farming event, online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to two #farm24 ambassadors about agriculture, whether the outlook is positive and if people really know more than we think they do about the industry. Get involved by visiting:www.farmersguardian.com/farm24Message us

Young auctioneer and farmers son, Sion Roberts from Carmarthenshire has not taken the traditional path of working full time on the family farm. Following a course in Rural Enterprise and Land Management at Harper Adams, he has started a graduate job at Clee Tompkinson and Francis and he shares his journey to how he came to sell on the plank every week. Zanna Dennis from LAA also joins us to explain how they support the next crop of auctioneers. Message us

The Farmers Guardian news and business team discusses the first episode of the new series and Jeremy Clarkson's impact on agricultureMessage us

Machinery Special: In cab review of John Deere's new 6M seriesFG Machinery team, James Huyton and Toby Whatley look at what a 150hp and 270hp version of the new range has to offer Message us

Following the news that the UK and US have signed a trade deal, including improved access for American beef in the UK, John Wilkes spoke with Kent Bacus from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in the US to get a US perspective on the deal and the prospects for US-UK trade. Message us

Food security and farming is once again back in the spotlight and in this VE Day special, Emily Ashworth and Alex Black look at how farmers fought from the fields of Britain to make sure the nation was fed, and how food security has changed over the years.With current Government changes, it is an important reminder to put British farmers at the heart of agricultural policies.Message us

The fight to get farming embedded onto the National Curriculum is in full swing, and in this episode online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to Zak Hammersley, an agricultural lecturer about the diverse mix of students coming into the industry, and how despite the current political climate, the future is bright.Olivia Shave, founder of the petition to get farming into schools also celebrates having over 14,000 signatures so far, and discusses the Government's somewhat 'lacking' response.Message us

Most will know Tom Youngs from his performance on the rugby pitch, but farming has always been the plan.Having enjoyed 17 years playing sport, coming home to farm was always the plan, but since returning, much has changed within agriculture. In this episode he talks about farming partnerships, SFI, the Government and his passion for helping consumers learn about the industryMessage us

Farmers Guardian's Emily Ashworth and Alex Black discuss the latest on FG's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign and take a look back at what has happened so far since the Government's Autumn Budget announcement of changes to Inheritance Tax and an update on where the industry stands today.Message us

For 24 year-old Elle Slade, a sixth generation farmer from Exeter, a career in farming was ‘non-negotiable'. It was, she says, quite obvious from a very young age that farming was her passion. But a turning point for Elle was when her dad told her and her brother that if they wanted to come back to the family farm one day, they must bring ‘something else to the party'. He also encouraged them to both find additional work elsewhere off the farm. Elle did exactly that and has recently started her own calf rearing venture at the family farm, as well as working at a nearby 1,700 head fattening unit.Message us

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said funds raised from Inheritance Tax would be used to fund things like the NHS, but farmers are a key part of fixing the national health crises. In this podcast, online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to one farm who are hoping to provide a local hospital with their sustainability produced beef, and Frank Fiore, an NHS catering manager who has started to source produce for his patients direct from farmsMessage us

Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Co-ordinator Rob Taylor answers questions from Farmers Guardian podcast listeners on dog attacks, your rights and what the industry can doMessage us

The farmer and Liberal Democrat MP discusses Defra and why, despite current policies, he does not believe Labour ministers Daniel Zeichner and Steve Reed set out to harm farming. Instead, he says the problem lies with the Treasury and that while the campaign to reverse or amend the family farm tax may be long, farmers must keep campaigning."When it comes to going the ‘full French' I would say keeping public opinion on our side is very important and I would be really anxious about anything which risked alienating the rest of the public... The Government has pushed us into a corner and we have to keep pushing back."I do not think there is a silver bullet in this. But I think the thing we do have is an advantage in this battle is the length of it. We will not be voting until October/November on this and that is a long time for any government to double down."We have to just keep fighting and keep doing, and keep doing it again after that. If there was a silver bullet here, I would find it and I would fire it."Message us

President Donald Trump's announcement of tariffs are impacting trade patterns around the globe.In this special edition of the Farmers Guardian podcast, Alex Black, Toby Whatley and Andy Newbold from the European Society of Agricultural Engineers discuss Mr Trump's tariffs, their impact on machinery and agricultural commodity markets and how it affects the UK farmer.Message us

In this week's podcast Katie Jones talks to two livestock farmers about bale grazing; how it works for them, the challenges, and the advantages.Message us

As beef prices have risen due to good demand and tight supplies, the differential between prices paid to farmers in Northern Ireland and Great Britain has widened.Ulster Farmers' Union's Glen Cuddy and Brendan Kelly discuss the unfairness of the situation, how they are being ignored by the processors when demanding an explanation and urge farmers to explore all their options.Message us

Coco Jalloh was told to pursue something else at school; that she was too academic for farming. Her passion and determination, however, has seen her find her way into agriculture, with hopes of becoming a farm vet.  Message us

Scotland's new Tenant Farming Commissioner, Rob Black, talks about the importance of capturing data, the need for more face-to-face conversations between landlords and tenants to help resolve disputes, and why he is focused on finding ways to entice landlords to let out their land and provide more opportunity for farm tenancies. =======================Farmers Guardian is at the heart of agriculture, providing you with news, in depth features and business analysis you can rely on. We're part of your community. Keep up to date with all the latest agriculture news and become an FG member today by visiting https://www.farmersguardian.comFollow us on Instagram:   / farmersguardian  Follow us on TikTok:   / farmersguardian  Like us on Facebook:   / farmersguardian  Follow us on X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/farmersguardianDownload the FG app on iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/farmers-guardian/id634473164Download the FG app on Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stonewash.droid.farmersguardian&pcampaignid=web_share&pli=1Message us

On the pod this week, we are joined by former two-time National Pig Association chair, Richard Longthorp, to discuss a very important topic of Parkinson's Disease. Richard, a former pig farmer from Howden in East Yorkshire, was diagnosed with the condition back in 2017.What you'll hear during the course of this pod is how fitness, particularly boxing, has helped Richard to manage his condition, how it has provided him with a new lease of life at the age of 71, and why he has raised thousands of pounds to support Parkinson's UK, St Paul's Boxing Academy in Hull and Goole Amateur Boxing Club. He talks about his time as NPA chair, including the struggle with foot-and-mouth disease, and what a life in farming has provided him. Both boxing clubs provide fitness provision for people living with Parkinson's and Richard wanted to give something back. It is an extraordinary story of pushing one's physical and emotional limits, and never giving up; something British farmers are well-known for.One of Richard's idols, former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Alli, said: “Inside of a ring or out, ain't nothing wrong with going down. It is staying down that's wrong.” Words we can all relate too for the many challenges that life throws at us. So sit back, and enjoy the pod.Message us

This week, Farmers Guardian news reporter Jane Thynne, caught up with founder of Save British Farming and co-organiser of the London tractor rallies Liz Webster to discuss Inheritance Tax, the rise of Reform and where the Government goes from here.Message us

Farmers Guardian head of news and business Alex Black, chief reporter Rachael Brown and news reporter Jane Thynne discuss the big news stories of the week. The team look at the latest analysis from AHDB stating more than 42,000 farms will be affected by the change to Inheritance Tax, the latest on the political situation on IHT and the Government decision to withdraw the neonicotinoid Cruiser SB.Message us

In this week's Farmers Guardian Podcast, chief reporter Rachael Brown spoke with Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins live at LAMMA at the NEC in Birmingham. Ms Atkins criticised the Defra Secretary Steve Reed for not standing up to the Chancellor on the Inheritance Tax changes which have been 'imposed' on him.She accused the Government for making a 'political choice' to break up a 'careful tax policy' that protected family farms. She discusses her plans to restore trust between the Conservative party and the farming and rural community. She also shares her fears with the accelerated phasing-out of BPS and recent changes to the capital grants scheme, further cuts to farming could be coming down the line. Also in this episode, digital editor Emily Ashworth chats with beef farmer Martha Hayes, to find out why she has chosen to back Farmers Guardian's Save Britain's Family Farms campaignMessage us

This week's Farmers Guardian is live from LAMMA Show with various members of the FG team. Hear from manufacturers about the feeling in the sector, multiple influencers, Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins and what to buy to get the best for your buck.Message us

Sheep farmer and former teacher Olivia Shave started a petition to get rural education into schools, and Farmers Guardian has recently joined the petition as media partners.In this bonus episode, online editor Emily Ashworth speaks to Olivia and Claire Mackenzie, producer of Six Inches of Soil who is supporting the petition, about the need for the Government to make real change when it comes to learning. Olivia and Claire will be at this year's LAMMA Show talking about the campaign.Message us

Online editor Emily Ashworth visits Myerscough College to talk to five students who are studying agriculture and hear their thoughts on their future of farming after the Government announced its plans to implement Inheritance Tax.These youngsters, all between 16 and 18 years-old, are concerned that the lack of support from the Government and the misunderstanding of the public could impact the industry.Message us

In this episode we chat to farming sisters Josie and Poppy, who run the Instagram account 'Sisters in Wellies', and their parents Dawn and Richard. Working together to manage the 200-plus milking herd as well as an on-site adventure park is key to the success of the Lewis family's, Clerkenhill Farm in Haverfordwest.Poppy and Josie are the fourth generation of the on the farm and, in recent years, have taken over greater responsibility for the herd, with the help of their parents Richard and Dawn, while their other sister Heather manages the family park. But while they all have their individual responsibilities, with Richard, being the go-to for fixing things on the farm and mum, Dawn, affectionately referred to as the ‘backbone' of the family farm, the business truly thrives when everyone mucks-in wherever needed, including all siblings and sons-in-law.And not forgetting three-year-old Erin and one year-old Dewi, who have both been on the farm since they were six weeks old. The family is currently milking 210 British Friesians on a grazing based system, with the aim to normally turnout on May 1 and they say the cows suit their ‘low cost system'.Message us

In this episode of the Farmers Guardian's podcast, industry leaders from across the farming sector share their hopes for 2025 and what challenges agriculture might face in the next 12 months.NFU president Tom Bradshaw warned a 'resolution' on the Chancellor's Inheritance Tax changes, is an issue that is likely to continue to 'hang over the industry' in 2025, calling for a swift resolution from Government. For the tenanted sector, Tenant Farmers Association calls for Defra to ask the law commission to conduct a review into the legislation covering landlord and tenant relationships, looking at the definition for agriculture and rules of good husbandry, which he said were both written in 1947 and 'need reform'.In the pig sector, they call for APHA to be better resourced to cope with ongoing disease threats, and to provide increase funding to the Dover Port Authority, following a surge in illegal pork meat being seized at the port. And in the sheep sector, NSA chief executive hopes farming policy comes together in 2025 to give farmers the ‘inspiration, and confidence', and financial incentives to invest. Message us

FG's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign aims to tell the stories of the farming industry in a bid to show the Government its plans for Inheritance Tax will decimate family farms and wider related businesses.Online editor Emily Ashworth looks back at the exclusive Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gave FG in the run-up to the election and if he held those promises. You will also hear from family farms and how this will impact them.This podcast, however, is about showcasing the value of family farms, and celebrating everything they do for society.Message us

This week saw the announcement of the Welsh Budget, with the Scottish Budget announced last week. Farmers Guardian's news and business team take a look at what it means for farmers and the latest on the farmer pushback against Inheritance Tax changesMessage us

Heather Whalley swapped the bright lights of London for the fields of Lancashire after making the decision to return home to Lancashire to farm with her father. Running a pedigree beef business alongside some sheep, Heather wanted to make sure the farm business was secure for the future, so worked alongside her dad to tweak the systems, look at the financials and put her passion for holistic management into practice. Message us

Is the Government ready to concede it got it disastrously wrong on the Budget, and could it make an offer to farmers before Christmas? Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley caught up NFU deputy president David Exwood at at CropTec where he was making the keynote speech. David, a mixed farmer from West Sussex, talks about the union's sit down with the Prime Minister this week and gives his predictions on how the next few days might pan out. He also talks about his own experiences of planning for succession and explains how he and his two sons approached the conversation. Message us

With COP29 taking place this week, Alex Black spoke to Prof John Gilliland who was in attendance on behalf of AHDB.On his farm in Northern Ireland, Prof Gilliland has been part of ARCZero, with his farm not beyond net zero. He spoke about why knowledge is key for farmers looking to reach net zero, or beyond, and creating a whole-farm carbon balance sheet is a critical place to start. Message us

Farmers Guardian were live at the farmer protests in London on November 19, reporting straight from the heart of the crowd. Online editor Emily Ashworth and head of livestock Katie Jones spoke to farmers - some from families who have hundreds of years of farming history behind them - attending the rally and about the impact the new Inheritance Tax rules could have. You can also hear speeches from Jeremy Clarkson and Olly Harrison, and best-selling author and farmer Helen Rebanks.Message us

Following Trump's historic election win, Alex Black speaks to John Wilkes about what his presidency will mean for farming in the US, UK and all around the worldMessage us

Diversifying the core farm business takes ‘grit and determination' but farmers should realise that they do not need to do everything themselves and have confidence to lean on others with specific expertise. But where do you start and how do you find the skills you need to make your new idea work?FG editor Olivia Midgley hosts a roundtable discussion with six farmers at the Farm Business Innovation show who have all taken the plunge into diversification and shared their top tips.Message us

Welsh farmer and World War II Royal Airforce veteran Aneurin Owen will be 100 years old on November 30, 2024. Farmers Guardian online editor Emily Ashworth meets him to talk about a century in farming and in honour of Remembrance Day, his time in the RAF.Message us

Following the Chancellor's announcements on Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief in the 2024 Autumn Budget, Farmers Guardian's Alex Black, Rachael Brown and Jane Thynne dig into what the changes may mean for the farming industry. The news team take a look at the implications of all the announcements this week, from the agriculture budget to the minimum wage and changes to delinked Basic Payment Scheme payments.Message us

For this special episode, we partner with our sister podcast (The Land, Leisure and Tourism Podcast) to bring you a discussion with Sykes Holiday Cottages and one of their latest customers. We talk about the logistics and challenges of diversifying your farm into holiday letting, but also the positives that it can bring to you and your farming businessFor more information on the Farm Business Innovation and Land, Leisure and Tourism shows, visit www.lltshow.comMessage us

This week Farmers Guardian's online editor Emily Ashworth went to Charlotte Ashley's farm in Cumbria to talk to her and close friend and social media star Rebecca Wilson all about showcasing real-life farming on social platforms. They also highlight the importance of future-proofing the business and attracting new talent to farming.Message us

After 40 years, West Midlands dairy farmer and former NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes decided to quit milking, sold his 200 holstein dairy herd and started a new venture rearing 200 plus beef cattle on his Bournville Village Trust tenant farm on the southern outskirts of Birmingham. A decision which he described as ‘really tough' and initially something he was reluctant to share with anyone else, over concerns people would think he had 'failed'.  Mr Oakes said there was not one single factor which led to his decision to quit, but a combination of factors including going clear of TB after being shut down for many years, the lack of succession with both his two sons pursuing other careers, a health scare after having a mini stroke, and his landlord wanting to take FBT land back in hand. He has since started a new venture, looking after 200 plus beef herd, which he will take to finish as part of a bed and breakfast scheme run by Buitelaar. He said, he still found it 'difficult' not milking every morning, but it was easier now there was cattle back on the farm.Message us

With the country now 100 days into the new Labour Government, Farmers Guardian has created a new manifesto on what farmers and rural businesses want from the Government.FG editor Olivia Midgley, Patrick Holden, chief executive of the Sustainable Farming Trust, National Pig Association chief executive Lizzie Wilson, Minette Batters, tenant farmer and former NFU President, farmer John McCulloch,  Ed Barker, head of policy and external affairs at the Agricultural Industries Confederation and Mark Charter from Carter Jonas came together to discuss what the industry needs.Farmers Guardian will always hold those in power accountable and continue to speak up for farming. Message us

Wool was, at one time, the jewel of fabrics. It was a well-respected product but, over the years its value has decreased. In this episode, we look at why. Is it a pricing issue? Is it a marketing issue? Emily Ashworth and Katie Fallon look back at the timeline to find out what changed.Message us

As the 2024 political party conferences wrap up, Farmers Guardian's news and business team discuss the goings on at the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party conferences and what each party has to offer for the farming sector. Message us

This week's Farmers Guardian podcast is a little different.FG's online editor Emily Ashworth joins the machinery team, Toby Whatley and James Huyton, to delve into the world of machinery and talk about the opportunities in the sector, especially when it comes to careers.From technology talk to taking a first - and very slow - drive of the Claas combine on James' farm, this podcast really highlights that we need to bridge the gap between agriculture and the wider public. Message us

On the pod this week, news reporter Chris Brayford visited students and staff at Barnsley College's Wigfield Farm campus to discuss the importance of agricultural courses in educational settings.@WigfieldFarm // @barnsleycollegeShould more schools be providing agricultural courses? Should agriculture be featured on the syllabus and curriculum from the moment a child starts school until they leave to kickstart their careers? Can agriculture offer a viable career path for young people to enter the industry and fulfil a dream to a farmer?We spoke to students at Barnsley College including Jayden Taylor, Emily Hanson, Dana Bradley-Allen and Jasmine Powell about why they have chosen to study agriculture at Barnsley College, the skills they have picked up along the way, alongside their hopes to be the next generation of young farmers. They told us an agricultural course has provided them with confidence to learn and experience new things, alongside strengthening their ability to work as a team and live out a dream to work with livestock and people. Chris also caught up with Barnsley College's agriculture and animal care teacher, Emily Smith, and Macauley Parkin, the agriculture course leader, about their enthusiasm and passion to help nurture students' skills in the sector and how they have made courses more accommodating and exciting for students to see the value of agricultural careers. Agriculture provides us all with so many benefits, so is it time to recognise its value in an educational setting even more?Message us