Join Farmers Guardian Editor Ben Briggs, and Head of News and Business Olivia Midgley, for weekly thought provoking and lighthearted debate around the key issues affecting farming, food and the countryside right now. Listen and subscribe now on Spotify, Google or Apple. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
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
On the podcast this week, we are joined by Welsh farmer Clive Jones, Wales' Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies (@huw4ogmore) and Wales' Wildlife and Rural Crime Coordinator Rob Taylor (@rural_wales), to discuss livestock worrying.@WGRuralLivestock worrying, when a dog chases or attacks livestock on agricultural land can have costly consequences on the health, well-being and finances of farmers across the UK. In most cases, farmers are witnessing first-hand the devastation a dog can have on livestock, leaving farmers to pick up the pieces afterwards. Tavistock farmer Chris Dawe said 49 sheep were killed after being attacked by dogs on farm back in January.Last week, Farmers Guardian reported on the devastating livestock worrying attack at Liz Nutting's farm in Lampeter, Ceredigion, which killed 10 of her Ryeland flock. Following numerous bids to seek justice, the dog owner only received a £75 fine despite his dogs causing £6,500 in damages. Cheshire farmer Phil Latham was left disgusted and heartbroken after loose dogs savaged 18 calves in a pen. And you will hear about the impacts of livestock worrying Mr Jones has had to face as well. In its latest annual ‘Rural Crime Report', NFU Mutual said livestock worrying had cost farmers £2.4 million, with animals being severely injured or killed in dog attacks, up nearly 30% compared to the previous year. Incidents keep on taking place on what seems like a weekly basis. But why? Is the law outdated? The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act was created 71 years-ago in 1953. The new Labour Government has yet to confirm whether a private members' bill, tabled by former Defra Secretary Therese Coffey in December to amend the law and provide police with greater powers, will be progressed or notPolice in Scotland have the powers to impose fines of up to £40,000 for owners found worrying livestock, alongside receiving a potential 12 month prison sentence. Is it a lack of respect from dog owners? Incidents can often take place when a dog is not on a lead. And an attitude of ‘my dog could never hurt anyone' still persists. Is education the answer? The Welsh Government has worked hand-in-hand with animal charity Blue Cross and Mr Taylor regarding an optional educational course if dog owners are found worrying livestock. You will hear more about the course in this podcast.Farmers Guardian has been supporting the ‘Take the Lead' campaign, alongside the National Sheep Association to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock. We can provide you with free signs to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock. To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. We will be able to send up to 25 signs. Alternatively, you can contact reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at chris.brayford@farmersguardian.com. But for now, enjoy the pod!Message us
For siblings Anna and Sam Hallos, the future succession of their tenanted upland beef and sheep farm in West Yorkshire has been an ‘open and honest' conversation around the farmhouse kitchen table for many years now. They have both been ‘heavily involved' in the business from a young age, but now older, at 27 and 24 years old, Sam and Anna have started making decisions, which they both said is helping to shape their future on the farm. While both Anna and Sam are relishing the opportunity to support the farm business in making key decisions, they share a strong admiration for what their parents have done since taking on the farm tenancy, and the changes they have made to ensure their children can now be employed on the farm.Message us
Our Yorkshire Farm, featuring the Owen family, was an immediate success with TV viewers. Looking into the Owen family's life with nine children on one of the most remote hill farms in the country enthralled the nation, and now, six years later, one member, Reuben Owen, is carving out his own path. His latest TV series, Life In The Dales, has been a hit, and he is making his own mark on the Yorkshire Dales with his new business. But farming, of course, is never far from his mind. Message us
On the podcast this week, we learn about the value of agritourism and diversification in Scotland with Dundee farmer Caroline Millar. Escaping from the world to a farm's tranquil surroundings in the Angus countryside could be the ideal answer for any couple seeking a romantic weekend getaway, with the diversification working hand-in-hand alongside the farm. The Hideaway Experience at Balkello Farm, run by Scottish farmers Caroline and Ross Millar alongside their two children Finlay and Sophie, is a collection of self-catering holiday lodges in Dundee offering bespoke luxury features including saunas and hot tubs. Guests can also enjoy the food which is produced on-farm during their stay. Rated five-stars by Scotland's national tourist organisation VisitScotland, guests can also relish the comforting surroundings of a log burning fire during winter, grill delicious red meat on a gas BBQ during summer and enjoy the wildlife surroundings of the Angus countryside in holiday lodges. The farm has two units across the 263-hectare mixed arable business, with around 120 breeding cows including Aberdeen-Angus and Herefords, and growing cereals. Branching into the world of agritourism, an agricultural operation which attracts tourists to a farm, in 2005, Caroline said her farming background has played a valuable role in her strong work ethic. Enjoy the pod!Message us
Shepherdess Brittany Cole Bush talks to Farmers Guardian US Correspondent John Wilkes. California is experiencing some of the worst ever wildfires. By August 16, a total of 5,210 wildfires burned 332,606 ha (821,887 acres). The Park Fire is the fourth largest in Californian history – approximately 14 times the size of San Francisco. Since late July it has destroyed 173,000 ha in Northern California. This podcast was recorded August 4. On the podcast this week John is joined by the entrepreneurial sheep and goat grazer Brittany Cole Bush from the Ojai Valley, Ventura County in Southern California. Cole's personal journey to set up her company called “Shepherdess Livestock and Land” draws global media coverage from The Guardian, French Elle and others. Her “flerd” of sheep and goats is in demand to remove dense highly flammable vegetation for an array of governmental agencies and other property owner clients. Cole also established “The Grazing School of the West” where she operates bootcamps. The school's goal is to encourage a new generation into this burgeoning sector within the American sheep industry. Like Cole, the majority of applicants are from non-agricultural backgrounds. In the context of the American sheep industry Cole sees herself, “As a black sheep. A black Navajo-Churro sheep, a Heritage breed that has to be wily, very resilient, small framed and wooly. I represent a very unique population; a single woman owned sheep business from Southern California. The first in my family to do something like this.” Message us
Harvest 2024 has arrived and after suffering pests, persistent storms and setbacks, three farmers share their experience with Farmers Guardian.Message us
In a special one-off podcast, guest-hosted by FG columnist and farmer Amy Wilkinson, go behind-the-scenes at Farmers Guardian HQ to see how our epic digital campaign 24 Hours in Farming unfolds. Reaching millions of people, the campaign, aims to showcase the farming industry to wider society and this year we have 24 ambassadors to help us do just that. Amy visits one of this year's ambassadors, Frank Carr who farms in Yorkshire, to talk to him about being a fourth-generation hill farmer and why #farm24 is so important. Message us
With farm tenant and landlord relationships in the spotlight in recent months, the Farmers Guardian podcast spoke to the CLA, a tenant and landlord from the Castle Howard Estate and the Scottish Tenant Farming Commissioner Dr Bob McIntosh.Positive, collaborative tenant-landlord relationships and collaboration will provide benefits to both parties with Castle Howard tenant Michael Fargher highlighting the good long-term relationship help with his landlord.Jasper Hasell, estate chief executive said the estate also benefitted from that closer relationship which helped them run other parts of the business alongside the farms.Judicaelle Hammond, director of policy and advice at the CLA, said it was beneficial to see positive relationships as often the relationships are in the spotlight when things go wrong while Dr Bob McIntosh spoke about his role in promoting and encouraging good relations between landlords and tenants.Message us
On the podcast this week Farmers Guardian reporter Chris Brayford is joined by Farm Safety Foundation's chair of trustees James Chapman for a special insight into farm safety. It is a very important week for the industry which marks Farm Safety Week, an annual initiative which places a spotlight on farming's poor safety record, as well as the need to keep everyone safe on farms. The Health and Safety Executive released data on Monday (July 22) from the last year which found 35 people had died in farm-related incidents, which included the deaths of two children, in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We often hear of the deeply moving accounts from those who have survived incidents on farm, as well as the tragic cases of those killed during incidents, and the way it has impacted families and friends. For those who survived, like James, it has changed their outlook of farming and has ignited a flame to help others in keeping safe so that what happened to them can be avoided in the future. If you don't know James, or Jim, he is a farmer from Warwickshire who has been a passionate advocate for farm safety ever since losing his left arm in a PTO shaft machine back in January 2005. We recorded the interview during the Farm Safety Foundation's tenth anniversary for a two-part special where we discussed health and safety on farm, his own experiences of being involved in an on-farm incident which changed his life completely, the importance of Yellow Wellies' work, and what the industry can do to tackle its poor safety record. 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 the role of data, the tools available to measures GHG emissions and the value to farmers in sharing that data. Leprino Foods' Sustainability Manger Ben Williams, Farm Manager of net zero livestock farm and current Nuffield Schold Dan Smith and Livestock Sustainability Specialist at UK Agri-Tech Centre Megan Powell look at the narrative around the livestock sector when it comes to emissions, the idea of baselining, government policy and the financial incentives to drive the sector to make changes to reduce green house gas emissions on-farm. Message us
Tom Heap is widely known for his appearances on BBC Countryfile, The Climate Show and Rare Earth, and he has a passion for the natural world. His latest book, Land Smart, explores how various people in the wider agricultural industry can manage the land differently to create balance between nature and food production. Whether that is regenerative practices or introducing more technology, it is not a one size fits all approach. 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 focuses on how animal health and welfare is key to improving the sustainability of farming systems and the importance of adopting a mindset of 'if you look after your livestock they will look after you'. Northern Ireland dairy farmer and McDonalds Progressive Young farmer at Dawn Meats Nathan McClure, Hertfordshire livestock and arable farmer and farm vet technician Molly Mead and Herefordshire mixed farmer Jack Lyke look at the importance of disease control, livestock's role in sustainable and regenerative farming practices and the role of technology and grants to support long term investment Message us