Podcasts about defra

As Andy Burnham is handed the keys to Number 10 Downing Street, the Farmers Guardian news and business team discuss what his Government may mean for farming and the latest announcements from Defra.Message us

Farmers from across the UK have come to Harrogate to show off their livestock at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate. We hear from champion sheep breeders, competitive sheep shearers and pedigree cattle owners striving for a rosette. We also speak to farmers, the Defra secretary of state and the National Farmers Union president about the latest government policies designed to support agriculture.Presenter: Caz Graham Producer: Rebecca Rooney

Tinderbox conditions on fellsides and moorland have led to wildfires across the country. We hear from farmers in the centre of the blaze.This week we're looking at England's post-Brexit farm policy. The Sustainable Farming Incentive is the main subsidy scheme, which rewards farmers for environmental actions. It's up and running again after it was abruptly suspended in March last year, and Defra has just announced that 75% of the funding available in the first window, for smaller farms, has now been allocated. Will the budget stretch to meet farmers' ambition?Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

A third summer heatwave is creating difficult harvesting conditions, with shrivelled grain, variable cereal yields and combines being forced to operate early in the morning or late at night. We examine warnings against “grain washing” - adding water to very dry harvested grain before it goes into store - and consider the risks of hot spots, mould and contamination. Elsewhere, MPs challenge Defra over whether its new 25-year farming roadmap contains enough detail, investment and ambition to improve profitability and food security. And finally, Norwegian football star Erling Haaland explains why he buys raw milk, beef and honey from a Cheshire farm. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim. Special Guests: * Amy Caitlin, AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds team* Alistair Carmichael MP, Efra committee chairman* Emma Reynolds MP, Defra secretary* Erling Haaland, Manchester City and Norway footballer* Helen Southworth, Cheshire dairy farmer, Greenoaks Farm Chapters 00:59 Heatwave harvest challenges01:27 Warning over grain washing02:34 Early harvest results04:09 Should growers add moisture?07:17 Silage and maize conditions09:47 Partner message: Certis Belchim11:29 Is Defra’s farming roadmap credible?11:54 Emma Reynolds challenged by MPs13:28 Alistair Carmichael interview23:32 Farming sentiment in Scotland29:07 Harvest disrupts farm plans30:14 Markets update32:07 Erling Haaland backs British farm produce33:39 The Haaland effect36:52 England versus Norway37:38 Closing remarks Useful links Farmers Weekly Podcast AHDB grain storage guide AHDB grain-cooling guidance Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future Defra Farming Roadmap summary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Food Standards Agency: raw drinking milk This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s Farmers Weekly Podcast comes from the Groundswell show in Hertfordshire, where Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tells farmers she wants their ideas for a new rural policy. Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Ms Badenoch says future policy should be shaped by farmers and land managers – not just by officials in Westminster and Whitehall. We also examine whether private finance can help pay for greener farming, as Lloyds Bank launches the Food and Nature Resilience Fund with Wildfarmed, Severn Trent Water, Affinity Water and AXA. Plus, Farmers Weekly editor Andrew Meredith joins Hugh Broom and Louise Impey to discuss Defra, countryside stewardship higher tier, harvest progress, private finance and the mood at Groundswell. And finally, we hear from Groundswell co-founder Alex Cherry as the UK’s leading regenerative farming event marks its 10th anniversary. This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists. Special Guests: * Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party* Ben Makowiecki, agriculture sustainability director, Lloyds Bank* Alex Cherry, co-founder, Groundswell* Andrew Meredith, editor, Farmers Weekly Chapters 00:00 – Episode introduction from Groundswell01:03 – Hugh Broom opens the show01:22 – Kemi Badenoch visits Groundswell09:07 – Andrew Meredith joins the discussion11:47 – Countryside stewardship higher tier changes16:37 – Lloyds Bank launches Food and Nature Resilience Fund17:06 – Ben Makowiecki explains private finance for regen farming23:49 – Can private money really support farmers?27:10 – Harvest report29:23 – Donald Trump and regenerative farming30:31 – Contaminated meat and World Cup anti-doping tests31:47 – Off-grid living, guinea pigs and pigeon meat32:42 – Sir Peter Kendall calls for more farming optimism34:23 – Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel36:33 – Groundswell marks its 10th anniversary42:31 – Final reflections from the show Useful links Farmers Weekly Groundswell Conservative Party Lloyds Bank Agriculture Wildfarmed Soil Association Exchange Woodland Trust Defra This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Hugh Broom. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology isn't magic. And neither is the bin, even though most of us treat it like one.In this episode of HappyPorch Radio, Barry O'Kane speaks with Tom Passmore, CIO and co-founder of Dsposal, a company that has spent a decade building technology for the UK waste sector. Tom has a vivid way of describing the core problem: the moment someone decides they don't want something, it's dead to them. All the nostalgia, all the value, gone. It goes to the magic away place.But what actually happens in that magic away place matters enormously, and the UK has something most countries don't: roughly 10 years of structured public waste data. Dsposal's work is about joining that data together, building tools on top of it, and helping organisations move from simply complying with waste regulations to genuinely understanding what's happening with their waste and why.Tom is unusually candid about the pace of change. A customer portal his team built sat untouched for eight years before usage suddenly accelerated post-COVID. The data didn't change. The questions did. And that shift, from asking what and where to asking why, is where Tom sees real change beginning.The conversation also gets into the UK government's new Digital Waste Tracking programme, where Tom plays the role of critical friend, broadly supportive of the direction but direct about the gaps, particularly around who gets to see the data and whether phase two will track waste or just the vehicles carrying it.✨ In this episode:Tom explains why the "magic away place" mindset is the root problem in waste managementWe explore the three public datasets that underpin Dsposal's products and what they reveal when connectedTom describes the shift from compliance-driven questions to "why" questions, and what triggered itBarry and Tom discuss Digital Waste Tracking: what's working, what's missing, and why the technology is the easy partTom shares what 10 years of building waste tech has taught him about naivety, humility, and behaviour changeWe hear Tom's vision for using data to map every take-back scheme in the country, and his honest assessment of AI readiness in the waste sector

This week, we examine whether the government’s long-awaited 25-year Farming Roadmap will deliver the certainty, confidence and investment farmers need. NFU president Tom Bradshaw gives his reaction to Defra’s plan, while we discuss profitability, agri-environment funding, climate resilience and the value of farming to the wider economy. We debate the impact of hot weather and this month's record-breaking temperatures on farm enterprises. We also examine Defra’s refreshed bovine TB strategy, including new testing approaches and the prospect of cattle vaccination by 2030. With the UK marking 10 years since the Brexit referendum, Cheffins chairman Bill King explains how leaving the EU has changed the trade in second-hand farm machinery. And we visit Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, winner of a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists. Special Guests. * Tom Bradshaw, president, NFU* Paul Tompkins, deputy president, NFU* Josh Swain, farm animal vet, Synergy Animal Health* Bill King, chairman, Cheffins* Dr Johnny Wake, managing partner, Courteenhall Estate Chapters 00:00 Intro and headlines01:13 Defra unveils 25-year farming roadmap01:45 Tom Bradshaw on whether the roadmap goes far enough05:42 Louise and Hugh analyse the plan12:09 Certis Belchim partner message: managing take-all risk13:48 Defra refreshes bovine TB eradication strategy14:59 Josh Swain explains new TB testing technology16:30 Hugh and Louise discuss TB testing, vaccination and farm impact24:24 Hot weather, harvest prospects and climate adaptation26:30 Brexit: 10 years on for farm machinery trade27:04 Bill King on export friction after Brexit31:25 Hugh and Louise assess Brexit’s farming legacy36:45 This week’s commodity prices38:31 Courteenhall Estate wins King’s Award for sustainability42:41 Looking ahead to Groundswell Useful links * Defra farming roadmap* Defra bovine TB strategy update* Cheffins farm machinery auctions* Courteenhall Estate* King’s Awards for Enterprise* Groundswell This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baroness Minette Batters DL is arguably one of the most influential voices in British agriculture in a generation. In 6 years as President of the NFU she worked with four Prime Ministers and six Secretaries of State at Defra. She faced Brexit, Covid, the War in Ukraine and many other challenges. But what was it really like to lead the NFU, especially as the first woman to be President? What does leadership mean to her and what does she think about progress regarding her Farm Profitability Review? Listen to the full interview here. 

After Farming Minister Angela Eagle's reshuffling out of DEFRA, we hear why the farming industry really doesn't like ministerial churn.We're looking at Scottish agricultural policy all week. There's a debate around whether land that's used for grazing, rather than growing other crops, should be targeted to produce more environmental benefits.Precision farming techniques and automation are getting more popular as a way to help reduce costs, but they depend on good connectivity. Something that can be a challenge in rural areas.Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Defra has finally unveiled the budget for its flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme – but is £240 million enough to meet demand from farmers? Former Natural England agriculture head Geoff Sansome gives his verdict – and explains why thousands of farmers could still be left in limbo when existing agreements expire. We also bring you an exclusive interview with new Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin, who responds to criticism of the farm assurance scheme. Just weeks into the role, Mr McLaughlin outlines plans for reform and explains how technology, AI and simpler audits could help rebuild trust with farmers. Recorded at the Cereals event at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, we discuss why this year’s show has been one of the most talked-about industry events in years. And we hear about the NFU’s call for government support to protect growers from soaring fertiliser costs. Finally, we meet the team behind Only Farmers – a new online platform designed to help farmers market products, share equipment, promote experiences and connect with customers. Guests * Geoff Sansome – former head of agriculture, Natural England* Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin* NFU president Tom Bradshaw* Lisa Hogan – co-founder, Only Farmers* Wolfe Bentinck – co-founder, Only Farmers Chapters 00:00 SFI budget finally confirmed01:45 Geoff Sansome on whether £240m is enough05:41 Industry reaction to the SFI announcement09:02 Exclusive: Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin11:36 Why assurance reform is taking so long14:05 Imports, standards and farmer frustrations16:38 Technology, AI and the future of farm assurance20:41 Panel reaction to Red Tractor’s plans24:49 Cereals 2026 from Diddly Squat Farm25:14 Has Jeremy Clarkson changed Cereals?30:51 NFU fertiliser resilience plan explained35:43 Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel38:34 Only Farmers: a new platform for agriculture41:47 Can farmers benefit from Only Farmers?43:50 Final thoughts and goodbye Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive Red Tractor National Farmers Union Cereals Event Only Farmers Natural England Farmers Weekly This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department for Envrionment Food and Rural Affairs has announced how much money it's making available to farmers in England through the Sustainable Farming Incentive - or SFI - for 2026. It's something farmers and environmental organisations have been keenly anticipating. There's a total budget of £240 million pounds., with the first application opening later this month. The SFI is the DEFRA ‘public money for public goods' scheme that pays for farming in ways that protect and benefit the environment, support food production and improve productivity. Some farming and conservation groups say the budget isn't big enough.And all this week we're talking about growing cereals, things like grain and oats. The latest figures just out from the industry body the AHDB, that's the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, show that UK farmers are growing less barley than they have for the last 16 years, while oilseed rape and wheat have climbed back from last year's lows. The Eden Valley in Cumbria is possibly better known for its livestock than its crops. But over the past couple of years, father and son Thomas and Harry Ewbank have been bucking that trend. Guided by local agronomist, Steven Gate, they've abandoned ploughing in favour of what's called ‘one-pass drilling', and they've expanded their range of crops to maximise yields and increase sustainability.Presented by Caz Graham and produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Sally Challoner.

Morgens bin ich ein besserer Mensch. Aber das Gute, das mir morgens klar ist, ist mir mittags schon fraglich geworden und abends oft vergessen. „Eure Liebe ist wie der Tau, der bald vergeht“, sagt der Prophet Hosea. Von der Morgenliebe, die bis zum Abend geht, handelt der BetDenkzettel vom 7. Juni 2026 unter ⁠https://www.betdenkzettel.deFra' Georg Lengerke(Aus technischen Gründen ist die Aufnahme nicht optimal. Ich bitte um Entschuldigung)

This week, Defra confirms England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive will reopen for applications on 30 June – but only for some farmers, and with questions over budget. Farm business adviser Katie Hilton explains the key changes in SFI 26, including land use caps, no-till rules and revised payment rates. We also examine a High Court ruling which could mean lower meat inspection charges for abattoirs, processors and livestock producers. And royal recognition for Open Farm Sunday which celebrates its 20th anniversary – we find out why even small events can help reconnect the public with farming. Podcast guests: * Katie Hilton, director, Cheffins* John Royle, NFU chief livestock policy adviser* Rachel Risdon, Devon farmer and Open Farm Sunday host Chapters 00:53 – Sustainable Farming Incentive12:59 – High Court ruling on meat inspection charges17:18 – Why small abattoirs matter to livestock farmers24:19 – Listener feedback on Red Tractor reform27:32 – Farmers Weekly Podcast Live at Cereals30:23 – Sainsbury’s white eggs and trailer safety33:53 – Market prices36:16 – Open Farm Sunday celebrates 20 years40:23 – Why public engagement matters43:11 – Closing remarks Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive guidance Cheffins National Farmers Union Association of Independent Meat Suppliers British Meat Processors Association Food Standards Agency Open Farm Sunday LEAF Tilly Pass trailer safety Farmers Weekly stage at Cereals This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten years on from the introduction of compulsory dog microchipping in the UK – how much has really changed for pets, vets, charities and owners? As one of the UK's leading pet microchip providers, Identichip brings together leading veterinarian Steve Leonard and Fiona Cooke, associate director of policy and impact at Woodgreen Pets Charity, for this Vet Times podcast. Together, they explore the impact of the legislation, ongoing challenges, registration compliance, success stories from practice and charity work and the importance of keeping details up to date. SPONSORED This Vet Times Extra podcast is sponsored by Identicare – the suppliers of Identichip microchips and the Defra-compliant pet database Identibase. Identicare supports vets and animal charities with high-quality microchips, scanners and a dedicated team to help with the full pet protection journey, from implantation and registration to keeping owner details up-to-date. For microchipping support and resources, contact Identichip or visit https://identichip.co.uk/ Steve Leonard qualified from the University of Bristol in 1996. His final year at university was filmed by the BBC for a documentary called “Vet School”. He went on to make many wildlife and veterinary documentaries taking him all over the globe and working alongside some of the planet's most iconic species. Steve has remained a passionate small animal vet and passed his BSAVA Certificate in Small Animal Medicine with distinction in 2017. He is the co-founder of Phoenix Vet Practice, a new independent practice in Nantwich, Cheshire that opened in May 2026. Fiona Cooke is associate director of policy and impact at Woodgreen Pets Charity, where she leads the campaigns, policy, research and insights teams. With a background in animal welfare law and policy, she works on issues including pet identification, responsible ownership, and improving outcomes for pets and their owners. Fiona is also a registered clinical animal behaviourist, bringing practical and scientific expertise to her role. She's passionate about animal welfare and keeping pets and people together and has published widely on animal welfare and issues affecting pet owners.

The latest analysis of wildfires shows that last year the UK recorded its highest burned area on record, including the country's first documented ‘megafire' in Scotland, that's a fire which covers more than 10,000 hectares. Researchers from the University of East Anglia led a team of international scientists looking into last year's fires round the globe, they say wildfires are getting more extreme, costly and disastrous. Though less land was affected, globally the fires resulted in more than 300,000 evacuations and the deaths of more than 90 people. .A three million pound project backed by DEFRA which has been looking at how methane emissions can be reduced in sheep has announced its findings. Various breeds from Scotland to the South Coast were tested as part of the research which gathered data from thirteen and a half thousand lambs. The scientists involved in the “Breed for Change” programme hope sheep farmers will use their data to reduce their carbon footprint.All week we're focusing on farming in the uplands, places above a thousand feet, landscapes like the Brecon Beacons, the Peak District, and the Highlands: many of the most stunning places in the country, but because of their geography they're generally harder places to farm. MPs on the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee are preparing a report on the challenges facing upland farmers in England and how the Government can best support them. It follows the publication of the Land Use Framework, which identified upland areas as places which could be most suitable for delivering climate and nature targets.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

This week, police pledge tougher action on hare coursing after an Essex farmer suffers almost 200 incidents in eight months. The government unveils plans to slash tariffs on 100 food items imported into the UK. We examine the impact of food price controls on UK farmers. Beef sector leaders call for fairer pricing as the market eases ahead of the Beef Expo industry showcase at Melton Mowbray livestock market. And we meet the farmer testing “firewater” – a Defra-funded ADOPT project aiming to make nitrogen from air, water and electricity. Guests Tom Bradshaw – NFU presidentNeil Shand – chief executive, National Beef AssociationHugh Brown – chief executive, Gillstream Markets / Melton Mowbray MarketMatthew Register – Essex farmerRobyn Munton – NFU vice-presidentTim Ellis – farmer involved in the Firewater ADOPT project Chapters 01:04 – Food tariffs and price caps01:43 – Tom Bradshaw warning03:24 – Food import controls analysed14:36 – Beef market analysis27:30 – Hare-coursing crackdown30:34 – Red diesel thefts and fuel duty34:30 – Markets update36:46 – Fertiliser from air and water Useful links Targeted food tariff cuts NFU update on hare-coursing sentencing guidelines NBA Beef Expo 2026 Adopt Project on firewater Farmers Weekly Market Prices This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From rising machinery costs to variable rate technology and connected farm platforms, this episode of Tramlines explores how growers can improve machinery performance, reduce waste, and make more informed investment decisions.In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith is joined by farm business consultant Paul Pickford, Jonny Kerley from Origin Digital, and Ben Foster from RHIZA to discuss one of the biggest financial pressures facing UK farming businesses: machinery investment.With farms in England spending £2.3 billion on machinery in 2023/24, according to DEFRA, the discussion focuses on how growers can improve returns from machinery through better data, improved connectivity, more efficient operations, and a clearer understanding of true operating costs.Podcast Summary:Why UK farm machinery investment has slowed despite increasing operational pressuresThe true cost of machinery ownership and why many businesses still underestimate itHow telematics and connected platforms are improving machinery efficiency on farmWhy idle time and machine utilisation matter more than ever in tight-margin farmingThe growing role of data and connectivity in future machinery purchasing decisions

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS). Time Stamps:00:44 News in Brief04:40 Policy Briefs – Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme 2025 payments, Groceries Code Adjudicator moves to Defra, Crofting and Scottish Land Cout Bill, Cairngorms National Park Fire Management Byelaw09:14 Cereals – Latest news and market update20:16 Beef – Latest news and market update26:53 Sheep – Latest news and market update31:30 Milk – Latest news and market update38:56 Sector focus –Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS)44:25 Further Interest – Slatted Sheep Housing Made Simple (article), Setting up a new grass ley for success (article), PCN and water scarcity (podcast). FAS Resources:Newsletters – Business & Policy Edition – Farm Advisory Serviceadvice@fas.scot Other Resources:Scottish Suckler Beef Support SchemeCrofting and Scottish Land Court BillCairngorms Fire Management ByelawRural Roundup PodcastAECS Scoring CriteriaThrill of the Hill podcast – Where Policy Meets Pasture: The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme with David BrownSlatted Sheep Housing Made Simple – articleSetting up a New Grass Ley for Success – articlePCN & Water Scarcity – CropCast Podcasthttps://www.fas.scot/article/the-journey-of-a-soil-sample/ Publications:Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks – latest updateMonthly UK statistics on cattle, sheep and pig slaughter and meat productionLabour Market Trends: April 2026 – gov.scotAfrican swine fever in Europe – latest updateThe Environment Strategy for ScotlandRural Support Plan Consultations:Installation and maintenance licences for heat networksCommunications from Revenue Scotland to taxpayers For more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScot National Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

Robin Harford meets storyteller Clare Viner beneath a flowering hawthorn tree in Devon to explore the living tradition of oral storytelling.Clare shares how stories belong to everyone - not fixed texts handed down by celibate monks, but breathing, evolving things shaped by the teller's felt sense and relationship with land.They discuss how patriarchy silenced women's stories, how rivers and plants carry their own narratives, and why giving yourself permission to tell an imperfect story is a radical act.The episode closes with Clare's spellbinding retelling of Merlin and the Lady Nimue - a love story rooted in hawthorn, heart medicine, and the dreaming earth.About Clare VinerClare Viner has been a storyteller for 26 years.Her roots are personal. As a child, her grandfather wove fairy tales for her. That inheritance stuck, and eventually became a vocation.She has told to audiences of every age and disposition: toddlers, teenagers, the elderly, festival goers. Clare has performed in the children's tent at WOMAD for the last 15 years. She works without books or props, and no two tellings of a story are ever the same.Her book, The Emerald Dragon and Other Magical Tales of the Blackdown and Quantock Hills, reimagines the folklore of two beloved British landscapes from the perspective of someone who trusts and loves the earth. It was funded by a DEFRA grant.She was writer in residence for Connecting the Culm, a river conservation project that culminated in a four-day River Story Pilgrimage, walking and camping along the water's edge.She runs workshops exploring the folklore of British wild animals and trees, including Spirit of Hare, Spirit of Deer, and others. Having once been terrified herself, she takes particular pleasure in guiding the terrified through the process of finding their own storytelling voice.She takes old stories and dreams them new, again and again.This Episode Is Brought To You By- Robin HarfordTranscriptThis episodeConnect with Clare Viner, StorytellerWebsite | Email | Facebook | InstagramThings Mentioned On The ShowA Women's Book of Herbs by Elisabeth BrookeConnecting The CulmStories of the CulmRelated ResourcesHawthorn T-Shirt

Recorded at The Stalking Show, this episode features BASC's chief executive, Ian Bell, discussing DEFRA's England Deer Impact Policy Statement. While there is broad support for improving deer management, Ian raises concerns about potential barriers, particularly around proposed mandatory training.We also explore the future of deer management, including BASC's new flexible DSC1 online course designed to widen access to training, and the urgent need to bring through the next generation, as the average age of deer stalkers continues to rise.

A new independent report, commissioned by DEFRA, examines the unique challenges facing upland farmers and communities in England. We speak to the author of the report Dr Hilary Cottam. She has been asking people living and working in the uplands what they want for the future. Our National Parks mark their 75th anniversary this week. We hear about the importance of volunteers to the Peak District National Park, and we also visit a peatland restoration project in Bannau Brycheiniog, formerly the Brecon Beacons, in Wales.As the conflict in the Middle East continues, we've been reporting on the impact on farmers and food producers here in the UK who are facing pressure from increasing fuel and fertiliser costs. After farmers in the Republic of Ireland were offered a 100 million euro support package by their government to help cope with increasing costs, farmers in Northern Ireland are asking the UK government for more financial support too. Another impact of the war in Iran is the knock-on effect of spiralling fuel prices on the availability and cost of the plastic wrapping used for silage bales. With tractors already out in the fields cutting grass to make silage, an agricultural supply business tells us prices of some crop plastic may go up by as much as 40%.As the Environment Agency begins to clear thousands of tonnes of domestic and commercial rubbish from a huge flytipping site in Oxfordshire, we hear from the Country Land and Business Association who say that flaws in the application system to become a licensed waste carrier are making it easier for criminals to illegally dump waste at scale.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Jo Peacey. A BBC Audio Bristol production.

The English Uplands are special and defined as areas of elevated land with rugged terrain from moorlands to mountains and typically above 300 metres. A new report "Towards a Flourishing Uplands: Phase 1" has called for more local decision making with a shift away top down directives. Dr Hilary Cottam lead the independent review for Defra. She's published 19 insights which she says, will help meet challenges faced by those who farm the land, as well as the demands of nature, the rural economy and communities. Dr Cottam spent time walking and talking in the uplands, from Devon to North Yorkshire, to find out what people really think of the current state of affairs, what they want for the future and how those visions differ.All this week here on Farming Today we've been looking at National Parks. The Peak District National Park was the first one and is 75. Local people have been a huge part of the Park since it was established thanks to a mass trespass on Kinder Scout, and local volunteers are vital to it today, helping restore paths, plant trees and maintain access for everyone to enjoy its beauty. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Farmers in the North East of England have welcomed the re-opening of the UK's only carbon dioxide production plant after 6 months of inactivity. It was mothballed last year, after the US trade deal made it unprofitable. But the war in the Middle East has led to government concerns about CO2 shortages, and they've awarded a £100 million pound grant to the Ensus bioethanol factory at Redcar to re-start production. Paludiculture is the practice of farming on wetlands, like bogs or re-wetted peatlands and fens. Defra awarded grants to 12 projects to look at growing crops in lowland peat; the UK's peatlands store 3 billion tonnes of carbon and keeping peat wet means locking it in the earth, so it's not lost as C02 contributing to global warming. The Holker Estate on the southern coast of Cumbria is one of those exploring the potential of paludiculture.And oilseed rape is having a good year.Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

There's concern that animal welfare may be at risk on some Scottish islands because of widespread disruption to ferry services. Eight ferries serving islands on the west coast of Scotland were out of service earlier this week. Calmac, Caledonian MacBrayne, the government owned company that runs them, describes the situation as critical with almost every island affected. NFU Scotland says there's a risk vital supplies like feed and fertiliser won't arrive on crofts and farms when they are needed most. We take a closer look at how all this is affecting businesses on the Isle of Barra, speaking to a haulier and the managing director of a shellfish company.There are 60 native breeds of sheep in the UK and DEFRA says 40 of those breeds are officially at risk, with fewer than 6000 breeding ewes according to their newly published ‘UK native breeds support' list. Farmers who keep rare breed sheep often sell their meat for a premium at farmers markets or in box schemes, but the decline in the number of small abattoirs able to process small batches of carcasses means the numbers just don't add up for some of those farmers now. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Fuel prices continue to dominate the headlines, the war in the Middle East has led to them shooting up in recent weeks, causing real concern to those in rural areas who aren't connected to the gas mains and rely on oil for heating. The £50 million pounds-worth of emergency funds announced last month by the government to help vulnerable rural households are now being distributed by rural local authorities in England and through other mechanisms in the devolved nations. It's all put a sharp focus on fuel poverty in rural areas. The Westminster Government has just published a new Statistical Digest of Rural England, which shows that the depth of fuel poverty in rural areas is almost twice that of in towns and cities. We know livestock produce greenhouse gas emissions - but we also know that the volume, or amount, of gas is affected by what those cattle or sheep eat. A new DEFRA-funded study has investigated upland sheep grazing systems to see if some forages produce lower emissions. The project compared 120 ewes, some pure Swaledales and some crossbred with Texels, on three different grazing systems in Wensleydale.1.3 million tonnes of fish were caught in the UK's ‘Marine Protected Areas', or MPAs, between 2020 and 2024. Greenpeace, who've calculated that figure from official sources, say it makes what should be havens of safety for marine life, little more than meaningless lines on a map. They argue that marine eco-systems are protected on “paper only” while industrial-scale fishing and boats with bottom trawling gear, that drags across the seabed, are still allowed in MPAs. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Dr Mhairi Brown, Head of Food Futures at the Food Farming and Countryside Commission, tells us about a Citizen Advisory Council's reports on regional food systems.The findings will feed into the development of Defra's new Food Strategy, offering new insights into how national government can help regional food systems thrive – and what they can learn from work already happening to transform food.Click here for more information on the Citizen Advisory Council reports, and here for the Food Foundation newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode we learn about the Regenerative Agriculture Accelerator Programme which is based in the Cotswolds. RAAP is an innovative initiative for farmers and advisors who want to deepen their understanding of regenerative and agroecological principles – and learn how to apply them in practice to produce nutritious food, improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and build farm resilience. We hear from farmers and others taking part in the programme and visit the Cotswold Regenerative Agriculture Conference.  This podcast was supported with a Farming in Protected Landscapes Fund grant from Defra.  To discover more about the Regenerative Agriculture Accelerator Programme visit Home | Regendeep

UK cereal farmers earn less than the minimum wage, according to the latest government figures. Why environmental payments aren’t delivering for growers and livestock producers. And Reform leader Nigel Farage is under fire after saying we shouldn’t worry about cheap imports of chlorinated chicken. Farm business income figures for England are published by Defra based on information collected from farmers by the annual Farm Business Survey. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of the Grow the Future podcast, we are joined by Mark Tucker, Yara's Partnership & Food Value Chain lead for Europe, and Dr. Becky Howard to discuss the ANSWERS project. Mark opens the conversation by explaining Yara's involvement in the initiative and the pressing need to address current challenges and nutritional knowledge gaps within pea and bean production. With funding from DEFRA and significant interest across the UK and Europe, the discussion highlights how integrating science and field trials can alleviate nutritional stress to achieve wider environmental rewards in sustainable protein production.Mark Tucker also delves into his specific role regarding the importance of sustainability within the pulse value chain and details which Yara products are currently being featured in the trials. Following this, Dr. Becky Howard provides a comprehensive overview of the results from the first year of field trials, offering a scientific perspective on the project's progress so far. For farmers looking to optimize their own protein crops, the episode concludes with practical advice on where to find more information and how to apply these emerging insights to their own operations.

Just what is the government’s long-term plan for farm support? We’ve an exclusive interview with Defra farm minister Angela Eagle. We get to grips with the latest proposals for the revamped Sustainable Farming Incentive – how your business will be affected. A campaigning farmer hits out over lack of action on fly tipping – and takes Defra secretary Emma Reynolds to task over the issue And what next for the National Farmers Union following it’s latest leadership elections? A bumper episode for you this week – recorded as live at NFU’s annual conference at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on 24-25 January 2026. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SOME DISTRESSING DETAILS ON THE USE OF SNARES The Watership Down Podcast is intended for listeners who are familiar with the plot. There will be spoilers. This episode is scripted, narrated, recorded and edited by Newell Fisher. EPISODE SPECIFIC LINKS: National Anti Snaring Campaign: https://www.antisnaring.org.uk/ Link to DEFRA report on snaring (WARNING: Distressing content): DETERMINING THE EXTENT OF USE AND HUMANENESS OF SNARES IN ENGLAND AND WALES Section 9.6 Appendix F https://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2012-0577/Document.pdfOTHER RELEVANT LINKS: With thanks to Andrew Stevens: 'Understanding Comics: The Hidden Art' by Scott McCloud: https://www.scottmccloud.com/2-print/1-uc/ Bob Cropman's website: https://watershipdownonline.co.uk/ Awards for the graphic novel:https://www.instagram.com/p/C97CumNRDA7/?igsh=dzJvZWtqN2oyOHdz https://www.instagram.com/p/DO5P__NjWTM/?igsh=MWdrb3o2bGs3emJ3cA== CONTACTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Email: thewatershipdownpodcast@outlook.com Social media: Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/thewatershipdownpodcast The Watership Down Podcast Honeycomb on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/468458781496287/?ref=share Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thewatershipdownpodcast?igsh=MWtlNjR5MDNrNGZzdw== Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thewatershipdownpodcast Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/watershipdpodcast.bsky.social YouTube channel:https://youtube.com/@thewatershipdownpodcast1300?si=NWMmo3D2mVdLn-25 Past charity appeals: Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund website:https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/

In a special edition Dan Saladino talks to the UK's biggest food producers and retailers to hear their visions for the future of food, health, sustainability and resilience.Along with the DEFRA minister Dame Angela Eagle, some of the most influential figures in food and farming are gathering at the annual Sustainable Foods event held in London. On the agenda will be health and nutrition, food security, net zero and regenerative agriculture. Will the ideas and strategies, outlined by the major supermarkets, food manufacturers and farming organisations result in significant changes to food in the UK?Produced and presented by Dan Saladino.

Over the past few weeks farmers have been protesting, at ports and around supermarket distribution centres. Why? They say it's a combination of things, from concerns about the impact of imported food to the prices supermarkets pay for UK produce, along with continuing anger over inheritance tax on farms. The Government has raised the threshold, now farmers can pass on a farm worth up to £2.5m without being affected but some say that not enough and they want the tax scrapped. Civil servants will be spending time on farms. The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has agreed a 4 year contract with the Allerton Project to provide training to all its staff and 'deepen their understanding of modern British Agriculture".Artificial intelligence is having an impact on many businesses around the world and farming is no exception, so this week we're looking at AI in agriculture. From monitoring the health of crops to measuring their uptake of water and improving animal welfare AI is already being used all around the country.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Warmer waters have brought large number of octopus to coastal waters around the South West over the past year. Now, the University of Plymouth has published a report bringing together evidence from scientists, the fishing industry and citizen scientists to reveal more about what's known as the 'octopus bloom'. What can it tell us about the changing marine environment, the consequences for sea life, and the impact on fishing?The on-farm science group BOFIN is starting a three-year £2.5 million project funded through Defra's Farming Innovation Programme. It'll be growing the first commercial trial of precision-bred oilseed rape, which will be resistant to light leaf spot. Sheepdog training and competitions have captivated TV audiences for decades, and watching sheepdogs in action in the field is one of the privileges of farming. We speak to sheepdog trainer Nij Vyas as he puts one of his students through her paces.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

This week's episode is hosted by Ben & Webby to discuss the DEFRA consultation on contractual fairness.They talk about the importance of everyone being educated on the contracts they use. They argue that maybe farmers and merchants view the contracts usefulness differently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The smuggling of illegal meat is on the rise. Farmers are worried it could bring animal diseases into the UK. Europe has seen outbreaks of both African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth, neither of which affect humans but both of which can wipe out whole farms.Average income across all farms in England rose by 49 percent in the year from March 2024 to February 2025, with increases in all farming sectors, bar specialist pig farms and horticulture. That's the headline from DEFRA's newly published Farm Business Survey. So, are English farmers laughing all the way to the bank, and how do those figures sit alongside frequent reports about tough times for farmers with high costs, uncertain markets, more extreme weather events, and low confidence in new agri-environment schemes?It's mid-winter, the hungriest time of year for livestock, so all this week we're looking at the challenges of providing winter feed, be they financial or practical. It's tough enough when farmers are able to grow or make their own forage, but in the Scottish islands, where the land's poor and the climate's wet, crofters rely on hay and straw being brought in by lorry from the mainland. We join a haulier as he drops off bales in the Isle of Lewis. His family has been supplying forage to the Western Isles and Skye for three generations.Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

In this episode, failure to test illegal meat imports could leave livestock farmers exposed to animal disease, say food safety experts. Sheep producers face a government clampdown on tail docking and lamb castration – how you can have your say on animal welfare. And why farming needs better leaders: how a professional approach – and chartered status – could help recruit more people into agriculture. To have your say on lamb welfare, visit the Defra consultation on on proposed changes to castration and tail docking methods. The Society of Agriculture website is soc-ag.org. The white paper by Paul Harris about putting people first in farming can be downloaded from https://real-success.co.uk/white-paper-2/ (you will be asked to submit your email address). This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time to be one with nature, as Priyanca D'Souza talks to us about her passion for outdoor swimming. She shares how immersing in cold water offers a transcendent experience that pulls her into the present moment, from still lakes where she floats under the sky to challenging rivers that demand complete mental focus. Priyanca explains how outdoor swimming differs fundamentally from pool swimming, and emphasizes the minimalist nature of the activity. She also discusses how she actively seeks swimming spots when traveling, praising cities like Copenhagen for integrating swimming into urban life, and notes the mental health benefits of outdoor swimming, that allow her to completely disconnect from technology. Guest BioPriyanca D'Souza (she/her) is a Senior User Researcher in the public sector, specialising in Accessibility and Inclusion. She has recently worked on complex projects for GDS, Cabinet Office, Defra and Companies House. She aims to use her lived experience of access needs to embed inclusive practices within teams to drive forward ethical and inclusive design which better meets people's needs. Enabling people to empathise with the barriers our users can face and finding opportunities to alleviate and change things to make experiences better. She is fascinated by the impacts different barriers and conditions can have on cognition, behaviour, people's interactions and experiences of the world. She has a background in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, which she combines with lived and varied practical experience.LinksPriyanca on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/priyanca.bsky.socialPriyanca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyanca-uxCreditsCover design by Raquel Breternitz.

Civil servants should spend more time on farms, to understand the problems they face. That's according to Baroness Minette Batters, who's been facing questions from MPs on the Environment Farming and Rural Affairs committee. She was speaking about her Farming Profitability Review for England, which was published just before Christmas. There are 57 recommendations in the review, all of which, she told MPs, should be implemented. The questioning was very wide-ranging from fairness in the supply chain, to the viability of agri-environment schemes, and the impact of trade agreements with countries such as Australia.All week we're discussing animal feed. For many years, organic pig and poultry producers have been able to feed their animals with up to 5% non-organic feed. However on 1st January the rules changed. Now, in line with EU regulations, any birds over 30 weeks old, and pigs over 35kg must be fed a 100% organic diet. We visit an organic pig farmer and an organic poultry farmer to find out how it's affected their business.Defra has said non-organic pig and poultry producers will be able to feed their animals processed-animal-protein or PAP. It's made from the left over carcasses of pig and poultry, or insects. Since BSE or mad cow disease, it has been illegal to feed processed-animal-protein or PAP to farm animals in the UK. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

This week two watchdogs published reports on the Government's performance on the environment. The Office for Environmental Protection warned that, unless swift action is taken, the Government could miss 21 out of 43 legally set targets on biodiversity and protecting land and sea. Meanwhile, the National Audit Office published a report saying that substantial reform is needed in the way DEFRA, the Environment Agency, and Natural England operate. Our sister programme, Farming Today, has been exploring the UK cheese industry. We visit a Somerset cheddar maker, a goat's cheese maker in Carmarthenshire, and an exporter making the most of growing demand for UK cheese around the world.It may be more than a week since Storm Goretti unleashed hurricane force winds on Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly but rural businesses are still clearing up the wreckage.Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Sarah Swadling

In this episode Baroness Minette Batters comes on the show to discuss her Farm Profitability Review and consider what might be next for the report? She also reflects on the elements of Secretary of State for the Environment Emma Reynolds' Oxford Farming Conference speech that nodded to the review. Ally and Sophie also discuss farming conferences and events including Oxford Farming Conference, Oxford Real Farming Conference, LAMMA and Positive Farmers Conference in Ireland. 

The National Audit Office, the public spending watchdog, has published a report looking at efficiency and effectiveness in England's environmental regulation. It found that complexity, outdated IT systems, skills shortages, and a risk averse culture were affecting how well DEFRA and the regulators Natural England and the Environment Agency are working. The NAO says that substantial reform is needed, but that it's optimistic there is the impetus and political will for change. The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland outlines progress on the Sustainable Farming Programme, and on efforts to cut pollution in Lough Neagh. The lough supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water and is facing what the Minister calls a 'biodiversity and ecological crisis'.Continuing our exploration of the UK cheese industry, we visit a Somerset cheesemaker whose products are found on the shelves of several major supermarkets.Presenter: Caz Graham Producer: Sarah Swadling

The Welsh government has implemented its Sustainable Farming Scheme or SFS. There are three levels for farmers to join: first, Universal Actions which all farmers have to comply with to get funding; then optional enhanced actions; and finally collaborative projects. Wales' Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies says the collaborative approach the government used to create the SFS is needed to tackle river pollution.All week we're talking about cheese. In 2024 UK cheese exports were worth £887 million, around three quarters of that was destined for Europe. Last year DEFRA announced sanitary and phytosanitary agreement between the UK and EU, aimed at reducing paperwork for agri-food exports by aligning standards. One dairy exporter, Coombe Castle International, says there's growing demand in Asia, the US and Australia too.Farmers are heading to the NEC in Birmingham for the big machinery show: LAMMA. It's a showcase for all that's high-tech in agriculture. We ask one of the organisers what's new, and whether farmers are feeling confident enough to buy.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

The Colorado Beetle which is a major threat to potato crops has been officially eradicated from the UK. It was last identified on a farm in Kent in 2023. It's distinctive, with orange and black stripes and can completely strip the leaves off potatoes and other leafy plants like tomatoes and aubergines. Farmers are being asked for their views as part of a consultation to ensure fairness in the supply chain for arable crops. Defra wants to hear from growers, processors and industry bodies over the next eight weeks as part of fair dealing reforms. It says it aims to give producers stronger protections against unfair practices.Donald Trump has announced a 12 billion dollar farm aid package. It comes against a backdrop of the trade dispute with China, and other countries too, over tariffs which have severely disrupted soya bean exports and hit farming profits. What does it mean for the UK?All week we've been talking about rare breeds of livestock, at just 15 years of age, Sebastian Carr is quite the celebrity in the world of rare breed pigs. He's won awards for his herd of Saddlebacks, in 2023 he scooped gold in the British Pig Association New Pedigree Breeder of the Year, the youngest person ever to do so. His passion for pigs began when he received four piglets as a Christmas present seven years ago, now his whole family's involved.Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

The latest Farm Business Income Survey from DEFRA shows average dairy farm incomes for 2024/25 had doubled year on year. The reality at this moment may feel very different on farms as the milk price rollercoaster is starting to rattle downwards, with some global dairy commodities tumbling. The Chairman of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, Robert Craig, tells Charlotte Smith that the industry is becoming used to a cycle of rise and fall in milk prices but that ultimately there will be fewer people left in the industry at the end of this downturn.We also dig deeper into what that Farm Business Income survey shows for other types of farming in England. Below the encouraging signs on the surface, for most sectors, incomes were buoyed up by diversification and agri-environment schemes in the last financial year.And farmers on the Isle of Man are anxious about the future of veterinary care, as a major provider prepares to withdraw from farm animal practice on the Island. Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Sarah Swadling

Details on the relaunch of England's biggest agri-environment scheme will come in the first half of next year - so says the Secretary of State for the Environment, Emma Reynolds, who was speaking at the Country Land and Business Association's annual conference. The sustainable farming incentive or SFI, pays farmers for things like planting hedges and improving soils. It was suddenly closed to new applicants in March as it had run out of money. Details on what happens next were supposed to be announced in the summer. Some farmers say they've lost confidence in the system but Emma Reynolds told the conference that it is complicated and they want to get it rightEngland's farm business income figures for the last financial year have been released. All types of farms, with the exception of horticulture and pig farming, saw a year on year increase, though in 2023/4 farm incomes dropped considerably. Government payments to farmers in agri-environment schemes now make up an average of 30% of farm income, and many farms continue to lose money on the farming sides of their business. All week we've been talking about farming around the world because of the climate talks - COP 30 - in Brazil. They dedicated two days to agriculture, which is seen as offering both problems and solutions as we try to mitigate the changing climate. So what's been decided? The inmates who look after pigs at a prison farm in Kent.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

As the number of bird flu cases across the country rises, DEFRA has announced bird keepers across England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50 birds. Avian influenza is just one of the animal disease threats raised in a new report by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee. It says the government would not be ready for a serious national disease outbreak like BSE or foot and mouth because resources have been focused on tackling ongoing outbreaks of avian influenza and bluetongue.All week we're taking a closer look at the start of the farming process; seeds. Most farmers buy seeds of some kind whether it's growing a crop for us to eat, or grass seed for pasture, or wildflower mixes for pollinators. However growing crops to produce the seeds that farmers plant, is just as important. We visit a farmer in South Wales who's diversified and now supplies other farmers with wildflower and grass seed mixes.Plant scientists have mapped the genome of oats. Academics at the University of Aberystwyth say it will help plant breeders develop varieties better suited to cope with disease and climate change.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

A Government commissioned review of the problems with farm profitability, carried out by Baroness Batters, is due to be delivered to DEFRA soon. It comes at a difficult moment for the arable sector in particular. One of the UK's biggest farming companies, Velcourt, has recently given notice to a fifth of the landowners it works with, that it will either leave or restructure contracts following negotiations. Velcourt's Group Chief Executive, Nick Shorter, tells Charlotte Smith that a painful period of adjustment will lie ahead as arable producers adapt to the harsh economic reality of life without subsidies. He says continuing to grow wheat and other crops at a loss will be unsustainable for individual farmers and for the wider industry, and there could be new business opportunities on unprofitable land. As the land is gradually being replenished by autumn rain we meet the scientists measuring soil moisture using cosmic ray neutron technology.And, continuing our look at tackling invasive species, how the distinctive buzz of the Asian Hornet could be key in tracking down its nests.Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Sarah Swadling

The Land Reform Bill is being debated at Holyrood and members of the Scottish Parliament will be voting on what's been described as landmark legislation. If passed, the bill could allow the government to intervene in private land sales and require large estates to be broken up. The proposals are controversial with landowners and some opposition politicians. Defra has announced that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will come into effect in the north, central and east of England. Poultry keepers with flocks of more than 50 birds will be required to keep their birds housed. The Chief Vet says prompt action is needed to prevent further spread of the disease. Himalayan balsam is an invasive species which proliferates along riverbanks. Its spread has been very hard to control. Could a fungus hold the key to controlling it? Historic man made features that lie on farmland from ancient walls to Roman forts help form the character of our countryside. For farmers however, historic features on their land can often seem like a headache rather than something to celebrate because they need conservation standard maintenance and restoration which is expensive and requires specialist skills. Historic England's ‘Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service' wadvises farmers on how to get funding for this. We visit a farm in Cumbria where a 19th century bridge and an 18th century lime kiln are in need of some tender loving care. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

As the fallout from a cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover continues, how vulnerable are the major retailers' food supply chains to hackers? The Grocer's Technology Editor tells us that the supermarkets are nervous, and putting pressure on their suppliers to improve cybersecurity.England's new Tenant Farming Commissioner has been named. Alan Laidlaw will be an 'independent champion' to promote better relationships between tenants and landlords, according to DEFRA. We visit an orchard full of historic plum varieties in Gloucestershire and check in on autumn crop drilling progress with a Northamptonshire farmer. Presenter: Steffan Messenger Producer: Sarah Swadling