Podcasts about National Farmers Union

American farmers are feeling the pressure of high fertilizer costs, and the National Farmers Union is bringing that message to Capitol Hill. Layla Soberanis is NFU senior government relations representative. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is advocating for the Fertilizer Transparency Act to help American farmers cope with high fertilizer costs. Although the bill won't provide an immediate solution, it offers a path for farmers to understand fertilizer pricing.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers, starting with the Farm Bill. The House is working on another draft Farm Bill, continuing with the hold up. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 8467) on April 30, 2026, with a 224-200 bipartisan vote, advancing a new five-year farm bill that strengthens crop insurance, raises commodity reference prices, and reauthorizes USDA programs through 2031. The bill now faces a difficult path in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. The Farm Bill also contains significant changes to SNAP (food assistance), which has been a major point of debate, with many questioning why this is even included on this bill at all. Moving along, a new study suggests people living in areas with heavy pesticide use face significantly higher risk of cancer. The research suggests that combinations of pesticides, even those considered safe individually, can act together to damage cells, suggesting environmental exposure is a major, previously underestimated factor in cancer rates. Regions with high agricultural activity, specifically the US Midwest, showed significantly higher cancer incidence, with some estimates suggesting risks comparable to or higher than smoking for certain cancers. The study found that "pesticide cocktails"—combinations of chemicals (like Glyphosate, Atrazine, and [Dicamba])—multiply cancer risk, rather than any single chemical acting alone. Even pesticides deemed "non-carcinogenic" individually by regulatory standards appear to contribute to cancer risk when combined in the environment. Researchers identified that these mixtures can disrupt liver cells—a primary detoxification organ—years before a cancer diagnosis. The study linked higher exposure to increased rates of leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cancers of the bladder, colon, lung, and pancreas. In case you missed it, May is Mental Health Month. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Farm State of Mind campaign, supported by the Farm State of Mind Alliance formed in 2025, works to reduce mental health stigma and increase access to resources for farmers and ranchers. The initiative provides a national directory, free counseling, and training to support mental wellness in rural communities. Founded by AFBF, National Farmers Union, National 4-H Council, and Farm Foundation, the Alliance brings together trusted voices to make, “It's okay not to be okay,” a standard in agricultural communities. The campaign utilizes initiatives like farm-focused mental health articles in magazines and on TV. The campaign emphasizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month to reach out to neighbors in the agricultural community.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

The UK's environment watchdog has warned that regulations designed to reduce water pollution from agricultural sources in Northern Ireland, urgently need to be strengthened. The Office for Environmental Protection, or OEP, has examined Northern Ireland's Nutrients Action Programme and says its measures haven't done enough to improve water quality.Many students of farming get the opportunity to experience hands-on learning, with dairy, beef and arable. At Harper Adams University in Shropshire students not only get to learn how to tend a vineyard, but now they're able to drink their own wine, made with grapes from the University's vines. The first wines have just been released.Vets' organisations are calling for a ban on imports of eggs produced by caged hens, alongside a phasing out of the 'enriched colony' cages currently legal in the UK. The British Veterinary Association and British Veterinary Poultry Association are supporting the Government's plan to end the use of cage systems here - out for consultation earlier this year. The National Farmers Union warned the move would drive more imports, some produced using methods already illegal in the UK.Presenter: Anna Hill Producer: Sarah Swadling

Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, discusses some of the current challenges in farm country. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deere & Company agreed to pay $99 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging monopolization of farm equipment repair services. The 2022 lawsuit claimed Deere withheld repair software and collaborated with dealers to limit farmers' ability to repair their own equipment or use independent shops. While the settlement, pending final court approval, doesn't fully resolve the issue, it's seen as progress by the National Farmers Union. Deere also agreed to provide digital repair tools for a deca

NFU is encouraged by Trump's Beef Consolidation Investigation

03/17/26: Rob Larew is President of National Farmers Union (NFU), an organization that represents nearly 200,000 family farmers, ranchers, and rural members across the United States. Prior to leading NFU, Larew served over 22 years in Congress and at USDA working on agriculture policy and communication. President Larew joins Joel Heitkamp on "News and Views" to share an update on the agriculture industry, including the Farm Bill, impact due to the Iran war, fertilizer, and more. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union, says that while he appreciates the work done on the skinny Farm Bill, and some programs are being reauthorized, there’s not a lot of money available for what farmers truly need. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Inside D.C., where we break down how the policy decisions made in Washington can impact your farm. This week, Brownfield's Carah Hart and Rob Larew talk about the farm economy, the path forward for the Farm Bill, and why Farmers Union members want stronger support for family farmers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's Open Mic guest is National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. The group wrapped up their 124th annual convention last week in New Orleans and he says the challenges facing family farmers and ranchers continue to grow more complex. Delegates approved special orders of business targeting family farmers and the future of food and agriculture policy. Larew says additional farm assistance from Washington could ease financial stress for some farm operators, but more investments are needed to build value-added domestic demand. NFU supports government investigations into farm input costs and industry consolidation as well as continuing the USMCA trade agreement. 

Delegates to the National Farmers Union's 124th annual convention unanimously re-elected Rob Larew as President, and the RFA urges White House to allow broader use of lower-cost, American-made ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply.

Delegates to National Famers Union's 124th Anniversary Convention unanimously re-elected Aberdeen, South Dakota, area farmer Jeff Kippley as the organization's Vice President. In this episode, Kippley shares what it's like balancing his family farm with the duties of being the NFU VP and mentions some of the top issues their members are talking about this year.   Kippley and his family raise cattle, corn and soybeans and operate a tax business serving family farmers in their community. This will be his third, two-year term. “Being trusted by our family farmers and ranchers to advocate for them in Washington and across the country is one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Kippley. “We have important work ahead, and I look forward to partnering with President Larew once again to get it done.”  

Delegates to National Famers Union’s (NFU) 124th Anniversary Convention today cast their ballots to unanimously re-elect Rob Larew and Jeff Kippley as the organization’s President and Vice President, respectively. Source: National Farmers Union See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minimal changes were noted in the March WASDE Report out from USDA on Tuesday as the markets continued to trade more on Middle East headlines, with algorithmic trade leading the charge. Tyler Schau with AgMarket.net joins us for a wide ranging discussion on market volatility, risk management, cattle market moves and much more. More at https://www.agmarket.net. We also listen back to our Midday Commentary and analysis from Arlan Suderman at StoneX to open the show and then get a recap of the National Farmers Union convention with Rob Lee from the South Dakota Farmers Union in Segment Four.

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.

Charlotte Smith is in Devon to reflect on the impact of the 2001 Foot and Mouth crisis 25 years on. Highly contagious foot and mouth disease was confirmed at an Essex abattoir on 19th February 2001. The outbreak which followed led to the slaughter of 6.5 million cattle, sheep, and pigs and cost the UK economy an estimated £8 billion. The emotional cost to farming families was incalculable. Charlotte speaks to the then South West Regional Director of the National Farmers Union, Anthony Gibson, who recalls the 'cataclysm' which hit the farming community. Farming Today's Caz Graham remembers the smell of burning pyres and disinfectant on the air in Cumbria, the worst hit county. She hosted a nightly phone in on BBC Radio Cumbria during the crisis, where callers would share their grief and anger. Charlotte visits Phil Heard's farm on Dartmoor, which got caught up in the controversial 'contiguous cull' policy, in which farms neighbouring confirmed outbreaks of Foot and Mouth would also have their animals compulsorily slaughtered. Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Sarah Swadling

Eastern Scotland is usually relatively dry but so far this year it's experienced record-breaking rainfall. Aberdeen last saw sunshine on 19th of January. We hear from arable and beef farmer Jack Stevenson in his, very wet, winter wheat fields on the East Coast. He tells us some parts of Aberdeenshire have seen about a quarter of their annual rainfall in a matter of weeks during January and February.Artificial intelligence, AI, is starting to influence many aspects of everyday life. Farming is no exception, and this week we're looking at how the technology might be harnessed to help solve some tricky problems. Today: dairy cows' health and welfare. The University of Bristol vet school's farm is using AI and CCTV cameras to spot changes in behaviour among its dairy cows, to find out whether it can pick up potential issues sooner than human herd managers. The project has turned a barn into a bovine Big Brother House.Beef cows grazing with their calves are a traditional part of the landscape, particularly in upland areas of the UK. But a new report says Welsh beef suckler herd numbers have decreased by nearly 40 percent over the last two decades. The National Farmers Union in Wales, - NFU Cymru - produced the report, and it says this approach to beef farming is in need of urgent support. Presenter: Anna Hill Producer: Sarah Swadling

Anne Steckel, senior advisor for biofuels at the National Farmers Union, says interest in biofuels and renewable diesel continues to grow as consumers understand the many benefits. She noted that biofuels not only reduce carbon emissions but also reduce the price at the pump. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Farmers Union submitted comments this week to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to restore crop insurance buy-up coverage for acres prevented from being planted, warning that recent changes weaken a critical risk management tool for farmers facing mounting economic pressure. Source: National Farmers UnionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK dairy farmers are living through what's been called the sharpest milk price drop in history. We look at the causes with dairy analyst Chris Walkland.Earlier this week, the author of a Government commissioned review of profitability in farming, former National Farmers Union president Baroness Batters, was questioned by MPs. She told the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs Committee that civil servants needed to spend some time 'in the lambing shed' to understand farming more fully, and that farmers also needed to understand more about Whitehall culture.England's Farm Business Survey figures for 2024-25 showed that incomes increased by 49% on average across all farm types. Business consultant, James Webster-Rusk, explains that the headline figure conceals difficult times for arable farmers, and that diversification as well as environment scheme payments are the difference between profit and loss for many farms.And...feeding livestock in winter, a new crop to cut costs on a Welsh dairy farm, the impact of drought in Herefordshire, organic farmers grappling with updated rules, and we jump into the lorry of a hay merchant delivering to the Isle of Lewis.Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Sarah Swadling

12/29/25: Josh Boschee is filling in for Joel Heitkamp on this snowy Monday, and is joined by the newly-elected North Dakota Farmers Union President, Matt Perdue. He farms with his family near Ray, N.D., where they raise spring wheat, durum, canola, lentils and soybeans, and he previously worked at NDFU and National Farmers Union. Josh asks him about his goals for 2026, the soybean crisis, and more. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Batters Review into Farm Profitability in England was finally published this week. It was put together by Baroness Batters, former president of the National Farmers Union. More than 150 pages long, it has 57 recommendations for the government: it calls for a National Plan for farming, and a New Deal for profitable farming that recognises the true cost of producing food and delivering for the environment. We look at the issue of supermarkets using veg like carrots and potatoes as loss leaders in their stores. Some are selling packs for as little as 5p for 2kg. We hear from the Fresh Food Editor of The Grocer magazine who says it's all about getting shoppers through the door, but can ultimately devalue food. All this week on our sister programme Farming Today we've been looking at the rural heritage buildings that make up our countryside, from barns to country houses. Today we hear from students learning heritage construction skills, a church in need of renovation, and historic mill stones.And we're at a livestock market carol service, where a silver brass band replaces sheep and cattle in the stalls.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Sally Challoner.

More reports are surfacing that a rising percentage of ag lenders appear not to be renewing some farm loans for 2026. Rob Larew, the president of the National Farmers Union, discusses the details. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the Farmer's Bridge Assistance program and the $11 billion it's bringing to farms, there's still no Farm Bill. Bob Bosold talks about the agenda yet to be tackled on farm policy with Rod Larew, President of the National Farmers Union. Larew was in Wisconsin for the 95th annual meeting of the WI Farmers Union. He says that while farms are grateful for the financial assistance, they'd rather get their "check" from the world marketplace. Larew says the battle doesn't end with tariffs. He says it's also about the concentration that's happened in the food processing and agribusiness sector as a whole. He says they're still pushing for a Farm Bill, but recognize with the divisiveness in D.C. and elections ahead, getting it over the goal line may be difficult. Warmer weather today will transition to windy and wet as the day unfolds. Stu Muck says that temperatures will also start slipping once we reach the weekend. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group highlights some upcoming Wisconsin auctions currently on their website. It includes an equipment dispersal at Delong Company in Clinton and a land sale coming up near Columbus. Paid for by Steffes Group. Wisconsin dairy producers aren't happy with their milk checks, but they should be happy with how consumption of dairy products has continued to grow. USDA released numbers from 2024 that highlighted butter consumption breaking all records and cottage cheese enjoying an increase in buyers. Pam Jahnke recaps some of the information. The holiday season is the number one spot in a calendar year for prime rib sales. Angie Horkan with the WI Beef Council says that even with higher prices, consumers are buying ribs. She also offers some cost saving recipes available at beeftips.com. Paid for by Equity Livestock Cooperative Sales Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/16/25: Matt Perdue, a farmer from Ray, was elected President of North Dakota Farmers Union this past weekend. He is just the tenth person to hold that leadership position and the youngest at 33 years of age. He previously worked at North Dakota Farmers Union and National Farmers Union. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Stranz, Vice President of Advocacy for the National Farmers Union, discusses the challenges of hiring farm labor. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First: A conversation with National Farmers Union's Mike Stranz – about the state of the U.S. agriculture industry, including the impact of the Trump tariffs and the recently announced aid package to farmers. Then: Career Education Colleges and Universities President & CEO Jason Altmire discusses a new poll that examines Americans' declining attitudes on the value of a four-year college degree, and educational alternatives to it. And finally: Author, law professor, and ABC News legal contributor Kim Wehle discusses the use of executive power by the Trump Administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12/12/25: Joel Heitkamp brought "News and Views" to Bismarck, ND for the North Dakota Farmers Union State Convention. He's joined by both the National Farmers Union President, Rob Larew, and the North Dakota Farmers Union President, Mark Watne. They talk about what the organization does on a national level, current ag issues, and dig into Mark's 12-year tenure as President of NDFU. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to rethink the farm safety net. That’s the conclusion of Mike Stranz, vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Stranz, Vice President of Advocacy for the National Farmers Union, says ag labor reform is more important now than ever.

Headlines on today's episode include:-Northwestern Illinois farmer says harvest beat drought expectations-Applications are open for second round of USDA's Supplemental Disaster Relief Program-China's incremental soybean buys have kept pressure off of infrastructure-U.S. trade probe could reopen lost ethanol market in China-Koch agronomist says tighter margins make nutrient management essential in 2026Plus, Kellan Heavican interviews Rob Larew from the National Farmers Union.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting off with an extension of the Farm Bill, part of what President Trump signed into law to end the government shutdown. The bill extended the Farm Bill from 2018 for another year. The American Farm Bureau and the National Farmers Union are expressing hope that Congress will focus on policies and not politics. Next, the focus is on Thanksgiving with rising costs of turkeys, and raising questions if the bird flu has anything to do with increased prices. Then, Doug breaks down the COOL Bill — Country of Origin Labelling. It's alarming that most consumers don't know where their food, especially meat, is coming from. All the more reason for consumers to connect more with their local farmers to know from where their meet comes, how it's raised, the processing semantics, and if any antibiotics or other chemicals are being used. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines a recent post from Trump to his Truth Social account about asking the Department of Justice to begin an investigation into the meat packing companies that are driving up the price of beef.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Today's phone-in: Our thrifting experts share their top tips on shopping second-hand and vintage this Christmas. And off the top, the National Farmers Union shares their proposal for ensuring farmers a guaranteed annual income of at least $50,000.

Mike Stranz, the vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union, shares the group’s perspective on the issue. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's announced the number of agricultural seasonal workers visas allowed for the UK for next year. 41,000 visas will be made available for horticulture and 1,900 for poultry. It's slightly lower than the current allowance, but the National Farmers Union has welcomed the announcement, saying it has been made in good time, so farms can organise recruitment ahead of next year's harvest. However the NFU says if the horticulture sector is to grow, it will need more workers in the future - and it is still waiting for details of a five-year plan from the government.All this week, we are talking about seeds. Today we visit a seed merchant who specialises in grass and wildflower mixes for environmental schemes. We hear how the business is affected by checks at the EU border and uncertainty over agri-environment schemes.How can farms stay profitable? And if the answer is by providing something other than food, what are the implications for domestic food production? After warnings that UK food production could drop by almost a third by 2050, we speak to a farmer who's moved away from growing fruit and cereals to diversify into a range of businesses to keep the farm afloat.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

The National Farmers Union continues to focus on key policy priorities, including the urgent need for a new farm bill. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transportation of this fall's harvest faces some new challenges with market reconfiguration. Ben Jarboe talks with Dean Beaver, grain merchandiser in southern Wisconsin, who says the international market glitches have changed the prices available to farmers. That means that some are opting to store on farm, or in off-farm storage. Beaver sales available capacity is going to be tight. He also says monitoring water levels on the Mississippi is important, and watching basis price opportunities also plays a role.A little rain in this week's forecast, but temperatures will stay above average. Stu Muck spells out what he thinks we'll be working with.Approximately 40 million people could be facing food insecurity by the end of the week if Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits go away. In Wisconsin that program's called FoodShare. It too will end on 10/31. The Wisconsin Farmers Union, in cooperation with National Farmers Union and Farmers Union Enterprises, donated 35,000 pounds of pork to the Eastern Wisconsin Food Pantry in Appleton last week. Darren VonRuden, WFU President, tells Kiley Allan why they want to focus attention on the precarious situation many households face without this program.With USDA Farm Service Agency offices open, dairy producers might want to consider signing up for the relatively new Dairy Beef Risk Insurance program. Katie Burgess, dairy analyst with EverAg explains why that component of overall farm revenue is so key right now.With the threat of some big increases on fees levied against the states livestock marketing system, WI Assembly Representative, Travis Tranel, is trying to do what he can to head off the adjustments. He visits with Stephanie Hoff about the feedback he's gotten from the industry and farmers that will be impacted. He said although his hands may be tied as far as regulatory oversight, he can still implore DATCP to reconsider and deploy whatever legislative tools he's got to adjust the process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union and Jed Bower, President of the National Corn Growers Association discuss the economic challenges facing the nation's farming community and appeal to both the legislature and the administration to get back to work and take action. 

President Trump today threatened to pull financial support for Argentina's economy and continued tariff and trade threats with China. The National Farmers Union today appealed to the White House and Congress to approve assistance for farmers. JBS USA plans a new processing plant in Iowa. 

401 Exploring Our Identities   It can be daunting to explore outside of your comfort zone, it is vital to your growth. Whether that be leaving your hometown or simply stepping into a new field, we must challenge ourselves to unlock our true potential.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Degn discuss how important it is to spread your own wings and to travel outside of your comfort zone and to find who you are through your own skills and knowledge.    Highlights Leaving home behind to pursue your dreams. It's never too late to try and to explore. Learning and growing as an individual to in turn help your community.   Quotes “You can come back, just the reminder that yes you absolutely should go experience something beyond your small town.” “You just need to find the new opportunities and things that are missing.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Sarah and I spoke for nearly an hour about what it's like to explore our identities through our youth and maybe come back home, and find out what life is like and how our identities can be shaped by our environments and by the things that we think are important. We talked about what it's like to travel and tell people our story so that they uncover their own stories and that they can understand truly what the rest of the world could look like. It was full of inspiration and ideas and now I want to know, what will you do with this? What was one thing that stood out in this conversation? I'd love to hear from you.    And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sarah Degn Sarah is a fourth generation farmer near Sidney, MT. With her family, she raises 800 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat. She's represents NE Montana of the Farmers Union Board of directors. Be sure to check out Sarah's LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as The Montana Farmers Union, and The National Farmers Union!   About Sarah Elkins "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

The National Farmers Union says Canadians are upset about higher grocery bills, but farmers' incomes have not kept up with inflation. The NFU points out that revenues for retail grocery companies have increased despite a decrease in the volume of food purchased by Canadians. We speak with James Hannay, policy analyst at the NFU.

Mark Watne, North Dakota Farmers Union President, was one of the individuals who attended the fly-in. Watne discusses key points North Dakota producers voiced in Washington D.C.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As President Trump arrives for his State Visit, farmers and milk processors are warning that allowing US dairy producers access to our markets could potentially threaten the financial viability of the UK industry. The National Farmers Union's Dairy Board Chair says the US dairy industry has made no secret of its ambitions to break into the lucrative UK market and has exportable surplus to spare. The NFU and Dairy UK have written to the Prime Minister, demanding that food and animal welfare standards are a red line in future negotiations. We continue our look at services in rural areas with a visit to a voluntary organisation connecting people to health and social care provision in the Highlands, as well as combatting loneliness. We hear from the Nuffield Trust about the extra cost challenges for health providers in rural areas.Presenter: Anna Hill Producer: Sarah Swadling

Calls from farmers and the agriculture industry for financial assistance and a new farm bill are growing louder from across the country. Nearly 300 members of the National Farmers Union are in Washington meeting with legislators. Rob Larew says farm program supports need to be evaluated. 

Could a tough autumn lie ahead for UK arable farmers after 3 difficult years in a row? Sliding prices, difficult weather conditions, and a range of pressures have led to low confidence. The National Farmers Union's Combinable Crops Board chair tells us he's heard from once forward-looking farmers now considering their exit strategy. One factor causing concern is the Government's decision last week not to put forward a rescue package for the UK bioethanol, green fuel, industry. Also in the programme, how freezing trees could make it possible to plant in Summer and we begin a week long look at the UK salad industry.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Sarah Swadling

The National Farmers Union says the fight over inheritance tax on farms is not over, despite the publication of draft legislation which shows that the government isn't backing down. Campaigners against the re-impostion of the tax, which will be levied at 20 per cent on assets over a million pounds from April next year had hoped that the government would, at least, change aspects of the policy. The Government argues that its a fair tax which the majority of farm businesses either won't be liable for, or can plan for. A record breaking wet winter has been followed by a record breaking dry spring and early summer in many parts of the UK - with three heatwaves thrown in for good measure. So managing water has become a huge challenge for farmers, which we're exploring all this week on the programme. And, traditional Eel fishermen on Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland have said they're cancelling their season, and one of the factors they blame is water pollution. It comes as the Northern Ireland Executive has proposed more stringent measures to reduce run off from farms, which are strongly opposed by the Ulster Farmers Union.Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Sarah Swadling

National Farmers Union has endorsed the Farmers First Act, a bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes and increases funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new strategy for tackling rural crime across Wales will offer greater protection for people and wildlife in the countryside, according to the Welsh government. Priority areas include tackling damage to ancient monuments, or heritage crime, and attacks on livestock, with new awareness courses for animal owners. A new ban on the use of lead in ammunition has been announced by the UK government, in a bid to stop the toxic metal contaminating fields and waterways. Shot containing more than 1% lead and bullets with a lead content of more than 3% are to be prohibited. It's a long-awaited move that ministers say will protect iconic wildlife and improve water quality. There'll be a three year transition period, but conservation groups say they'd like to see it introduced straight away.All week we're taking a deep dive into the UK's shellfish industry. Almost 90% of the mussels produced in Scotland are grown in Shetland.  We visit a farm which produces 1000 tonnes a year on long ropes dotted on 24 sites around the islands.  Should British farms and supermarkets have to pay the travel and visa costs of seasonal staff? The idea's been suggested as a way of protecting workers travelling to the UK to pick fruit and vegetables, some of whom are taking out loans to get here, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The Employer Pays Principle feasibility study, jointly commissioned by the government and the Seasonal Worker Taskforce, looked into the idea which has support from some retailers and recruitment agencies. The National Farmers Union however, has concerns about the challenges growers would face if forced to cover these additional costs, from job cuts to reduced production. Presenter = Steffan Messenger Producer = Rebecca Rooney

On Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg, Dani speaks with Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union. They talk about the uncertainty farmers are experiencing in the face of changing weather patterns and policies from the Trump-Vance Administration, why cuts to foreign aid affect American food producers, and how recent legislation is pitting farm and nutrition priorities against one another. Plus, hear about the dietary recommendations contained in the recent report from the Make America Healthy Again Commission, the cancellation of projects from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will impact childhood nutrition and access to education in low-income countries, and a new rule that can protect New Mexico's food and farm workers from extreme heat.  While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.