Podcasts about nfu

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is concerned about a policy rider attached to legislation that could undermine the enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

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.

In a letter recently sent to the US Senate, the National Farmers Union highlights significant challenges in the farm economy, such as high input costs, low commodity prices, market volatility, trade uncertainties, and rising farm exits and bankruptcies.

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.

This week, farmers report delays receiving payments from soil carbon scheme Agreena – with some growers saying they are owed thousands of pounds. We examine the latest Farm Assurance Review and ask whether Red Tractor and other schemes can deliver fairer treatment for UK grain producers facing competition from unassured imports. We review Harvest, the new book by former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters. And we visit the Green Farm Collective’s Soil to Slice conference in Harrogate, where farmers, millers, wholesalers and bakers are working together to build more value into regenerative supply chains. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and headlines00:51 Agreena payment delays spark farmer frustration09:40 Farm Assurance Review – what happens next?19:56 Minette Batters’ new book Harvest25:29 Sugar beet with a clover understorey28:33 Rural crime falls by 21%33:53 Markets: lamb breaks £9/kg, diesel dips below £1/litre36:48 Soil to Slice: building value through regenerative supply chains47:15 Podcast wrap-up Guests * George Dunn, Chief Executive, Tenant Farmers Association* Michael Kavanagh, Green Farm Collective* Verity Megginson, Yorkshire regenerative farmer* Natalia Spinetto, Director of Impact & Strategy, Collective Food* George Herbert, Hobbs House Bakery Useful links * Agreena* Tenant Farmers Association* Red Tractor Assurance* Green Farm Collective* Collectiv Food* Hobbs House Bakery 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.

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.

The cost of growing our food is still higher than before the conflict in the Middle East. To counteract some of that, the government's laid out a "Great British Savings" bonanza aimed at making life a little less expensive for everyone. There'll be cuts to tariffs on more than 100 food imports sold in supermarkets and fuel duty on red diesel will be reduced by a third. We visit a strawberry grower in Kent to find out how they're coping with rising costs.A new trade deal has been announced with a group of six states in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. It'll remove export tariffs and open the door to market expansion. We speak to the International Chamber of Commerce and the NFU for their reaction. The Climate Change Committee has published a new report about the consequences of a 2% rise in global temperatures and what the UK needs to do about it. We ask what it means for farmers.A fifth of the Duchy of Cornwall's property, owned by the Prince of Wales, could be sold in the next 10 years to help invest £500m into tackling housing and nature crises. The Duchy has a large number of tenant farmers and is introducing a new tenancy agreement, which concentrates on regenerative farming. All week we're celebrating British flowers. We visit a commercial grower in Norfolk which grows 35 million tulips every year and supplies most of the UK's leading supermarkets. It's invested five million pounds in new technology so it can stay competitive and compete with imported blooms. We also visit a flower grower who is trying to connect local producers and florists.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

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.

This week, food and environmental groups call for a ban on pre-harvest glyphosate use. We look at the alternatives – and whether this could be the thin end of the wedge. We also hear why farm leaders are pushing back against proposals to extend environmental permitting to beef and dairy farms. Plus, has the beef bubble burst? AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke explains why cattle prices have eased – and Hugh Broom looks at what could happen next. And finally, we visit Whins Farm in Cumbria, where the Addington Fund is offering a rare starter farm tenancy for a new entrant. In this episode:0:00 Pre-harvest glyphosate: should it be banned?11:02 Environmental permitting for beef and dairy20:23 Farm update, silage and maize drilling22:51 Women in Agriculture Awards24:08 Beef prices: has the market turned?34:10 Markets with Hugh Broom36:05 Starter farm tenancy at Whins Farm, Cumbria This week’s guests:Martin Lines, Nature Friendly Farming NetworkPaul Tompkins, NFU deputy presidentHannah Clarke, AHDB lead analystSimon Mountjoy, Addington Fund Useful links:Women in Agriculture NetworkAddington Fund Whins Farm tenancy detailsGSC Grays tenancy application detailsFarmers Weekly markets data This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130/ 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. We'd love to hear from you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The use of the herbicide glyphosate has been long debated, and it's going to come under intense scrutiny in the coming months.  This summer, the Health and Safety Executive will launch a two-month public consultation on whether approval for the use of glyphosates should be renewed. In the EU, a decision was made in 2023 to renew glyphosate approval for 10 years, though with restrictions on how it can be used to dry off crops before harvesting. Here, the NFU and other farming organisations support the continued use of glyphosate-based weedkillers – including as a pre-harvest desiccant in cereals and oilseed rape. They say it reduces the need for other herbicides, helps protect soil, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for ploughing. However the Soil Association, along with a number of other environmental groups, are launching a petition calling for glyphosate to be banned as a pre-harvest desiccant.The sounds of the countryside can be every bit as evocative as its sights - the dawn chorus, or the burbling of a stream can conjure up a mood, or a special place. So this week on Farming Today we're exploring the landscape of the UK through sound. One soil scientist is using microphones to eavesdrop on life below the surface, especially earthworms. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

In episode 294 of the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle welcome new NFU Dairy Board Chair Ian Harvey and Vice Chair Rob Davies, alongside regular contributor Chris Walkland for the latest milk market report. The discussion kicks off with an overview of the recent changes within the NFU Dairy Board and the pressing priorities that lie ahead for dairy farmers. Ian and Rob outline key issues such as permitting challenges, water availability and the ongoing impact of geopolitical events on the dairy sector. They delve into the complexities of FDOM (The Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations), the importance of farmer engagement in the NFU's permitting survey and the critical need for health and safety awareness within the industry. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Today I had Andrew on the R2Kast

The American Farm Bureau is backing a new agreement between the USDA and Dept of the Interior aimed at improving grazing access on public lands, and NFU is accepting applications for its Beginning Farmer Institute, a FREE ten-week online program designed to strengthen farm and ranch businesses.

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.

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 (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.

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.

Farmers Guardian's news and business team reflect on the NFU Conference, from Emma Reynolds speech, more clarity on the Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme, Tom Bradshaw's re-election to farmer views on the NFU and DefraMessage us

The Environment Secretary has revealed more details of the rebooted Sustainable Farming Incentive in England, at the National Farmers Union Conference. It'll include an annual cap of £100,000 and fewer options. Smaller farms of between 3 and 50 hectares will be able to apply in June, as will larger farms who haven't previously been signed up to one of the Environment Land Management schemes. Everyone else will be able to apply in September. The President of the NFU, Tom Bradshaw, told the conference that that a failure to build farming resilience would put food security, and national security at risk. Some of the delegates reflect on resilience and confidence in their own businesses: we hear from a pig farmer, wheat and potato grower, and a young dairy farmer. Presenter: Anna Hill Producer: Sarah Swadling

Pea bruchid beetle was detected for the first time in peas harvested in the UK in 2025. The AIC, BSPB, NFU and PGRO are working together to identify mitigations and minimise the risk of spread from the two sites in Landbeach, Cambridgeshire and Stubton, Lincolnshire.Having been confirmed post-harvest on both sites, the crops were removed and fumigated. However, due to the risk of mature beetles overwintering in the local area we have identified the need to establish a voluntary restriction zone within which we ask that growers abstain from planting pea crops in 2026.In the intermediary, establishment of catch crops and ongoing monitoring will be undertaken at the sites for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. The two confirmed findings have raised concern within the sector, presenting challenges not only to crop integrity and yield, but also to the continued confidence of our domestic and international trading partners. If unmanaged, these issues could have detrimental consequences for market access, supply chain stability, and the reputation of the UK pulse industry.To access the full PGRO guidance, please visit Pea Bruchid (Bruchus pisorum) | PGRO

In this episode, questions are raised over agriculture's Net Zero ambition after the NFU makes two climate change experts redundant. With cereal margins under pressure, can independent agronomists help make arable farming profitable again? Farm leader Tom Bradshaw faces a leadership challenge from NFU deputy president David Exwood: we preview next month's union elections. And we examine the prospects for the farmland market in 2026. A reminder that the deadline to enter the Women in Agriculture Awards is 30 January 2026. Join the Women in Agriculture Network by downloading the StayPost app for iOS or Android. 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.

Today on the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series I had the pleasure of chatting with Tom Bradshaw

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at the 2026 Oxford Farming Conference. Recorded in front of a live audience on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is:- Tom Bradshaw, NFU president- Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid- and South Pembrokeshire- Kelly Hewson-Fisher, head of rural research, Savills- Peter Craven, head of agriculture, Natural England- Emma White, FairShare & The Felix Project This Farmers Weekly Question Time is sponsored by Savills. Farmers Weekly Question Time is hosted, edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To attend or sponsor future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ 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.

The Farmers Guardian news team reports from the Oxford and Oxford Real Farming Conferences and we hear from NFU president Tom Bradshaw as he reflects on the events of his two-year tenure.Message us

In this special episode, we examine what the government's partial U-turn on inheritance tax means for your farm business. It follows the Treasury decision to water down plans to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1m. In a major concession the government has announced that it is increasing the threshold for inheritance tax on farm assets from £1m to £2.5m. We look at how the decision came about, what it means for family farms and where the sector goes from here. With special guests: NFU president Tom Bradshaw; Country Land & Business Association external affairs director Jonathan Roberts; and Sam Kirkham, partner at accountants Albert Goodman. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow Hugh (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly 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.

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

In this episode, experts voice concern at a get-out clause in government plans for a £500m Landscape Recovery scheme for farmers. We look at the opportunities for growers and livestock producers from Defra's Environmental Improvement Plan – and ask: is it fatally flawed? How much risk should you accept when chasing high yields? We get to grips with the new recommended list for cereals and oilseeds. African swine fever reaches Spain: we examine the impact on UK pig producers. And should we be more optimistic about agriculture? We speak to former NFU president Sir Peter Kendall and "Cheerful" Charlie Ireland, star of Clarkson's Farm. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast was recorded live on Thursday 4 December 2025 at the Ceres Rural Agri-Strategy Conference in Cambridgeshire. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly 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.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) held its annual convention in Moncton, New Brunswick, last month where delegates from across the country gathered, debating and adopting policy resolutions. Among the items that drew national attention this year was a proposal supporting the exploration of a guaranteed annual income for farmers. NFU vice president of policy Phil... Read More

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 NFU has something to say about the rumblings of importing beef from Argentina to help with high beef prices in the US, but is that the answer? With so many dairy producers embarking on the dairy on beef program, dairymen have a bigger dog in the hunt than ever before.

Headlines on today's episode include:-Trump says U.S. could import beef from Argentina, industry says not so fast-NFU says Argentina bailout sends mixed signals to farmers-Craig concerned USDA layoffs make U.S. more susceptible to foreign animal disease-New study shows year-end farmer assistance could misrepresent overall crop losses-Fall fertilizer uptick expectedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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

Ali Capper is in partnership at Stocks Farm, Suckley, Worcestershire UK with her husband Richard and his father Mark, the Cappers specialise in growing hops and apples. They farm dessert & cider apples and hops. Stocks Farm is a 200 year old hop and fruit farm on the glorious Herefordshire/Worcestershire border. It has been farmed by the Capper family since 1962, and is proud to be growing Award Winning British Hops and Apples in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Ali is a Director of the Oxford Farming Conference and she is Chairman of the NFU's National Horticulture & Potatoes Board, British Apples & Pears and Wye Hops. Her Nuffield Scholarship in 2014 focused on the export of great British hops, and niche apple varieties, travelling to Germany, New Zealand, Canada, USA, France, Belgium and Vietnam. For more information on Stocks Farm: https://bit.ly/4mV6XAa #agriculture #farming #apples #hops #beer #cider == We're delighted to have Gro-rite Horticulture sponsoring World Radio Gardening, find out about automatic pot watering systems available for mail order delivery: bit.ly/3wCPyHy Also, don't forget – if you like what we do, why not tip Ken and team with a coffee – Buy us a coffee (bit.ly/48RLP75) – as a thank you for the work done to bring this website to life.

In this episode, Ben Eagle is joined by David Exwood, Deputy President of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), who farms over 1,200 tenanted hectares just south of Horsham in West Sussex. David shares insights from his multi-enterprise farming business—featuring arable, beef, sheep, and a farm shop—as well as his leadership journey within the NFU.They discuss:David's farming background and philosophyHis leadership style and priorities at the NFUThe challenges facing UK agriculture, including ELMS, inheritance tax changes etcThe role of politics in shaping farming's futureOpportunities for younger farmers and the role of innovationWith candid reflections on decision-making, long-term motivation, and what he'd change with a magic wand, this episode offers a deep dive into the person behind the leadership role and the direction of British farming today.Final thoughts include messages for both the public and farmers.Photo credit: Lawrence Looi / NFU.

The UK is heavily reliant on fruit and vegetables grown overseas. But a new report predicts that, by 2050, around half of fruit and veg imports to the UK will be affected by climate change risks including rising temperatures and diminishing water supplies. Water management is such a burning topic at the moment that the NFU has just held its first Water Summit on a Yorkshire farm. And, how do you incentivise reintroduced Beavers to shape rivers the way you intend?Presenter: Anna Hill Producer: Sarah Swadling

As the NFU hosts an on-farm water summit, we find out more about an innovative project in Shropshire to manage water. It aims to prevent excess run-off from urban areas which floods farmland and destroys crops.Out and about with the Agricultural Chaplain for Suffolk who's helping farmers cope with the pressures of running a farm business. He says they're especially concerned about changes to inheritance tax reform.Scientists are working with farmers to find a high-tech way of tackling one of the most voracious pests farmers face - slugs. Traditionally, producers have used ferric phosphate pellets to kill them, or taken a more expensive but eco-friendly route, using nematodes to eat the pests. Now the British On-Farm Innovation Network or BOFIN for short, is using artificial intelligence as part of a "Slimers" project to work out where slugs are hiding. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

https://www.dairyuk.org/the-dairy-roadmap/ Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

The NFU has confirmed it sent a private letter to the Prime Minister, raising concerns over a prospective trade deal with the Gulf States. It said the deal could open the UK up to imports of low-welfare meat from the Gulf, and more importantly, many other countries around the world. Although meat from the Gulf States might come up to UK hygiene standards, some welfare groups are concerned about the conditions animals are kept in, and the intensive nature of production, especially poultry.Annual payments farmers in England receive based on the amount of land they have will be capped at just £600 next year. New details have emerged after last week's Spending Review.And there's evidence that humans have been using seaweed as a fertiliser for thousands of years. When chemical fertilisers were developed a century ago, that use of seaweed largely died out, but for some, it's making a comeback.Presented by Anna Hill Produced by Heather Simons

Our UK farming correspondent comments on the driest spring in 132 years, and NFU warns that farms face financial ruin unless the Treasury rethinks its “destructive” inheritance tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Agriculture Secretary has been in the UK to discuss trade deals with importers and exporters. Brooke Rollins said the 'historic' trade deal announced by Donald Trump and Keir Starmer would create billions of dollars in opportunity for U.S. export markets and more choice for British consumers. She also said she would like to see the UK and US more aligned on food standards regulations. We speak to the NFU for their response.All week we're taking a closer look at grassland - vital to livestock farmers for their animal feed. Improving the soil under the pasture is key and helps the farm become more sustainable by sequestering more carbon. We visit a farm in Herefordshire which has been improving soil health and bio-diversity with a system of rotational grazing.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

This week, the National Farmers Union brought farmer members from across the U.S. to Washington to amplify the need for a 5-year Farm Bill. Stephanie Hoff caught up with the President of the NFU, Rob Larew, and Wisconsin Farmers Union members. Larew says right now the volatility in the farm economy has him concerned. Larew is pushing for Congress to get a strong, five-year Farm Bill passed to provide some certainty for American farmers. This was the message echoed by Wisconsin Farmers Union. Government Relations Director Michelle Ramirez-White says the timing was perfect because Congress is marking up the Farm Bill during budget reconciliation. Rami Aburomia was among the delegation. He’s an apple grower outside of Madison. He recently joined Wisconsin Farmers Union to advocate for better safety nets for specialty crop growers. This Washington Watch news update is brought to you by the Wisconsin Soybean Association, dedicated to ensuring policies are in place for the future of soybean farmers.Chilly start to our Thursday but more sunshine on the way. Stu Muck says the northwoods may still see a little frost even into Friday.The Federal Reserve held interest rates unchanged during their May meeting. While the U.S. economy as a whole may not be in a recession, some facets of Wisconsin agriculture are already there. Sam Miller is a Principal with Fox Street Advisors in Appleton. He believes that grain markets have been in a recession for a while. He's watching the 10 year bond as an indicator of where the market's going.While tariffs are what many are focused on, Wisconsin Ag Secretary, Randy Romanski, is working on keeping relationships in place. He explains that about a year ago the state invested in bringing trade partners from Indonesia to Wisconsin. Now, they've asked Wisconsin to visit them, and Romanski did! Jan Prins from EverAg joins Pam Jahnke. Prins grew up on a family dairy in Washington state. He says the market was surprised this week with huge sales of cheese to the export market. Prins explains that right now the U.S. is at a price advantage over the EU as they wait for their milk production trend to improve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Scottish Farm Business Survey has revealed a big drop in average farm income, falling by 51% in its latest figures for 2023/4. The President of NFU Scotland, Andrew Connon, tells Caz Graham that farm profits are being squeezed by increased costs including interest rates. As talks continue to hammer out a trade agreement between the UK and the US, the President of the NFU in England, Tom Bradshaw, remains bullish that the UK Government will stand firm on food import standards. And we visit a trout farm in Wiltshire as part of a week focussing on aquaculture.Presenter: Caz Graham Producer: Sarah Swadling

The National Farmers Union says the government should use the 30-day pause on tariffs to protect Canadian farmers from the effects of U.S. tariffs on exports and retaliatory tariffs by Canada on imports. They say farmers are vulnerable because they produce for international and domestic markets - and they use imported equipment and inputs. We speak with Matthew Wiens, board member with the National Farmers Union. He farms with his family, and two other families, at Ploughshares Community Farm, near Beausejour, Manitoba.

Cela fait cinq ans que le Royaume-Uni a officiellement quitté l'Union européenne. Le 31 janvier 2020, une période de transition s'ouvrait pour faciliter le passage, mais les Britanniques n'étaient déjà plus citoyens de l'UE. En 2016, ils avaient voté en majorité pour le Brexit, et le milieu agricole comptait parmi les fervents partisans de la sortie. Cinq ans plus tard, le bilan est mitigé. Cela fait cinq ans que la cloche du Big Ben, au Parlement de Westminster, a retenti. À 23h, elle annonçait la sortie du Royaume-Uni de l'Union européenne. Cette cloche-là, c'est celle qui annonce le début des enchères aux moutons du marché de Melton Mowbray. Richard est présent ce matin, bien qu'il n'ait pas de moutons à vendre cette fois-ci. Cet éleveur apprécie l'ambiance du marché.« On nous avait dit qu'avec le Brexit, les prix allaient chuter et que l'agneau britannique n'aurait plus de demande à cause des droits de douane. Mais c'est tout le contraire. La demande est là, et aucune taxe n'a été imposée sur l'agneau britannique, pour l'instant en tout cas. La demande la plus forte vient du Moyen-Orient, d'Arabie saoudite, d'Israël et de Turquie. Hors Union européenne. Mais également plus près de nous, d'Espagne et d'Italie et de France. Et puisque ces clients avaient une relation commerciale avec nous avant le Brexit, ils continueront cette relation après le Brexit ».Un avis, qui n'est pas partagé par tousAndrew Wheeler, cultivateur de céréales à quelques kilomètres de là, a stocké toute sa récolte dans son entrepôt. Lui aussi avait voté pour la sortie de l'Union européenne en 2016. « J'ai voté en faveur du Brexit pour quitter l'UE pour un certain nombre de raisons. Mais c'est probablement mon cœur qui l'a emporté sur ma tête. L'une des raisons pour lesquelles je voterais différemment aujourd'hui, c'est que je vois que notre gouvernement ne s'intéresse pas à l'agriculture. Lorsque nous étions membres de l'Union européenne, il ne fait aucun doute que la pression exercée par les agriculteurs, surtout les français, avait de l'impact à Bruxelles. L'UE avait peur, elle a toujours peur, des agriculteurs. Ce n'est pas le cas du gouvernement britannique ».À lire aussiAu Royaume-Uni, les agriculteurs manifestent contre un projet de taxe sur la successionLe principal syndicat de fermier britannique, le NFU, tient une permanence au marché de Melton Mowbray. James Haddon, son représentant local, reçoit de nombreuses plaintes, notamment de la part des producteurs de fruits et légumes, qui peinent à recruter la main-d'œuvre saisonnière venue d'Europe de l'Est avant le Brexit.« Vous travaillez toute l'année pour avoir une récolte et vous n'êtes pas en mesure de la faire. C'est pourquoi la NFU souhaiterait un plan stratégique quinquennal pour les travailleurs saisonniers. Pour qu'ils puissent venir en nombre raisonnable, donc sans plafond arbitraire, afin que tous les aliments cultivés puissent être récoltés avec succès ».Le gouvernement travailliste, arrivé au pouvoir en juillet, veut revoir et améliorer la relation entre le Royaume-Uni et l'Union européenne. Mais il reste catégorique : un retour à la liberté de mouvement est exclu.À écouter aussiLes défis du Royaume-Uni, cinq ans après le Brexit

The dispute over the proposed inheritance tax on farms continues, with the UK's farming unions planning what they call a "Day of Unity" to demonstrate their opposition to the plans. Meanwhile, the supermarkets have added their voice to the argument, with many big players asking the Government to reconsider the tax. DEFRA Secretary, Steve Reed, argues "stable finances are the foundation of the economic growth needed" and has outlined a "new deal for farmers" that would help them become more profitable.Farmers will not be allowed to use neonicotinoid pesticides on sugar beet crops this year, after an application for emergency use was turned down by the Government for the first time. Environmental groups have welcomed the decision, but the NFU says it could leave farmers unable to protect their sugar beet crops from virus yellows - a disease spread by aphids.The UK is launching a Grain Verification Scheme to help identify grain that's been stolen from occupied areas of Ukraine. It uses chemical analysis to determine where grain was grown and a specialist database.And we go out with a second generation sheep scanner, and discover the key to successful scanning isn't just sophisticated equipment - you also need spray paint, a sturdy notepad and a lot of teamwork!Presented by Caz Graham Produce by Heather Simons

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast, which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Guy Smith. Guy speaks about his experience farming on the Essex coast, which boasts the driest spot in the British Isles, with less than 20 inches of rain annually. He discusses the challenges of farming under such dry conditions and the unique weather patterns of the region. ☀️Guy also reflects on his time as deputy president of the NFU, where he worked with farmers across various landscapes, from rough grazing to arable farming. He describes the complexities of representing such diverse farming systems and how issues like black grass and evolving weather patterns have influenced the sector.