28. Foot and Mouth - The Aftermath No One Talks About (Part 2)

Put your thoughts into the mixIn Part 2 of our Foot and Mouth series, we move beyond the initial outbreak and into the harsh reality of what it took to bring it under control — and the lasting impact it had far beyond the farm gate.This is the side of the story that is rarely spoken about.We hear from a slaughterman working at the very front line of the response — confronting the scale, intensity, and emotional weight of the job day after day. Alongside this, we explore how the outbreak rippled through the wider rural economy, from farming families outside infected zones to local businesses, communities, and industries brought to a standstill.Foot and Mouth didn’t just affect those who lost livestock — it reshaped entire rural landscapes, both economically and emotionally.Like Part 1, this episode gives space to those who experienced it first-hand, in their own words — because these are stories that deserve to be heard in full.In the 2026 spin-off Dutton Ranch, Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler begin rebuilding their lives and cattle operation in Texas. A major storyline involves a devastating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in their herd. After discovering that an infected bull was purchased using forged health records, the disease spreads through the cattle, forcing the ranch to euthanize and bury the entire herd to prevent further contamination. The event is portrayed as both an economic disaster and an emotional loss for Beth and Rip, who view the cattle as the foundation of their new ranching future.Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, including references to animal culling and suicide. Some listeners may find this distressing.If you’ve been following this series, thank you — and if you haven’t yet, we recommend listening to Part 1 first for the full context.Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it!@wilsonandashley@rebeccawilsonfarming@charlotteashleyfarmPowered by Ridgeline ClothingWhilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.