How a Farm Magazine Came to Life - with Mike Donovan

Today we’re in Wales highlighting a farming publication that has been in circulation for over 30 years. Ben is joined by publisher and former dairy farmer Mike Donovan, who may be better known as the editor and founder of Practical Farm Ideas Magazine. The magazine is published four times a year and features leading edge innovations developed by farmers and engineers which can be used as inspiration for its farmer readers. Mike launched the magazine in 1992 and since then he has covered everything from min till to biogas plants, sexed semen to robotic milking and mobile handling to implement innovations, often long before these became at all mainstream on farms. Mike started his career as an editor at The Economist Intelligence Unit before moving on to the Financial Times. He had a farm upbringing however and did a degree in Agricultural Economics, so farming was never far from his life and interests. In the late 70s he and his wife left their home in London for West Wales where he became a dairy farmer, and this is where his real interest in practical and machinery innovations was kickstarted. The rest they say is history. Since February 2017 he has also been the editor of Direct Driller Magazine. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here A-Plan Rural InsuranceThis episode is sponsored by our primary sponsor A Plan Rural.  Show ReferencesImage credit: Mike Donovan