The Farmers Guardian Podcast

With Scottish agriculture at a pivotal point, farmers John McCulloch, David Barron and Kirsten Williams discussed the challenges and opportunities for Scotland's farming sector with Farmers Guardian at the Royal Highland Show.Message us

The latest Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions have arrived, bringing fresh opportunities for farmers, but also plenty of questions.In this episode, we sit down with Megan Whatty, Hutchinsons environmental specialist, to unpack the latest developments, explore what has changed, and discuss what the new actions could mean for farm businesses across the country. With funding levels lower than many in the industry had hoped, we take an honest look at where the real opportunities lie, which actions may offer the greatest value, and what farmers should consider as they plan for the future. Whether you're already participating in environmental schemes or are considering your options for the first time, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions for your business. SpeakersAsh Ellwood - Farmers Guardian head of arableMegan Whatty - Hutchinsons environmental specialistMessage us

Following another fantastic Royal Highland Show, Farmers Guardian takes a look at the highs, the topics of conversation and the challenges facing the farming industry in Scotland, with the First Minister committed to price caps on essential food items and fears over the future of the pig sector.Message us

In this special episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, FG's news and business team discuss the Prime Minister's resignation, the impact on agriculture and the prospects of Andy Burnham as the next resident of Number 10.Message us

The FG team reflects on the main action from this year’s event held at Diddly Squat including budget announcements, celebrity sightings and some encouraging slug statistics.Message us

With a cattle TB vaccine targeted by 2030 as the Government aims to eradicate bTB by 2038, Farmers Guardian livestock specialist Ellie Layton hosted a debate at the Royal Cornwall Show.Farmers and experts debated the next steps for bTB control in England. Guests included beef farmer Paul Westaway, who farms in a high-risk area in Gloucestershire and is a member of the Bovine TB Partnership; Alan Carter, Cornwall dairy farmer and Farmers Guardian columnist and Ed Simmons, veterinary surgeon, British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA). Message us

In this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, deputy editor Alex Black and head of news and business Jane Thynne discuss the return of Clarkson's Farm for its fifth series on Prime Video.The news and business team take a look at the key themes of the series, from Jeremy Clarkson’s health to the changes to Inheritance Tax and the ups and downs of the farming year, and whether the popular series is still worth a watch.Message us

Farming accounts for around 20% of UK workplace deaths despite making up just 1% of the workforce. In the first episode of our FarmersAid series, in partnership with RABI, Professor Stuart Maitland-Knibb explains why the first few minutes after a serious farm accident are where survival is decided, why fear can stop people from acting, and how the new FarmersAid app is designed to change that.To learn more or download the app, visit www.farmersaid.org.ukMessage us

Jeff and Katie Aiken join Farmers Guardian’s Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder for the latest episode of For Flock’s Sake.Known throughout the sheep world for their success with the renowned Procters Texel flock, the Aiken family have experienced both the highs of pedigree sheep breeding and the challenge of starting again.In this episode, Jeff and Katie discuss growing up in livestock, life on the show circuit, the family dynamic behind their success and rebuilding at Ainstable Hall with the Coniston flock following the dispersal of Procters.For Flock’s Sake is Farmers Guardian’s monthly special podcast series shining a spotlight on young farmers, new entrants and showcasing real farming stories to inspire the next generation of British agriculture.Message us

For years, many growers questioned whether oilseed rape still had a future in UK arable rotations. Pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle, difficult establishment seasons and rising input costs pushed confidence in the crop to some of its lowest levels in decades.But after two stronger seasons, sentiment is beginning to shift.So why is oilseed rape making a comeback on some farms? What are successful growers doing differently? And can OSR once again become a reliable and profitable break crop in modern arable rotations?In this episode, we’re joined by Nigel Padbury from Premium Crops and Dorset farm manager Tom Baker to discuss the latest thinking around OSR establishment, varietal choice, cabbage stem flea beetle management, crop nutrition and rotational strategy.Message us

The Farmers' Choir stormed through Britain's Got Talent semi-finals at weekend, soaring in to the final as possible winners.With the whole of the UK's farming community behind them, the choir hope to spotlight some of the main issues facing agriculture, such as mental health and isolation. The choir was originally set up by Jeremy Clarkson to promote his Hawkstone beer and cider business, but its members found it was a way to get people off the farm.In this special podcast, Katie Fallon speaks to Katryna and Ben from the choir to find out more.Message us

In the wake of the elections in Wales and Scotland, and the uncertainty over the future of Sir Keir Starmer, Alex Black and Jane Thynne discuss the latest changes in politics and what it means for the agriculture sector.Message us

What does a career in agriculture look like in 2026? On this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, students and staff from Myerscough College discuss modern farming careers, college life, the changes in the industry over the recent decades and the opportunities available across the agricultural sector.A massive thanks to David, Rachael, Molly and Josh for their time and to Myerscough College for hosting usTo learn more about the college, and the courses they offer, visit https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/Message us

Livestock auction marts are a vital cog in keeping the rural community turning, with around 130 active auction marts scattered across the UK. Nowhere is this more evident than in Northumberland, the least densely populated county in England.  In this episode of For Flock’s Sake, the Farmers Guardian podcast championing young voices in farming, hosts Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder sit down with auctioneers Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood from Hexham and Northern Marts in Northumberland.  From breaking into the auctioneering world to building trust and transparency in the ring, Drew and Harrison share their journeys and insights into the job and discuss how marts are evolving, reinvesting, diversifying, and adapting to secure their future, much like the farming businesses they serve.  Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at [email protected] Message us

Join us for our second arable special where Farmers Guardian head of arable, Ash Ellwood, visits Duchy of Cornwall's Focus Farmers, Heather and Paul Gorringe. Together, they explore the Gorringes' journey from a conventionally plough-based system to a biologically focused, regenerative system - and lessons they are learning along the way through the Focus Farmer programme. The Duchy of Cornwall’s regenerative ambitions are brought to life through its seven ‘Focus Farms’, each representing a different landscape and farming system across the estate. The initiative is designed to fast-track progress towards net zero while building a more nature-rich farming future, by trialling innovative practices and technologies. At Lower Blakemere Farm, the Gorringes are putting these ideas into action - experimenting with biological inputs, composting systems, nutrient-rich brews, and adapting small-scale regenerative principles for large-scale arable production. From Stabiliser cattle and mini trucks to bokashi composting, this episode is packed with practical insights and ideas for every kind of farmer. Find out more:https://www.lowerblakemerefarm.co.ukhttps://www.ukminitrucks.co.ukhttps://www.wigglywigglers.co.ukMessage us