The Calm Before The Lambs...

Welcome to Shed TalksIn this episode of Shed Talks, hosts Luke Cox and Bizza Walters look ahead to one of the most intense periods in the farming calendar as the industry enters what many call the calm before the lambs. With early lambing already under way in parts of the country and preparations ramping up elsewhere, the episode focuses on how sheep farmers are planning, adapting and staying resilient as winter edges towards spring. The hosts also speak with Northumberland sheep farmer Rich Oglesby, who has steadily built a thriving enterprise from scratch alongside his wife, Jen. Working under a contract farming agreement, Rich manages around 1,440 Lleyn ewes and 800 ewe lambs, and brings a business‑minded approach to every part of his system.Rich reflects on what is going through farmers’ minds as lambing approaches, how he handles the practical pressures of managing a large flock in tough northern weather, and the value of business training and peer networks in shaping his decisions. He also shares advice for young entrants starting out with limited resources.In Westminster, the team provide the final round‑up of the NFU’s family farm tax campaign. They discuss the latest developments from the Liaison Committee, what had been planned for the Finance Bill, and look ahead to what challenges we may face in 2026.To close the episode, we head to Scotland for a Global Ag View with Ben Best of Dalscone Farm, who has been caring for Fiona, the ewe once known as Britain’s loneliest sheep. After being rescued from the base of a cliff near Inverness following a public campaign that drew more than 55,000 signatures, Fiona has spent the past two years recovering, socialising and settling into life among Dalscone’s 400 breeding sheep.Ben shares how Fiona adapted after her rescue, how the farm handled the huge wave of public attention, and why her story has resonated so strongly on social media. With Fiona now expecting twins in February, he talks about preparations for lambing, the work that went into restoring her health, and what her journey has meant for the farm and its followers.Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get yourpodcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.