In this episode, we look at the future of the UK potato sector with a special visit to the Potato Days UK event at Dyson Farming. With the crop under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, we find out how potato growers and processors are reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We discuss the role regenerative agriculture has when it comes to potato p…

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Cookstown in Northern Ireland. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: - John Gilliland, Professor of Practice in Agriculture & Sustaina…

In this episode, Queen guitarist and wildlife campaigner Brian May is under fire after calling for an end to badger culling in England. The complaints come head of a BBC TV documentary in which Sir Brian argues that badgers are wrongly blamed for spreading bovine tuberculosis. We look at why British holidaymakers have been banned from bringing back…

In this episode, we pay a special visit to the UK's biggest farmer-owned grain storage facility at the height of harvest. Camgrain stores up to 500,000 tonnes of cereals, oilseed rape and pulse crops every year on behalf of its 500 farmer-members. Camgrain's four advanced processing centres work around the clock to take in hundreds of lorry loads o…

In this episode, we get to grips with the latest Sustainable Farming Incentive – and what it means for your farm business. Scottish growers face heavy losses after virus-hit potato crops are destroyed in an effort to protect high-health status seed production. Could more winter linseed be grown as an alternative break crop? We've a harvest update a…

In this episode, the government pledges a new deal for farmers to boost confidence across the industry. We look at what the promise might mean – and what it might deliver. Lottery money for landscapes – farmers could be among the winners from a £150m heritage fund to revitalise wildlife habitats and the environment. Industry leaders highlight the i…

In this episode, farm leader Tom Bradshaw says a bigger budget is needed for British farmers to deliver food security and reach Net Zero. The NFU president wants the government to set aside £5.6bn for agriculture – more than twice the current annual amount. We visit the Royal Welsh Show where the budget for agriculture in Wales is also a hot topic …

In this episode, a young farmer tells how he is lucky to be alive after being trapped under a stack of falling bales. Christopher Rolfe was airlifted to hospital following the accident thanks to Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance. Chris told his story at the start of Farm Safety Week – the annual campaign by the Farm Safety Foundation and the Yell…

In this episode, in a special harvest preview, we look at the prospects for cereal crops as combines roll into oilseed rape. New Defra secretary Steve Reed makes his first speech to farmers at the Great Yorkshire Show. What can we expect from the new government when it comes to supply chain fairness – and will it put its money where its mouth is? M…

In this episode, after being swept to power in a landslide general election, we examine what the UK's new Labour government means for farming. We get the low-down on the policies we can expect for agriculture – and the challenges likely to be faced when funding them. We discuss the implications, opportunities and the threats – with former Defra sec…

In this episode, we join the crowds at the 2024 Groundswell event to find out how regenerative agriculture has fared in a challenging season. We ask: is regenerative agriculture really more resilient than conventional farming? We find out about the premiums available for farming regeneratively and ask whether farmers should abide by a set of standa…

In this episode, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tells Farmers Weekly he has a clear plan for UK agriculture – if the Tories win the General Election. With farm machinery becoming ever more expensive, we meet the farmer who decided to reduce costs by building his direct drill. We visit the Royal Highland Show and discuss the future for Scottish agricult…

In this episode, farm leader Tom Bradshaw calls for Covid-style business loans to help farmers ride out the impact of a challenging year. We join thousands of growers at the 2024 Cereals event in Hertfordshire – the UK's biggest two-day show for arable farmers. We get the low-down on the latest wheat and barley varieties – and ask: do they deliver …

In this episode, with an increase in dog attacks on livestock, we look at the options for farmers trying to combat a growing problem. Politicians are battling for farmers' votes in the run-up to next month's elections – so why aren't would-be MPs being clear about policies for agriculture? We preview this month's Cereals event – and look ahead to a…

In this episode, we ask is there a problem with young farmer culture? The debate follows a Farmers Weekly's investigation into the experiences of young women of sexual assault at young farmers' events. We look at why farmers could be faced with changes to the amount of muck and slurry they can spread in the autumn following a landmark legal case. W…

In this episode, we look at what the forthcoming General Election might mean for UK farmers – who is promising what and to whom. After Defra unveils its latest offer for the Sustainable Farming Incentive, we get the lowdown on the implications for your farm business. Glyphosate or ploughing – what is best for soil health? We find out at the Green F…

In this episode, we run the rule over Defra's new food security index – will it really mean a better deal for British farmers? We get the lowdown on Rishi Sunak's second Farm to Fork Summit – and ask whether the Prime Minister's garden party for food producers will achieve anything? Is it positive for pigs? An upbeat Pig and Poultry Fair suggests t…

In this episode, Defra secretary Steve Barclay promises more support for farmers following a challenging wet winter and spring. Mr Barclay made the pledge in a keynote speech at the Farmers Weekly Transition Live event in Cambridgeshire on Thursday, 9 May 2024. This episode of the Farmers Weeky Podcast was recorded on location at the event – held a…

In this episode, industry leaders voice concern after the Health and Safety Executive says it will no longer take a pro-active approach to farm safety. It's been a sticky few year's for farming’s levy board. So what's next? We meet Graham Wilkinson, the new chief executive at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. Milk prices keep clim…

In this episode, well-wishers raise more than £30,000 for a farmer who sustained life-changing injuries in an workplace accident. It comes amid pleas for growers and livestock producers to take extra care as they try to catch up on fieldwork delayed by the wet spring. If you would like to help out after hearing Tim Parton's story, you can do so by …

In this episode, we dicuss what viewers can expect from the new series of the hit TV show Clarkson's Farm. With fuel prices set to rise, we examine the prospects for red diesel. Herbal leys – are they really the simple option for livestock producers wanting easy money from the Sustainable Farming Incentive? How space food from a vertical farm in or…

In this episode, the government relaxes flood compensation rules after one of the UK's worst flood-hit farmers found himself ineligible for payment. Tenant farmers call for talks with landowners who want to take back farmland so they can claim inheritance tax relief. We've all the latest market prices – and take a special look at the record-breakin…

In this episode, beef farmers fear they could be driven out of business by government plans to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. A police investigation continues – one year after Farmers Weekly blew the whistle on a food safety scandal involving illegal meat. We’ve our regular market roundup and all the latest commodity prices. And we visit …

In this episode, farmers drive dozens of tractors through central London and call for a better deal from the Westminster government. Why won’t Defra do more to keep illegal meat imports out of the country? We’ve more on the government's decision to limit the amount of land entered into its Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme. And #AreEWEok? We spe…

In this emergency podcast, we get to grips with Defra's announcement placing restrictions on land going into the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Under the changes, SFI applicants will only be able to put 25% of their land into six SFI actions that take land out of direct food production. The announcement was made by Defra on Monday 25 March 2024 – a…

In this episode, Red Tractor Assurance abandons plans for farmers to carbon footprint their businesses under its Greener Farms Commitment. We find out what growers are doing while waiting to see if the weather will dry up in time to plant spring cereal crops. Are agronomists about to become obsolete? We discover how artificial intelligence promises…

In this episode, we find out how farmers in England are set to be the first in Europe to grow gene-edited crops. We discover how water management is helping UK farmers ride out the wet winter weather into spring. We’ve our regular market round-up – and all the latest commodity prices. And we get the low-down on new podcast by Somerset farmer and fo…

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: Climate change minister Lord Benyon Victoria Vyvyan, presi…

In this episode, we find out what the last spring budget before the general election means for your farm business. NFU president Tom Bradshaw says direct action by farmers in England isn't necessary to get their message across. We've our regular market round-up – and all the latest commodity prices. And we speak to the farmer who rowed across the A…

In this episode, farmers are taking land out of production because wet weather and rising costs mean planting crops is just too risky. We find out what they are doing instead. Protests escalate in Wales as growers and livestock producers say government policies for agriculture will destroy their livelihoods. We've our regular market round-up – and …

In this episode, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak takes to the stage at the NFU annual conference to unveil a £220m support package for farmers. The Liberal Democrats go further – promising £4.2bn for agriculture if they win the forthcoming general election. We've all the latest market prices – and we find out what the general public really think abou…

In this episode, as farmers leader Minette Batters prepares to stand down, we reflect on her time as NFU president. Essex farmer Tom Bradshaw, who is set to replace Ms Batters, asks farmers to judge the NFU on the outcome of the Red Tractor farm assurance review. We find out about how a Scottish beef producer is benefiting from focusing on good tim…

This week, thousands of farmers rally at Carmarthen livestock mart to protest against Welsh government policies for agriculture. Farmers and crofters attending the NFU Scotland annual conference in Glasgow give their thoughts on ways to secure a sustainable and profitable future. At the Base UK conference in Nottingham, USA-based soil health guru J…

In this episode, we discuss whether UK farmers should take to the streets following protests by French and German growers and livestock producers., We look at the impact of the wet weather on spring cropping decisions – and how growers might overcome a shortage of spring seed. The Welsh government is accused of pursuing an environmental policy whic…

In this episode, we find out what's hot and what's not with thousands of farmers at the LAMMA machinery show in Birmingham. Red Tractor bosses face a call to resign as growers and livestock producers say the farm assurance scheme is too onerous and delivers little benefit. We've our regular market round-up – and all the latest commodity prices. We …

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at the Great Yorkshire Showground. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: Defra minister Robbie Moore MP Sophie Thoup, head of agriculture…

In this episode, farmers clash with supermarkets over the value of assurance as the furore over the Red Tractor scheme continues. As Minette Batters prepares to step down as NFU president, we look at her likely successor – and ask why there aren't more candidates to become union leader? How can farming recruit and retain the best people? We look at…

In this episode, the government unveils a big expansion of its Sustainable Farming Incentive for England – including a 10% payment hike. But is the new scheme compatible with food production? As cross-compliance is abolished and delinked payments are introduced for English farmers, who are the winners and losers? The Oxford Farming Conference theme…

In this episode, as the farming year draws to a close , we look at the prospects for UK agriculture in 2024. Which sectors will be the winners and losers? With a general election due within the next 12 months, we get to grips with food security and the NFU's manifesto for farming. Due to come into force from April 2024, how will greenhouse gas rest…

This week, as bluetongue disease is confirmed in Norfolk, we look at what needs to be done to bring the situation under control. As more wet weather pummels the UK, we look at the options for those who won't get crops drilled this winter. We find out what revenue opportunities exist around biodiversity net gain – and the benefits it could bring to …

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. Recorded in front of a live studio audience at Builth Wells, farmers quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: NFU Cymru President Aled Jones Welsh Rivers Union founder Kim Waters Llyr Gruf…

This week, Defra secretary Steve Barclay delivers his first major speech as he gets to grips with his new job. We examine his plans for agriculture and the countryside – and take a look at Labour's promises too when it comes to farming. What's hot and what's not when it comes to seeds? We run the rule on the recommended list for cereals and oilseed…

This week, as the Chancellor unveils his latest spending plans, we find out what the Autumn Statement means for your farm business. The new president of the Country Land and Business Association pledges to get the best for rural Britain. Just how will she do it? We meet the experts working to eradicate sheep scab from a Scottish island. We've our r…

In this episode, a farmer jailed for causing damage to a protected river has defended his actions, insisting they helped prevent flooding. In an exclusive interview, John Price of Herefordshire says he has no regrets, despite serving a prison sentence after dredging the River Lugg. Just what can we expect from new Defra secretary Steve Barclay? We …

This week, will government targets to protect 30% of UK land leave enough left to maintain UK food security? We try to find out by asking the head of agriculture at Natural England, the government's landscape agency. We know agriculture is part of the problem when it comes to climate change – but how can farmers ensure it is part of the solution to…

This week, Defra secretary Therese Coffey says the government is looking at paying farmers to store flood water on their land. It follows another winter storm and widespread flooding in the south and east of the country – as well as among farming communities in Scotland. What does the future hold for egg producers? We find out as the government lau…

This week, NFU leader Minette Batters apologises to farmers upset by its handling of Red Tractor plans asking producers to demonstrate their environmental credentials. Proposals by the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Scheme will see a Greener Farm Commitment introduced next year. Mrs Batters admitts she has “made lots of mistakes” during her time as lea…

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Newcastle University. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board chairman Nicholas Saphir Libe…

In this episode, anger at the Red Tractor assurance scheme reaches a new high after it refuses to back down over plans to carbon footprint producers. Also, Welsh farmers say they will lose out after their government slashes the budget for agriculture in Wales. Should consumers pay more for food? Just one topic for discussion at our latest Farmers W…

This week, the Red Tractor farm assurance scheme is embroiled in controversy after asking farmers to measure their carbon footprint. Farmers say the scheme's plan for a 'greener farm commitment' means more expense and red tape – and the only real winners will be supermarkets. Red Tractor bosses say the alternative is even greater costs as supply ch…