The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Farmers Weekly
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Business News
  • Updated Weekly

The inside track on the biggest stories affecting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Every Friday.

  1. 1 day ago

    Flaming June, Farming Roadmap, bovine TB, farm machinery 10 years post- Brexit, and green award for farm estate

    This week, we examine whether the government’s long-awaited 25-year Farming Roadmap will deliver the certainty, confidence and investment farmers need. NFU president Tom Bradshaw gives his reaction to Defra’s plan, while we discuss profitability, agri-environment funding, climate resilience and the value of farming to the wider economy. We debate the impact of hot weather and this month's record-breaking temperatures on farm enterprises. We also examine Defra’s refreshed bovine TB strategy, including new testing approaches and the prospect of cattle vaccination by 2030. With the UK marking 10 years since the Brexit referendum, Cheffins chairman Bill King explains how leaving the EU has changed the trade in second-hand farm machinery. And we visit Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, winner of a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. This episode is brought to you in partnership with crop protection specialists Certis Belchim. Guest speakers * Tom Bradshaw, president, NFU* Paul Tompkins, deputy president, NFU* Josh Swain, farm animal vet, Synergy Animal Health* Bill King, chairman, Cheffins* Dr Johnny Wake, managing partner, Courteenhall Estate Chapters 00:00 Intro and headlines01:13 Defra unveils 25-year farming roadmap01:45 Tom Bradshaw on whether the roadmap goes far enough05:42 Louise and Hugh analyse the plan12:09 Certis Belchim partner message: managing take-all risk13:48 Defra refreshes bovine TB eradication strategy14:59 Josh Swain explains new TB testing technology16:30 Hugh and Louise discuss TB testing, vaccination and farm impact24:24 Hot weather, harvest prospects and climate adaptation26:30 Brexit: 10 years on for farm machinery trade27:04 Bill King on export friction after Brexit31:25 Hugh and Louise assess Brexit’s farming legacy36:45 This week’s commodity prices38:31 Courteenhall Estate wins King’s Award for sustainability42:41 Looking ahead to Groundswell Useful links * Defra farming roadmap* Defra bovine TB strategy update* Cheffins farm machinery auctions* Courteenhall Estate* King’s Awards for Enterprise* Groundswell This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min

  2. 17 June

    Verdict on SFI budget, fertiliser warning, Red Tractor responds, and Only Farmers

    Defra has finally unveiled the budget for its flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme – but is £240 million enough to meet demand from farmers? Former Natural England agriculture head Geoff Sansome gives his verdict – and explains why thousands of farmers could still be left in limbo when existing agreements expire. We also bring you an exclusive interview with new Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin, who responds to criticism of the farm assurance scheme. Just weeks into the role, Mr McLaughlin outlines plans for reform and explains how technology, AI and simpler audits could help rebuild trust with farmers. Recorded at the Cereals event at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, we discuss why this year’s show has been one of the most talked-about industry events in years. And we hear about the NFU’s call for government support to protect growers from soaring fertiliser costs. Finally, we meet the team behind Only Farmers – a new online platform designed to help farmers market products, share equipment, promote experiences and connect with customers. Guests * Geoff Sansome – former head of agriculture, Natural England* Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin* NFU president Tom Bradshaw* Lisa Hogan – co-founder, Only Farmers* Wolfe Bentinck – co-founder, Only Farmers Chapters 00:00 SFI budget finally confirmed01:45 Geoff Sansome on whether £240m is enough05:41 Industry reaction to the SFI announcement09:02 Exclusive: Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin11:36 Why assurance reform is taking so long14:05 Imports, standards and farmer frustrations16:38 Technology, AI and the future of farm assurance20:41 Panel reaction to Red Tractor’s plans24:49 Cereals 2026 from Diddly Squat Farm25:14 Has Jeremy Clarkson changed Cereals?30:51 NFU fertiliser resilience plan explained35:43 Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel38:34 Only Farmers: a new platform for agriculture41:47 Can farmers benefit from Only Farmers?43:50 Final thoughts and goodbye Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive Red Tractor National Farmers Union Cereals Event Only Farmers Natural England Farmers Weekly This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

  3. 12 June

    Cereals 2026 at Clarkson's Farm: Does it still pay to grow combinable crops?

    This live Cereals 2026 episode tackles one big question: with high input costs and mediocre grain prices will planting cereals this autumn be financially worthwhile? The discussion starts with markets and margins, including break-even wheat prices, grain carryover, milling wheat premiums and the risks of holding out for higher prices. Part Two looks at how growers can reduce risk through variety choice, BYDV resistance, hybrid wheat, yellow rust resilience and AHDB decision-support tools. Finally, we asks whether the public and politicians really understand farming — and how Clarkson’s Farm has changed the conversation about food security and farm profitability. Guests Andrew Williamson – Shropshire farmer and NFU Combinable Crops Board vice-chair Andrew Dewing – Dewing Grain chief executive and grain trader Clare Leaman – NIAB cereal variety specialist Sacha White – AHDB crop protection scientist Patrick Galbraith – Daily Telegraph rural affairs writer Charlie Ireland – Ceres Rural and adviser to Clarksons Farm George Badger – Ceres Rural and adviser to Clarksons Farm Chapters 00:00 – IntroductionLive from Cereals 2026 at Diddly Squat Farm. 01:15 – Are cereals still worth drilling?Andrew Williamson outlines the pressure on arable margins. 04:12 – Grain markets and break-even pricesAndrew Dewing assesses wheat values, cost of production and selling opportunities. 05:30 – Feed prices and livestock linksHugh Broom looks at what low grain prices mean for livestock producers. 09:04 – Fertiliser costs and possible supportThe NFU’s call for help if fertiliser prices spike. 11:44 – Feed wheat, milling wheat and riskLouise Impey and the panel discuss whether milling wheat still stacks up. 16:37 – Grain marketing strategyWhen should growers lock in prices for harvest 2026 and 2027? 19:20 – Growing a cost-effective cropClaire Lehman and Sasha White join the discussion. 20:10 – BYDV-resistant varietiesWhy barley is moving faster than wheat on BYDV tolerance. 21:30 – Hybrid wheatCould new hybrid wheat varieties change the market? 23:13 – Yellow rust resistanceHow breeders are responding to resistance breakdowns. 24:24 – AHDB’s new BYDV toolSasha White explains how the tool can help growers decide whether spraying is worthwhile. 28:28 – Decision support and SFI toolsHow AHDB is helping growers weigh up complex agronomic and business choices. 32:04 – Resilience over yieldWhy variety choice is increasingly about consistency and risk management. 34:45 – Does the public understand farming?Patrick Galbraith, Charlie Ireland and George Badger join the final panel. 35:52 – Telling farming stories in national mediaHow farming issues are explained to non-farming audiences. 37:17 – Behind the scenes at Diddly SquatWhat Clarkson’s Farm gets right about farming life. 42:27 – Food security and public awarenessWhy the link between shoppers and producers remains fragile. 44:32 – Reasons for optimismMixed farming, SFI, land opportunities and long-term business thinking. 49:09 – How farming is perceivedPatrick Galbraith on public sympathy, politics and why farming should keep pushing its case. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    52 min

  4. 5 June

    Relaunched SFI - what it means for you, High Court and abattoirs, Red Tractor, and Open Farm Sunday

    This week, Defra confirms England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive will reopen for applications on 30 June – but only for some farmers, and with questions over budget. Farm business adviser Katie Hilton explains the key changes in SFI 26, including land use caps, no-till rules and revised payment rates. We also examine a High Court ruling which could mean lower meat inspection charges for abattoirs, processors and livestock producers. And royal recognition for Open Farm Sunday which celebrates its 20th anniversary – we find out why even small events can help reconnect the public with farming. Podcast guests: * Katie Hilton, director, Cheffins* John Royle, NFU chief livestock policy adviser* Rachel Risdon, Devon farmer and Open Farm Sunday host Chapters 00:53 – Sustainable Farming Incentive12:59 – High Court ruling on meat inspection charges17:18 – Why small abattoirs matter to livestock farmers24:19 – Listener feedback on Red Tractor reform27:32 – Farmers Weekly Podcast Live at Cereals30:23 – Sainsbury’s white eggs and trailer safety33:53 – Market prices36:16 – Open Farm Sunday celebrates 20 years40:23 – Why public engagement matters43:11 – Closing remarks Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive guidance Cheffins National Farmers Union Association of Independent Meat Suppliers British Meat Processors Association Food Standards Agency Open Farm Sunday LEAF Tilly Pass trailer safety Farmers Weekly stage at Cereals This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min

  5. 29 May

    Carbon cash delays, farm assurance frustration, Minette Batters book, & the rise of regenerative supply chains

    This week, farmers report delays receiving payments from soil carbon scheme Agreena – with some growers saying they are owed thousands of pounds. We examine the latest Farm Assurance Review and ask whether Red Tractor and other schemes can deliver fairer treatment for UK grain producers facing competition from unassured imports. We review Harvest, the new book by former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters. And we visit the Green Farm Collective’s Soil to Slice conference in Harrogate, where farmers, millers, wholesalers and bakers are working together to build more value into regenerative supply chains. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and headlines00:51 Agreena payment delays spark farmer frustration09:40 Farm Assurance Review – what happens next?19:56 Minette Batters’ new book Harvest25:29 Sugar beet with a clover understorey28:33 Rural crime falls by 21%33:53 Markets: lamb breaks £9/kg, diesel dips below £1/litre36:48 Soil to Slice: building value through regenerative supply chains47:15 Podcast wrap-up Guests * George Dunn, Chief Executive, Tenant Farmers Association* Michael Kavanagh, Green Farm Collective* Verity Megginson, Yorkshire regenerative farmer* Natalia Spinetto, Director of Impact & Strategy, Collective Food* George Herbert, Hobbs House Bakery Useful links * Agreena* Tenant Farmers Association* Red Tractor Assurance* Green Farm Collective* Collectiv Food* Hobbs House Bakery This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    48 min

  6. 25 May

    Hare-coursing clampdown, tariffs cut on food imports, Beef Expo, & fertiliser from thin air

    This week, police pledge tougher action on hare coursing after an Essex farmer suffers almost 200 incidents in eight months. The government unveils plans to slash tariffs on 100 food items imported into the UK. We examine the impact of food price controls on UK farmers. Beef sector leaders call for fairer pricing as the market eases ahead of the Beef Expo industry showcase at Melton Mowbray livestock market. And we meet the farmer testing “firewater” – a Defra-funded ADOPT project aiming to make nitrogen from air, water and electricity. Guests Tom Bradshaw – NFU presidentNeil Shand – chief executive, National Beef AssociationHugh Brown – chief executive, Gillstream Markets / Melton Mowbray MarketMatthew Register – Essex farmerRobyn Munton – NFU vice-presidentTim Ellis – farmer involved in the Firewater ADOPT project Chapters 01:04 – Food tariffs and price caps01:43 – Tom Bradshaw warning03:24 – Food import controls analysed14:36 – Beef market analysis27:30 – Hare-coursing crackdown30:34 – Red diesel thefts and fuel duty34:30 – Markets update36:46 – Fertiliser from air and water Useful links Targeted food tariff cuts NFU update on hare-coursing sentencing guidelines  NBA Beef Expo 2026  Adopt Project on firewater Farmers Weekly Market Prices This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

  7. 15 May

    Fuel and fertiliser fears deepen, Dyson’s farm future, pig markets, & a royal farming honour

    Fuel shortages triggered by the Iran conflict could leave crops rotting in fields this harvest unless food production is prioritised. We hear from CAAV adviser Jeremy Moody, who warns that red diesel availability is now an immediate concern for arable farmers, with further uncertainty for autumn planting. We also visit Dyson Farming’s new research centre in Lincolnshire, where managing director Daniel Cross explains how the business hopes to transform British agriculture. At the Pig and Poultry Fair, Pig World editor Alistair Driver reports on mixed market sentiment, falling pig prices and concern over Morrisons giving notice to some British pig suppliers. Plus, Hugh Broom rounds up the markets, Louise Impey reflects on glyphosate; and the Princess Royal receives for Farmers Club Cup for her long-standing support for UK agriculture. In this episode:00:00 Fuel shortages threaten harvest14:41 Dyson Farming’s research centre30:05 Weather, silage, maize and glyphosate35:08 Pig and Poultry Fair market mood39:23 Hugh’s market report42:11 Princess Royal receives Farmers Club Cup This week’s guests:Jeremy Moody, Central Association of Agricultural ValuersDaniel Cross, Dyson FarmingAlistair Driver, Pig WorldChris Riddle, The Farmers Club Useful links:House of Commons Efra CommitteeDyson Farming ResearchBritish Pig & Poultry FairFarmers Weekly markets data This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min

  8. 8 May

    Glyphosate ban - would it work? Licences for dairy and livestock farmers, beef price wobble and starter farm tenancy

    This week, food and environmental groups call for a ban on pre-harvest glyphosate use. We look at the alternatives – and whether this could be the thin end of the wedge. We also hear why farm leaders are pushing back against proposals to extend environmental permitting to beef and dairy farms. Plus, has the beef bubble burst? AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke explains why cattle prices have eased – and Hugh Broom looks at what could happen next. And finally, we visit Whins Farm in Cumbria, where the Addington Fund is offering a rare starter farm tenancy for a new entrant. In this episode:0:00 Pre-harvest glyphosate: should it be banned?11:02 Environmental permitting for beef and dairy20:23 Farm update, silage and maize drilling22:51 Women in Agriculture Awards24:08 Beef prices: has the market turned?34:10 Markets with Hugh Broom36:05 Starter farm tenancy at Whins Farm, Cumbria This week’s guests:Martin Lines, Nature Friendly Farming NetworkPaul Tompkins, NFU deputy presidentHannah Clarke, AHDB lead analystSimon Mountjoy, Addington Fund Useful links:Women in Agriculture NetworkAddington Fund Whins Farm tenancy detailsGSC Grays tenancy application detailsFarmers Weekly markets data This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The inside track on the biggest stories affecting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Every Friday.

Information

  • Creator
    Farmers Weekly
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2026 © 2025 The Farmers Weekly Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Farmers Weekly Podcast

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