Wilson & Ashley

Wilson & Ashley

Unfiltered. Unexpected. Unapologetically Honest.  Welcome to The Wilson & Ashley Podcast — where no farming topic is off limits. But this isn't just a farming podcast... Broadcast from their unique mobile studio, Rebecca Wilson, a sheep and arable farmer from Yorkshire and Charlotte Ashley, a dairy farmer from Cumbria, bring you conversations around food, farming and rural life that are guaranteed to get heads turning.  Inspired by what’s trending — from recent articles to viral videos — each episode blends reality, farming, and pop culture in equal measure.  With the straight talking approach that followers have come to know and love from these two women in agriculture, conversations are honest, hilarious and real - like voice notes between two friends who aren't afraid to say what everyone else is thinking. Drawing on their own farming knowledge along with voice notes from friends, listeners of the podcast and industry experts, they're bringing a new perspective on rural life.  Whether you're a full time farmer, never set foot on a farm or fall somewhere in between, we're pleased to have you on board! Got a story, a strong opinion, or a reel we just have to talk about? Drop us a DM or a voice note — we want you to be part of the conversation! Subscribe now and let’s get into it! New episode released every other Tuesday  Follow us on social media: @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Email us: letschat@wilsonandashley.co.uk Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

  1. 5 days ago

    35. Derek vs Derek: Can Farming & Nature Really Coexist?

    Put your thoughts into the mix Can we restore nature while still producing enough food? And which Derek has the better argument? In this episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast, we’re talking about Derek vs Derek, the new documentary putting two very different visions of the British countryside head-to-head. We’ve seen the film ahead of its official UK release, so we’re giving you our thoughts after our trip to London! On one side is Derek Banbury, an intensive dairy farmer who sees food production and caring for the countryside as entirely compatible. On the other is Derek Gow, a former sheep farmer who has moved into rewilding, creating habitat and bringing species such as beavers and wild boar back to his land. We discuss the film’s central question: can we restore nature and biodiversity while still producing enough food? Did the trailer give us the wrong impression? Is the film anti-farming, a defence of farmers, or a genuinely balanced look at the debate? We also discuss Britain's nature-depletion narrative, and what we actually see on farmland — from swallows and insects to soils, watercourses and wildlife. And, most importantly… which Derek was more persuasive? Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, with Rebecca revealing her latest obsession. Watch the Derek vs Derek trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeZbO-t3rlA Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

  2. 1 Sept

    34. Misinformation in the Countryside | Are Farmers Too Defensive?

    Put your thoughts into the mix We're taking a closer look at misinformation in the countryside, how quickly assumptions about farming can spread online, and why sometimes what you think you’re seeing isn’t necessarily what’s happening. In this episode: Why do people so often form opinions about farming without knowing the full story?The assumptions people make about pesticides and plant protection productsHow many misunderstandings about farming could be cleared up with a simple conversation with a farmer?Do farmers need to be more accountable and open to questions from consumers?Is misinformation deliberately created to generate engagement and feed the social media algorithm?Do farmers sometimes contribute to the problem through out-of-context posts and deliberately provocative content?Are farmers too defensive or dismissive when people ask questions?How can farmers and the public have better conversations about agriculture?We discuss where legitimate questions end and misinformation begins — and whether farmers themselves need to do more to challenge misconceptions about modern farming. Thank you to Kirkby Tyres and BKT Tyres for keeping the wheels of farming turning.  Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

  3. 1 Sept

    33. Farm accidents, a life-saving app and Charlotte's basketball obsession

    Put your thoughts into the mix Farmers are notoriously good at saying “I’ll be fine” — but when it comes to serious injuries and accidents on farms, waiting for it to get better isn’t always an option. In this episode, we talk about farming accidents, farm safety and why farmers can be so reluctant to seek medical help, before taking a look at the new RABI Farmers Aid app, designed to help in the crucial minutes after an accident while you’re waiting for the emergency services to arrive. In this episode: Why farmers are often reluctant to call 999 or go to A&EThe culture of self-reliance and “just get on with it”Why accidents can be particularly difficult to deal with on remote farmsRABI's research into farmers' health and wellbeingThe shocking statistics around agricultural fatalities in the UKThe new RABI Farmers Aid app and how it can help in an emergencyThe importance of the “platinum ten minutes” after a serious injuryUsing What3Words to help emergency services find youAnd Charlotte reveals something she is currently obsessed with… Download the RABI Farmers Aid app and make sure you have it before you need it: https://rabi.org.uk/rabi-officially-launches-farmersaid-app-to-support-response-to-critical-on-farm-accidents/  Thank you to Kirkby Tyres and BKT Tyres for keeping the wheels of farming turning.  Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

  4. 18 Aug

    32. Why are farmers always complaining about the weather?

    Put your thoughts into the mix Almost three quarters of England is in drought at the time of recording— so what does that actually mean for farmers, food production and the price of our food? We’re talking about what we’re seeing on our own farms, from crop yields and forage to water availability, boreholes and the risk of fires, as well as some of the less obvious consequences of a dry summer, including livestock disease. But there’s a bigger question too: when there isn’t enough water, who should get it? Should farmers be allowed to abstract more water to protect crops and livestock? What about rivers, wildlife and drinking water? And why does water abstraction become such a contentious issue whenever we have a dry summer? We’re also talking about why drought is suddenly getting so much attention in the mainstream media, whether FarmTok is helping consumers understand what’s happening on farms, and what farmers actually need from Government. So… are farmers justified in complaining about the weather, or do we just need to get on with it? Plus, after last week’s verdict, The Jury’s Out returns — and Rebecca has found something she is absolutely obsessed with. Hint: it involves guinea pigs and tapirs! Thank you to BKT Tyres and Kirkby Tyres for sponsoring this podcast and keeping the wheels of farming turning. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

  5. 18 Aug

    31. You Asked, We Delivered! | We’re Going Weekly

    Put your thoughts into the mix We’re back! And after a VERY busy summer, we’ve got a lot to catch you up on. It’s been a while… and when we looked at our diaries, we genuinely don’t know how we were supposed to fit recording a podcast in as well! From weddings, Cereals at Diddly Squat Farm and Zach Bryan, to the Great Yorkshire Show, The Game Fair, Farm 24 and Meat Up — we’ve basically been here, there and everywhere. Then we’re introducing something new… The Jury’s Out. A new segment where we decide whether something is something we’re completely obsessed with or something we are absolutely, categorically over. And no, it probably won't have anything to do with farming. This week, Rebecca has had enough of those very noisy close-up eating videos on TikTok. You know the ones.  And finally, we’ve got an announcement that we know you’re going to be pretty pleased about… We’re going weekly! You asked for more episodes, so from now on you’ll be getting Wilson & Ashley every Tuesday.  It’s very good to be back. Thank you to BKT Tyres and Kirkby Tyres for sponsoring this podcast and keeping the wheels of farming turning. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

  6. 2 Jun

    30. Out of Control Rural Crime and is AI Killing Creativity?

    Put your thoughts into the mix This week on the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we tackle two issues affecting rural Britain right now: the rise of AI and concerns around the future of creativity, alongside the growing rural crime epidemic impacting farmers and countryside communities across the UK. We begin by discussing a recent video from artist and farming supporter Doodling Lucy, exploring fears that cheap reproduction content could threaten creative industries and small rural businesses. Lucy’s work has long celebrated British farming and agriculture, and we discuss why this conversation matters so much for the countryside. In this episode: Is AI destroying creativity?Can people still tell the difference between human-made art and AI-generated content?Why creativity matters to farming and rural businessesThe rise of diversification on farms through art, crafts and creative brandsThe emotional and financial impact of AI on artists and small businessesWe also dive into the rural crime epidemic, discussing:  The latest rural crime statsQuad bike thefts, GPS theft and organised countryside crimeLivestock theft and the devastating rise in dog attacks on farm animalsThe emotional toll rural crime has on farming familiesThe impact of crime on insurance premiums and day-to-day farm operationsWhether rural policing is fit for purposeThe new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) laws and what they mean for farmers and dog ownersPractical ways rural communities can improve farm securityFeaturing conversations on: AI and creative industriesBritish farming diversificationRural policing and countryside crimeLivestock worrying lawsNFU Mutual rural crime dataThe realities of life in the countrysideIf you’re interested in British farming, rural affairs, countryside issues, agriculture, creativity, rural business and current affairs, this episode is packed with honest conversation and debate. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

  7. 19 May

    29. Celebrity Farmers and Food Labelling Loopholes

    Put your thoughts into the mix We're tackling the controversial British food labelling loophole and ask whether supermarket packaging is confusing consumers — or outright misleading them. With imported food products often displaying Union Jacks, British countryside imagery and phrases like “Packed in Britain” or “Prepared in the UK”, are shoppers being led to believe they’re supporting British farmers when they may not be? We cover: What the food labelling loophole actually isWhy British flags and branding appear on imported foodThe difference between “Packed in Britain”, “Prepared in Britain” and genuinely British produceWhy British farmers are frustratedConsumer trust in UK food standards and animal welfareProposed Conservative reforms to country-of-origin labellingThen we move onto influencers and celebrities buying farms. From viral YouTubers and TikTok stars documenting their countryside moves, to celebrity farming shows like Clarkson’s Farm and Fletchers on the Farm, farming has become a social media lifestyle aspiration. But is that a good thing for agriculture? We discuss: Why influencers and celebrities are buying farmsWhether social media is glamorising farmingConcerns around animal welfare and misinformationFarming as a lifestyle brand versus food productionWhether celebrity exposure actually benefits British farmingFeaturing the below topics: Clarkson’s FarmFletchers on the FarmRural influencers and FarmTok cultureBritish food standardsUK agriculture and countryside lifeIf you care about British farming, food transparency, rural business, livestock, countryside issues and the future of agriculture, this episode is packed with honest conversation and debate. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

  8. 5 May

    28. Foot and Mouth - The Aftermath No One Talks About (Part 2)

    Put your thoughts into the mix In Part 2 of our Foot and Mouth series, we move beyond the initial outbreak and into the harsh reality of what it took to bring it under control — and the lasting impact it had far beyond the farm gate. This is the side of the story that is rarely spoken about. We hear from a slaughterman working at the very front line of the response — confronting the scale, intensity, and emotional weight of the job day after day. Alongside this, we explore how the outbreak rippled through the wider rural economy, from farming families outside infected zones to local businesses, communities, and industries brought to a standstill. Foot and Mouth didn’t just affect those who lost livestock — it reshaped entire rural landscapes, both economically and emotionally. Like Part 1, this episode gives space to those who experienced it first-hand, in their own words — because these are stories that deserve to be heard in full. In the 2026 spin-off Dutton Ranch, Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler begin rebuilding their lives and cattle operation in Texas. A major storyline involves a devastating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in their herd. After discovering that an infected bull was purchased using forged health records, the disease spreads through the cattle, forcing the ranch to euthanize and bury the entire herd to prevent further contamination. The event is portrayed as both an economic disaster and an emotional loss for Beth and Rip, who view the cattle as the foundation of their new ranching future. Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, including references to animal culling and suicide. Some listeners may find this distressing. If you’ve been following this series, thank you — and if you haven’t yet, we recommend listening to Part 1 first for the full context. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

4.7
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Unfiltered. Unexpected. Unapologetically Honest.  Welcome to The Wilson & Ashley Podcast — where no farming topic is off limits. But this isn't just a farming podcast... Broadcast from their unique mobile studio, Rebecca Wilson, a sheep and arable farmer from Yorkshire and Charlotte Ashley, a dairy farmer from Cumbria, bring you conversations around food, farming and rural life that are guaranteed to get heads turning.  Inspired by what’s trending — from recent articles to viral videos — each episode blends reality, farming, and pop culture in equal measure.  With the straight talking approach that followers have come to know and love from these two women in agriculture, conversations are honest, hilarious and real - like voice notes between two friends who aren't afraid to say what everyone else is thinking. Drawing on their own farming knowledge along with voice notes from friends, listeners of the podcast and industry experts, they're bringing a new perspective on rural life.  Whether you're a full time farmer, never set foot on a farm or fall somewhere in between, we're pleased to have you on board! Got a story, a strong opinion, or a reel we just have to talk about? Drop us a DM or a voice note — we want you to be part of the conversation! Subscribe now and let’s get into it! New episode released every other Tuesday  Follow us on social media: @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Email us: letschat@wilsonandashley.co.uk Powered by Ridgeline Clothing