The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Farmers Weekly

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

  1. 2d ago

    Relaunched SFI - what it means for you, High Court and abattoirs, Red Tractor, & 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 – and 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
  2. May 31

    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
  3. May 25

    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
  4. May 15

    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
  5. May 8

    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
  6. Apr 24

    Fertiliser - best time to buy, regenerative farm tenancies, AI bird counts, & TikTok cow-huggers

    This week’s episode is brought to you with Bayer Crop Science. As fertiliser prices rise and new-season supplies tighten, we ask when farmers should buy — and whether a little-and-often approach is the best way to manage risk. We also look at a new 25-year regenerative farm business tenancy from the Duchy of Cornwall, and ask whether longer agreements could give tenants the confidence to invest for the future. Plus, TikTok cow-hugging, seeds that can “hear” rain, Welsh election pledges, this week’s markets — and how artificial intelligence is being used to count birds on farm. In this episode:0:00 Fertiliser prices and supply concerns12:38 Bayer Crop Science: Vivalis fungicide15:40 Duchy of Cornwall launches 25-year regenerative FBT26:20 Cow-hugging, rare breeds and seeds hearing rain32:25 Welsh election pledges, milk production and lab-grown meat35:50 Markets with Hugh Broom38:40 AI bird counting and biodiversity monitoring This week’s guests:Michael Pater, Origin Soil NutritionRachel Banks, Bayer Crop ScienceMatthew Morris, Duchy of CornwallGeorge Caterer, Wilder Sensing 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.

    48 min
  7. Apr 10

    Legal challenge over unauthorised Traveller sites, setting the record straight on grain prices, and farmer runs marathon for dad and Sepsis Trust

    In this episode, Travellers set up an unauthorised encampment in Hertfordshire and new planning rules face their biggest test yet. The situation has big implications for growers and livestock producers – as Louise finds out when she spoke to one local farmer affected by the development. How cereal farmers could secure a fairer share from the grain market and help mitigate the impact of rising input costs, and we’ve the latest market prices And we meet the dairy farmer raising money for the Sepsis trust – in memory of his father. Milk producer Ross Edwards, who is running the London marathon, has set up a Just Giving page so well-wishers can make a donation to the Sepsis Trust. Advice for farmers about how to reduce the risk of sepsis – and where to seek help – is available on the Sepsis Trust website. 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.

    45 min
4.3
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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

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