The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Farmers Weekly
  • 4.3 (7)
  • Business News
  • Updated Biweekly

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

  1. 4d ago

    Autumn drilling gamble, fertiliser warning, sugar beet drought, Brazilian beef imports, and firearms licensing

    In this episode, how much rain is enough to start drilling after one of the driest summers in recent memory? We look at autumn crop establishment as growers weigh up whether to put oilseed rape and other crops into exceptionally dry soils – or wait for more meaningful rainfall. We assess the prospects for the coming sugar beet harvest after drought, heat and pest pressure take their toll on crops. And farm leaders call for tougher controls on Brazilian beef and imported eggs as questions mount over whether food coming into Britain meets the same standards expected of UK producers. Meanwhile, fertiliser suppliers urge growers to start talking about next season’s requirements as geopolitical disruption threatens to disrupt another buying season. And finally, a police watchdog says firearms licensing in England and Wales is “not fit for purpose”. What would a new national licensing authority mean for the thousands of farmers and other rural businesses that rely on shotguns and firearms for their work? This episode is brought to you by KWS – seeding the future since 1856. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:53 – How much rain is enough to drill oilseed rape?02:24 – How late is too late for oilseed rape?03:21 – Drilling into exceptionally dry seed-beds04:01 – Should growers increase seed rates?05:07 – Has this week’s rain changed anything?07:14 – Grass, cover crops and an exceptionally early maize harvest08:21 – What happened to cabbage stem flea beetle?09:24 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS11:45 – How badly has drought hit sugar beet?14:02 – Beet armyworm adds to pest pressure15:01 – Building more resilient sugar beet crops16:05 – Can plant breeding deliver drought tolerance?16:52 – What are growers expecting from harvest?19:29 – A difficult lifting campaign ahead?20:49 – Calls to stop Brazilian beef imports21:11 – Imported eggs and the salmonella outbreak22:53 – Farmers urged to plan fertiliser requirements early24:17 – Geopolitics puts fertiliser supply chains under pressure25:01 – But what about farm cash flow?26:17 – Can the supply chain cope with another late rush?28:59 – Markets update29:20 – Firearms licensing ‘not fit for purpose’30:25 – Farmers’ experience of firearms licensing31:26 – Would a national firearms authority work better?32:18 – Closing remarks Guests Jock Willmott – partner and agronomist, Ceres Rural Matt Bull – product manager, KWS Dr Georgina Barratt – head of crop production, British Beet Research Organisation Harriet Trewin – head of fertiliser, Agricultural Industries Confederation Lee Freeman – HM inspector of constabulary Useful links ⁠Ceres Rural⁠British Beet Research Organisation⁠Agricultural Industries ConfederationLatest UKHSA salmonella outbreak updateGovernment firearms licensing guidance This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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.

  2. Aug 22

    Drought crisis loans, does regen farming stack up?, bluetongue vaccination, & China food security

    Could government-backed crisis loans help cash-strapped farmers recover from drought and keep Britain producing food? This week, we examine industry proposals for a Keep Britain Growing Loan – an interest-free, government-backed scheme planned for farmers. With the bluetongue outbreak continuing to spread northwards, we hear why livestock producers are being urged to vaccinate susceptible cattle and sheep as soon as possible. We look at China’s drive for greater food self-sufficiency and what it could mean for global agricultural markets. And a new report called From Risk to Reward examines the financial cost of switching to regenerative farming. If farmers lose money during the transition, should food companies and the wider supply chain shoulder more of the risk? This episode is brought to you by Bayer CropScience - weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction01:02 – Could crisis loans keep farmers farming?04:30 – Would the loans make a difference?09:46 – Autumn Drilling Update with Bayer Cropscience11:44 – Bluetongue spreads further across Britain17:05 – Is it too late to vaccinate?17:57 – Preparing for bluetongue in 202723:34 – Harvest, autumn cultivations and SFI27:07 – China targets greater food self-sufficiency30:06 – Markets33:16 – Who pays for regenerative farming?39:02 – Should food companies share the risk? Guests Alex Godfrey – Lincolnshire farmer and chairman, GB PotatoesRachel Banks – technical manager, Bayer CropscienceClaire Wise – acting national livestock chair, NFUMandy Nevel – head of animal health, AHDBJoe Stanley – head of sustainable farming, Allerton Project Useful Links Keep Britain Growing LoanBluetongue – latest situationBayer weed management adviceRegenerative agriculture and NestléAllerton ProjectFrom Risk to Reward This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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.

  3. Aug 15

    £65m drought aid, autumn drilling, livestock forage, firefighting farmers & fundraising for mental health

    In this episode, Defra unveils a £65m package to help drought-hit farmers – we examine how it could help your farm business. We also look at whether growers should start drilling winter crops into exceptionally dry soils – and assess the worsening forage situation for cattle and sheep. Elsewhere, farmers in South Wales help firefighters tackle wildfires, grain markets respond to renewed turmoil in the Black Sea, And three veteran kayakers take to the rivers of East Anglia to raise money for rural mental health charity YANA (You Are Not Alone). This episode is brought to you by plant breeder KWS. Guests Ian Gould – Independent farm adviser John Cousins – Weed scientist, ADAS Andrew Jones – Independent dairy and beef nutritionist Brian Bowen – South Wales farmer Henry Kilvert – Norfolk farmer and YANA supporter Chapters 00:00 – Defra unveils £65m drought package01:52 – SFI flexibility in extreme drought06:33 – What does the £65m package actually offer?10:40 – Extra grazing for livestock farmers13:07 – Can farmers rely on SFI long term?15:51 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS18:04 – When should growers start autumn drilling?23:17 – Blackgrass, herbicides and dry seedbeds26:06 – Should growers risk drilling oilseed rape?28:37 – Livestock forage crisis deepens29:57 – Drought threatens fertility and production32:18 – Sheep, forage and winter feed stocks5:23 – Listener feedback and farming resilience36:34 – Farmers battle South Wales wildfires39:29 – Grain prices react to Black Sea attacks40:26 – This week’s farmgate prices42:56 – Three old men in boats44:37 – Tackling loneliness in farming Usel links Government £65m drought support announcement: Sustainable Farming Incentive: Environment Agency drought and water resources information AHDB harvest progress AHDB drought, feed and fodder advice ADAS YANA – rural mental health support This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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.

    £65m drought aid, autumn drilling, livestock forage, firefighting farmers & fundraising for mental health

  4. Aug 11

    Drought crisis, grain marketing, farm welfare grants, & 150 years of Aberdeen Angus cattle

    As drought conditions worsen across England, MPs demand urgent government action to safeguard water supplies for food production. South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough says farmers need more flexible abstraction licences, simpler rules for building reservoirs and adequate support. We examine Defra’s new £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant and ask whether improving personal resilience can help farmers navigate increasingly volatile weather, markets and government policy. Meanwhile, grain marketing consultant Richard Whitlock warns growers to carry out due diligence when selling grain as profitability among merchants comes under pressure. And we celebrate 150 volumes of the Aberdeen Angus Herd Book – and ask how genetics and data could shape the breed’s next 150 years. Guests * Ben Goldsborough – Labour MP for South Norfolk* Samantha “Sammy” Seaman – farm leadership, mindset and resilience coach* Richard Whitlock – grain marketing consultant* Robert Gilchrist – chief executive, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Chapters 00:55 – Farmers demand their fair share of water01:25 – Ben Goldsborough: “Drier than Jerusalem”02:28 – Abstraction licences and regulation03:16 – Food security versus data centres03:48 – What farmers can do05:35 – Is Defra listening?08:17 – What help do drought-hit farms need?10:57 – A climate “doom loop”?14:37 – Bayer Autumn Drilling Update16:55 – £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant17:20 – Samantha Seaman on handling pressure20:01 – Building resilient farm businesses23:25 – Can farmers bounce back?26:31 – Bluetongue situation worsens30:57 – Sustainable Farming Incentive update32:27 – Harvest quality surprises34:47 – Be careful who buys your grain36:47 – Checking your grain buyer38:30 – Commodity markets41:27 – Aberdeen Angus at 15042:29 – Why Aberdeen Angus endures43:17 – Genetics, DNA and lower emissions49:30 – Closing remarks Useful links - Rural Payments Agency extreme weather guidance- Defra Farmer Welfare Grant- Samantha Seaman Coaching- Richard Whitlock – grain merchant analysis- Bayer Crop Science weed management- Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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.

    Drought crisis, grain marketing, farm welfare grants, & 150 years of Aberdeen Angus cattle

  5. Jul 31

    Bluetongue surge, harvest yields explained, and wildlife-friendly farming

    Sheep farmers are being urged to consider vaccination as a surge in bluetongue cases causes serious losses across south-west England. We have the latest on the worsening outbreak, the risks associated with livestock movements and whether vaccination makes financial sense. We also examine the impact of extreme heat and drought on this year’s harvest. Soil scientist Danni Robb explains why high temperatures can damage grain yields, how warmer nights affect crops and what growers can do to improve resilience. Plus, we discuss forage shortages, chickpea prices, straw and wool insulation, and the latest farm commodity prices. And Louise visits the winner of the 2026 Silver Lapwing Award – and sees how farming goes hand-in-hand with outstanding environmental management in Gloucestershire. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:57 – Surge in bluetongue cases hits sheep farms01:19 – Philippa Page and Phil Stocker assess the outbreak03:03 – Should farmers vaccinate before tupping?04:55 – Hugh Broom on sheep losses in south-west England07:48 – Certis Belchim message: managing take-all in cereal crops09:29 – Heat, drought and poor harvest yields11:06 – How warm nights affect wheat yields12:16 – Which crops have performed better?13:28 – Varieties, soil health and climate resilience24:11 – Podcast updates and listener feedback25:40 – Chickpea prices and imported competition27:03 – Warning over adding moisture to stored grain27:38 – The environmental impact of free-range eggs31:09 – Hugh tries British wool insulation33:06 – This week’s farm commodity prices35:24 – Frampton Court Estate wins the Silver Lapwing Award36:05 – Peter Clifford on agroforestry and farm partnerships37:35 – Funding environmental work in the future42:07 – Closing remarks Guests * Philippa Page, president, Sheep Veterinary Society* Phil Stocker, chief executive, National Sheep Association* Dani Robb, soil scientist, Ceres Research* Peter Clifford, Frampton Court Estate Useful links * Bluetongue guidance* Bluetongue vaccination guidance* National Sheep Association* Sheep Veterinary Society* British Society of Soil Science* Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group* Silver Lapwing Award* Frampton Court Estate This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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.

  6. Jul 24

    Angela Eagle returns to Defra, Welsh farm funding, sugar beet factory closure, David Barton tribute, & combine harvester fires

    What does Dame Angela Eagle’s appointment as Defra secretary mean for UK agriculture? This week, we examine the new secretary of state’s priorities, political influence and ability to secure the long-term budgets farmers say they need. We also hear from NFU Sugar chairman Kit Papworth following British Sugar’s proposal to stop processing beet at its Cantley factory in Norfolk. At the Royal Welsh Show, farmers respond to a three-year, £340m-a-year funding settlement for the Sustainable Farming Scheme. We pay tribute to NFU livestock board chairman David Barton, hear how the drought is affecting harvest and examine rising farmgate prices. And during Farm Safety Week, combine fire survivor Andrew Williamson explains why machinery can be replaced—but people cannot. This episode is brought to you by seed breeder KWS. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:51 – What will Angela Eagle mean for farming?05:58 – A farmer-friendly appointment at Defra?07:37 – Cantley sugar factory faces closure12:30 – Can Britain rebuild its rural economy?18:21 – Imported cane sugar versus home-grown beet23:09 – Welsh farmers receive funding certainty27:48 – Has Wales found a better approach?33:45 – Remembering David Barton36:41 – Harvest and drought update38:52 – Abby’s new investigative role40:03 – Farm markets42:38 – Combine fires and Farm Safety Week46:02 – Why farm safety is not improving Special Guests: Dame Angela Eagle – secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairsKit Papworth – Norfolk sugar beet grower and chairman of the NFU Sugar BoardAndrew Williamson – farmer and vice-chairman of the NFU Combinable Crops Board The episode is presented by Johann Tasker, Abi Kay, Hugh Broom and Anne Dunn. Useful links ⁠British Sugar’s announcement on the proposed Cantley closure ⁠NFU Sugar: Growers need certainty following Cantley proposal ⁠Welsh Government: £1bn multi-year funding commitment ⁠NFU Cymru response to the funding settlement ⁠Farm Safety Foundation – Yellow Wellies ⁠Farm Safety Week 2026 ⁠Farmers Weekly: Level the Field – physical health in farming ⁠KWS UK Email the podcast team at podcast@fwi.co.uk. Listeners in the UK can text FARM, followed by their message, to 88440. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Jul 18

    What to expect from Andy Burnham's government, no murder charge over farm shooting, & UK chickpea challenge

    What does an Andy Burnham government mean for UK agriculture? This week, Westminster watcher Jeremy Moody examines the new prime minister’s farming credentials – and whether a land value tax could hit agricultural businesses. We also examine the law on defending yourself and your property after prosecutors decide that a Derbyshire farmer who fatally shot an intruder will face no criminal charges. Agricultural solicitor Aled Owen explains when force may be considered necessary and reasonable—and why picking up a firearm should always be a last resort. Elsewhere, we bring you the latest harvest results, advice on handling exceptionally dry oilseed rape, this week’s livestock and arable prices, and an unusual field fire started by a buzzard. And finally, could chickpeas become a profitable, climate-resilient break crop for UK growers? Louise Impey visits field-scale trials in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to find out. This episode is brought to you by plant breeder KWS. Special Guests Jeremy Moody – secretary and adviser, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers Matt Bull – product manager, KWS Aled Owen – agricultural solicitor and partner, HCR Law David White – Cambridgeshire arable farmer and chickpea trial grower Josiah Meldrum – Hodmedod’s Wholefoods Chapters 00:55 What does an Andy Burnham government mean for agriculture?04:51 Could farmers face a land value tax?08:45 Will rural Britain be heard?11:47 Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS15:15 Farmer faces no charges over fatal shooting15:52 What does the law allow householders to do?19:44 Advice for farmers facing an intruder26:10 Harvest results: wheat, barley, beans and oilseed rape28:02 Adding moisture to very dry oilseed rape29:23 Buzzard blamed for standing-crop fire30:48 Church rejects blanket rewilding target31:41 Environment Agency farm inspection findings33:04 Should rural speed limits fall to 20mph?35:31 Market update38:11 Could chickpeas become a UK break crop?45:18 Closing remarks Useful links ⁠Farmers Weekly ⁠Central Association of Agricultural Valuers ⁠HCR Law agricultural regulatory team ⁠Crown Prosecution Service guidance on self-defence and crime prevention ⁠AHDB grain-storage moisture targets United Oilseeds ⁠NIAB: UK chickpea production research ⁠Hodmedod’s Farmers Weekly market prices This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Abi Kay, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130 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.

  8. Jul 10

    Heatwave harvest grain-washing alert, Farming Roadmap 'waffle', Scottish agriculture, & Erling Haaland backs British farmers

    A third summer heatwave is creating difficult harvesting conditions, with shrivelled grain, variable cereal yields and combines being forced to operate early in the morning or late at night. We examine warnings against “grain washing” - adding water to very dry harvested grain before it goes into store - and consider the risks of hot spots, mould and contamination. Elsewhere, MPs challenge Defra over whether its new 25-year farming roadmap contains enough detail, investment and ambition to improve profitability and food security. And finally, Norwegian football star Erling Haaland explains why he buys raw milk, beef and honey from a Cheshire farm. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim. Special Guests: * Amy Caitlin, AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds team* Alistair Carmichael MP, Efra committee chairman* Emma Reynolds MP, Defra secretary* Erling Haaland, Manchester City and Norway footballer* Helen Southworth, Cheshire dairy farmer, Greenoaks Farm Chapters 00:59 Heatwave harvest challenges01:27 Warning over grain washing02:34 Early harvest results04:09 Should growers add moisture?07:17 Silage and maize conditions09:47 Partner message: Certis Belchim11:29 Is Defra’s farming roadmap credible?11:54 Emma Reynolds challenged by MPs13:28 Alistair Carmichael interview23:32 Farming sentiment in Scotland29:07 Harvest disrupts farm plans30:14 Markets update32:07 Erling Haaland backs British farm produce33:39 The Haaland effect36:52 England versus Norway37:38 Closing remarks Useful links Farmers Weekly Podcast AHDB grain storage guide AHDB grain-cooling guidance Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future Defra Farming Roadmap summary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Food Standards Agency: raw drinking milk This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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.

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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.

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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