The Farmers Guide Podcast

Farmers Guide
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The future of farming is here - and it's in your pocket. Tune in to The Farmers Guide Podcast for expert insights, real-world stories, and the latest trends shaping British agriculture. Whether you're in the cab, walking the fields, or grabbing a quick break (as if!), our new podcast will be your companion. Easy to listen to, packed with useful content, and designed with the realities of busy farming lives in mind. Episodes will deliver straight-talking interviews, technical deep-dives, seasonal updates, and no-nonsense news roundups - all from the trusted team behind Farmers Guide magazine. Hosted by machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and livestock editor and deputy editor Sarah Kidby, the podcast brings together voices from across the farming industry.

Episodes

  1. FEB 4

    IHT Shock for Farmers? 2025 Update & What’s Coming in 2026

    As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the farming year covering the range of challenges farmers have faced, including inheritance tax, dealership closures and consolidation, rising input costs as well as some of the positives. We also take a look at what it means moving into 2026.  Plus breaking news on the Inheritance tax changes!

    28 min

  2. FEB 4

    Will Inheritance Tax Break Up Family Farms? | James Cartlidge MP

    Concerns over inheritance tax, rising input costs, and food security are dominating conversations across UK farming. We sat down with South Suffolk MP and Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge to ask the questions farmers are asking — including whether current tax proposals risk breaking up viable family farms, how rising costs are affecting profitability, and what meaningful engagement with government should look like. This interview puts farming at the centre of the political debate. Thank you to Tees Law for sponsoring this episode. https://bit.ly/TeesLawAgri

    21 min

  3. FEB 4

    Listen To This Before You Step Into The Yard: Farm Safety

    Farming remains one of the most dangerous professions in the UK, and the risks haven’t gone away. In this episode of the Farmers Guide Podcast, Daniel and Sarah talk honestly about farm safety, why serious accidents and fatalities still happen, and what farmers can realistically do to reduce risk on their own farms. In the most recent reporting year, 23 farm workers lost their lives in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain — a sobering statistic that underlines why this conversation still matters. We discuss: Why farming accounts for a disproportionate number of workplace fatalities The most common causes of farm accidents — machinery, livestock, vehicles and falls How time pressure, fatigue and lone working increase risk Practical safety improvements that don’t require major investment Where technology and innovation can genuinely improve safety Why culture and behaviour matter just as much as equipment This episode isn’t about blame or box-ticking. It’s about recognising familiar situations where something finally goes wrong — and how small changes can make a real difference. Listen now — and consider one thing you could change on your farm this week. Thank you to Tees Law for sponsoring this episode.

    18 min

  4. FEB 4

    The Budget Just Changed Farming – Here’s What You Need to Know

    Shortly after Rachel Reeves announced her Autumn Budget, released on the 26th November, Farmers Guide deputy editor Sarah Kidby sat down with Chris Annis, group chief commercial officer at Affinia. Chris shares his expert insights on what this year’s Budget means for farmers, and some first steps you can take to mitigate the changes to inheritance tax. For professional advice, you can get in touch with Chris’ team at: https://www.affinia.co.uk Affinia is an accountancy and business advisory firm helping individuals and organisations make better financial decisions with confidence. With local offices in Suffolk and Essex, the firm has seen incredible growth over the last 18 months and now has 16 offices through the East, London and South East.   From everyday accounting to long-term strategic planning, their team is dedicated to understanding your goals and supporting you with proactive advice that truly adds value. Discover how Affinia can support you and your business at affinia.co.uk.   For anyone struggling with the emotional toll of the government’s IHT policy, you can reach out for help from a number of rural and mental health charities: Farming Community Network: https://fcn.org.uk RABI: https://rabi.org.uk RSABI (Scotland): https://www.rsabi.org.uk The DPJ Foundation: https://www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk Rural Support (Northern Ireland): https://www.ruralsupport.org.uk Samaritans: 116 123

    21 min

  5. FEB 4

    The day farmers shut down London: What really happened

    In this episode of the Farmers Guide Podcast, director Greg Goulding is interviewed by machinery reporter Daniel Hodge about his experiences covering the 2025 farmer protest in London. Greg was the first journalist on scene and saw everything as it unfolded, from the very first tractors to the final wind-down at the end of the day. We speak about the mood on the day, some of the factors leading to this point, how the police's response was, and much more. This is what really happened, from start to finish.

    33 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    What happened to Rea Valley Tractors?

    In this episode, we break down what happened to Rea Valley Tractors (RVT) after the company suddenly collapsed into administration in September 2025. RVT’s collapse shows how quickly even large, established dealerships can fall in today’s high-cost, low-margin machinery market. Farmers now face increasingly tough decisions about buying used vs new — and where support will come from in the long term. Using information from the official administrators' proposals, plus our first hand coverage of three major pre-sale auctions, we look at why RVT failed, what our visits revealed, and what this might mean for farmers and dealers moving into 2026.

    26 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    Agritechnica 2025 Preview

    In this episode, machinery reporter Daniel Hodge joins director Greg Goulding to look ahead to Agritechnica 2025 — the world’s largest agricultural machinery event. From Fendt’s electric tractor to John Deere’s 900hp 9RX, the pair discuss key trends shaping the show: automation, alternative fuels, connectivity, and operator comfort. Daniel shares highlights from his visits across Europe, insight into how new tech could boost farm efficiency, and a reminder to pack your comfy shoes. Presented by Farmers Guide – bringing you the latest in British agriculture, machinery, and innovation

    11 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    Mental health in challenging times

    In this episode of The Farmers Guide Podcast, machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and deputy editor Sarah Kidby explore one of the most important – and often hardest to talk about – issues in British agriculture: mental health. They hear from Alex Phillimore, Head of Communications and Development at the Farming Community Network, who outlines the complex challenges farmers are facing – from isolation and financial strain to uncertainty about the future – and explains how FCN’s volunteers are helping people find a way forward. Farmer Duncan Maclellan shares his powerful personal story of living with depression, his journey to recovery, and how speaking openly has become his way of helping others. Counsellor Sarah Worrall offers a professional perspective on the pressures of modern farming, why so many struggle to ask for help, and the importance of connection and conversation. Finally, comedian and farmer Jim Smith joins the discussion to explain how his Keep Talking tour is using humour to bring rural communities together and remind people that it’s okay not to be okay. Heartfelt, practical, and full of real-life insight, this episode shines a light on the realities of mental health in farming – and the growing network of people determined to make a difference.

    38 min

  9. 09/02/2025

    Farmers' voices: Bex Tonks of St. Ewe Eggs

    In this episode of The Farmers Guide Podcast, machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and deputy editor Sarah Kidby launch the first instalment of our new Farmers’ Voices series – one-to-one conversations with key figures shaping British agriculture. Their guest is Bex Tonks, CEO of St Ewe Free Range Eggs, whose business has grown from a family farm with 14,000 hens to a nationally recognised brand supplying major retailers and Michelin-starred restaurants – and recently secured a place on the Sunday Times 100 fastest-growing private companies list. Bex talks openly about her journey back to the family farm after a decade away, the lessons she’s learned building a business from the ground up, and the pivotal role of people, resilience, and gut instinct in shaping her company’s success. She also discusses challenges facing British farming today – from government policy to public perceptions – and why sustainability must start with farmer wellbeing as well as animal welfare and the environment. With characteristic humour and honesty, Bex shares the highs and lows of running a rapidly growing business, the importance of valuing your time, and why mistakes should be treated as lessons, not failures. Finally, she reflects on the opportunities ahead for British agriculture – from premium egg products to innovative processing facilities – and leaves a powerful message about the role farmers play as custodians of the land and the nation’s food supply. Packed with insight, inspiration, and candid reflections, this episode offers something for farmers, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about the future of British food. Sponsored by Larking Gowen.

    38 min

  10. 08/01/2025

    Harvest 2025

    In this episode of The Farmers Guide Podcast, machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and deputy editor Sarah Kidby turn their attention to the 2025 harvest - one of the earliest and most unpredictable in recent memory. With regional variation, heavy rain, and tight margins dominating the season, the team speaks with a range of guests to unpack the challenges and surprises facing arable farmers. First up, Sarah catches up with farmer and YouTuber Olly Harrison, who began combining barley in late June - the earliest start he's ever had. Olly reflects on crop performance, unpredictable weather, and the knock-on effects on yield. Next, AHDB senior analyst Olivia Bonser offers technical insights from the early official harvest report. She discusses how different soil types are affecting outcomes, explains grain quality so farm and offers advice for marketing and storage during such a variable season. Finally, they're joined by arable farmer and Hectare co-founder Andrew Huxham. Combining real-world farm experience with a commercial outlook, Andrew explores how digital grain marketing is helping farmers navigate a volatile season - and why smart, flexible selling strategies are more important than ever. Whether you're just starting harvest or already deep into it, this episode is packed with timely information, expert opinion, and grounded perspectives from the field. Sponsored by Larking Gowen.

    49 min

  11. 07/01/2025

    Farm Diversification

    In the debut episode of The Farmers Guide Podcast, machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and deputy editor Sarah Kidby explore the increasingly vital topic of farm diversification. As traditional incomes come under pressure from fluctuating prices, policy changes and volatile weather, more farmers are looking beyond the usual crops and livestock. Daniel speaks with Mark Owen-Lloyd of Photovolt Development Partners about the controversial Botley West solar project, which is said to aim to balance energy generation with continued farming. Next, Martin Fletcher of Kuboid shares how disused barns can be transformed into profitable self-storage units. Finally, farmer Ben Aveling offers a candid look at his personal journey into glamping, farm retail, and running an online meat business. The episode wraps with expert advice from Bruce Masson of Larking Gowen on planning, funding, and preparing for a successful diversification venture. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already diversifying, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and inform. Sponsored by Larking Gowen.

    37 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

The future of farming is here - and it's in your pocket. Tune in to The Farmers Guide Podcast for expert insights, real-world stories, and the latest trends shaping British agriculture. Whether you're in the cab, walking the fields, or grabbing a quick break (as if!), our new podcast will be your companion. Easy to listen to, packed with useful content, and designed with the realities of busy farming lives in mind. Episodes will deliver straight-talking interviews, technical deep-dives, seasonal updates, and no-nonsense news roundups - all from the trusted team behind Farmers Guide magazine. Hosted by machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and livestock editor and deputy editor Sarah Kidby, the podcast brings together voices from across the farming industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Farmers Guide
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Farmers Guide Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Farmers Guide Podcast

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