NFU: Shed Talks

NFU

Welcome to Shed Talks Shed Talks takes you behind the scenes of British food and farming with honest and practical conversations, about the issues shaping the future of our industry. Each episode brings together farmers, growers, NFU experts and industry voices to share experiences, ideas and perspectives.    From national lobbying to regional priorities, and the day-to-day realities of farming life, Shed Talks looks at the challenges and opportunities that matter most to the farming industry, and how the NFU is working to make a difference.  To find out more about NFU, head to https://www.nfuonline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5d ago

    Victorious Hawkstone Choir Reveal What's Next, Plus Balancing the Books

    Welcome to NFU Shed Talks In this week's episode of NFU Shed Talks, we celebrate one of the biggest feel-good stories in recent farming history as the Hawkstone Farmers Choir reflects on its unforgettable victory on Britain's Got Talent. From raising awareness around mental health to shining a spotlight on the farming community, the choir's journey has resonated far beyond the stage. The team also takes you inside the recent Shed Talks Live event in Wiltshire, exploring the resilience, creativity and optimism driving the future of British agriculture. Through inspiring conversations with farmers embracing 'side hustle' diversifications, we hear how businesses are evolving through new ventures, community engagement and a willingness to think differently. In Westminster, the discussion turns to the policies shaping the sector, with a deep dive into proposed water legislation, the role of regional water authorities and the practical concerns farmers have around permitting, regulation and future planning. The team also unpacks the latest political developments and highlights the NFU's ongoing advocacy work on behalf of members. Whether it's a Golden Buzzer triumph, innovative diversification projects or navigating the changing political landscape, this episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience, ambition and community spirit at the heart of British farming. For more information on today’s episode and to stay up to date with all things NFU, visit NFU Online or for more information on todays guests, head to the below: The Hawkstone Farmer Choir Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehawkstonefarmerschoir/?hl=en-gb Warren Farm Somerset Website: https://www.warrenfarmsomerset.co.uk/ Instagram: @WarrenFarmSomerset TikTok: @WarrenFarmSomerset Mee Blueberries Website: https://www.meeblueberries.co.uk/ Instagram: @MeeBlueberries Facebook: @MeeBlueberries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  2. Beyond The Bouquet: Flowers from British Farms

    May 27

    Beyond The Bouquet: Flowers from British Farms

    Welcome to NFU Shed Talks In this week’s episode, hosts Naomi Williams-Roberts and Josh Redford are joined by Herefordshire flower farmer Rozanne Delamore, owner of The Ledbury Flower Farmer, to discuss her experience volunteering with Flowers from the Farm at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Rozanne reflects on speaking with the public about British-grown flowers, the importance of engaging consumers at high-profile events, and the growing support for locally grown blooms. The conversation also explores how NFU members can get involved and help champion British flowers across the sector. Shifting from flowers to technology, the episode also features Tim Gordon, co-founder of Best Practice AI, who discusses how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape the future of farming. Tim explains how AI tools can support farmers with decision-making, planning and day-to-day farm management, while also addressing concerns around data ownership, accuracy and overreliance on emerging technologies. He shares practical advice for farmers looking to make the most of AI’s potential, while stressing the importance of verifying information and using technology as a support tool rather than a replacement for experience and judgement. In the Westminster section, Scott Pepe and Joe Osborne provide an update on NFU lobbying work linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, including the news that red diesel duty will be cut by more than a third until the end of the year. They also reflect on recent political developments, including calls from some Labour MPs for the Prime Minister to step down, despite Sir Keir Starmer insisting he remains focused on leading the Government. The team also looks ahead to the next Parliamentary session following the King’s Speech, breaking down the key Bills expected to impact NFU members. As part of a new series of deep dives, the episode begins with a closer look at the European Partnership Bill and what it could mean for the farming sector. For more information on today’s episode and to stay up to date with all things NFU, visit NFU Online Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  3. In for a Peony, in for a Pound

    May 12

    In for a Peony, in for a Pound

    Welcome to NFU Shed Talks In this week’s episode, hosts Bizza Walters and Luke Cox are joined by David Wheatley, founder of Petit Peonies, and Cambridgeshire potato grower Luke Abblitt from Farmer Luke Potatoes to explore how social media and direct-to-consumer sales are helping farmers reconnect with customers and take greater control of their businesses. David shares how the disruption of Covid, combined with a devastating farm fire, forced him to rethink his business model, ultimately leading to the creation of a thriving direct-to-consumer peony business now selling around 100,000 stems every year. Inspired by David’s success, Luke explains how he adopted a similar approach with potatoes, building a loyal customer base through postal deliveries and local sales while reducing reliance on volatile wholesale markets. The conversation explores whether direct sales are becoming more than just a niche opportunity, and what this shift could mean for the long-term resilience and future of UK farming businesses. Looking beyond the UK, the episode also features Helena Lawi, Gender Specialist at Farm Africa, who discusses the organisation’s work supporting women farmers in Tanzania. Helena explains how improving access to finance, training and agricultural inputs is helping women move from subsistence farming into the cash economy through crops such as sunflower and sorghum. She also highlights why meaningful empowerment depends on involving men and wider communities in the conversation, helping to shift attitudes, support women into leadership roles and create lasting change at farm level. In the Westminster section, Neeve McGinty and Ruairi Hodges reflect on the fallout from the local elections and what the political changes could mean for rural communities and farming policy. They also break down Parliament’s prorogation ahead of the King’s Speech, the rush to pass legislation before the session ended, and two significant NFU lobbying wins linked to the Devolution Bill and the Crime and Policing Bill. Members can save up to 50% on tickets to Farm-Fest – NFUonline - log in required: https://www.nfuonline.com/account/login?returnUrl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.nfuonline.com%2fnews%2ffarm-fest-2026%2f For more information on today’s episode, head to the links below: To stay up to date with all things NFU, please head to https://www.nfuonline.com/ Petit Peonies website: https://www.petitepeonys.co.uk/ Petit Peonies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petitepeonys/ Farmer Luke Potatoes: https://farmerluke.co.uk/ Farmer Luke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmerluke.co.uk/ Farm Africa: https://www.farmafrica.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  4. Apr 29

    The Hawkstone Choir reveal their unique reaction to the Britain's Got Talent Golden Buzzer moment...

    Welcome to NFU Shed Talks With the latest developments in the Middle East continuing to impact UK farming, this episode opens with Jack Watts unpacking what it all means for farmers on the ground, right now. Hosts Jacks Weaver and Mike Greenwood-Wilkins catch up with Ellie Maguire and James Florey, two farmers who have swapped the yard for the spotlight as part of the Hawkstone Farmers Choir. From recording auditions on their phones to earning a golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent, they reflect on their journey so far, the challenge of preparing for the semi-finals with limited rehearsal time, and the reaction from the farming community. The episode also features Tom Beach, founder of Autonomous Agri Solutions and a Warwickshire-based NFU member working at the cutting edge of agricultural robotics. Tom explains how his Robotti system is already being used commercially to drill and weed crops without a tractor, and shares insights from deploying the technology across the UK and beyond. The conversation explores the gap between innovation and adoption, the commercial realities of robotics, and what still needs to change before more farmers can justify making the leap. In the Westminster section, Ruairi Hodges and Neeve McGinty discuss the NFU’s recent Food and Farming Fellowship visit to Bromstead Farm with ABP, offering insight into how the scheme is helping to connect policymakers with the realities of modern farming. They also cover the NFU’s lobbying efforts in response to the conflict in the Middle East, including key policy asks of the government as the situation continues to affect markets and input costs. Finally, they break down what prorogation means in practice following the local elections, and what members can expect next, without getting lost in procedural detail. For more information on today’s episode, head to the links below: Watch the Hawkstone Farmers Choir Golden Buzzer moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IExSagWpe0 - Hawkstone Choir clip courtesy of Britain's Got Talent/Syco Entertainment FarmFest: Members can save up to 50% on tickets to Farm-Fest – NFUonline To stay up to date with all things NFU, please head to https://www.nfuonline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  5. Apr 14

    Putting the Great into British Beef Week

    Welcome to NFU Shed Talks With Great British Beef Week just around the corner, Shed Talks takes a look beyond the farm gate and into the less visible parts of the supply chain that underpin the beef sector. Hosts Josh Redford and Naomi Williams-Roberts sit down with Dave Stringer, the Butchery Apprenticeship Trainer at Dovecote Park, which provides British beef, veal, and venison to Waitrose nationwide. Dave talks about Dovecote Park’s fully funded and bespoke training programme, designed to tackle the challenge of sourcing and retaining skilled labour in specialist areas such as butchery. He also discusses how strong uptake from women is helping to broaden participation in a part of the industry that has historically been male-dominated. The hosts also speak with Rob Lewis, a beef and sheep farmer in Wales who bought his local pub, the Triangle Inn, in 2022. Rob explains how he uses the pub as a direct route to the beef market, from rearing cattle and working with trusted local abattoirs and butchers, to serving the finished product in his pub, giving customers a clear line of sight from field to plate. Josh then connects to Sweden to speak with Jörgen Eriksson, a dairy farmer taking part in an event called Kosläpp, or ‘cow release’, in May. After videos of cows being let outside for the first time in spring went viral on social media in recent years, farmers in Sweden have started hosting events where visitors can watch their cows being released onto pasture in person, with the largest events welcoming around 10,000 people. Jörgen explains how a Kosläpp event works and why people enjoy them so much. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  6. Shed Talks...or should that be Bed Talks?

    Mar 31

    Shed Talks...or should that be Bed Talks?

    Welcome to NFU Shed Talks Shed Talks becomes Bed Talks as hosts Bizza Walters and Luke Cox sit down with Harry Thompson, head of brand development and marketing for the Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co – the first company to offer a full wool mattress that is traceable back to the farm and certified by Made in Britain. Harry reveals why the company decided to create this mattress and their relationship with the farmers who supply the wool. But before that, Bizza and Luke open by discussing the recent amendment to livestock worrying laws. They chat about the new and stronger powers the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act has given police to stamp down on the crime and the impact livestock worrying has had on farmers across the country. Farmer William Dawe joins them to share his experience of a devastating attack on his farm in Devon and his reaction to the law change. In Westminster, the team shares insights from a Core Standards Event in Parliament before moving on to discuss a Rural Funding Roundtable held in Westminster. The importance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is covered, as is the National Rural Crime Network. Finally, this section closes with an update on the NFU’s lobbying concerning the ongoing situation in Iran on behalf of members. To learn more about the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act and the NFU’s efforts to secure changes, please follow this link: https://www.nfuonline.com/news/private-members-bill-on-livestock-worrying/ The National Rural Crime Network website is here: https://nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/ And for everything you need to know about the Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co’s British wool mattresses, go here: https://www.wroughtironandbrassbed.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  7. Aftershocks and Steady Hands

    Mar 17

    Aftershocks and Steady Hands

    Welcome to Shed Talks In this episode of Shed Talks, hosts Jacks Weaver and Mike Greenwood‑Wilkins open with re‑elected NFU President Tom Bradshaw. Tom reflects on the election process, how the new officeholder team is settling in, and why he wants the NFU to take a proactive rather than reactive approach in the months ahead. He sets out his priorities for the new term, highlighting the need for resilient food systems at a time when global conflict continues to expose supply chain vulnerabilities. Tom also touches on international developments such as the USDA loan scheme, the value of the NFU’s BAB office in shaping decisions in Brussels, and offers listeners a brief insight into life beyond the role as he shares more about himself as a person. The Westminster team then look at a shifting political landscape. They discuss the Gorton and Denton by‑election and what the Green Party gain may signal for voter sentiment. They share insights from the recent NFU Fellowship visit to Arla, where members explored innovation, processing capacity and future supply chain pressures. The section closes with an update on planning reforms as the NPPF consultation closed on 10 March. To round off the episode, Jacks and Mike speak with Joshua Robinson, Assistant Director and Head of Contract Sales at NFU Energy, for a brief look at how rising tensions in the Middle East are influencing global energy markets. Joshua outlines the immediate knock‑on effects for UK farmers, the recent swings in prices, and why some volatility is likely to continue. He gives clear, practical guidance on what farmers can do now, from reviewing contract options to keeping a close eye on on‑farm energy use, and touches on the wider impact on fertiliser supply chains. Joshua also explains the rise in standing charges and what businesses can do to limit the impact on their bills. To find out more, please head to the below links: NFU Energy Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urecjVS4Yd0&t=379s   NFU Energy: https://nfuenergy.co.uk/ Key themes and takeaways Strong leadership and clear priorities will be vital as farming navigates another uncertain yearPolitical shifts and planning reforms are shaping the policy environment for rural communitiesGlobal conflict is creating uncertainty across energy and fertiliser marketsPrice volatility is likely to continue, with further rises possible in the short termReviewing contracts and on‑farm energy use can help manage riskStanding charges are increasing due to wider system costs and infrastructure pressures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  8. NFU: Shed Talks Conference Special

    Feb 25

    NFU: Shed Talks Conference Special

    Welcome to Shed Talks Recorded live from the heart of the National Farmers' Union’s Annual Conference at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, this special edition of NFU Shed Talks was recorded in a purpose-built shed studio beside the main auditorium, putting the podcast right at the centre of the action. With the 2026 conference focused on Building Farming’s Resilience, the presenting team of Bizza Walters, Luke Cox, Mike Wilkins, Josh Redford and Jacks Weaver bring you the key moments, big interviews and honest reactions from across two packed days. We feature exclusive interviews with Professor Tim Lang and Rabobank food systems analyst Harry Smit, exploring how global pressures on trade, security and supply chains are reshaping the way British food is produced and consumed. There is also a candid conversation with NFU Director General Terry Jones, reflecting on nearly a decade steering the organisation and what comes next as he prepares to move on. Terry has been at the helm during Brexit, the Russia-Ukraine war, covid, and the family farm tax campaign, so has seen first hand the importance of a coordinated, dedicated team standing up for UK agriculture. Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle joins us fresh from discussions with Uplands farmers to discuss Defra’s latest announcements on SFI and new uplands funding, and what they mean for members. We also sit down with Charles Goadby, Warwickshire dairy farmer and 2026 Meurig Raymond Award winner, in a warm and uplifting interview that captures the strength of the NFU at its best – members and organisation working side by side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min
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About

Welcome to Shed Talks Shed Talks takes you behind the scenes of British food and farming with honest and practical conversations, about the issues shaping the future of our industry. Each episode brings together farmers, growers, NFU experts and industry voices to share experiences, ideas and perspectives.    From national lobbying to regional priorities, and the day-to-day realities of farming life, Shed Talks looks at the challenges and opportunities that matter most to the farming industry, and how the NFU is working to make a difference.  To find out more about NFU, head to https://www.nfuonline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    NFU
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © NFU
  • Show Website
    NFU: Shed Talks

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