The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Farmers Weekly
  • 4.3 (7)
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The inside track on the biggest stories affecting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Every Friday.

  1. 2d ago

    What to expect from Andy Burnham 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Jul 6

    Groundswell 2026: Private money for green farming, Wildfarmed, Kemi Badenoch & 10 years of regenerative agriculture

    This week’s Farmers Weekly Podcast comes from the Groundswell show in Hertfordshire, where Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tells farmers she wants their ideas for a new rural policy. Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Ms Badenoch says future policy should be shaped by farmers and land managers – not just by officials in Westminster and Whitehall. We also examine whether private finance can help pay for greener farming, as Lloyds Bank launches the Food and Nature Resilience Fund with Wildfarmed, Severn Trent Water, Affinity Water and AXA. Plus, Farmers Weekly editor Andrew Meredith joins Hugh Broom and Louise Impey to discuss Defra, countryside stewardship higher tier, harvest progress, private finance and the mood at Groundswell. And finally, we hear from Groundswell co-founder Alex Cherry as the UK’s leading regenerative farming event marks its 10th anniversary. This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists. Special Guests: * Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party* Ben Makowiecki, agriculture sustainability director, Lloyds Bank* Alex Cherry, co-founder, Groundswell* Andrew Meredith, editor, Farmers Weekly Chapters 00:00 – Episode introduction from Groundswell01:03 – Hugh Broom opens the show01:22 – Kemi Badenoch visits Groundswell09:07 – Andrew Meredith joins the discussion11:47 – Countryside stewardship higher tier changes16:37 – Lloyds Bank launches Food and Nature Resilience Fund17:06 – Ben Makowiecki explains private finance for regen farming23:49 – Can private money really support farmers?27:10 – Harvest report29:23 – Donald Trump and regenerative farming30:31 – Contaminated meat and World Cup anti-doping tests31:47 – Off-grid living, guinea pigs and pigeon meat32:42 – Sir Peter Kendall calls for more farming optimism34:23 – Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel36:33 – Groundswell marks its 10th anniversary42:31 – Final reflections from the show Useful links Farmers Weekly Groundswell Conservative Party Lloyds Bank Agriculture Wildfarmed Soil Association Exchange Woodland Trust Defra This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Hugh Broom. We love to hear from you: - 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.

  4. Jun 25

    Flaming June, Farming Roadmap, bovine TB, farm machinery 10 years post- Brexit, and green award for farm estate

    This week, we examine whether the government’s long-awaited 25-year Farming Roadmap will deliver the certainty, confidence and investment farmers need. NFU president Tom Bradshaw gives his reaction to Defra’s plan, while we discuss profitability, agri-environment funding, climate resilience and the value of farming to the wider economy. We debate the impact of hot weather and this month's record-breaking temperatures on farm enterprises. We also examine Defra’s refreshed bovine TB strategy, including new testing approaches and the prospect of cattle vaccination by 2030. With the UK marking 10 years since the Brexit referendum, Cheffins chairman Bill King explains how leaving the EU has changed the trade in second-hand farm machinery. And we visit Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, winner of a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists. Special Guests. * Tom Bradshaw, president, NFU* Paul Tompkins, deputy president, NFU* Josh Swain, farm animal vet, Synergy Animal Health* Bill King, chairman, Cheffins* Dr Johnny Wake, managing partner, Courteenhall Estate Chapters 00:00 Intro and headlines01:13 Defra unveils 25-year farming roadmap01:45 Tom Bradshaw on whether the roadmap goes far enough05:42 Louise and Hugh analyse the plan12:09 Certis Belchim partner message: managing take-all risk13:48 Defra refreshes bovine TB eradication strategy14:59 Josh Swain explains new TB testing technology16:30 Hugh and Louise discuss TB testing, vaccination and farm impact24:24 Hot weather, harvest prospects and climate adaptation26:30 Brexit: 10 years on for farm machinery trade27:04 Bill King on export friction after Brexit31:25 Hugh and Louise assess Brexit’s farming legacy36:45 This week’s commodity prices38:31 Courteenhall Estate wins King’s Award for sustainability42:41 Looking ahead to Groundswell Useful links * Defra farming roadmap* Defra bovine TB strategy update* Cheffins farm machinery auctions* Courteenhall Estate* King’s Awards for Enterprise* Groundswell 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.

  5. Jun 17

    Verdict on SFI budget, fertiliser warning, Red Tractor responds, and Only Farmers

    Defra has finally unveiled the budget for its flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme – but is £240 million enough to meet demand from farmers? Former Natural England agriculture head Geoff Sansome gives his verdict – and explains why thousands of farmers could still be left in limbo when existing agreements expire. We also bring you an exclusive interview with new Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin, who responds to criticism of the farm assurance scheme. Just weeks into the role, Mr McLaughlin outlines plans for reform and explains how technology, AI and simpler audits could help rebuild trust with farmers. Recorded at the Cereals event at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, we discuss why this year’s show has been one of the most talked-about industry events in years. And we hear about the NFU’s call for government support to protect growers from soaring fertiliser costs. Finally, we meet the team behind Only Farmers – a new online platform designed to help farmers market products, share equipment, promote experiences and connect with customers. Guests * Geoff Sansome – former head of agriculture, Natural England* Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin* NFU president Tom Bradshaw* Lisa Hogan – co-founder, Only Farmers* Wolfe Bentinck – co-founder, Only Farmers Chapters 00:00 SFI budget finally confirmed01:45 Geoff Sansome on whether £240m is enough05:41 Industry reaction to the SFI announcement09:02 Exclusive: Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin11:36 Why assurance reform is taking so long14:05 Imports, standards and farmer frustrations16:38 Technology, AI and the future of farm assurance20:41 Panel reaction to Red Tractor’s plans24:49 Cereals 2026 from Diddly Squat Farm25:14 Has Jeremy Clarkson changed Cereals?30:51 NFU fertiliser resilience plan explained35:43 Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel38:34 Only Farmers: a new platform for agriculture41:47 Can farmers benefit from Only Farmers?43:50 Final thoughts and goodbye Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive Red Tractor National Farmers Union Cereals Event Only Farmers Natural England Farmers Weekly 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.

  6. Jun 12

    Cereals 2026 at Clarkson's Farm: Does it still pay to grow combinable crops?

    This live Cereals 2026 episode tackles one big question: with high input costs and mediocre grain prices will planting cereals this autumn be financially worthwhile? The discussion starts with markets and margins, including break-even wheat prices, grain carryover, milling wheat premiums and the risks of holding out for higher prices. Part Two looks at how growers can reduce risk through variety choice, BYDV resistance, hybrid wheat, yellow rust resilience and AHDB decision-support tools. Finally, we asks whether the public and politicians really understand farming — and how Clarkson’s Farm has changed the conversation about food security and farm profitability. Guests Andrew Williamson – Shropshire farmer and NFU Combinable Crops Board vice-chair Andrew Dewing – Dewing Grain chief executive and grain trader Clare Leaman – NIAB cereal variety specialist Sacha White – AHDB crop protection scientist Patrick Galbraith – Daily Telegraph rural affairs writer Charlie Ireland – Ceres Rural and adviser to Clarksons Farm George Badger – Ceres Rural and adviser to Clarksons Farm Chapters 00:00 – IntroductionLive from Cereals 2026 at Diddly Squat Farm. 01:15 – Are cereals still worth drilling?Andrew Williamson outlines the pressure on arable margins. 04:12 – Grain markets and break-even pricesAndrew Dewing assesses wheat values, cost of production and selling opportunities. 05:30 – Feed prices and livestock linksHugh Broom looks at what low grain prices mean for livestock producers. 09:04 – Fertiliser costs and possible supportThe NFU’s call for help if fertiliser prices spike. 11:44 – Feed wheat, milling wheat and riskLouise Impey and the panel discuss whether milling wheat still stacks up. 16:37 – Grain marketing strategyWhen should growers lock in prices for harvest 2026 and 2027? 19:20 – Growing a cost-effective cropClaire Lehman and Sasha White join the discussion. 20:10 – BYDV-resistant varietiesWhy barley is moving faster than wheat on BYDV tolerance. 21:30 – Hybrid wheatCould new hybrid wheat varieties change the market? 23:13 – Yellow rust resistanceHow breeders are responding to resistance breakdowns. 24:24 – AHDB’s new BYDV toolSasha White explains how the tool can help growers decide whether spraying is worthwhile. 28:28 – Decision support and SFI toolsHow AHDB is helping growers weigh up complex agronomic and business choices. 32:04 – Resilience over yieldWhy variety choice is increasingly about consistency and risk management. 34:45 – Does the public understand farming?Patrick Galbraith, Charlie Ireland and George Badger join the final panel. 35:52 – Telling farming stories in national mediaHow farming issues are explained to non-farming audiences. 37:17 – Behind the scenes at Diddly SquatWhat Clarkson’s Farm gets right about farming life. 42:27 – Food security and public awarenessWhy the link between shoppers and producers remains fragile. 44:32 – Reasons for optimismMixed farming, SFI, land opportunities and long-term business thinking. 49:09 – How farming is perceivedPatrick Galbraith on public sympathy, politics and why farming should keep pushing its case. 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.

  7. Jun 5

    Relaunched SFI - what it means for you, High Court and abattoirs, Red Tractor, and 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 – we find out 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.

  8. May 29

    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.

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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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