Tales Of A Nuffield Scholar

Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust

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What happens when you step outside your comfort zone, travel the world, and bring new ideas back to agriculture? Tales of a Nuffield Scholar is a podcast about people, learning and leadership, sharing the stories behind the Nuffield Farming Scholarship and the impact it has on individuals, businesses and the wider sector. Brought to you by NFU Mutual.

23h ago

Growing English Wine: Fred Langdale on Viticulture, Frost & Climate

What does the future look like for viticulture in the UK? In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we speak to 2020 Nuffield Scholar Fred Langdale, who has spent more than 18 years working in English viticulture. Fred takes us behind the scenes of UK wine production, from managing vines and soil to dealing with increasingly unpredictable weather, earlier bud burst and the ever-present threat of frost. His Nuffield study focused on frost protection and cool-climate viticulture, taking him on a global journey to explore how vineyards in different climates tackle the challenges of growing grapes. Although COVID disrupted much of his planned travel, Fred brought his research back to his own vineyard and has since developed a site-specific approach to frost protection. We also explore how England's changing climate is influencing viticulture, why chalk soils are so well suited to English sparkling wine, what goes into producing a bottle of English fizz, and what Fred learned from his Nuffield experience. From frost protection to the future of English wine, this is a fascinating look at a growing and evolving part of UK agriculture. Tales of a Nuffield Scholar Series 3 is supported by NFU Mutual.
Sep 22

Natural Capital & the Future of Farming with Nuffield Scholar Liz Warner

What role can farmers play in the growing natural capital economy? In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we’re joined by 2026 Nuffield Scholar Liz Warner, a first-generation tenant farmer from Devon, to explore natural capital, climate resilience and the future of farming. Liz’s Nuffield Scholarship, “Cultivating Capital: A Farmer’s Role in a Growing Natural Capital Economy,” explores how farmers can engage with emerging natural capital markets while continuing to produce food and run profitable farm businesses. We discuss: 🌱 What natural capital actually means for farmers💷 How emerging markets such as biodiversity net gain, carbon and nutrient neutrality could create opportunities🌾 Balancing food production with nature recovery💧 The potential role of farmers in tackling issues such as water management📈 How natural capital could contribute to more resilient farm businesses🌍 What Liz hopes to learn from natural capital markets around the world🚜 The challenges and opportunities for smaller farms and individual farmers looking to engage Liz also shares her experience as a first-generation tenant farmer, the realities of farming on a shorter-term tenancy and why she believes farmers need to have a voice in the development of natural capital markets. As part of her Scholarship, Liz plans to explore natural capital markets in countries including Brazil, the US and the Netherlands, looking at what is working, what hasn't worked and what lessons could potentially be relevant to UK agriculture. Tales of a Nuffield Scholar is supported by NFU Mutual and explores the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping UK agriculture through conversations with Nuffield Scholars past and present.
Sep 9

From Hobby to Diversified Farm Business with Natalie Hepburn

In the first episode of Series 3, we catch up with 2025 Nuffield Scholar Natalie Hepburn to hear how her farming journey has evolved — from keeping a few chickens as a hobby to running a diversified 30-acre farming business producing goat’s milk skincare and sheep’s milk cheese. Natalie talks about her Nuffield research into farm diversification and direct selling, the lessons she took from visiting farms and businesses around the world, and how her thinking has changed as a result of the scholarship. We also explore the importance of the Nuffield network and the relationship between scholars and their sponsors, with Natalie sharing how her sponsor, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, has supported her throughout her journey. And, as she looks back on the experience, Natalie has some simple advice for anyone considering applying for a Nuffield Scholarship: go for it. Thanks to NFU Mutual for Sponsoring.
Aug 26

Inside the Next Gen Scholarship

In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we take a closer look at Nuffield’s Next Gen Scholarship, designed to give young people aged 18–25 the opportunity to develop their knowledge, broaden their perspectives and build connections across the agricultural industry. The episode is split into two parts, beginning with the Next Gen Regenerative Agriculture scholars. We hear from Jessica Walker and Summer Wyatt Buchan, who share their experiences of the scholarship, including their four-week study tour, the people and businesses they encountered, and the insights they gained into regenerative agriculture, soil health and integrated farming systems. The second half focuses on the Next Gen Dairy scholars, with Lottie Wilson, Isabel and Ed discussing their own scholarship journey. From the application process and meeting their fellow scholars to travelling together and visiting a wide range of dairy businesses, they reflect on what they learned and how the experience has influenced their own approach to agriculture. Together, the scholars offer an insight into what it is like to take part in a Next Gen Scholarship, from the initial application and meeting the group to the challenges and opportunities of spending several weeks travelling and learning together. The episode also explores how the Next Gen programme is evolving, with scholarships spanning different areas of agriculture, and why opportunities like this can be so valuable for the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals. Find out more here: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/scholarships/nuffield-farming-next-gen-scholarships
Aug 12

Sustainable Growth Through Innovation & Regeneration

What does sustainable growth really mean for a farming business? In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we hear from Dave Oates, Edward Fain Trefusis and Sam Steggles, three Nuffield Scholars who will be presenting together at the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds. From building diversified businesses and exploring new land uses, to managing risk, navigating change and understanding when growth is enough, the conversation explores what it really takes to build a sustainable business. The Scholars discuss: 🌱 Why financial sustainability matters just as much as environmental sustainability🚜 How innovation and diversification can create new opportunities🌍 Learning from agriculture around the world — and recognising the opportunities closer to home👥 Why having the right people around you can be just as valuable as what you learn on your travels🔄 How to build businesses that can anticipate, adapt and bounce backAnd the question: when is enough, enough? Hear their stories and get a taste of the ideas and experiences that will take to the stage at the Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds this November. With thanks to our sponsor NFU Mutual.
Jul 29

The Future of Pigs, Poultry & Protein

In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, host Wallace Currie is joined by Charlotte Cole, Gregor Bruce and Ben Lowe to explore the thinking behind their Nuffield Scholarship studies ahead of the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds. The discussion covers: How productivity and animal welfare can go hand in hand in pig production.Why the early development of pullets could influence the future of egg production.The role of circular farming in creating more resilient, sustainable businesses.Insights from study tours across Europe, Australasia and North America, and what UK agriculture can learn from them.The episode concludes with advice for anyone considering a Nuffield Farming Scholarship, encouraging prospective applicants to seize the opportunity and think about the reasons they can apply, rather than the reasons they can't. Thanks to our sponsor NFU Mutual.
Jul 15

Mental Health, Leadership & Succession in Farming | Tales of a Nuffield Scholar

What does the future of agriculture look like if we invest in people as much as production? In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, supported by NFU Mutual, we're joined by five Nuffield Farming Scholars whose research explores the people behind our industry, from mental health and succession to leadership, identity and attracting the next generation into agriculture. Featuring:🌾 Andrew Richardson – Young people in farming and aquaculture🧠 Lucia Slack – Addressing suicide in agriculture🤝 Sharon May – Supporting farming families🌱 Tash Edwards – Certification, sustainability and profitability🚜 Peter Green – Helping farmers embrace change and strengthen their businesses Together, they share insights from their travels across the world and discuss the ideas that will shape their presentations at the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference. Whether you're passionate about farming, leadership, rural wellbeing or the future of our industry, this conversation offers a powerful insight into the people driving positive change. 🎟️ Find out more about the Nuffield Farming Conference and Scholarships:
Jul 1

Can Tea Grow in Wales? What Horticulture Can Teach Us About Innovation

In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we explore innovation in modern horticulture with Nuffield Scholars Lucy George and Polly Hilton. Lucy shares how she's pioneering commercial tea production in Wales, while Polly explains how she's creating premium ciders from traditional orchards and helping preserve valuable local landscapes. Together, they discuss the lessons they've brought back from their Nuffield travels, why education and consumer awareness are vital to the future of horticulture, and how innovation is often about looking at familiar challenges in new ways. Whether you're interested in horticulture, diversification, sustainable food production or the Nuffield Farming Scholarships, this episode offers fresh perspectives on the future of British agriculture. Tickets for the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/Leeds2026 With thanks to our sponsor NFU Mutual.

What happens when you step outside your comfort zone, travel the world, and bring new ideas back to agriculture? Tales of a Nuffield Scholar is a podcast about people, learning and leadership, sharing the stories behind the Nuffield Farming Scholarship and the impact it has on individuals, businesses and the wider sector. Brought to you by NFU Mutual.

Creator

Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust
Years Active

2026
Episodes

20
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust
Show Website

Tales Of A Nuffield Scholar