Episodes
Farmer and BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson talks about rural mental health and the personal reason behind setting up his new rural mental health podcast 'Keeping on Track' after losing a farming friend to suicide. He not only talks about the importance of the farming community coming together, but the need to reconnect again with consumers; for the country to value and better understand what farmers do to produce food and look after the land and the ongoing pressures they face each day....
Published 12/26/23
Hannah Jackson AKA the Red Shepherdess has always been at the forefront, championing farming and all those who work in it. Seven months ago life changed, and Hannah and husband Danny welcomed baby Blake. In this Farmers Guardian Christmas special, online editor Emily Ashworth visits Hannah to talk all about her new role as a mother and the growing farm. And, of course, Hannah's love of the festive season.
Published 12/21/23
Farmers Guardian machinery editor Toby Whatley and Agriconnect publisher Ben Briggs report from the German tractor and farm machinery show Agritechnica, which took place in November. Discussing the machinery market, this is a timely look ahead to LAMMA Show, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on January 17-18, 2024.
Published 12/14/23
Justine Fulton who is better known as 'Rack of Glam' on social media, is pretty new to the butchery industry. Having entered as a novice, she has worked her way up and has found her dream career. In this episode she talks about challenging stereotypes, skills and the need to support local businesses like your butchers in order for them to thrive.
Published 12/07/23
Michelin-trained chef Poppy O'Toole known as 'The Potato Queen' has become a Tik Tok sensation sharing her absolute love for the humble potato. She gave her top tips for making the best roast potato for your Christmas dinner and explained why she is passionate about supporting farmers and British grown produce, and why buying local and supporting British farmers is so important. And from one Potato Queen to our very own potato king, we also speak to FG's Cedric Porter to find out what is...
Published 12/01/23
In this Farmers Guardian podcast, livestock reporter, Katie Fallon talks to the founders of The Wool Library, John Atkinson, Maria Benjamin and Zoe Fletcher about their aspirations to champion British wool within the UK's fashion industry. With a mixture of farming, art and fashion backgrounds John, Maria and Zoe have joined forces to try and create more opportunities for British sheep farmers and their wool products, by developing a greater understanding and awareness of the value of British...
Published 11/23/23
On September 3, 1939, Great Britain declared war against Germany. A day in British history which will never be forgotten, and a day which changed the life of one little girl from Sunderland. In this Remembrance Day special podcast, our livestock reporter Katie Fallon, sits down with her grandmother, Norma Earnshaw, to reminisce on her childhood during the war and how her experiences as an evacuee went onto shape the course of her life. Now age 89, Norma reflects on the role the Second World...
Published 11/10/23
UK dairy industry is going through an unsettling period. The environment for UK dairy farmers is changing at a rapid pase with increased investment demands from regulation and a noticeable decline in sector confidence, it is why Muller’s chief executive says milk output can 'no longer be taken for granted' and why they are closely monitoring future supply. Our chief reporter Rachael Brown sat down with Rob Hutchison to talk about Muller’s sustainability plan going forward, export markets and...
Published 11/08/23
In this Farmers Guardian podcast, features editor Emily Ashworth talks to Anna from Canalside Farm in Staffordshire about the family farm's diversification. For over 40 years, the family have built their various award-winning businesses up which include a farm shop, café and PYO experiences. We also speak to Brian Richardson, head of agriculture at Virgin Money, who gives us his top tips on finance and money, and talks about diversification trends.
Published 11/03/23
Highlighting the journey from the heart of the countryside to the fashion world, British Pasture Leather founders Alice Robinson and Sara Grady talk to Farmers Guardian about their passion for sustainably produced leather from regenerative farms.
Published 10/27/23
British Farming Awards is all about celebrating the very best of British Agriculture. The most prestigious award of the night is 'Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture. This year's winner was chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, George Dunn, in recognition of his 27 years of tireless campaign work representing and giving a voice to tenant farmers.  George may have met countless Prime Ministers and even the King, but he said the pinnacle of his job is the tenant...
Published 10/20/23
With AHDB announcing a proposed increase in levy rates from 2024, (https://www.farmersguardian.com/news/4131411/ahdb-launches-campaign-raise-levies) Alex Black sat down with the Cereals and Oilseeds, Beef and Lamb, Pork and Dairy sector chairs to hear the reasoning behind the increases and how their plans to deliver for farming through the levy body,
Published 10/13/23
Helen Rebanks is probably one of the most well-known farming women in the industry. Farming alongside her husband, James, both have a passion for farming hand-in-hand with nature. With over 25,000 followers on Instagram, her life out in the hills in the Lake District has become something of a fascination to people and, in her new book, The Farmer's Wife, Emily Ashworth sits down with Helen in her farmhouse near Penrith, to talk about farming, food and family. We also talk about the value of...
Published 10/06/23
September 24 marked the start of British Wool Week, and in this week's Farmers Guardian episode Emily Ashworth speaks to Sophie from a wool based bedding company called Floks, and Sarah who owns Little Beau Sheep, a unique wool-based body and laundry business. With sustainability at the forefront of everyone's minds, it is the perfect time to shine a light on the British wool industry and champion the history and heritage of UK sheep farmers.
Published 09/29/23
Over 20 years ago Alexia Robinson established the campaign, Love British Food. It was in response to the horror of foot and mouth, and a way to give British farmers the incentive to carry on. Now, 22 years on, the campaign is stronger than ever, and Alexia has managed to forge relationships with key areas of society such as care homes, caterers, prisons and most notably the NHS. The campaign spearheads the movement to get people closer to the supply chain and, hopefully, help tell the story...
Published 09/22/23
Childhood friends Francesca Cooper and Hollie Fallick have come full circle and have ended up back on the Isle of Wight where they grew up. This time around though, they are farming. Both have always been passionate about the land, and their new business, Nunwell Home Farm, encompasses everything they believe in, which is producing highly nutritious food while focusing on regenerating the land. They also have experience in all the pitfalls new entrant farmers face, and have some good advice...
Published 09/15/23
September 6 2021 was supposed to be just another day in the life of nine-year-old boy from Blaenllechau in the Rhondda. Tomos Bunford was excited about going back to school and beginning a new term with his friends. The summer holidays were drawing to a close. He had been playing on his bike on the family farm as well as playing with a new toy his parents had bought for him. Having loved to get involved on the farm, Tomos would do anything to help his family because he was a kind little boy....
Published 09/08/23
The Labour party have been clear they want to give more access for people in the countryside if they came into power at the next general election. But Right to Roam has raised concerns for farmers, with some going as far as saying the policy would be a determining factor on the ballot paper. The Shadow Environment Minister, Daniel Zeichner travelled to the Peak District to hear concerns raised by farmers and to explain how he sees the policy working with the farming community, not against them.
Published 09/01/23
The first UK sheep embryos have been imported to the United States. This is the first of what is hoped to be a regular trade in ovine genetics. Our reporter John Wilkes based in Washington gives his analysis on what this means for the global sheep market 
Published 08/26/23
Ahead of the Future Farming Expo Scotland, Youtube farmer Cammy Wilson speaks to Alex Black about becoming a sheep farmer after spending time working for the police and how he built his following on social media making videos showing real farming experiences from shearing to visiting the auction mart. Go check out Cammy on: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSheepGame https://thesheepgame.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSheepGameVlog/ For those interested in the Future Farming Expo 2023, 10 -...
Published 08/25/23
With English wine growing in popularity, Alex Black spoke to Tamara Roberts and Matt Strugnell from Ridgeview wine. When setting up the vineyard nearly 30 years ago, people were cynical of the potential of English viticulture. Tamara's parents Matt and Chris Roberts, however, recognised the similarities between the South of England and the Champagne region of France. Tamara and Matt discuss what makes a good site for a vineyard, this year's crop prospects and their optimism for the...
Published 08/18/23
Having lived a rock and roll lifestyle as a member of one of the world's most loved bands, Blur bassist Alex James spoke to Chris Brayford about his transition from city dweller to a country farmer. The band, headed by Damon Albarn, released hit singles including 'Country House' and 'Parklife' as they clashed with Liam and Noel Gallagher's Oasis for chart dominance in the 1990s during what was christened the 'Battle of Britpop'. After falling in love with his wife in the Cotswolds roughly 20...
Published 08/11/23
 After changing its name to The Royal Countryside Fund, Emily Ashworth speaks to Heather Hancock, chair of trustees for the charity, about the support it gives to those in the rural community, particularly family farms - and the continued support of His Majesty The King. We also hear from Demelza Fish-Jenkins, a Welsh farmer who took part in the fund's farm resilience programme. She credits the fund for 'changing her life' and urges others to really look at their farm business to see how they...
Published 08/02/23
In a special episode ahead of Farmers Guardian’s 24 hours in farming event, Alex Black spoke to actor turned farmer Kelvin Fletcher on why he swapped city life for a peak district farm and why he is supporting the Farm 24 campaign on August 3
Published 07/31/23
Coming from a non-farming background in Liverpool, Dr Claire Whittle is a farm vet, a Nuffield Scholar and a dung beetle enthusiast, who is passionate about regenerative agriculture and healthy ecosystems. Dr Whittle spoke to the Farmers Guardian team about becoming a vet, her career journey so far and her passion for cows as well as why dung beetles are so important for farming here in the UK and what farmers need to know about them. Dr Whittle is also a farm ambassador for Farmers...
Published 07/28/23