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Meet the Farmers

Ben Eagle, RuralPod Media

Meet the Farmers profiles farmers and gives you an insight into food and farming and the people behind it. Meet the Farmers: The Big Debate covers farming news, current affairs and discussion on the big issues that matter for rural people in Britain and across the world.

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  • 401 episodes
  • Updated Monday

Episodes401

Newest first
  • Nov 14, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min

    The UK's share of global emissions is 1% - should UK farmers still aim for net zero? - Big Debate Episode 2

    In this second episode of Meet the Farmers: The Big Debate hosts Ally Hunter Blair and Sophie Gregory turn to the topic of climate as COP30 kicks off in Brazil. They are joined by Brazilian agricultural journalist Marianna Grilli and Professor Tim Benton to explore the subject. They also discuss cheese awards, Christmas trees and why Sophie is recording in an ironing cupboard in Denmark.

  • Nov 10, 2025 · 45 min

    Ben travels to Kenya - IFAJ CONGRESS 2025 - PART 1

    Ben travels to Kenya for the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists' annual congress. In this episode he introduces IFAJ and his fellow 'young leaders', discovering their perspectives on agriculture and agricultural communications in their countries.

  • Oct 27, 2025 · 56 min

    Charlotte Ashley on Farming and the Influencer label

    In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben speaks with Charlotte Ashley, dairy farmer and 'countryside content creator' based in Cumbria. Charlotte shares her journey from a non-farming background to becoming a dairy farmer. She discusses the challenges and learning curves of transitioning to dairy farming, the importance of social media in bridging the rural-urban divide, and her opinions on the term 'influencer'. The conversation also touches on the current challenges in the dairy industry and C

  • Oct 6, 2025 · 31 min

    Cattle, Direct Sales and Youtube - Ian Pullen's farming journey

    In this episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle speaks with Ian Pullen, a beef farmer from Wotton Under Edge, Gloucestershire. Ian shares his journey into farming, the challenges he faces with TB in cattle, and how he has successfully integrated YouTube into his farming business. He discusses the importance of diversification, the direct sales model for his beef, and the future of farming amidst changing policies and market demands. Ian emphasizes the need for farmers to adapt and find new i

  • Sep 22, 2025 · 24 min

    Thomas Gent on Regenerative Farming, Innovation & the Future of Agriculture

    In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle sits down with Thomas Gent, a fourth-generation farmer and founder of Gentle Farming, to discuss his journey into regenerative agriculture and the innovations shaping the future of farming. They dive into topics like soil health, natural capital, agri-tech, and the challenges and opportunities within the farming industry today.

  • Sep 15, 2025 · 33 min

    Bronagh Dempster: Navigating Farming and the Dairy Industry as a New Entrant

    In this episode we meet Bronagh Dempster, a passionate new entrant into the farming world from Northern Ireland. Discover her inspiring journey from a fascination with dairy cows to forging her path in the industry, and even doing a Nuffield Next Gen Scholarship. Bronagh shares her experiences, challenges, and insights on the evolving dairy sector, offering valuable advice for aspiring farmers and industry enthusiasts.

  • Sep 1, 2025 · 21 min

    Recruiting Professionals and Farm Managers in Farming and the Rural Sector - with Miranda Webster

    In this episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle talks with Miranda Webster of Webster's Rural about recruitment challenges and opportunities in the professional and farm manager side of the agricultural and rural sectors, from post-Brexit shifts to the role of AI in hiring. They explore how rural businesses can attract and retain talent while balancing modern tools with the human side of recruitment.

  • Aug 26, 2025 · 19 min

    Sheep farming in Australia - meet Tara from Tara Farms

    In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben chats with Tara, a third-generation sheep and mixed crop farmer from western Victoria, Australia. They discuss her family’s farming journey, livestock and land management practices, the realities of Australian agriculture, and how she uses social media to share her story and connect with consumers.

  • Aug 18, 2025 · 29 min

    Getting started in farming - with James Warwick

    In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle speaks with beef and sheep farmer James Warwick from north Cornwall about how he moved to Cornwall from Cambridgeshire to live with his grandparents and learn to farm. He now farms South Devon cattle and 350–400 ewes. James shares his passion for farming, financial challenges of farming and the mental strain it can sometimes bring.

  • Aug 11, 2025 · 21 min

    Corn, Beans and Shorthorns - Farming in Indiana with Shane and Val Wallis

    In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle heads to Indiana in the United States to speak with Shane and Val Wallis about their family farm, where they raise Shorthorn cattle alongside corn, beans, and hay. They discuss the rewards and challenges of farming in their region, their farming journey, social media and their hopes for the future of the farm.

  • Aug 4, 2025 · 46 min

    Farming Leaders - Meet Deputy President of the NFU - David Exwood

    In this episode, Ben Eagle is joined by David Exwood, Deputy President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), who farms over 1,200 tenanted hectares just south of Horsham in West Sussex. David shares insights from his multi-enterprise farming business—featuring arable, beef, sheep, and a farm shop—as well as his leadership journey within the NFU.

  • Jul 28, 2025 · 32 min

    Smart farming in the dairy sector - technology, AI and the future

    In this episode, Ben Eagle explores how SMART farming technologies are transforming the dairy sector, from herd management and sustainability to automation and data use. Joined by experts and farmers, the discussion covers real-world applications, barriers to adoption, and what the future holds for tech-driven dairy farming.

  • Jul 21, 2025 · 44 min

    Tyler Froberg: From Army to Agriculture - family, business growth and agri-influencers

    In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle heads to Alvin, Texas, to chat with Tyler Froberg — a fourth-generation farmer transforming his family's legacy through social media and direct-to-consumer marketing. From his early days in the army to returning to the farm, building the business and an audience, Tyler shares his journey back to Froberg Farms — Texas’ largest “You-Pick” strawberry operation. Tune in to hear about farming today and yesterday, ag education, and the power of digital st