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The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Farmers Weekly

The inside track on the biggest stories affecting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Every Friday.

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S1 · E330
Today · 41 min
UK–EU farm deal, SFI rethink, bovine TB, water councils & bishop backs farmers
Will closer links with Europe bring fresh opportunities for British growers and livestock producers – or new restrictions on UK farming? This week, we examine the proposed UK–EU deal to ease checks on food and agricultural trade. NFU president Tom Bradshaw explains why farming is the testbed for the wider relationship, while we consider the implications for precision breeding, crop protection and market access. Should the Sustainable Farming Incentive be scrapped and rebuilt – or simply funded properly? Lord Curry calls for a fresh approach to environmental stewardship, and we debate whether reform or greater investment offers the best way forward. We also discuss the government’s renewed bovine TB strategy, why farmers need a voice on new water councils, and the latest livestock, grain and fuel prices. And finally, Bishop of Norwich Graham Usher pledges to champion farmers in the House of Lords, as we consider long-term environmental funding and better access to rural healthcare. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Chapters 01:05 UK–EU farm trade deal: Tom Bradshaw’s priorities 03:48 REAP conference: precision breeding, pesticides and market access 07:14 Closer EU links: opportunities and trade-offs for farmers 16:55 SFI: start again or fund it properly? 26:54 Bovine TB: testing, vaccination and delivering the strategy 30:07 Water councils: why farming needs a seat at the table 33:30 Markets: livestock, grain, oilseeds and diesel 35:56 Bishop of Norwich pledges to champion farmers 38:43 Rural health, access to care and farm safety Guests Tom Bradshaw – NFU president Jack Smith – farmer and REAP conference contributor Belinda Clarke – director, Agri-TechE Mark Buckingham – Bayer Crop Science Lord Curry – contributor to the debate on the future of farm support Graham Usher – Bishop of Norwich Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive: official guidance TB Hub: bovine TB information for farmers Agri-TechE: agricultural innovation and the team behind REAP Bishop of Norwich: Graham Usher 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.
Thursday · 41 min
Can AI replace your agronomist? Farmer vs machine in the field
Artificial intelligence can diagnose crop symptoms, interrogate huge amounts of data and even devise a fungicide programme. But can it really replace an experienced agronomist? In this episode, Johann Tasker investigates what AI could mean for crop management. He travels from a Bedfordshire wheat field to the banks of the Thames, an agronomy office in Essex, farm trials in East Anglia and to Cambridge University. Arable grower Andrew Robinson is already putting AI to the test by allowing it to devise a fungicide programme for his winter wheat. Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains why general-purpose chatbots can give convincing but wrong answers – and why specialist agricultural AI could be much more powerful. Independent agronomist Alex Hall considers where human judgement still matters – and how AI could help human agronomists do a better job. And Agrii’s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal what happened when they put technology head-to-head with conventional farm decision-making. Finally, former Mineral chief executive Dr Elliott Grant looks ahead to agentic AI – systems capable of investigating problems, using specialist tools and potentially taking action themselves. Chapters 00:00 – Can AI manage a wheat crop? Andrew Robinson explains why he handed the fungicide programme for half a hectare of winter wheat to AI – and why the resulting crop caught his attention. 03:01 – Putting ChatGPT to the agronomy test Can a chatbot diagnose yellowing wheat? Johann Tasker tests what ChatGPT can – and cannot – do when faced with a real-world crop problem. 05:58 – What is AI actually doing? Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains how large language models work, why they hallucinate and the risks of relying on confident-sounding answers. 09:30 – Why specialist agricultural AI matters From wheat counting and disease recognition to slug prediction and satellite interpretation, could purpose-built models prove more useful than general-purpose chatbots? 12:36 – What does an agronomist bring? Ceres Rural partner and independent agronomist Alex Hall discusses experience, judgement, risk and the importance of understanding an individual farm business. 16:18 – Can AI give agronomists more experience? A farmer gets only one harvest each year. Could machines learn from thousands – and help advisers draw on far more information than any individual could absorb? 19:27 – Man versus machine Agrii’s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal the results of a field experiment comparing technology with conventional decision-making. 22:47 – The connected farm How sensors, drones, satellites, weather information, research data and AI could increasingly work together to support farm decisions. 24:42 – Bias, trust and ground-truthing AI Who built the system? What was it trained on? And could commercial interests influence its recommendations? Jonathan Trotter explains what growers must check. 27:45 – The next leap: agentic AI At Cambridge University’s Whittle Laboratory, Dr Elliott Grant explains the arrival of AI agents capable of reasoning, using specialist tools and carrying out tasks autonomously. 31:36 – What happens to the agronomist? As routine knowledge becomes easier for machines to reproduce, specialist expertise, proprietary knowledge and an understanding of individual farms could become increasingly valuable. 34:13 – Back to the AI wheat trial Andrew Robinson reveals how Microsoft Copilot devised its fungicide strategy – including finding the wrong weather forecast – and why the AI programme cost more than his farm standard. 37:11 – Asking AI the right question Cleanest crop, highest yield, best margin, lowest environmental impact or least risk? The answer an AI produces depends heavily on the objective it is given. 38:30 – Farmer, agronomist and AI What have the experiments and interviews taught us? Johann brings together the evidence before asking ChatGPT the original question one final time. This episode is brought to you by LG Seeds UK – providing innovative, reliable seed solutions to farmers in a changing world. Special Guests: Andrew Robinson – farms director, Heathcote Farms. Andrew is trialling an AI-generated winter wheat fungicide programme alongside the farm’s conventional approach. ChatGPT – ⁠the general-purpose AI assistant tested throughout the episode. Freddie Allen-Stevens – machine-learning and AI specialist at Insight ML, with experience developing agricultural applications including crop counting and slug-risk prediction. Alex Hall – partner and independent agronomist at ⁠Ceres Rural in Saffron Walden. Ceres provides independent crop-management and agronomy advice. Jonathan Trotter – part of ⁠Agrii’s research and agricultural technology work, exploring how digital technologies and agronomy can be combined in practical crop management. Sam Fordham – works in Agrii’s digital agriculture operation, including its Contour platform and the integration of farm, crop, weather and remote-sensing data. Dr Elliott Grant – technology and agriculture entrepreneur who led agricultural AI work at Google X and later became chief executive of Mineral. His work has focused on the intersection of AI, technology and agriculture. Useful links ⁠ChatGPT – the general puropose large language model from OpenAI. ⁠Agrii digital farming and precision agriculture – including information about Agrii’s RHIZA and Contour digital agronomy services. Insight LM – machine learning consultancy services to help businesses leverage data-driven insights. ⁠Ceres Rural – information about Ceres Rural’s independent agronomy and crop-management services. ⁠Dr Elliott Grant – background on Elliott’s work in agricultural technology and AI, including his work at Cambridge University's Whittle Laboratory. This episode of Farm Insight was written, edited, produced, sound-designed and hosted by Johann Tasker for Farmers Weekly. To get in touch with Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly For sponsor or advertising opportunities, 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.
S1 · E329
October 30 · 41 min
Fertiliser carbon tax, 25 years of responsible spraying, & Britain’s first olive harvest
Will a new carbon tax push up fertiliser prices? Has the farming industry successfully regulated its own pesticide use? And could English olive oil become the next big farming opportunity? In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine the government’s latest proposals for a carbon tax on imported fertiliser – and what they could mean for farm businesses when the new rules take effect in January 2027. New figures suggest the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could initially cost considerably less than feared. But with fertiliser prices already rising, growers remain concerned about the longer-term implications. We speak to Harriet Trewin of the Agricultural Industries Confederation about the likely impact on ammonium nitrate prices and what farmers should do ahead of the changes. We also visit Parliament to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Voluntary Initiative, the industry-led scheme promoting responsible pesticide use. Voluntary Initiative chairman David Bell explains why good stewardship is increasingly important as farmers face the loss of key crop protection products. Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain discusses the importance of industry self-regulation and the need for government support. Meanwhile, in Lincolnshire, farmer David Hoyles is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the Fens with what is believed to be Britain’s first commercial olive harvest. After investing £1 million and planting 18,000 olive trees, he is producing premium English olive oil. We visit his farm near Spalding to discover how the venture is progressing. Plus, our latest autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines the balance between delayed drilling, grassweed control and crop establishment. We also bring you the latest UK livestock and arable commodity prices, discuss farmland bird populations and preview Farmers Weekly Live, taking place at Stoneleigh Park in July 2027. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and this week’s headlines 00:56 – Fertiliser carbon tax: What will CBAM cost farmers? 01:28 – Harriet Truan, AIC: Latest estimates and fertiliser price implications 05:14 – Analysis: Carbon taxes, farm margins and global competition 10:34 – Autumn Drilling Update: Grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science 13:08 – The Voluntary Initiative celebrates 25 years 13:38 – David Bell: Responsible pesticide use and protecting active ingredients 17:21 – Wendy Chamberlain MP: Why industry self-regulation matters 19:37 – Analysis: Has the Voluntary Initiative been successful? 26:11 – Farmers Weekly Live: Plans for July 2027 28:40 – On the farm: Rainfall, cover crops and farmland bird populations 31:05 – Commodity markets: Latest livestock, grain and fuel prices 32:38 – Britain’s first commercial olive harvest gets underway 33:15 – David Hoyles: Growing olives and producing premium English olive oil 36:19 – Analysis: Could olive growing take off across Britain? 40:39 – Closing thoughts and next week’s podcast Guests Harriet Trewin – Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC). David Bell – Chairman of the Voluntary Initiative and Scottish farmer. Wendy Chamberlain MP – Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife. David Hoyles – Lincolnshire farmer and founder of the English Olive Company. Useful links Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) The Voluntary Initiative Farmers Weekly Live English Olive Company National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO) To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130 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.
S1 · E328
October 28 · 35 min
Autumn Budget Special: Hit or miss for farming?
Has the government missed another opportunity to support British farming? In this special edition of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine Chancellor John Healey’s Autumn Budget and ask what it really means for farmers, food production and the wider rural economy. The Chancellor extended the fuel duty cut on red diesel, temporarily suspended tariffs on fertiliser and heating oil, and announced business rates relief that could benefit farm shops. But with farm profitability under severe pressure, inheritance tax reforms unchanged and food production costs continuing to rise, industry leaders say the Budget offers little encouragement. NFU president Tom Bradshaw warns that farmers feel abandoned by a government that repeatedly promises to make food security a national priority. Country Land and Business Association president Gavin Lane says the Budget represents a missed opportunity to stimulate rural economic growth, Meanwhile, agricultural accountant Sam Kirkham, partner and head of farms at Albert Goodman, urges farming businesses to keep a close watch on cash flow. We also examine changes to biodiversity net gain, the outlook for food price inflation and the political calculations behind what some describe as a surprisingly benign Budget. Could the Chancellor’s cautious approach even signal an early general election? Hosted by Johann Tasker, with Hugh Broom and Louise Impey. Guest speakers Tom Bradshaw – President, National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Gavin Lane – President, Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Sam Kirkham – Partner and Head of Farms and Estates, Albert Goodman Chapters 00:00 – Autumn Budget: What does it mean for farmers? 01:17 – Sam Kirkham: A Budget that fails to encourage investment 02:41 – Tom Bradshaw: Farmers feel abandoned 05:17 – Gavin Lane: A missed opportunity for rural growth 06:55 – Inheritance tax: Has the government closed the door? 09:41 – Food inflation and the cost of production 10:26 – Red diesel and fertiliser: Will tax relief make a difference? 12:01 – Rural energy costs: Who benefits from the Budget? 13:45 – Business rates: Welcome relief for farm diversification 15:31 – Biodiversity net gain: Has the market been undermined? 18:16 – Farm profitability and the future of food security 22:18 – What does the government want from the countryside? 24:05 – Practical advice: What should farmers do now? 25:54 – Hugh Broom and Louise Impey deliver their verdict 29:15 – Could a cautious Budget signal an early election? 31:12 – Can the government deliver growth while ignoring farming? 33:40 – Final verdict: A missed opportunity for agriculture Useful links - HM Treasury – Autumn 2026 Budgets Documents - Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) - National Farmers’ Union (NFU) - Country Land and Business Association (CLA) - Albert Goodman – Accountants and Business Advisers - Farmers Weekly – Latest farming news and analysis This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with 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.
S1 · E327
October 16 · 50 min
Farm tax breaks, potato harvest, organics, and Clarkson at Tory conference
Farm leaders are calling for an urgent rethink of inheritance tax and investment allowances ahead of the autumn Budget on 28 October. With farm investment stalling and confidence at a low ebb, the NFU and major supermarket chains are urging the government to introduce tax reforms that could unlock billions of pounds of private investment in UK agriculture. CLA chief tax adviser Louise Speke explains why changes to inheritance tax and capital allowances could help farmers invest in machinery, buildings and reservoirs – without requiring major government spending. We visit Lincolnshire potato grower Alex Godfrey, who explains how drought, soaring fuel costs and increasingly unpredictable weather are making potato production more challenging. With irrigation and storage requiring substantial investment, growers want greater certainty over water supplies and future contracts. Meanwhile, McCain’s latest FarmDex report highlights growing concerns about extreme weather, rising costs and government policy. We also examine the government’s plans to encourage organic farming, the newly agreed sugar beet price for 2027-28 and the latest livestock, grain and fuel markets. And Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie Ireland make a surprise appearance at the Conservative Party conference, highlighting the financial pressures facing British farmers. Plus, our autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines herbicide resistance and how growers can protect the effectiveness of weed control programmes. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: What farming needs from the autumn Budget 01:28 – Farm tax reform: NFU and CLA call for investment incentives 02:03 – Louise Speke: Inheritance tax and capital allowances 05:45 – Farm investment stalls amid policy uncertainty 11:08 – Food security and the case for government action 16:41 – Autumn drilling update: Herbicide resistance and Italian ryegrass 18:59 – Potato harvest: Drought, irrigation and rising production costs 22:31 – Why growers need better access to water 23:46 – Lessons from a challenging potato harvest 26:27 – McCain FarmDex: Farmers struggle with costs and uncertainty 29:24 – Farmers Weekly journalists celebrate industry awards 31:30 – Hedgehog decline: The debate over farming and badgers 34:29 – Organic farming: Government plans to expand production 37:58 – Sugar beet: New 2027-28 price agreement 40:40 – Markets: Beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel 43:08 – Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie at the Conservative Party conference 45:37 – Farming policy and the future of environmental regulation 49:12 – Conclusion: What next for British farming? Special guests: Louise Speke – Chief tax adviser, Country Land and Business Association. Jenny Deakin – Bayer Crop Science. Alex Godfrey – Potato grower, Lincolnshire. Useful links: National Farmers’ Union – Farming policy and campaigns Country Land and Business Association – Taxation and rural business policy HM Treasury – Government Budgets and financial statements HMRC – Agricultural Property Relief HMRC – Annual Investment Allowance GB Potatoes – Potato industry information AHDB – Agricultural market intelligence This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. 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.
S1 · E326
October 8 · 43 min
Red diesel prices, Can AI replace your agronomist? & Farmers Weekly Live
Soaring diesel prices are putting fresh pressure on farm businesses – and the outlook suggests volatility could continue well into 2027. In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine what is driving the surge in fuel costs, whether farmers should buy now or wait, and how hedging and reducing diesel use could help manage the risk. We also ask whether artificial intelligence could eventually replace your agronomist after Bedfordshire grower Andrew Robinson handed control of a winter wheat fungicide programme to AI. Plus, we hear from some of the winners at the 2026 Farmers Weekly Awards, discuss the latest debate over rural Britain and farm policy, bring you our weekly market round-up, and unveil Farmers Weekly Live – a new farm business event coming to Stoneleigh Park in July 2027. The episode also includes the Farmers Weekly Autumn Drilling Update, in association with Bayer Crop Science. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:53 – Why diesel prices are soaring 03:59 – Should farmers buy diesel now or wait? 06:33 – What expensive diesel means for farming 14:10 – Autumn Drilling Update 17:02 – Can AI replace your agronomist? 19:05 – How AI could change agronomy 24:36 – This week in farming 27:37 – Rural Britain and Westminster 31:17 – Farming and the UK’s relationship with Europe 34:05 – Markets 36:38 – Farmers Weekly Live launches 43:01 – Podcast close Guests Patrick Crean – fuel procurement manager, AF Group Jenny Deakin – Bayer Crop Science Andrew Robinson – Bedfordshire arable farmer Andrew Meredith – editor, Farmers Weekly Dan Smith – managing director, Farmers Weekly Presented by: Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Useful links Farmers Weekly Live – 6-7 July 2027, NAEC Stoneleigh Details of the new event and registration of interest. ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/farmers-weekly-live Red diesel price volatility hits autumn fieldwork Farmers Weekly’s report on the sharp rise in fuel costs and the implications for autumn operations. ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/red-diesel-price-volatility-hits-autumn-fieldwork Farmers Weekly Awards 2026 winners The full list of this year’s winners, including Farm Manager of the Year Will Jones and Environmental Champion Colin Chappell. ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/past-winners-2026 Alistair Leake – Lifetime Achievement Award Farmers Weekly profile of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement winner. ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/farmers-weekly-awards-2026-lifetime-achievement-winner Bayer Crop Science – autumn grassweed management Advice on blackgrass, Italian ryegrass and brome management in wheat. ⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/insights/weed-management/weed-out-uncertainty Alternator Met herbicide information Bayer Crop Science information on autumn cereal weed control and application timings. ⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/our-products/herbicides/alternator-met Farmers Weekly – latest farming news, analysis and markets ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/ Contact the podcast: podcast@fwi.co.uk UK listeners can text FARM followed by their message to 88440. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E325
September 28 · 50 min
SFI26: Sifting through the wreckage of the Sustainable Farming Incentive
Farmers are ploughing up environmental features after thousands were shut out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive when funding ran out less than six hours after applications opened. In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we hear from Lincolnshire farmer Charles Anyan as he returns buffer strips to wheat production following problems with his SFI application. NFU vice-president Robyn Munt sets out what the union wants Defra to do next – including urgent clarity for farmers left without agreements and an earlier opening for SFI 2027. Shadow farming minister Robbie Moore gives the Conservative response and argues that the government and Treasury must provide greater certainty over future funding. And we visit the Allerton Project in Leicestershire, where a planned SFI agreement worth about £85,000 a year failed to get through. Allerton head of sustainable farming Joe Stanley considers what the debacle means for environmental delivery – and whether private natural-capital markets can fill some of the funding gap. Chapters 00:00 – SFI fallout: farmers start ploughing up environmental features 09:27 – Autumn drilling update: grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science 12:19 – NFU demands answers from Defra 25:41 – Political fallout from the SFI closure 37:18 – Markets: beef and sheep strengthen 39:42 – Allerton Project: £85,000 SFI shortfall 45:20 – What now for farm environmental policy? Special Guests Charles Anyan – Lincolnshire farmer Robyn Munt – vice-president, National Farmers’ Union Robbie Moore MP – shadow farming minister Joe Stanley – head of sustainable farming, Allerton Project Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 – scheme information Defra: SFI26 Window 2 update Defra: SFI26 Window 2 applications and statistics NFU: SFI scheme guidance and information Allerton Project 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.
S1 · E324
September 22 · 21 min
Emergency Episode: SFI26 funding gone in under six hours – what now?
Defra is under intense pressure after the £233 million budget for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive was exhausted just five hours and 48 minutes after applications opened. In this emergency episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, farmers describe technical problems that prevented them from submitting complete applications despite weeks of preparation – leaving some facing holes of more than £50,000 in their farm budgets. Farm business consultant James Bush explains what went wrong, what farmers should do next and why Defra and the Rural Payments Agency need urgently to clarify what happens to those who missed out. Podcast hosts Johan Tasker, Hugh Broom and Louise Impey discuss the wider fallout – including fears that farmers could abandon environmental measures if funding remains unavailable. In this episode 00:00 – SFI funding exhausted in under six hours The £233m budget disappears after applications open, leaving thousands of farmers without agreements. 00:52 – West Sussex farmers hit by application problems Frans de Boer and Rupert Hoare describe unexplained compatibility errors, missing options and incomplete applications despite extensive preparation. 02:45 – £55,000 hole in a Cambridgeshire farm budget Beef and arable farmer Peter Hatley explains how technical problems prevented his application and why losing expected SFI income could force major changes to his farming system. 04:14 – Dartmoor farmer loses £50,000 agreement Matthew Cole describes spending hours preparing his upland application only for errors to prevent submission before the budget disappeared. 05:19 – Hugh and Louise react Hugh Broom and Louise Impey discuss the stress, confusion and frustration surrounding the application window – and the consequences for farmers who missed out. 08:07 – Farm consultant James Bush: what went wrong? James Bush, head of agriculture at GSC Grays, describes consultants preparing for a 24-hour application marathon – only to see the entire budget exhausted within six hours. 10:08 – What Defra needs to fix Technical problems, mapping issues and the shortcomings of a highly compressed application window. 12:00 – What farmers should do next James explains why land-use codes, land cover, digital mapping and contingency plans need to be checked ahead of any future application window. 13:07 – The particular problem facing upland farms Why farmers in the uplands have fewer alternatives when environmental support disappears – and how one moorland agreement was left with a major funding shortfall. 15:04 – Don’t panic – but demand clarity What farmers need to know about another SFI window and how SFI 2026 might interact with future schemes. 16:10 – Could environmental land go back into production? Hugh warns that frustration with government schemes could encourage farmers to remove margins and other environmental measures. 19:38 – Budget, IT – and communication Louise argues that Defra must either provide sufficient funding or redesign the scheme around the budget actually available. 21:03 – What happens next The team looks ahead to Friday’s Farmers Weekly Podcast and further coverage of the SFI fallout. Guests Frans de Boer – West Sussex farmer Rupert Hoare – West Sussex farmer Peter Hatley – Cambridgeshire beef and arable farmer Matthew Cole – Dartmoor farmer James Bush – head of agriculture, GSC Grays Useful links Farmers Weekly – latest Sustainable Farming Incentive news and analysis Defra – Sustainable Farming Incentive guidance Rural Payments Agency – SFI applications and scheme information GSC Grays – agricultural and farm business advice This emergency 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.
S1 · E323
September 18 · 51 min
SFI scramble, sugar beet arbitration, maize quality, & Daniel Zeichner on life inside Defra
Farmers face a race to secure funding when the Sustainable Farming Incentive reopens – with warnings that the available money could be allocated within just 24 hours. We look at how to prepare an SFI26 application, why growers should resist simply chasing grant money and what could happen to farmers whose existing agreements prevent them joining this time around. Sugar beet growers face another period of uncertainty after price negotiations between NFU Sugar and British Sugar break down. With the 2027/28 contract heading to arbitration, we ask whether the crop can continue to earn its place in the rotation. After one of the earliest maize harvests on record, we examine maize quality, forage shortages and why regular silage analysis could prove particularly important this winter. And former farm minister Daniel Zeichner gives an extraordinary account of life inside Defra – including his claim that he knew nothing about the government’s inheritance tax changes until after they were announced in the 2024 Budget. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:09 – SFI26: will the money run out in 24 hours? 08:01 – SFI: preparing for the scramble 14:21 – Autumn drilling update: managing dry seedbeds 16:56 – Sugar beet price talks head to arbitration 20:50 – Does sugar beet have a future? 25:39 – Around the farming world 30:01 – Maize harvest: quantity versus quality 34:25 – Markets: livestock up, grain down and diesel jumps 36:46 – Daniel Zeichner: what really happened inside Defra? 44:20 – Abi Kay on an extraordinary interview Special Guests Chloe Timberlake – farm business adviser, Ceres Rural Nick Scantlebury – senior farms manager, Elveden Estate Neil Groom – maize specialist, Grainseed Daniel Zeichner MP – former Defra farm minister Abi Kay – Farmers Weekly chief reporter Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 SFI26 Window 2 update Sugar beet price arbitration British Sugar’s Cantley plans Bovine TB transmission research Daniel Zeichner interview 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.
S1 · E322
September 17 · 1 hr 9 min
Abi Kay's Big Questions: Former minister Daniel Zeichner lifts the lid on life inside Defra.
In an exclusive interview with Farmers Weekly's Abi Kay, former farm minister Daniel Zeichner gives an extraordinary account of life inside Defra. Revelations include Mr Zeichner's claim that as a minister he knew nothing about government plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers until after they were announced in the 2024 Budget. He says he was then “dutifully dispatched to defend” the policy to furious farmers. Mr Zeichner also admits that Labour was not sufficiently prepared for government when it was elected in July 2024. He says he was unable to tell farmers the “full story” about problems with the government's flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which ran out of money in March 2025. He also describes feeling “man-marked” by Treasury officials he had never met – and says the government should have foreseen the trouble its inheritance tax plans caused. 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: uk.linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130 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.
S1 · E321
September 15 · 48 min
Farm rent cuts, secret rural crime workshops, pig sector crisis, & Derek vs Derek
Tenant farmers are being urged to seek rent reductions as difficult arable economics put pressure on farm businesses – but how far should landlords go to share the pain? This week, we examine calls for rent cuts of up to 20% and ask whether landlords and tenants need a new approach to negotiating rents during difficult years. We also investigate the secret workshops helping farmers protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated rural crime. Security specialist Frank Cannon explains why some crime-prevention advice is deliberately kept behind closed doors. Meanwhile, pig producers face a difficult autumn after processors served notice on supply contracts. Thousands of pigs could be left without a contracted buyer each week, accelerating the decline of independent production. And finally, we head to the cinema for Derek vs Derek, a feature-length documentary following two neighbouring Devon farmers with very different ideas about the countryside: dairy farmer Derek Banbury and rewilder Derek Gow. Derek vs Derek is directed by James Dawson and follows Derek Banbury and Derek Gow over three years. Its UK cinema release begins on 2 October 2026. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:59 – Should tenant farmers demand rent cuts? 09:41 – Who should carry the pain in a bad year? 13:27 – Autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science 15:23 – Secret workshops tackle rural crime 18:11 – How farmers can make themselves harder targets 25:10 – Farming politics on the road 27:35 – Back British Farming Day 29:06 – Pig producers face contract crisis 33:43 – Markets: livestock, grain and fuel 36:09 – Derek vs Derek: farming meets rewilding 38:38 – Food production or nature – must farmers choose? 47:23 – Podcast wrap-up Guests and useful links: Richard King – partner, Andersons farm business consultants Jeremy Moody – secretary and adviser, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers Frank Cannon – chartered security professional, Rural SafeGuard Alistair Driver – editor, Pig World 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.
S1 · E320
September 4 · 43 min
River Wye pollution progress, gene-edited soya, falling livestock numbers & Great British Harvest Festival
In this episode, we examine new farm-level evidence suggesting phosphorus is coming into balance on farms in the River Wye catchment – and ask what it means for water pollution. We visit a field trial where precision breeding could make UK-grown soya commercially possible. We examine the continuing decline in cattle and sheep numbers, and run the rule over the latest livestock and arable markets. And we discover why some of Britain’s biggest music names are heading to Suffolk for a harvest festival with a difference. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:51 – River Wye: are farmers turning the tide on pollution? 10:18 – Bayer autumn drilling update: tackling weeds field by field 12:20 – Could gene-edited soya become a UK break crop? 21:51 – Farming news: El Niño, Asian hornets and SFI26 26:07 – Why are Britain’s beef and sheep herds shrinking? 32:21 – Markets: beef firms as grain prices rise 34:59 – A Great British Harvest Festival with a difference 42:13 – That’s all for this week Guests Dan Smith – farm facilitator, Herefordshire Rural Hub Rachel Banks – technical manager, Bayer Crop Science Dr Frank Röber – Europe Breeding Alliances lead, Corteva Agriscience Philip Case – Farmers Weekly Prys Morgan – beef and lamb sector director, AHDB Andrew Sunnucks – farmer and music producer Useful links River Wye nutrient balance project River Wye water quality – Environment Agency SFI26 Window 2 AHDB Beef & Lamb Bayer Crop Science Great British Harvest Festival 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.
S1 · E319
August 28 · 45 min
Autumn drilling gamble, fertiliser warning, sugar beet drought, Brazilian beef imports, and firearms licensing
In this episode, how much rain is enough to start drilling after one of the driest summers in recent memory? We look at autumn crop establishment as growers weigh up whether to put oilseed rape and other crops into exceptionally dry soils – or wait for more meaningful rainfall. We assess the prospects for the coming sugar beet harvest after drought, heat and pest pressure take their toll on crops. And farm leaders call for tougher controls on Brazilian beef and imported eggs as questions mount over whether food coming into Britain meets the same standards expected of UK producers. Meanwhile, fertiliser suppliers urge growers to start talking about next season’s requirements as geopolitical disruption threatens to disrupt another buying season. And finally, a police watchdog says firearms licensing in England and Wales is “not fit for purpose”. What would a new national licensing authority mean for the thousands of farmers and other rural businesses that rely on shotguns and firearms for their work? This episode is brought to you by KWS – seeding the future since 1856. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:53 – How much rain is enough to drill oilseed rape? 02:24 – How late is too late for oilseed rape? 03:21 – Drilling into exceptionally dry seed-beds 04:01 – Should growers increase seed rates? 05:07 – Has this week’s rain changed anything? 07:14 – Grass, cover crops and an exceptionally early maize harvest 08:21 – What happened to cabbage stem flea beetle? 09:24 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS 11:45 – How badly has drought hit sugar beet? 14:02 – Beet armyworm adds to pest pressure 15:01 – Building more resilient sugar beet crops 16:05 – Can plant breeding deliver drought tolerance? 16:52 – What are growers expecting from harvest? 19:29 – A difficult lifting campaign ahead? 20:49 – Calls to stop Brazilian beef imports 21:11 – Imported eggs and the salmonella outbreak 22:53 – Farmers urged to plan fertiliser requirements early 24:17 – Geopolitics puts fertiliser supply chains under pressure 25:01 – But what about farm cash flow? 26:17 – Can the supply chain cope with another late rush? 28:59 – Markets update 29:20 – Firearms licensing ‘not fit for purpose’ 30:25 – Farmers’ experience of firearms licensing 31:26 – Would a national firearms authority work better? 32:18 – Closing remarks Guests Jock Willmott – partner and agronomist, Ceres Rural Matt Bull – product manager, KWS Dr Georgina Barratt – head of crop production, British Beet Research Organisation Harriet Trewin – head of fertiliser, Agricultural Industries Confederation Lee Freeman – HM inspector of constabulary Useful links ⁠Ceres Rural ⁠British Beet Research Organisation ⁠Agricultural Industries Confederation Latest UKHSA salmonella outbreak update Government firearms licensing guidance 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.
S1 · E318
August 21 · 47 min
Drought crisis loans, does regen farming stack up?, bluetongue vaccination, & China food security
Could government-backed crisis loans help cash-strapped farmers recover from drought and keep Britain producing food? This week, we examine industry proposals for a Keep Britain Growing Loan – an interest-free, government-backed scheme planned for farmers. With the bluetongue outbreak continuing to spread northwards, we hear why livestock producers are being urged to vaccinate susceptible cattle and sheep as soon as possible. We look at China’s drive for greater food self-sufficiency and what it could mean for global agricultural markets. And a new report called From Risk to Reward examines the financial cost of switching to regenerative farming. If farmers lose money during the transition, should food companies and the wider supply chain shoulder more of the risk? This episode is brought to you by Bayer CropScience - weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:02 – Could crisis loans keep farmers farming? 04:30 – Would the loans make a difference? 09:46 – Autumn Drilling Update with Bayer Cropscience 11:44 – Bluetongue spreads further across Britain 17:05 – Is it too late to vaccinate? 17:57 – Preparing for bluetongue in 2027 23:34 – Harvest, autumn cultivations and SFI 27:07 – China targets greater food self-sufficiency 30:06 – Markets 33:16 – Who pays for regenerative farming? 39:02 – Should food companies share the risk? Guests Alex Godfrey – Lincolnshire farmer and chairman, GB Potatoes Rachel Banks – technical manager, Bayer Cropscience Claire Wise – acting national livestock chair, NFU Mandy Nevel – head of animal health, AHDB Joe Stanley – head of sustainable farming, Allerton Project Useful Links Keep Britain Growing Loan Bluetongue – latest situation Bayer weed management advice Regenerative agriculture and Nestlé Allerton Project From Risk to Reward 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.
S1 · E317
August 15 · 49 min
£65m drought aid, autumn drilling, livestock forage, firefighting farmers & fundraising for mental health
In this episode, Defra unveils a £65m package to help drought-hit farmers – we examine how it could help your farm business. We also look at whether growers should start drilling winter crops into exceptionally dry soils – and assess the worsening forage situation for cattle and sheep. Elsewhere, farmers in South Wales help firefighters tackle wildfires, grain markets respond to renewed turmoil in the Black Sea, And three veteran kayakers take to the rivers of East Anglia to raise money for rural mental health charity YANA (You Are Not Alone). This episode is brought to you by plant breeder KWS. Guests Ian Gould – Independent farm adviser John Cousins – Weed scientist, ADAS Andrew Jones – Independent dairy and beef nutritionist Brian Bowen – South Wales farmer Henry Kilvert – Norfolk farmer and YANA supporter Chapters 00:00 – Defra unveils £65m drought package 01:52 – SFI flexibility in extreme drought 06:33 – What does the £65m package actually offer? 10:40 – Extra grazing for livestock farmers 13:07 – Can farmers rely on SFI long term? 15:51 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS 18:04 – When should growers start autumn drilling? 23:17 – Blackgrass, herbicides and dry seedbeds 26:06 – Should growers risk drilling oilseed rape? 28:37 – Livestock forage crisis deepens 29:57 – Drought threatens fertility and production 32:18 – Sheep, forage and winter feed stocks 5:23 – Listener feedback and farming resilience 36:34 – Farmers battle South Wales wildfires 39:29 – Grain prices react to Black Sea attacks 40:26 – This week’s farmgate prices 42:56 – Three old men in boats 44:37 – Tackling loneliness in farming Usel links Government £65m drought support announcement: Sustainable Farming Incentive: Environment Agency drought and water resources information AHDB harvest progress AHDB drought, feed and fodder advice ADAS YANA – rural mental health support 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.
S1 · E316
August 7 · 50 min
Drought crisis, grain marketing, farm welfare grants, & 150 years of Aberdeen Angus cattle
As drought conditions worsen across England, MPs demand urgent government action to safeguard water supplies for food production. South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough says farmers need more flexible abstraction licences, simpler rules for building reservoirs and adequate support. We examine Defra’s new £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant and ask whether improving personal resilience can help farmers navigate increasingly volatile weather, markets and government policy. Meanwhile, grain marketing consultant Richard Whitlock warns growers to carry out due diligence when selling grain as profitability among merchants comes under pressure. And we celebrate 150 volumes of the Aberdeen Angus Herd Book – and ask how genetics and data could shape the breed’s next 150 years. Guests * Ben Goldsborough – Labour MP for South Norfolk * Samantha “Sammy” Seaman – farm leadership, mindset and resilience coach * Richard Whitlock – grain marketing consultant * Robert Gilchrist – chief executive, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Chapters 00:55 – Farmers demand their fair share of water 01:25 – Ben Goldsborough: “Drier than Jerusalem” 02:28 – Abstraction licences and regulation 03:16 – Food security versus data centres 03:48 – What farmers can do 05:35 – Is Defra listening? 08:17 – What help do drought-hit farms need? 10:57 – A climate “doom loop”? 14:37 – Bayer Autumn Drilling Update 16:55 – £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant 17:20 – Samantha Seaman on handling pressure 20:01 – Building resilient farm businesses 23:25 – Can farmers bounce back? 26:31 – Bluetongue situation worsens 30:57 – Sustainable Farming Incentive update 32:27 – Harvest quality surprises 34:47 – Be careful who buys your grain 36:47 – Checking your grain buyer 38:30 – Commodity markets 41:27 – Aberdeen Angus at 150 42:29 – Why Aberdeen Angus endures 43:17 – Genetics, DNA and lower emissions 49:30 – Closing remarks Useful links - Rural Payments Agency extreme weather guidance - Defra Farmer Welfare Grant - Samantha Seaman Coaching - Richard Whitlock – grain merchant analysis - Bayer Crop Science weed management - Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society 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.
S1 · E315
July 31 · 42 min
Bluetongue surge, harvest yields explained, and wildlife-friendly farming
Sheep farmers are being urged to consider vaccination as a surge in bluetongue cases causes serious losses across south-west England. We have the latest on the worsening outbreak, the risks associated with livestock movements and whether vaccination makes financial sense. We also examine the impact of extreme heat and drought on this year’s harvest. Soil scientist Danni Robb explains why high temperatures can damage grain yields, how warmer nights affect crops and what growers can do to improve resilience. Plus, we discuss forage shortages, chickpea prices, straw and wool insulation, and the latest farm commodity prices. And Louise visits the winner of the 2026 Silver Lapwing Award – and sees how farming goes hand-in-hand with outstanding environmental management in Gloucestershire. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:57 – Surge in bluetongue cases hits sheep farms 01:19 – Philippa Page and Phil Stocker assess the outbreak 03:03 – Should farmers vaccinate before tupping? 04:55 – Hugh Broom on sheep losses in south-west England 07:48 – Certis Belchim message: managing take-all in cereal crops 09:29 – Heat, drought and poor harvest yields 11:06 – How warm nights affect wheat yields 12:16 – Which crops have performed better? 13:28 – Varieties, soil health and climate resilience 24:11 – Podcast updates and listener feedback 25:40 – Chickpea prices and imported competition 27:03 – Warning over adding moisture to stored grain 27:38 – The environmental impact of free-range eggs 31:09 – Hugh tries British wool insulation 33:06 – This week’s farm commodity prices 35:24 – Frampton Court Estate wins the Silver Lapwing Award 36:05 – Peter Clifford on agroforestry and farm partnerships 37:35 – Funding environmental work in the future 42:07 – Closing remarks Guests * Philippa Page, president, Sheep Veterinary Society * Phil Stocker, chief executive, National Sheep Association * Dani Robb, soil scientist, Ceres Research * Peter Clifford, Frampton Court Estate Useful links * Bluetongue guidance * Bluetongue vaccination guidance * National Sheep Association * Sheep Veterinary Society * British Society of Soil Science * Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group * Silver Lapwing Award * Frampton Court Estate 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.
S1 · E314
July 24 · 50 min
Angela Eagle returns to Defra, Welsh farm funding, sugar beet factory closure, David Barton tribute, & combine harvester fires
What does Dame Angela Eagle’s appointment as Defra secretary mean for UK agriculture? This week, we examine the new secretary of state’s priorities, political influence and ability to secure the long-term budgets farmers say they need. We also hear from NFU Sugar chairman Kit Papworth following British Sugar’s proposal to stop processing beet at its Cantley factory in Norfolk. At the Royal Welsh Show, farmers respond to a three-year, £340m-a-year funding settlement for the Sustainable Farming Scheme. We pay tribute to NFU livestock board chairman David Barton, hear how the drought is affecting harvest and examine rising farmgate prices. And during Farm Safety Week, combine fire survivor Andrew Williamson explains why machinery can be replaced—but people cannot. This episode is brought to you by seed breeder KWS. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:51 – What will Angela Eagle mean for farming? 05:58 – A farmer-friendly appointment at Defra? 07:37 – Cantley sugar factory faces closure 12:30 – Can Britain rebuild its rural economy? 18:21 – Imported cane sugar versus home-grown beet 23:09 – Welsh farmers receive funding certainty 27:48 – Has Wales found a better approach? 33:45 – Remembering David Barton 36:41 – Harvest and drought update 38:52 – Abby’s new investigative role 40:03 – Farm markets 42:38 – Combine fires and Farm Safety Week 46:02 – Why farm safety is not improving Special Guests: Dame Angela Eagle – secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Kit Papworth – Norfolk sugar beet grower and chairman of the NFU Sugar Board Andrew Williamson – farmer and vice-chairman of the NFU Combinable Crops Board The episode is presented by Johann Tasker, Abi Kay, Hugh Broom and Anne Dunn. Useful links ⁠British Sugar’s announcement on the proposed Cantley closure ⁠NFU Sugar: Growers need certainty following Cantley proposal ⁠Welsh Government: £1bn multi-year funding commitment ⁠NFU Cymru response to the funding settlement ⁠Farm Safety Foundation – Yellow Wellies ⁠Farm Safety Week 2026 ⁠Farmers Weekly: Level the Field – physical health in farming ⁠KWS UK Email the podcast team at podcast@fwi.co.uk. Listeners in the UK can text FARM, followed by their message, to 88440. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E313
July 18 · 49 min
What to expect from Andy Burnham's 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 KWS 15:15 Farmer faces no charges over fatal shooting 15:52 What does the law allow householders to do? 19:44 Advice for farmers facing an intruder 26:10 Harvest results: wheat, barley, beans and oilseed rape 28:02 Adding moisture to very dry oilseed rape 29:23 Buzzard blamed for standing-crop fire 30:48 Church rejects blanket rewilding target 31:41 Environment Agency farm inspection findings 33:04 Should rural speed limits fall to 20mph? 35:31 Market update 38:11 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.
S1 · E312
July 10 · 38 min
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 challenges 01:27 Warning over grain washing 02:34 Early harvest results 04:09 Should growers add moisture? 07:17 Silage and maize conditions 09:47 Partner message: Certis Belchim 11:29 Is Defra’s farming roadmap credible? 11:54 Emma Reynolds challenged by MPs 13:28 Alistair Carmichael interview 23:32 Farming sentiment in Scotland 29:07 Harvest disrupts farm plans 30:14 Markets update 32:07 Erling Haaland backs British farm produce 33:39 The Haaland effect 36:52 England versus Norway 37:38 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.

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