Wilson & Ashley

36. Why Is There a Woman in a Pig Crate? The Animal Rising Protest Explained

Put your thoughts into the mix There’s a woman in a farrowing crate in Trafalgar Square — but what exactly is Animal Rising trying to tell us about pig farming? In this episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast, we’re looking at the protest involving Michelle, the Animal Rising activist who put herself inside a farrowing crate as part of their campaign to end factory farming in Britain by 2040. The campaign centres around Luna, a sow filmed by Animal Rising during a month-long investigation at a pig farm. We look at the footage, the way it is presented, and some of the farming practices highlighted in the video. But how much context is missing? We discuss what farrowing crates are, why they are used, the welfare arguments for and against them, and what UK law actually says. We also look at the challenges of moving towards crate-free systems, including cost, infrastructure, labour, piglet mortality and the potential impact on British pork production - thank you to pig farmer Anna Longthorp for her contribution. And then there’s Michelle in the crate. Is comparing a human to a sow an effective way of communicating the welfare issue — or does it simply provoke an emotional reaction? Is the protest presenting a powerful image and what do we really think about farrowing crates. Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, with Charlotte revealing what she’s completely over this week. Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

35. Derek vs Derek: Can Farming & Nature Really Coexist?

Put your thoughts into the mix Can we restore nature while still producing enough food? And which Derek has the better argument? In this episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast, we’re talking about Derek vs Derek, the new documentary putting two very different visions of the British countryside head-to-head. We’ve seen the film ahead of its official UK release, so we’re giving you our thoughts after our trip to London! On one side is Derek Banbury, an intensive dairy farmer who sees food production and caring for the countryside as entirely compatible. On the other is Derek Gow, a former sheep farmer who has moved into rewilding, creating habitat and bringing species such as beavers and wild boar back to his land. We discuss the film’s central question: can we restore nature and biodiversity while still producing enough food? Did the trailer give us the wrong impression? Is the film anti-farming, a defence of farmers, or a genuinely balanced look at the debate? We also discuss Britain's nature-depletion narrative, and what we actually see on farmland — from swallows and insects to soils, watercourses and wildlife. And, most importantly… which Derek was more persuasive? Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, with Rebecca revealing her latest obsession. Watch the Derek vs Derek trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeZbO-t3rlA Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

34. Misinformation in the Countryside | Are Farmers Too Defensive?

Put your thoughts into the mix We're taking a closer look at misinformation in the countryside, how quickly assumptions about farming can spread online, and why sometimes what you think you’re seeing isn’t necessarily what’s happening. In this episode: Why do people so often form opinions about farming without knowing the full story? The assumptions people make about pesticides and plant protection products How many misunderstandings about farming could be cleared up with a simple conversation with a farmer? Do farmers need to be more accountable and open to questions from consumers? Is misinformation deliberately created to generate engagement and feed the social media algorithm? Do farmers sometimes contribute to the problem through out-of-context posts and deliberately provocative content? Are farmers too defensive or dismissive when people ask questions? How can farmers and the public have better conversations about agriculture? We discuss where legitimate questions end and misinformation begins — and whether farmers themselves need to do more to challenge misconceptions about modern farming. Thank you to Kirkby Tyres and BKT Tyres for keeping the wheels of farming turning. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

33. Farm accidents, a life-saving app and Charlotte's basketball obsession

Put your thoughts into the mix Farmers are notoriously good at saying “I’ll be fine” — but when it comes to serious injuries and accidents on farms, waiting for it to get better isn’t always an option. In this episode, we talk about farming accidents, farm safety and why farmers can be so reluctant to seek medical help, before taking a look at the new RABI Farmers Aid app, designed to help in the crucial minutes after an accident while you’re waiting for the emergency services to arrive. In this episode: Why farmers are often reluctant to call 999 or go to A&E The culture of self-reliance and “just get on with it” Why accidents can be particularly difficult to deal with on remote farms RABI's research into farmers' health and wellbeing The shocking statistics around agricultural fatalities in the UK The new RABI Farmers Aid app and how it can help in an emergency The importance of the “platinum ten minutes” after a serious injury Using What3Words to help emergency services find you And Charlotte reveals something she is currently obsessed with… Download the RABI Farmers Aid app and make sure you have it before you need it: https://rabi.org.uk/rabi-officially-launches-farmersaid-app-to-support-response-to-critical-on-farm-accidents/ Thank you to Kirkby Tyres and BKT Tyres for keeping the wheels of farming turning. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

32. Why are farmers always complaining about the weather?

Put your thoughts into the mix Almost three quarters of England is in drought at the time of recording— so what does that actually mean for farmers, food production and the price of our food? We’re talking about what we’re seeing on our own farms, from crop yields and forage to water availability, boreholes and the risk of fires, as well as some of the less obvious consequences of a dry summer, including livestock disease. But there’s a bigger question too: when there isn’t enough water, who should get it? Should farmers be allowed to abstract more water to protect crops and livestock? What about rivers, wildlife and drinking water? And why does water abstraction become such a contentious issue whenever we have a dry summer? We’re also talking about why drought is suddenly getting so much attention in the mainstream media, whether FarmTok is helping consumers understand what’s happening on farms, and what farmers actually need from Government. So… are farmers justified in complaining about the weather, or do we just need to get on with it? Plus, after last week’s verdict, The Jury’s Out returns — and Rebecca has found something she is absolutely obsessed with. Hint: it involves guinea pigs and tapirs! Thank you to BKT Tyres and Kirkby Tyres for sponsoring this podcast and keeping the wheels of farming turning. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

31. You Asked, We Delivered! | We’re Going Weekly

Put your thoughts into the mix We’re back! And after a VERY busy summer, we’ve got a lot to catch you up on. It’s been a while… and when we looked at our diaries, we genuinely don’t know how we were supposed to fit recording a podcast in as well! From weddings, Cereals at Diddly Squat Farm and Zach Bryan, to the Great Yorkshire Show, The Game Fair, Farm 24 and Meat Up — we’ve basically been here, there and everywhere. Then we’re introducing something new… The Jury’s Out. A new segment where we decide whether something is something we’re completely obsessed with or something we are absolutely, categorically over. And no, it probably won't have anything to do with farming. This week, Rebecca has had enough of those very noisy close-up eating videos on TikTok. You know the ones. And finally, we’ve got an announcement that we know you’re going to be pretty pleased about… We’re going weekly! You asked for more episodes, so from now on you’ll be getting Wilson & Ashley every Tuesday. It’s very good to be back. Thank you to BKT Tyres and Kirkby Tyres for sponsoring this podcast and keeping the wheels of farming turning. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

30. Out of Control Rural Crime and is AI Killing Creativity?

Put your thoughts into the mix This week on the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we tackle two issues affecting rural Britain right now: the rise of AI and concerns around the future of creativity, alongside the growing rural crime epidemic impacting farmers and countryside communities across the UK. We begin by discussing a recent video from artist and farming supporter Doodling Lucy, exploring fears that cheap reproduction content could threaten creative industries and small rural businesses. Lucy’s work has long celebrated British farming and agriculture, and we discuss why this conversation matters so much for the countryside. In this episode: Is AI destroying creativity? Can people still tell the difference between human-made art and AI-generated content? Why creativity matters to farming and rural businesses The rise of diversification on farms through art, crafts and creative brands The emotional and financial impact of AI on artists and small businesses We also dive into the rural crime epidemic, discussing: The latest rural crime stats Quad bike thefts, GPS theft and organised countryside crime Livestock theft and the devastating rise in dog attacks on farm animals The emotional toll rural crime has on farming families The impact of crime on insurance premiums and day-to-day farm operations Whether rural policing is fit for purpose The new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) laws and what they mean for farmers and dog owners Practical ways rural communities can improve farm security Featuring conversations on: AI and creative industries British farming diversification Rural policing and countryside crime Livestock worrying laws NFU Mutual rural crime data The realities of life in the countryside If you’re interested in British farming, rural affairs, countryside issues, agriculture, creativity, rural business and current affairs, this episode is packed with honest conversation and debate. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

29. Celebrity Farmers and Food Labelling Loopholes

Put your thoughts into the mix We're tackling the controversial British food labelling loophole and ask whether supermarket packaging is confusing consumers — or outright misleading them. With imported food products often displaying Union Jacks, British countryside imagery and phrases like “Packed in Britain” or “Prepared in the UK”, are shoppers being led to believe they’re supporting British farmers when they may not be? We cover: What the food labelling loophole actually is Why British flags and branding appear on imported food The difference between “Packed in Britain”, “Prepared in Britain” and genuinely British produce Why British farmers are frustrated Consumer trust in UK food standards and animal welfare Proposed Conservative reforms to country-of-origin labelling Then we move onto influencers and celebrities buying farms. From viral YouTubers and TikTok stars documenting their countryside moves, to celebrity farming shows like Clarkson’s Farm and Fletchers on the Farm, farming has become a social media lifestyle aspiration. But is that a good thing for agriculture? We discuss: Why influencers and celebrities are buying farms Whether social media is glamorising farming Concerns around animal welfare and misinformation Farming as a lifestyle brand versus food production Whether celebrity exposure actually benefits British farming Featuring the below topics: Clarkson’s Farm Fletchers on the Farm Rural influencers and FarmTok culture British food standards UK agriculture and countryside life If you care about British farming, food transparency, rural business, livestock, countryside issues and the future of agriculture, this episode is packed with honest conversation and debate. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

28. Foot and Mouth - The Aftermath No One Talks About (Part 2)

Put your thoughts into the mix In Part 2 of our Foot and Mouth series, we move beyond the initial outbreak and into the harsh reality of what it took to bring it under control — and the lasting impact it had far beyond the farm gate. This is the side of the story that is rarely spoken about. We hear from a slaughterman working at the very front line of the response — confronting the scale, intensity, and emotional weight of the job day after day. Alongside this, we explore how the outbreak rippled through the wider rural economy, from farming families outside infected zones to local businesses, communities, and industries brought to a standstill. Foot and Mouth didn’t just affect those who lost livestock — it reshaped entire rural landscapes, both economically and emotionally. Like Part 1, this episode gives space to those who experienced it first-hand, in their own words — because these are stories that deserve to be heard in full. In the 2026 spin-off Dutton Ranch, Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler begin rebuilding their lives and cattle operation in Texas. A major storyline involves a devastating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in their herd. After discovering that an infected bull was purchased using forged health records, the disease spreads through the cattle, forcing the ranch to euthanize and bury the entire herd to prevent further contamination. The event is portrayed as both an economic disaster and an emotional loss for Beth and Rip, who view the cattle as the foundation of their new ranching future. Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, including references to animal culling and suicide. Some listeners may find this distressing. If you’ve been following this series, thank you — and if you haven’t yet, we recommend listening to Part 1 first for the full context. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

27. Foot and Mouth - The Day Everything Changed for British Farmers (Part 1)

Put your thoughts into the mix In this first part of our two-part series, we step back into 2001 — to the beginning of the Foot and Mouth outbreak. An outbreak that would change British farming forever. What started as a single confirmed case quickly escalated into a national crisis. But behind the headlines and statistics were real people, real farms, and real lives being turned upside down. In this episode, we hear directly from those on the front line. A farmer from an affected area shares what it was like to live through the uncertainty, fear, and reality of the disease arriving at the farm gate. We’re also joined by a vet who was working on the ground during the outbreak — an experience so profound it ultimately led him into politics. Together, their stories paint a picture not just of how the disease spread, but of how it felt — the decisions, the pressure, and the moments that have stayed with them ever since. This episode runs in a slightly different format to usual, allowing space for these stories to be told properly — because the human impact of Foot and Mouth was far-reaching, and is still felt today. In the 2026 spin-off Dutton Ranch, Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler begin rebuilding their lives and cattle operation in Texas. A major storyline involves a devastating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in their herd. After discovering that an infected bull was purchased using forged health records, the disease spreads through the cattle, forcing the ranch to euthanize and bury the entire herd to prevent further contamination. The event is portrayed as both an economic disaster and an emotional loss for Beth and Rip, who view the cattle as the foundation of their new ranching future. Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, including references to animal culling and suicide. Some listeners may find this distressing. Thank you to our contributors. Sources: https://www.woah.org/en/reflections-on-the-foot-and-mouth-disease-epidemic-of-2001-a-united-kingdom-perspective/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12483017 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foot-and-mouth-disease https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease/ https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/mar/21/footandmouth.angeliquechrisafis https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7075072.brigadier-tells-chaos-epidemic-fight/ https://www.farminguk.com/news/uk-not-prepared-for-foot-and-mouth-outbreak-vets-warn_68307.html Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Episode 26 From Lambing Sheds to Land Wars. Farming, Rewilding and the actual Reality

Put your thoughts into the mix What really happens when you put rewilding, farming, and real-life rural voices in the same conversation? In this unfiltered and often hilarious episode, we dive deep into one of the most controversial debates in modern agriculture: 👉 Should land be rewilded—or should it feed people? From sleep-deprived lambing nights and muddy farm realities to the growing pressure of government schemes, rising costs, and public opinion, this episode pulls back the curtain on what farming actually looks like in 2026. We unpack: 🌱 The truth behind the rewilding movement—and why it divides farmers 🚜 The financial realities of farming (and why ideology doesn’t pay the bills) 🐑 The impact of predators, policy, and “perfect” environmental narratives 💸 Subsidies, carbon credits, and whether sustainability is being driven by money or morals 🌍 Why food security might be closer to crisis than we think 👩‍🌾 The social side of farming life—from relationships to rural identity Expect strong opinions, candid storytelling, and a no-nonsense look at the balance between nature, food production, and survival. Because behind every headline about rewilding… there are real farmers, real families, and real consequences. 🎧 If you care about food, the countryside, or the future of farming—this one’s for you. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Episode 25: Britain’s Broken Food System - Food Banks and the Impact of Junk Food

Put your thoughts into the mix In this episode of the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, off the back of a great reel from Schöffel Country and The Country Food Trust, we talk about how game meat is being used to tackle food poverty in the UK. When you actually look at the numbers, food poverty is hard to ignore - millions of people in the UK are struggling to access enough food, there are now more food banks than McDonald's restaurants, and demand for emergency food is still rising. At the same time, we’ve got a growing deer population, not enough being culled, and huge amounts of nutritious, sustainable meat that could be used far better. When a relatively small number of deer can produce hundreds of thousands of meals, it feels like utilising this meat for those in need is a no brainer. We also touch on food waste and our own experience trying to get fresh produce into food banks, and how complicated it actually was. It all feeds into a bigger conversation around access to proper, nutritious food to fuel the body and the mind. In the second half, we talk about declining mental health and why we need to back our farmers as part of the solution. There’s a clear trend showing younger generations are struggling more, and while there’s no single cause, diet keeps coming up as part of the conversation — especially the rise in ultra-processed foods, even in products people think are healthy. It all links back to farming. If we’re producing less real, whole food in this country, what replaces it? And what does that mean not just for food security, but for long-term health? When you join it all up — food banks, malnutrition, game meat, ultra-processed diets and mental health — it keeps coming back to the same point. Good food is vital for the health of people and farmers are uniquely placed to provide it. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Episode 24: Is Raw Milk Bad For You & Why Farming Parents Are Being Fined for School Absence

Put your thoughts into the mix In this episode of the Wilson & Ashley Podcast we’re looking at two topics that have been making plenty of noise both online and in real life: the controversy surrounding multi-million follower account, Ballerina Farm, and the ongoing debate around taking children out of school during term time. If you spend any time on the rustic American farming side of social media, you’ve probably come across Ballerina Farm. Run by former ballerina Hannah Neeleman and her husband Daniel in Utah, the account has built a huge following by sharing a vision of traditional family life, home-produced food and farming with their eight children. But recently the farm found itself at the centre of a debate after it stopped selling raw milk following reports of high coliform bacteria levels in some testing. While the business says the decision was a commercial one and that the milk passed the required state tests while it was being sold, the story quickly grew online and raised wider questions about food safety, influencer responsibility and the way farming is portrayed on social media. We talk about what raw milk actually is, how it’s regulated in both the US and the UK, and whether the conversation would even exist if this were just an ordinary dairy farm without millions of followers watching. We also discuss the bigger issue of how farming and food production are presented online, and whether there’s a growing gap between the romanticised version of rural life people see on social media and the realities of producing food safely and responsibly. In the second half of the episode we turn to a topic that had a big response from our followers on social media: the rules around school attendance. Nearly half a million fines were issued last year for children being taken out of school during term time, as the Department for Education continues to tighten enforcement in an effort to improve attendance rates. Fines start at £80 per parent per child and can escalate quickly, with the possibility of court action for repeat offences. But what happens when your job simply doesn’t fit neatly into the school holiday calendar? For farming families in particular, there are times of year when work is completely dictated by the season and taking time off during school holidays just isn’t always possible. We talk about whether the current system fairly reflects the realities of rural life, whether farming families should ever be considered an exceptional circumstance, and where the line sits between protecting children’s education and recognising that some professions operate on a very different timetable. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Episode 23: Do Farmers Need Sunscreen and Does DEFRA Need Farming Lessons?

Put your thoughts into the mix This week we're asking should farmers be wearing SPF like it’s PPE? From influencer 50-step skincare routines and £100 moisturisers to the harsh reality of UV exposure in agriculture, we dig into why so many farmers skip sunscreen — and whether that says something bigger about how the industry approaches wellbeing in general. With 17,500 new melanoma cases in the UK each year and outdoor workers at significantly higher risk, is it time farmers started taking sun protection seriously? We've had a lot of responses from our followers on social media and the results make for a great conversation! Then we turn to the controversy around DEFRA awarding a contract (worth up to £650,000) to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Allerton Project to deliver agricultural training for civil servants. Is this a smart move to improve farming policy? A waste of taxpayer money? Or proof that government is too disconnected from rural life? We break down what the training could involve, why it’s caused backlash on X, and whether better-informed policymakers could mean better outcomes for British farmers. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Episode 22: Green Energy, The Milk Crisis… and Farmers Losing Thousands a Day

Put your thoughts into the mix This episode is brought to you in partnership with with our Headline Sponsor, BKT and Kirkby Tyres. Is solar grazing a genuine triple-win or just clever greenwashing? This episode talks about two big topics in farming at the moment - land use and milk price - and who ultimately pays the price for cheap energy and cheap food. We open with the rise of solar grazing, sparked by a Guardian article questioning whether putting sheep under solar panels really delivers benefits for farmers, renewables and society, or whether it’s simply a PR tool to make large-scale solar developments more palatable. With solar predicted to cover close to 100,000 hectares of UK land by 2030, we explore why the industry argues this is still a tiny fraction of national land use, and why many farmers see a very different picture when productive ground is taken out of food production. From reduced spraying and mowing costs to claims of improved soil health, animal welfare and biodiversity, we unpack the genuine opportunities solar grazing might offer — especially for new entrants — while also questioning broken promises, overgrazing risks, food security, and growing resistance from rural communities. In the second half, we shift to the brutal reality of Britain’s milk price collapse. With dairy farmers being paid well below the cost of production, some losing thousands of pounds a day, we break down how global oversupply, rising US production, steady volumes from New Zealand and weaker Chinese demand have combined to hammer farmgate prices. We look at why cheap milk remains a supermarket weapon, why many farmers have little power over who collects their milk or what they’re paid, and how dumping milk has become a symptom of a system under strain. With nearly 20% of UK dairy farmers already gone in recent years, we ask whether the free market is fit for purpose, whether tools like quotas or a modern version of the Milk Marketing Board should return, and why farmers so often end up absorbing the cost of feeding the nation. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Episode 21: Your Chocolate isn't Chocolate and is AI Coming for our Jobs?

Put your thoughts into the mix This episode is brought to you in partnership with with our Headline Sponsor, BKT and Kirkby Tyres. In this episode of the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we take on two big questions shaping the future of food, work and farming. We begin by looking at the significant changes happening on our supermarket shelves... changes which are perhaps going under the radar. From chocolate bars that are no longer legally allowed to be called chocolate, to ingredient substitutions hidden behind familiar packaging, we ask whether consumers are being misled and whether this marks the beginning of the end for recognisable, real food. We explore why rising cocoa prices and climate pressures are pushing manufacturers towards cheaper alternatives, what is lost nutritionally when real ingredients are replaced, and the environmental consequences of substitutes such as palm oil. The conversation then turns to artificial intelligence and the growing idea that manual, land-based jobs may be among the last to withstand automation. Inspired by a Telegraph article suggesting farming could be one of the most AI-resistant careers, we discuss why increasing numbers of young people are looking towards agriculture, whether farming can truly escape the reach of AI, and what this could mean for the future of the sector. We also reflect on recent warnings from 'The Godfather of AI'. Do consumers deserve better transparency when it comes to food labelling? Is farming under threat or part of the solution to an increasingly automated world? And how worried should we really be about the pace and direction of artificial intelligence? Sources: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DS7OU6JjfZA/?igsh=Y3Nhc2N3N2d3Nzgz, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/28/to-escape-the-ai-threat-train-to-be-a-farmer-or-a-roofer/ Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Episode 20: Are Farmers Held to Higher Welfare Standards Than Pet Owners?

Put your thoughts into the mix We're starting this week's episode with animal welfare and the UK Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy for England, which aims to cover farmed animals, pets and wildlife under one policy framework. With proposed changes ranging from livestock production systems to dog breeding and wildlife management, we ask whether one strategy can realistically work for such different animals — and whether farming continues to carry a disproportionate share of the welfare spotlight. We discuss the role of the supply chain, the risk of UK farmers being undercut by imports produced to lower standards, and whether higher welfare actually leads to better profitability, or if price still dominates consumer choice. In the second half, we turn to life online and what it really means to “go offline”. For farmers and rural businesses, social media has become a diary, a marketing tool and a community for support and knowledge transfer — but stepping back could mean both relief and financial risk. We talk about mental wellbeing and whether going offline is even realistic for businesses that rely on digital platforms to survive. Before we go, we’re delighted to announce BKT and Kirkby Tyres as headline sponsors for our next series, and we’re excited to see the partnership grow. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Episode 19: Illegal Antibiotics, Implications of the Mercosur Trade Deal and Could You Eat Your Pet Turkey?

Put your thoughts into the mix Welcome back to Episode 19 of the Wilson & Ashley Podcast — our final episode before Christmas! Somehow, despite an entire year to prepare, we’ve managed to finish on Episode 19 instead of 20 (sorry to those of you who like your round numbers!) A festive combination of poor planning, questionable maths, and general disorganisation. Should we record a bonus episode to fix it? Maybe. Probably. (Almost definitely not.) Before we fully embrace the Christmas spirit, we tackle a serious and increasingly important issue following an Irish Farmers Journal undercover investigation: the use of antibiotics in livestock production in Brazil, how it links directly to the Mercosur trade deal, and why it matters for the UK and global food systems. We explore what this could mean for animal welfare standards, farming competitiveness, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance against the backdrop of international trade agreements and substandard agricultural imports. It’s a a serious conversation, but one we felt needed discussion as tensions around the Mercosur trade deal continue and concerns grow about how imported food is produced compared to UK farming standards. As ever, the episode doesn’t stay entirely on track. Along the way we reflect on how we’ve somehow become serious adults, momentarily forget who Fleetwood Mac are (a low point), debate whether our microphones were actually worth the money, and discover that not everyone knows who Mr Beast is — despite him having hundreds of millions of YouTube subscribers. The episode wraps up with a Christmas-themed second half, as we touch on the potential of a turkey shortage before the big day and how one journalist decided to take matters into her own hands... Join us for episode 19 before we attempt to redeem ourselves in the new year… when we may have a big surprise waiting. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

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Episode 18: Farmers vs the Met Police and the True Cost of Shearing

Put your thoughts into the mix In this episode, we’re tackling the controversy around the recent Budget Day farmer protest in London — what was meant to be a well-planned, low-disruption demonstration against the proposed “family farm tax” turned chaotic after the Met Police reversed permissions less than 24 hours before farmers arrived. Tractors were banned from Whitehall, some still made it into central London, a few were seized, and several farmers were arrested simply for bringing their vehicles. We chat through why this happened, the questions Victoria Atkins has now put to the Met, and whether farmers are right to feel they’re experiencing “two-tier policing.” We then switch gears to the biodegrading wool video that’s gone viral on social media. One comment really stuck with us: “Every polyester shirt ever produced is still here.” With Charlotte’s background in wool processing, we talk through why we shear sheep, UK wool quality, and the realities of the wool market — including our own worked example of just how little profit a 200-ewe flock can make once shearing and labour are accounted for. We also highlight the real strengths of wool: its ability to absorb moisture, its low environmental footprint, and the fact it naturally locks away carbon — a stark contrast to synthetics. We also share insights from the British Wool event at St Martins University in London, covering farmer-to-fashion storytelling, consumer perceptions, and the high standards of British sheep farming. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Episode 17: Vegan Menu Push at Cambridge University and is 'Regenerative' Just a Buzzword

Put your thoughts into the mix In this episode of Wilson & Ashley, we unpack two big, and sometimes controversial, topics shaping the future of food and farming: Cambridge University’s move towards a 100% plant-based menu and the fast-growing interest in regenerative agriculture across the UK. We begin with Cambridge University’s 2023 vote supporting fully plant-based catering across its services — a decision driven by sustainability arguments and student-led climate activism. But has the plan actually become reality? And what would large-scale plant-based menus mean for British livestock farmers, nutrition, food culture and student choice? We look at the latest updates, and why food can become politicised. Then we turn to regenerative farming: the buzzword everyone’s using, but which is also drawing criticism for its potential to be polarising. We break down some of the principles of regenerative agriculture and explain why regen systems are being championed particularly in the supply chain by companies including Waitrose, Arla, McCain, Nestlé and more. We also explore the realities for farmers: yield dips during transition, changing skillsets, expectations, and the debate around regen premiums. This episode really digs into the future of how food is grown, sold and served. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.