The Farmers Guardian podcast brings you real farmer stories, the latest news and discussion about all the issues affecting the farming community. Listen on the go as the Farmers Guardian team talk through the latest issues across the dairy, livestock and arable sectors affecting your farming business, featuring special guests who share their personal experiences.
Is Yield Still King? Rethinking Variety Choice Ahead of Autumn Drilling | The Farmers Guardian Arable Podcast
Choosing the right cereal variety has never been more important. As growers prepare for autumn drilling following an unusual Harvest 2026, should yield still be the deciding factor, or do disease resistance, resilience and market opportunities now matter more? In this episode of the Farmers Guardian Arable Podcast, host Ash Ellwood is joined by Clare Leaman of NIAB and Ted Williams of Agrovista to explore how farmers can make informed variety decisions using independent trial data, practical agronomy and lessons from this season. Message us
The Royal Welsh Show - farmers bring the feel-good factor back
This week the FG team looks back on the Royal Welsh Show, Jane Thynne is joined by Paul Williams, NFU Cymru Deputy President to talk about how a new government has brought a boost for farmer confidence and Ellie Layton, Farmers Guardian Livestock Specialist to discuss some of the key show results Olivia Midgley also talks to Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iowerth about the vision for the future of Welsh farming Message us
Burnham becomes Prime Minister: What does it mean for farming?
As Andy Burnham is handed the keys to Number 10 Downing Street, the Farmers Guardian news and business team discuss what his Government may mean for farming and the latest announcements from Defra. Message us
Regenerative Farming: Who pays for nature and how farmers can capture more value: Groundswell 2026
Who should pay for nature, and are farmers receiving a fair share of the value created by regenerative farming? In this special edition of the Farmers Guardian podcast, our expert panel which includes three farmers; Dr Nikki Yoxall, Nuffield scholar and Pasture for Life technical director; Harriet Cherry, Groundswell director and Wildfarmed agricultural relationship manager; and Adel Jones, regenerative farming consultant, explores one of the biggest questions facing agriculture today: how regenerative farming can become a profitable business model while continuing to produce food. The discussion, led by Farmers Guardian’s Olivia Midgley, examines whether nature recovery should be rewarded through environmental payments or whether the benefits of regenerative farming already strengthen farm businesses through healthier soils, lower input costs and greater resilience. The panel also explores innovative finance models, including partnerships between farmers and the banking sector, and asks whether supply chains, retailers and brands are doing enough to reward those delivering environmental outcomes. From the practical realities of implementing regenerative farming to tackling greenwashing and ‘regenwashing’ and the growing commercial appeal of ‘regen’, the conversation looks at where value is created, where it is lost and how farmers can capture more of it. The episode was hosted at Groundswell as part of Farmers Guardian’s 100 Women campaign, which shines a spotlight on the women spearheading change in agriculture and driving the sector forward. Message us
Are Contract Farming Agreements The Future For Young Farmers? Will Riddington and Katie Andrews | For Flock's Sake Ep4
Getting your foot on the farming ladder in the modern day can be a tricky business. However, one young couple turned their life upside down to make it work. In this episode of For Flock’s Sake , the Farmers Guardian podcast championing young voices in farming, hosts Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder sit down with Will Riddington and Katie Andrews, who relocated from southern England to Northumberland after securing a Contract Farming Agreement (CFA) at Halton Red House Farm, near Hexham, to turn their dream of farming into a reality. From balancing the books and getting to grips with farming in a new area to establishing a pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd, Will and Katie share how a CFA gave them the opportunity to farm without the burden of a mortgage and a limited amount of capital. Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at FGsocials@agriconnect.com Message us
Groundswell 2026: Reflections, Research and the Future of Regen
Join three Farmers Guardian journalists: Jane Thynne, Toby Whatley and Ash Ellwood as they reflect on their time at Groundswell, discussing the ideas, research and conversations that stood out most. From practical innovations and farmer experiences to the latest thinking on regenerative agriculture, they share what they learned, what surprised them and what deserves closer scrutiny. The discussion concludes by exploring the bigger question: where does regenerative farming fit in the future of global food production? Message us
Is the future bright for Scottish farming?
With Scottish agriculture at a pivotal point, farmers John McCulloch, David Barron and Kirsten Williams discussed the challenges and opportunities for Scotland's farming sector with Farmers Guardian at the Royal Highland Show. Message us
What do the latest SFI actions mean for Arable farmers? Funding changes, opportunities & expert advice | The Farmers Guardian arable podcast
The latest Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions have arrived, bringing fresh opportunities for farmers, but also plenty of questions. In this episode, we sit down with Megan Whatty, Hutchinsons environmental specialist, to unpack the latest developments, explore what has changed, and discuss what the new actions could mean for farm businesses across the country. With funding levels lower than many in the industry had hoped, we take an honest look at where the real opportunities lie, which actions may offer the greatest value, and what farmers should consider as they plan for the future. Whether you're already participating in environmental schemes or are considering your options for the first time, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions for your business. Speakers Ash Ellwood - Farmers Guardian head of arable Megan Whatty - Hutchinsons environmental specialist Message us
Politics, pigs and price caps in focus at Royal Highland Show
Following another fantastic Royal Highland Show, Farmers Guardian takes a look at the highs, the topics of conversation and the challenges facing the farming industry in Scotland, with the First Minister committed to price caps on essential food items and fears over the future of the pig sector. Message us
Sir Keir Starmer resigns: What does it mean for farming?
In this special episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, FG's news and business team discuss the Prime Minister's resignation, the impact on agriculture and the prospects of Andy Burnham as the next resident of Number 10. Message us
Behind the scenes at Cereals 26
The FG team reflects on the main action from this year’s event held at Diddly Squat including budget announcements, celebrity sightings and some encouraging slug statistics. Message us
Bovine TB - The Big Debate
With a cattle TB vaccine targeted by 2030 as the Government aims to eradicate bTB by 2038, Farmers Guardian livestock specialist Ellie Layton hosted a debate at the Royal Cornwall Show. Farmers and experts debated the next steps for bTB control in England. Guests included beef farmer Paul Westaway, who farms in a high-risk area in Gloucestershire and is a member of the Bovine TB Partnership; Alan Carter, Cornwall dairy farmer and Farmers Guardian columnist and Ed Simmons, veterinary surgeon, British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA). Message us
Clarkson’s Farm series 5: a look at the series so far
In this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, deputy editor Alex Black and head of news and business Jane Thynne discuss the return of Clarkson's Farm for its fifth series on Prime Video. The news and business team take a look at the key themes of the series, from Jeremy Clarkson’s health to the changes to Inheritance Tax and the ups and downs of the farming year, and whether the popular series is still worth a watch. Message us
Why the platinum ten minutes matter after an on-farm accident
Farming accounts for around 20% of UK workplace deaths despite making up just 1% of the workforce. In the first episode of our FarmersAid series, in partnership with RABI, Professor Stuart Maitland-Knibb explains why the first few minutes after a serious farm accident are where survival is decided, why fear can stop people from acting, and how the new FarmersAid app is designed to change that. To learn more or download the app, visit www.farmersaid.org.uk Message us
Jeff and Katie Aiken: Stockmanship, success and starting again | For Flock’s Sake Ep3
Jeff and Katie Aiken join Farmers Guardian’s Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder for the latest episode of For Flock’s Sake. Known throughout the sheep world for their success with the renowned Procters Texel flock, the Aiken family have experienced both the highs of pedigree sheep breeding and the challenge of starting again. In this episode, Jeff and Katie discuss growing up in livestock, life on the show circuit, the family dynamic behind their success and rebuilding at Ainstable Hall with the Coniston flock following the dispersal of Procters. For Flock’s Sake is Farmers Guardian’s monthly special podcast series shining a spotlight on young farmers, new entrants and showcasing real farming stories to inspire the next generation of British agriculture. Message us
Is oilseed rape making a comeback? Success strategies for UK growers | The Farmers Guardian arable special
For years, many growers questioned whether oilseed rape still had a future in UK arable rotations. Pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle, difficult establishment seasons and rising input costs pushed confidence in the crop to some of its lowest levels in decades. But after two stronger seasons, sentiment is beginning to shift. So why is oilseed rape making a comeback on some farms? What are successful growers doing differently? And can OSR once again become a reliable and profitable break crop in modern arable rotations? In this episode, we’re joined by Nigel Padbury from Premium Crops and Dorset farm manager Tom Baker to discuss the latest thinking around OSR establishment, varietal choice, cabbage stem flea beetle management, crop nutrition and rotational strategy. Message us
The Farmers' Choir are through to Britain's Got Talent finals - but who are the farmers behind the show?
The Farmers' Choir stormed through Britain's Got Talent semi-finals at weekend, soaring in to the final as possible winners. With the whole of the UK's farming community behind them, the choir hope to spotlight some of the main issues facing agriculture, such as mental health and isolation. The choir was originally set up by Jeremy Clarkson to promote his Hawkstone beer and cider business, but its members found it was a way to get people off the farm. In this special podcast, Katie Fallon speaks to Katryna and Ben from the choir to find out more. Message us
Political change: What does it mean for farming?
In the wake of the elections in Wales and Scotland, and the uncertainty over the future of Sir Keir Starmer, Alex Black and Jane Thynne discuss the latest changes in politics and what it means for the agriculture sector. Message us
From the classroom to the cattle shed - lecturers and students discuss careers in farming
What does a career in agriculture look like in 2026? On this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, students and staff from Myerscough College discuss modern farming careers, college life, the changes in the industry over the recent decades and the opportunities available across the agricultural sector. A massive thanks to David, Rachael, Molly and Josh for their time and to Myerscough College for hosting us To learn more about the college, and the courses they offer, visit https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/ Message us
Inside Hexham Auction Mart with Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood | For Flock's Sake Ep2
Livestock auction marts are a vital cog in keeping the rural community turning, with around 130 active auction marts scattered across the UK. Nowhere is this more evident than in Northumberland, the least densely populated county in England. In this episode of For Flock’s Sake, the Farmers Guardian podcast championing young voices in farming, hosts Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder sit down with auctioneers Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood from Hexham and Northern Marts in Northumberland. From breaking into the auctioneering world to building trust and transparency in the ring, Drew and Harrison share their journeys and insights into the job and discuss how marts are evolving, reinvesting, diversifying, and adapting to secure their future, much like the farming businesses they serve. Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at fgsocials@agriconnect.com Message us
