Podcasts sobre Farmers Weekly

In this episode, the government finally unveils further long-awaited details of its flagship environmental scheme for England. Farmers will be paid to undertake six new actions – on hedgerows, arable and horticultural land and grassland. They will also be paid for pest and nutrient management. But will it work? We talk to Defra secretary Therese Co…

This week – just how important is soil health? Well not as important as it should be, say critics, who accuse the government of not taking it seriously enough. Livestock farmers are cutting back on numbers – we look at the reasons why. Is it just down to high input costs? Or is it something else? On the markets, we've all the latest prices and – we…

In this episode, we join the crowds as thousands of visitors flock to the LAMMA 2023 farm machinery show at the Birmingham NEC. As the machinery sector bounces back from Covid, we find out whether supply chains have recovered from the pandemic too. With input costs continuing to surge, we ask whether alternative fuels and electric tractors can repl…

This week, the government announced extra money for farmers in England who sign up to its Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme. But is it enough to make the scheme more attractive to farmers? With high input costs set to be a big challenge during 2023 – we ask whether alternatives to nitrogen fertiliser are worth considering. In other news, a group…

In this final Farmers Weekly podcast of 2022, we review the farming year – and take a special look at the prospects for UK agriculture in 2023. We do so with Andersons – the farm business consultants who publish the Andersons Outlook – an annual look at the year ahead for agriculture. Ag-inflation and high input costs seen in 2022 are set to remain…

This week, soaring input costs and spiralling consumer inflation mean the UK faces a food supply crisis, says the NFU. So why won't the government do anything about it? How an innovative approach is helping a Somerset dairy farming family get additional value out of bull calves. On the markets, we've all the latest commodity prices We run the rule …

Delayed again, just what is the future for Defra's flagship Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs) for England? Is ELMs really hanging by a thread? Or will the government finally make the scheme a success? And when will we find out? We hear from Defra secretary Therese Coffey, Labour shadow farm minister Daniel Zeichner and Natural England cha…

This week – a shortage of workers is making it harder for farmers to produce food profitably, but what should be done? Should more visas be granted to overseas workers? Do technology and robotics have a role to play? And how do we change the perception of agriculture as a low-wage industry? Elsewhere, we examine how garlic can help dairy cows fight…

In this episode, why are UK supermarkets importing eggs rather than paying British farmers more to offset higher production costs? We examine the impact on your farm business as the UK government unveils a huge round of spending cuts. As the mild – and now wet – autumn continues, we've the latest on arable crop establishment, pests and diseases out…

In this episode, the government is urged not to reduce farm support as the it seeks to plug a £60 billion hole in its public finances. Farm leaders and environmental groups say it would be a folly to slash the farm budget at a crucial time for the industry. Confidential details involving 1,500 farms will be strictly protected as Defra strives to de…

In this episode, why politicians are being urged to put their money where their mouth is when promising to back British farming. One year after Boris Johnson outraged pig producers by dismissing the crisis engulfing the sector, how are farmers faring now? With some arable farmers ripping up oilseed rape, we look at the prospects for the crop over t…

In this week's episode, are you ready for Rishi? We look at what the food security promises made by Rishi Sunak – the UK's third Prime Minister in just seven weeks – mean for farmers. Can the government really strike the right balance between boosting food production and looking after for the environment? On the markets, we look at why diesel is so…

In this week's episode, UK farm input costs have increased by 34% over the past year – so exactly how can farmers combat soaring ag-inflation? We meet the dairy farmers cushioning their business against input cost increases by powering their tractor with methane produced by their cows. We assess the impact of the government's new bird flu restricti…

In this episode, could solar panels really be banned from much of England's farmland? We look at the reasons for and against. How milking just 10 times in seven days could mean a better work-life balance for dairy farmers – and be good for the cows and profitability too. As lamb exports resume from the UK to the USA after more than 20 years, we loo…

In this episode, the government unveils plans to boost farm productivity and food security. But how exactly will it do it? How was it for you? We have the verdict on this year's wheat harvest – which varieties performed ø– and which didn't. We visit the farming couple who taught themselves to milk from YouTube – and are going great guns after start…

This week, with the UK money markets in turmoil – we examine the impact of the government's 'mini-budget' on your farm business. As Defra confirms it is "rapidly reviewing" its flagship Environmental Land Management scheme – we ask: what is the future for ELMs? We meet the dairy farmer making bokashi – fermenting muck and slurry to retain more nutr…

In this episode, arson attacks on farms are on the increase – with culprits torching straw stacks and property going up in smoke. The cost is immense, with damage often totalling tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds and farmers concerned for their livelihoods. So what can be done? We examine the winter outlook for drought-hit livestock farmers, …

In this episode, we profile new Defra secretary Ranil Jayawardena and examine the challenges faced by UK agriculture. We speak to Norfolk farmer Kit Papworth as he prepares to take on a new role as Red Tractor combinable crops and sugar beet sector chairman. As Prince William takes on the 52,000ha Duchy of Cornwall estate, we find out how you pass …

This special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is dedicated in its entirety to the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September 2022. In a series of specially recorded interviews for Farmers Weekly, farmers recall the times they met the Queen and her in-depth knowledge of agriculture. Farmers reflect on the Queen's ability to put …

In this episode, Liz Truss outlines her priorities for farmers as she seeks to become Conservative Party leader and the UK's next Prime Minister. A farm worker has an extremely lucky escape when his articulated trailer overturns – and so does the tractor pulling it. On the markets, we find out why there's a big surge in on-farm machinery sales. It'…

In this episode, how a decision to shut down ammonia production will affect the market for UK fertiliser – and impact the livestock sector. How a new buying group – started by a Darlington livestock farmer – could help your business beat farm input inflation and raise money for charity. On the markets, we have a harvest round-up, including all the …

In this episode, will the UK's next Prime Minister be good for farming? Conservative Party leadership candidate Rishi Sunak holds a live Q&A in person and online at the National Farmers Union headquarters at Stoneleigh. Farm leaders say the government must do more to ease the labour shortage and drought pressures on growers and livestock producers.…

As drought is declared across eastern, central and southern England, we assess the impact on the livestock and arable sectors. We look at the prospects for grazing, winter forage and animal health – and examine the best time to drill oilseed rape. And we speak to the onion grower who is giving away his crop after hot, dry weather meant it failed to…

In this episode, we examine why criminals are returning to the countryside – sparking a 40% increase in rural theft – and what farmers can do about it. Are you ready for Rishi? Or do you want Liz for leader – we ask growers and livestock producers who should be the UK's next Prime Minister? On the markets... we head to one of the season's first she…

In this episode, lack of detail about government plans for agriculture is denting farmer confidence to invest in their businesses. Defra farm minister Victoria Prentis says farmers must learn to live with uncertainty – despite calls for clarity on farm policy. We examine the UK's first post-Brexit trade agreement – why isn't the Australia-UK trade …

In this episode, the hottest harvest ever – how was it for you? We have a full report, including field fires, overheating grain and an interview with the farmer where the UK temperature reached a record-breaking 40.3 degrees. As MPs launch an inquiry into the government's Environmental Land Management scheme (ELM) for England, we ask: is it deliver…

In this episode, with the UK heatwave set to see temperatures climb towards a record-breaking 40ºC, we ask could it simply become too hot to harvest? As the latest farm fatality figures are released, we look ahead to Farm Safety Week – and the 10th anniversary of the Farm Safety Foundation. On the markets, we examine why commodity prices have eased…

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – brought to you in association with plant breeders Limagrain UK. Rising input costs, market volatility and climate change all mean more robust wheat varieties are increasingly sought after. Better genetics mean better performance – agronomically as well as financially – both in the fiel…

In this episode, hot weather has prompted heat stress warnings for UK crops and livestock – we look at the options for farmers. Young farmers join forces to combat rural crime in Cumbria – how a new initiative to reduce farm theft could be rolled out across the country. On the markets, as the UK cereal harvest continues, we've all the latest commod…

In this episode, it's a record-breaking early start to harvest – with some UK farmers reporting decent yields from winter malting barley crops. But supply chain issues mean other growers are still waiting to take delivery of new combine harvesters. Will they arrive in time? The UK's climate change watchdog says agriculture is making 'glacial' progr…

In this episode, we spend two days at Groundswell 2022 – the UK's biggest farm event for regenerative agriculture. Also known as conservation farming, regenerative agriculture is all about looking after the soil and improving biodiversity – as well as producing food. But how does it stack up financially? The government's Sustainable Farming Incenti…

In this episode, the pick the bones out of the government's long-awaited national food strategy for England. Has it been worth waiting for? Will it help deliver a better future for food and farming? Or is it – as critics suggest – a disappointment? We give our verdict on a 'game-changing' new herbicide to tackle some of the UK's most challenging gr…

In this episode, we investigate the impact on fertiliser prices as a major manufacturer confirms plans to close one of its UK sites. Government minister Jo Churchill promises lots of new money for agri-innovation – but will it make a difference to farmers? With talk of £40/tonne, could we be about to see a big price increase for sugar beet growers?…

In this episode, we look at ways to overcome some of the biggest challenges facing UK growers and livestock producers. Could robot tractors help farmers overcome high input costs and labour shortages? How can growers best secure access to a fair share of water? And what about rural crime, fly-tipping and hare-coursing? On the markets, as cattle num…

In this episode – farmer and MP Robert Goodwill outlines his priorities as chairman of the committee which scrutinises the government's farming policies for England. A new group calls for science to lead the debate when making farm policy decisions. On the markets, we have all the latest commodity prices. New rules make it easier to vaccinate badge…

In this episode, a Herefordshire farmer pleads guilty to damaging the River Lugg – after undertaking unauthorised river maintenance work. Was the work necessary? Or did it cause needless environmental damage? We look at both sides of the story – and ask what happens next? Ag-inflation is forcing agricultural contractors to increase their prices. Wh…

In this episode, war and weather are the key driver of commodity prices – we look at how each are impacting on the prospects for harvest 2022. We're at the Pig and Poultry Fair – where producers are determined to secure a better future for their sector – so long as they can ride out the big dipper. On the markets, in theory we're talking about fert…

In this episode, farmers in England are to receive advance support payments – as the government tries to each a cashflow crisis caused by soaring input costs. We speak to Defra farm minister Victoria Prentis – who explains why farmers will receive half their basic payment for 2022 six months early. We visit the water company which is paying farmers…

In this episode, as bird flu restrictions are finally lifted after six months, we examine the prospects for egg prices. Are producers getting a fair deal? As the 12th annual celebration that is British Beef Week draws to a close – we look at the future for UK suckler cow producers. We talk to NFU president Minette Batters as the union launches its …

In this episode, as farm input costs soar, we ask: how can farmers mitigate the impact of ag-inflation on their businesses? Input costs have risen by a whopping 46% over the past 18 months, according to the AgInflation Index, published by the AF Group. We visit a group of farmers working to improve soil carbon – benefiting their businesses as well …

In this episode, industry leaders pay tribute to 'greatest ever' farming advocate Lord Henry Plumb, who has died aged 97. We look at the payment rates for the Sustainable Farming Incentive and ask: how can the government entice more farmers to take part? On the markets, we have the all latest commodity prices. Farm management company Velcourt acqui…

In this episode – as frustration builds at the challenges faced by farmers, a new poll shows the UK government is falling out of favour with rural voters. We ask: Is the party over for the Conservatives in the countryside? There is an air of optimism at the DairyTech event – but what exactly are the prospects for milk production when input costs co…

In this episode, the government confirms a reprieve for urea fertiliser – easing fears of an outright ban and delaying restrictions by at least a year. And long-awaited clarity on farming rules for water will make it simpler for farmers in England to apply manure and slurry this autumn. The concessions are included in a raft of measures to help far…

In this episode, it's mainly all about the money. What does the UK government's latest spring budget statement mean for your farm business? Two experts give us their views. Rob Hitch from accountants Dodd & Co and Gary Markham from Land Family Business examine the likely impact on the livestock and arable sectors. How will the Agriculture & Horticu…

In this episode – why isn't the UK government doing more to encourage food production? We examine concerns over rising input costs, food imports and the government's environmental policies for farmers. Fertiliser prices are high, availability is low – will it be worth growing wheat next year? Will digital grain passports really add value and make l…

In this episode: is ramping up UK farm output the answer to food supply problems caused by conflict in Ukraine? Do government leaders and policy-makers need to rebalance the relationship between food production and environmental schemes? We ask two farmers. On the markets, we look at fertiliser prices – and ask how high can they go? We get some imp…

This episode examines the impact of the war in Ukraine – both on farmers caught up in the conflict and on farmers in the UK. We look at the effect that war is having on supplies and prices of grain and animal feed – as well as the cost and availability of farm inputs like fuel and fertiliser. The AHDB fertiliser calculator mentioned in this episode…

In this episode, we examine the impact on farm input costs and commodity prices after Russia invades Ukraine. We round up all the news from the National Farmers' Union annual conference in Birmingham – including the NFU elections. Fertiliser fantasy – can farmyard manure really be used in place of bagged ammonium nitrate? Defra secretary George Eus…

A special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – looking at the prospects for oilseed rape growers this spring. Farmers are returning to oilseed rape – having abandoned the crop due to pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle following the ban on neonicotinoid seed treatments. Some UK growers are learning to live with the pest, say experts – and hig…

In this episode, as a mechanical failure threatens to disrupt global glyphosate supplies – we examine the impact for UK farmers. What's the natural capital value of your farmland – we run the rule over a new tool which developers say could help farmers benefit from biodiversity net gain. On the markets, we have the latest commodity prices and look …