Defra Farming Podcast

Episode 18 of the Defra Farming podcast is hosted by Richard Thompson, the UK’s first Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA). He is joined by Paul Tompkins, NFU Dairy Board Chair, and Michael Masters Head of Milk Supply & Operations at Barber’s Cheesemakers. 
Richard explains his role in enforcing the Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 (FDOM24) and how he can support farmers improve transparency and contractual fairness. Together, they discuss how the new regulations are reshaping dairy supply chains. They share insights on pricing mechanisms, producer organisations, and how farmer–processor collaboration can help manage volatility. 
The conversation highlights a shared message: fairness and transparency, and early communication are key to building resilient farmer–processor relationships.

Links mentioned in this episode:
 
Email the ASCA team in confidence at [email protected]
The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA): rules and guidance
Guidance on dairy and milk production
ASCA – First annual report – 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025
Defra Farming blog

In episode 17 of the Defra Farming podcast, host Neil Pickard—a farming adviser with more than 45 years’ experience in livestock and mixed farming—speaks with Soil Farmer of the Year 2023, Stuart Johnson, and Understanding Ag farming adviser, Kyle Richardville.
Stuart, a tenant farmer in Northumberland, explains how he has shifted his family’s mixed sheep and cattle farm away from conventional high-input practices towards a system focused on soil health. Kyle brings the scientific perspective, drawing on his research into soil microbial populations and his work supporting farmers across the US and UK.
Together, they discuss how improving soil health can help reduce reliance on expensive inputs, build resilience, and improve business efficiency. The conversation covers practical steps for mixed and arable farms as well as the specific challenges of all-grassland systems in both upland and lowland situations.
🔗 Useful links mentioned in this episode:
Defra Farming blog

Stuart Johnson bio

Kyle Richardville bio

Understanding Ag

Grounded – The Regenerative Farming Podcast

Soil Farmer of the Year competition

Episode 16 – How IPM works for us: a farmer and agronomist’s perspective
In this episode of the Defra Farming Podcast, guest host Tom Allen-Stevens—an arable farmer in Oxfordshire and founder of the British On Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN)—is joined by Cambridgeshire farmer Martin Lines and agronomist Ed Schofield.
Martin and Ed share with Tom how they are applying integrated pest management (IPM) on-farm to reduce reliance on chemical inputs while maintaining productivity and supporting biodiversity. The conversation covers practical approaches to IPM planning, monitoring and evaluation, habitat management for beneficial insects, the role of resistant crop varieties, and the importance of effective collaboration between farmers and agronomists.
The episode also highlights the launch of the UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025 and how farmers can get involved in research and innovation through initiatives like the ADOPT fund and IPM NET.
🔗 Useful links mentioned in this episode:
UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025
IPM NET
Defra Farming blog - ADOPT Fund: guidance now available for innovation funding
Innovate UK – ADOPT: How it works
British On Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN)
ASSIST Project
The Voluntary Initiative
Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO)

Defra Animal Health and Welfare lead Martin Jenkins talks to North West dairy farmer Karen Halton and vet James Russell about the support that is available from government to help livestock farmers drive down disease and improve animal health and welfare on their farms.

Guidance for farmers and apply now - Guidance for farmers - Annual health and welfare review of livestock (defra.gov.uk)

AHDB material for vets - What is the Annual Health and Welfare Review? | AHDB

In episode 14 of the Defra Farming podcast, Michael Sturla talks to Robin and Christopher Milton, a father and son team farming beef and sheep on the Exmoor uplands, who have recently signed up to SFI.

Robin and Christopher share how they found the SFI application process and the SFI actions they have signed up to that suit their farming system, including clover and herbal leys, hedgerows, nutrient management, integrated pest management and vet visits.

Find out more about how to apply for SFI https://farming.campaign.gov.uk

Read more on the latest SFI announcement from Defra https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2024/01/04/environmental-land-management-in-2024-details-of-actions-and-payments