Global Shocks, Local Farms: Wars, Climate, Trade, Politics and Beyond - with Emily Norton and James Bolesworth
In this big-picture episode, Ben Eagle is joined by two expert voices—Emily Norton and James Bolesworth—to unpack how global forces are shaping the future of UK farming. From the war in Ukraine and climate extremes to trade policy and political unpredictability, we examine how these shocks are influencing prices, planning, and resilience on the ground.🧠What We Cover:Part 1: Global Forces in Flux – Wars, Trade & Market VolatilityWhich global events are driving the most pressure on UK agricultureHow the war in Ukraine disrupted grain markets and commodity flowsTrade policy shifts post-Brexit and their on-farm implicationsAre UK farmers more exposed to international risk?Part 2: Climate, Weather & Risk – Farming in an Era of ExtremesHow climate volatility is reshaping investment and land useThe financial and production risks of extreme weatherGlobal climate impacts on food security and commodity marketsPart 3: UK Response – Policy, Politics & Farm-Level Strategy Assessing the UK’s agricultural policy response to global pressuresClosing Thoughts – Looking AheadOne global trend UK farmers must pay closer attention to📢 Final Messages:🎧 Next Episode (300!): Join us for a milestone conversation with regenerative farming pioneer Tim Parton.💬 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show or share it with a fellow farmer.📲 Follow us: @meetthefarmerspodcast | www.meetthefarmers.co.uk Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here
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Farming in Cornwall: Peter Green on Cattle, Podcasting, Family & the Future
In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle heads to Stithians in Cornwall to meet Peter Green, a fifth-generation farmer, Nuffield Scholar, and host of Cornish Mutual’s Farming Focus podcast. Peter shares his remarkable journey from studying physics and working as a chartered accountant, to returning home to Cornwall to rebuild the family farm after the tragic loss of his parents in 2007.Now running a grass-fed Stabiliser beef herd, Peter talks about:Transitioning from corporate life back to farmingManaging grief and responsibility following the death of his parents in a car accident. The decision to sell, and then restock, the farm's herd. Building a sustainable, low-input beef business in CornwallSelling direct to customers through beef boxesHis work with the Prince’s Countryside FundCo-hosting the Farming Focus podcast and engaging the South West farming communityBalancing life as a farmer, podcast host, and dad to five-year-old twinsThis episode is a powerful reminder of how purpose, resilience, and people can shape a meaningful farming future.🔗 Links & Mentions:Farming Focus Podcast – Cornish MutualRoyal Countryside Fund – Farm for the Future🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Image credit: Peter GreenMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here
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What's it like to be a young farmer in Ireland? - with Sophie Bell
In this episode, we’re heading to County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland to meet a next-generation voice in farming — Sophie Bell.Sophie is part of a rising wave of young farmers who are not only tackling the day-to-day challenges of running a farm, but also using social media to share their stories, connect with wider audiences, and bring attention to rural issues. From climate resilience to the pressures of food production, Sophie is navigating what it means to farm in the 21st century.In this conversation, Ben and Sophie discuss:Her journey into farming and how she came to take over the family farmThe unique pressures facing young farmers in Ireland today, including access to land, financial sustainability, and changing weather patternsHow Sophie is using platforms like Instagram to engage both farmers and non-farmers, build community, and advocate for the industryHer hopes for the future of farming and what she’d like to see change for the next generationWhether you’re in the field, behind a desk, or just curious about rural life, this episode offers a thoughtful, honest look at modern farming through the eyes of someone living it every day.Follow Sophie Bell:📸 Instagram: @sophie_bell__🎥 TikTok: @sophie_bell__Support the show:If you’re enjoying Meet the Farmers, please consider leaving a review or sharing this episode with someone who’d love it.Image credit: Sophie BellMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here
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The Challenges of Farming Alone (and some dog training tips) - Damian Barson's story
In this episode of Meet the Farmers, we focus on the inspiring story of Damian Barson — a man who made the life-changing decision to enter the world of sheep farming in his fifties. Formerly a professional dog trainer, Damian took his first steps into agriculture in 2021. Today, he manages a flock of around 150 ewes, including Mules, Swaledales, and other breeds.Damian shares the highs and lows of his journey so far — from venturing into farming to facing the emotional toll of caring for a close friend and coping with the personal isolation that farm life can bring. This episode offers a raw and honest example of when farming life meets the challenges that life can bring in general. 🧠Topics Discussed:Prices and lambing 2025. Damian’s journey from dog training to sheep farming.Expanding his flock.Mental health and tackling isolation in rural life.Farm safety and the importance of having connections. Dog training tips from Damian. What’s next for Damian?  Image credit: Ryan DayMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here
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Britain's Fittest Farmer and Farm Fitness - with Will Arden
In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle is joined by Will Arden — arable and deer farmer from Lincolnshire, founder of The Farmyard Gym, and head judge of Britain’s Fittest Farmer. With five competitions under his belt and a recent win in the men’s under-40s category, Will shares his passion for fitness, mental health, and how farmers can stay strong in both body and mind, on and off the farm.Apply for Britain's Fittest Farmer 2025 competition here - Farmers Weekly - Britain's Fittest Farmer - About the competitionImage credit: Will ArdenMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here
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