NFU: Shed Talks

Welcome to NFU Shed Talks

As the NFU’s Back British Farming Day campaign leads the political and media agenda for agriculture on September 9, the show takes a closer look at what is needed for the industry to continue to grow and be resilient.

The deep dive into the big issues impacting British farming right now comes as the NFU published it’s Ready to Grow report and called on government to turn the tide and secure a future for British food production by setting ambitious targets for homegrown food.

The report offers a route away from a growing food security crisis.

Hosts Naomi Williams Roberts and Jacks Weaver pose the question:
“As British farming is vital to food security, rural communities and the environment, how do we make it resilient, and what must change?"

They are joined by Joe Stanley, Head of Sustainable Farming at the Allerton Project and fourth-generation farmer Esther Rudge from Ballingham Court Farm, a 350-acre mixed enterprise with Hereford beef cattle, sheep, root crops and renewables.

Plus, the NFU’s team in Westminster lift the lid on an extremely busy and high-impact summer of campaigning with farm visits with the Prime Minister, Defra Secretary and Farming Minister.
And they explain more about the NFU’s leading role in Back British Farming Day and explain its purpose. They also look ahead to a packed party political conference season across the political spectrum as the NFU represents British farming among the country’s current and future decision makers.

For more information please head to the below links:

NFU Online: https://www.nfuonline.com/
Ballingham Court Farm: https://www.ballinghamcourt.co.uk/
The Allerton Project: https://www.allertontrust.org.uk/
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Welcome to NFU Shed Talks

In this week's episode of NFU Shed Talks, hosts Josh Redford and Naomi Williams-Roberts mark Farm Safety Week with powerful stories and practical advice that could save lives.

Agricultural mechanic Ben Smith shares how losing an eye in a farm accident transformed his outlook on safety and why wearing the right PPE is non-negotiable. They're also joined by Lucy Saker from RABI, who introduces FarmersAid, a new initiative featuring a free app designed to guide bystanders through the critical first minutes after a serious farm accident.

In Westminster, Scott Pepe and Joe Osborne discuss the latest developments in the Labour leadership race, the NFU's ongoing lobbying work, and why inviting MPs onto farms remains one of the most effective ways to influence agricultural policy.

The episode also features Ed Lanning, a second-generation poultry farmer from Devon, who shares how he returned home after Harper Adams University to transform a struggling family farm into the top-performing unit in his processor's network. He reflects on the challenges of taking over the family business and why the future of farming depends on giving the next generation the confidence to lead.

To find out more please head to the below links:

NFU Online: https://www.nfuonline.com/
Farm Safety Week: https://www.nfuonline.com/news/farm-safety-week/
FarmersAid: https://farmersaid.org.uk
Devonshire Poultry: https://www.devonshirepoultry.co.uk/
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Welcome to NFU Shed Talks

In this episode of NFU Shed Talks, hosts Bizza Walters and Luke Cox celebrate the achievements of those recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, shining a spotlight on the individuals making a difference across British farming and rural communities.

They are joined by NFU member Milly Fyfe, who has been awarded an MBE for services to farmers and family nutrition. Milly shares the story behind No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents, which she launched during the pandemic, and discusses The Countryside Kitchen, her field-to-fork education initiative based on her family farm in Northamptonshire, which is helping to connect young people with food, farming and nutrition.

In the Westminster section, the team unpacks the latest political developments, including the appointment of Stephen Morgan as the new Farming Minister, replacing Dame Angela Eagle. They also discuss the implications of the Makerfield by-election result and what it could mean for the wider political landscape, before exploring the key provisions of the Police Reform Bill and its relevance to rural communities.

To mark Pride Month, Bizza and Luke speak with Erin Napier, an NFU policy graduate and member of the NFU's LGBTQ+ network for staff and members. They are also joined by Ben Andrews, who shares his personal experience of growing up gay in a rural community and reflects on how attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people in farming have evolved over the years. Together, they discuss the progress that has been made, the challenges that remain, and the importance of creating a farming sector where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to thrive.

NFU Online: https://www.nfuonline.com/about-us/inclusion-diversity-and-equity-being-one-nfu/

AgRespect: https://www.agrespect.co.uk/our-stories/ben-andrews/

Ben Andrews: https://www.instagram.com/bentheoandrews/

No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents: https://www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.com/

Milly Fyfe MBE: https://www.instagram.com/millyfyfe/
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Welcome to NFU Shed Talks

In this week's episode of NFU Shed Talks, we celebrate one of the biggest feel-good stories in recent farming history as the Hawkstone Farmers Choir reflects on its unforgettable victory on Britain's Got Talent. From raising awareness around mental health to shining a spotlight on the farming community, the choir's journey has resonated far beyond the stage.

The team also takes you inside the recent Shed Talks Live event in Wiltshire, exploring the resilience, creativity and optimism driving the future of British agriculture. Through inspiring conversations with farmers embracing 'side hustle' diversifications, we hear how businesses are evolving through new ventures, community engagement and a willingness to think differently.

In Westminster, the discussion turns to the policies shaping the sector, with a deep dive into proposed water legislation, the role of regional water authorities and the practical concerns farmers have around permitting, regulation and future planning. The team also unpacks the latest political developments and highlights the NFU's ongoing advocacy work on behalf of members.

Whether it's a Golden Buzzer triumph, innovative diversification projects or navigating the changing political landscape, this episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience, ambition and community spirit at the heart of British farming.

For more information on today’s episode and to stay up to date with all things NFU, visit NFU Online or for more information on todays guests, head to the below:

The Hawkstone Farmer Choir
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehawkstonefarmerschoir/?hl=en-gb

Warren Farm Somerset
Website: https://www.warrenfarmsomerset.co.uk/
Instagram: @WarrenFarmSomerset
TikTok: @WarrenFarmSomerset

Mee Blueberries
Website: https://www.meeblueberries.co.uk/
Instagram: @MeeBlueberries
Facebook: @MeeBlueberries
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Welcome to NFU Shed Talks

In this week’s episode, hosts Naomi Williams-Roberts and Josh Redford are joined by Herefordshire flower farmer Rozanne Delamore, owner of The Ledbury Flower Farmer, to discuss her experience volunteering with Flowers from the Farm at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Rozanne reflects on speaking with the public about British-grown flowers, the importance of engaging consumers at high-profile events, and the growing support for locally grown blooms. The conversation also explores how NFU members can get involved and help champion British flowers across the sector.

Shifting from flowers to technology, the episode also features Tim Gordon, co-founder of Best Practice AI, who discusses how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape the future of farming.

Tim explains how AI tools can support farmers with decision-making, planning and day-to-day farm management, while also addressing concerns around data ownership, accuracy and overreliance on emerging technologies. He shares practical advice for farmers looking to make the most of AI’s potential, while stressing the importance of verifying information and using technology as a support tool rather than a replacement for experience and judgement.

In the Westminster section, Scott Pepe and Joe Osborne provide an update on NFU lobbying work linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, including the news that red diesel duty will be cut by more than a third until the end of the year.

They also reflect on recent political developments, including calls from some Labour MPs for the Prime Minister to step down, despite Sir Keir Starmer insisting he remains focused on leading the Government.

The team also looks ahead to the next Parliamentary session following the King’s Speech, breaking down the key Bills expected to impact NFU members. As part of a new series of deep dives, the episode begins with a closer look at the European Partnership Bill and what it could mean for the farming sector.

For more information on today’s episode and to stay up to date with all things NFU, visit NFU Online
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