NFU: Shed Talks

Welcome to NFU Shed Talks

Shed Talks becomes Bed Talks as hosts Bizza Walters and Luke Cox sit down with Harry Thompson, head of brand development and marketing for the Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co – the first company to offer a full wool mattress that is traceable back to the farm and certified by Made in Britain. Harry reveals why the company decided to create this mattress and their relationship with the farmers who supply the wool.

But before that, Bizza and Luke open by discussing the recent amendment to livestock worrying laws. They chat about the new and stronger powers the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act has given police to stamp down on the crime and the impact livestock worrying has had on farmers across the country. Farmer William Dawe joins them to share his experience
of a devastating attack on his farm in Devon and his reaction to the law change.

In Westminster, the team shares insights from a Core Standards Event in Parliament before moving on to discuss a Rural Funding Roundtable held in Westminster. The importance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is covered, as is the National Rural Crime Network. Finally, this section closes with an update on the NFU’s lobbying concerning the ongoing situation in Iran on behalf of members.

To learn more about the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act and the NFU’s efforts to secure changes, please follow this link:
https://www.nfuonline.com/news/private-members-bill-on-livestock-worrying/

The National Rural Crime Network website is here: https://nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/

And for everything you need to know about the Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co’s British wool mattresses, go here: https://www.wroughtironandbrassbed.co.uk/
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Welcome to Shed Talks

In this episode of Shed Talks, hosts Jacks Weaver and Mike Greenwood‑Wilkins open with re‑elected NFU President Tom Bradshaw. Tom reflects on the election process, how the new officeholder team is settling in, and why he wants the NFU to take a proactive rather than reactive approach in the months ahead. He sets out his priorities for the new term, highlighting the need for resilient food systems at a time when global conflict continues to expose supply chain vulnerabilities. Tom also touches on international developments such as the USDA loan scheme, the value of the NFU’s BAB office in shaping decisions in Brussels, and offers listeners a brief insight into life beyond the role as he shares more about himself as a person.

The Westminster team then look at a shifting political landscape. They discuss the Gorton and Denton by‑election and what the Green Party gain may signal for voter
sentiment. They share insights from the recent NFU Fellowship visit to Arla, where members explored innovation, processing capacity and future supply chain
pressures. The section closes with an update on planning reforms as the NPPF consultation closed on 10 March.

To round off the episode, Jacks and Mike speak with Joshua Robinson, Assistant Director and Head of Contract Sales at NFU Energy, for a brief look at how rising tensions in the Middle East are influencing global energy markets. Joshua outlines the immediate knock‑on effects for UK farmers, the recent swings in prices, and why some volatility is likely to continue. He gives clear, practical guidance on what farmers can do now, from reviewing contract options to keeping a close eye on on‑farm energy use, and touches on the wider impact on fertiliser supply chains. Joshua also explains the rise in standing charges and what businesses can do to limit the impact on their bills.

To find out more, please head to the below links:

NFU Energy Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urecjVS4Yd0&t=379s

NFU Energy: https://nfuenergy.co.uk/

Key themes and takeaways
Strong leadership and clear priorities will be vital as farming navigates another uncertain year
Political shifts and planning reforms are shaping the policy environment for rural communities
Global conflict is creating uncertainty across energy and fertiliser markets
Price volatility is likely to continue, with further rises possible in the short term
Reviewing contracts and on‑farm energy use can help manage risk
Standing charges are increasing due to wider system costs and infrastructure pressures
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Welcome to Shed Talks

Recorded live from the heart of the National Farmers' Union’s Annual Conference at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, this special edition of NFU Shed Talks was recorded in a purpose-built shed studio beside the main auditorium, putting the podcast right at the centre of the action.

With the 2026 conference focused on Building Farming’s Resilience, the presenting team of Bizza Walters, Luke Cox, Mike Wilkins, Josh Redford and Jacks Weaver bring you the key moments, big interviews and honest reactions from across two packed days.

We feature exclusive interviews with Professor Tim Lang and Rabobank food systems analyst Harry Smit, exploring how global pressures on trade, security and supply chains are reshaping the way British food is produced and consumed.

There is also a candid conversation with NFU Director General Terry Jones, reflecting on nearly a decade steering the organisation and what comes next as he prepares to move on. Terry has been at the helm during Brexit, the Russia-Ukraine war, covid, and the family farm tax campaign, so has seen first hand the importance of a coordinated, dedicated team standing up for UK agriculture.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle joins us fresh from discussions with Uplands farmers to discuss Defra’s latest announcements on SFI and new uplands funding, and what they mean for members.

We also sit down with Charles Goadby, Warwickshire dairy farmer and 2026 Meurig Raymond Award winner, in a warm and uplifting interview that captures the strength of the NFU at its best – members and organisation working side by side.

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Welcome to Shed Talks

In this episode, hosts Josh Redford and Naomi Williams‑Roberts explore one of the biggest questions facing young people in farming today: is it better to stay on the farm after leaving school, or head away to gain new skills before returning?

To unpack the realities behind the decision, they speak to two young farmers who took very different routes. John Fairlie left his family farm in Angus to work in finance before returning with new skills and a fresh perspective. Maria Warne Elston, a fifth‑generation farmer from Cornwall, stayed closely involved in her family’s beef, sheep and arable farm, briefly working as a veterinary nurse before returning full‑time and sharing her farming life online.

Together, they discuss the benefits and drawbacks of staying or leaving, the pressures young farmers face when making the choice, and how to work out what’s right for you and your business.

In Westminster, the team provide an update on the key political moments shaping the months ahead, including preparations for the upcoming NFU Conference, speculations about the King’s Speech, and the implications of the Spring Forecast for farm businesses.

To close the episode, the hosts turn to Mind Your Head Week (9–13 February) and highlight NFU member Sam Stables, who is preparing to walk 142 miles in five days to raise awareness of mental health in farming. Starting at Ross‑on‑Wye market and finishing at the Farmers Club in London, Sam’s route will take him through Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, staying with farmers along the way.

Sam founded the charity We Are Farming Minds with his wife Emily after their own mental health struggles. The charity now supports farmers across the UK and has the Prince of Wales as its patron, building on the Mental Health Strategy launched by the Duchy of Cornwall in 2023. Sam shares why this walk matters, what he hopes to highlight during Mind Your Head Week, and why supporting the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs is more important than ever. To follow Sam's journey or to find out how to get involved, head to - https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/sam-stables-mission

This episode comes with a trigger warning as it discusses some sensitive topics, if you are struggling and need additional support, please reach out:

Yellow Wellies - https://www.yellowwellies.org/
We Are Farming Minds - https://www.wearefarmingminds.co.uk/

Key themes and takeaways
There is no single “right” path — staying or leaving depends on each farm’s circumstances
Leaving the farm can bring valuable skills, confidence and perspective
Staying on the farm can build deep experience, continuity and family resilience
Young farmers face financial, emotional and practical pressures when making career decisions
Social media is reshaping how young farmers share their stories and influence the industry
Mental health support remains vital across rural communities
Sam Stables’ 142‑mile walk highlights the importance of Mind Your Head
Week and the work of We Are Farming Minds
NFYFC plays a crucial role in supporting, developing and connecting young people in agriculture
Westminster is gearing up for a pivotal period, with NFU Conference, the King’s Speech and the Spring Forecast all shaping the policy landscape

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts
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Welcome to Shed Talks

In this episode of Shed Talks, hosts Luke Cox and Bizza Walters look ahead to one of the most intense periods in the farming calendar as the industry enters what many call the calm before the lambs.

With early lambing already under way in parts of the country and preparations ramping up elsewhere, the episode focuses on how sheep farmers are planning, adapting and staying resilient as winter edges towards spring. The hosts also speak with Northumberland sheep farmer Rich Oglesby, who has steadily built a thriving enterprise from scratch alongside his wife, Jen. Working under a contract farming agreement, Rich manages around 1,440 Lleyn ewes and 800 ewe lambs, and brings a business‑minded approach to every part of his system.

Rich reflects on what is going through farmers’ minds as lambing approaches, how he handles the practical pressures of managing a large flock in tough northern weather, and the value of business training and peer networks in shaping his decisions. He also shares advice for young entrants starting out with limited resources.

In Westminster, the team provide the final round‑up of the NFU’s family farm tax campaign. They discuss the latest developments from the Liaison Committee, what had been planned for the Finance Bill, and look ahead to what challenges we may face in 2026.

To close the episode, we head to Scotland for a Global Ag View with Ben Best of Dalscone Farm, who has been caring for Fiona, the ewe once known as Britain’s loneliest sheep. After being rescued from the base of a cliff near Inverness following a public campaign that drew more than 55,000 signatures, Fiona has spent the past two years recovering, socialising and settling into life among Dalscone’s 400 breeding sheep.

Ben shares how Fiona adapted after her rescue, how the farm handled the huge wave of public attention, and why her story has resonated so strongly on social media. With Fiona now expecting twins in February, he talks about preparations for lambing, the work that went into restoring her health, and what her journey has meant for the farm and its followers.

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your
podcasts.
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