NFU: Shed Talks

• Tackling Rural Threats and Chasing the Harvest Run

  Welcome to Shed TalksIn this episode of Shed Talks, hosts Naomi Williams-Roberts and Josh Redford shine a spotlight on rural crime and the resilience of farming families. Naomi speaks with Surrey farmer Sally, who has faced repeated incidents of fly tipping, gates being cut, and even an attempted burglary on her farm. Sally shares the emotional toll of confronting offenders, including one frightening moment with her young daughter in the car.In Westminster, Olivia Phoenix and Ruairi Hodges provide an update on rural crime policy and the countdown to the Budget. They examine the NFU’s long‑running lobbying on livestock worrying, expected to become law later this year, and outline the priorities on the #StopTheFamilyFarmTax campaign. With activity from Police and Crime Commissioners and the Home Office, the segment highlights how political engagement is shaping the future of rural security and farm business resilience.We also catch up with Berkshire Farm Girl, Eleanor Gilbert, who is documenting her first US harvest run. Travelling 2,200 miles across multiple states with Paplow Harvesting & Trucking, Eleanor offers an unfiltered look at life on the road: early starts, long convoys of combines, relentless heat, and the sheer scale of American grain production. She reflects on the shocks, challenges and lessons learnt from operating in a high‑pressure, large‑scale system, and what she hopes to bring back to her career in UK agriculture.Key themes and takeaways:Rural crime has financial, emotional and welfare impacts on farming familiesSecurity measures and local networks are vital for resilienceNFU lobbying is pushing livestock worrying legislation towards lawBudget decisions will be critical for family farm taxation and viabilityLarge‑scale US harvest runs reveal the extremes of global agricultureInternational experience gives young farmers new skills and perspectivesListen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Take 5 To Stay Alive: The Mindset That Saves Lives

  Welcome to Shed TalksIn this episode, Bizza Walters and Luke Cox tackle one of the most important topics in British agriculture, farm safety. It is a subject often overlooked until something goes wrong, but as this episode shows, the smallest actions can have life-saving consequences.The main feature focuses on real experiences from farmers who know how quickly everyday situations can turn serious. Callum Lindsay, a hill farmer from the Isle of Arran, shares how a quad bike accident in 2023 left him with severe injuries and a long recovery, and why he is now calling for a culture change around ATV safety. Ed Caudwell, an Oxfordshire farmer, reflects on the workshop accident that nearly cost him his life while working in New Zealand and the vital lessons it taught him about training, preparation and risk awareness.In the Westminster segment, the External Affairs team bring listeners up to speed on what has been happening in Parliament and on farm. They explain what departmental oral questions are, why they matter and how the NFU works with MPs in the lead-up to them. The team also reflect on the Farming Minister’s recent visit to Derbyshire and how visits like this help ministers see the realities of farming first-hand. With just a month to go until the Budget, they share the latest on NFU lobbying and what they are pushing for to support farm businesses across the country.To close, the Global Ag View takes us to Hanover in Germany, where the world’s largest agricultural machinery show, Agritechnica, is in full swing. Matt Tilt, editor of Farm Contractor and Large Scale Farmer magazine, joins us from the event to share his insights into the latest machinery trends, innovations and technologies set to influence UK farming.Key themes and takeaways:Farm safety is everyone’s responsibility, the smallest actions can save livesTake 5 To Stay Alive, simple habits can prevent serious accidentsReal-life stories from Callum Lindsay and Ed Caudwell show how quickly situations can changeBuilding a safety-first culture is vital for the future of farmingThe NFU continues to influence policy through parliamentary engagement, ministerial visits and Budget lobbyingAgritechnica showcases how global innovation is shaping the next generation of farm machineryBehind-the-scenes insights from the world’s biggest agricultural machinery showListen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Tenant Farming in Focus: Opportunities For Growth

  Welcome to Shed TalksIn the third episode of the NFU’s podcast Shed Talks, the final pair of our presenting trio, Mike Greenwood-Wilkins and Jacks Weaver, take a deep dive into tenant farming, exploring opportunities for growth, policy insights, and global food security.Fun fact - Mike previously appeared on The Great British Bake Off, proving he can handle both the kitchen and the farm!Our main feature was recorded fresh from the NFU’s Tenant Farmers’ Conference panel, where the theme was Room to Grow: Opportunities for Growth in TenantFarming. The episode features conversations with tenant farmers about how they are adapting, diversifying, and finding opportunities to grow their businesses, alongside discussions about tenancy agreements, landlord relationships, and the practical realities of farming under tenancy.In the Westminster segment, there are two highlights. First, Ruairi Hodges speaks with Alan Laidlaw, the first-ever UK Commissioner for Tenant Farming, addressing questions submitted by NFU members on key issues affecting tenant farmers. Then, Neeve McGinty and Ruairi explore the Farming and Food Fellowship (FaFF): why it was created, its impact on building cross-party understanding of rural issues, and plans for the next cohort of fellows. To get in touch regardingThe episode closes with a World Ag perspective (WAG): Mike and Jacks speak with Miika Ilomäki, Chief Preparedness Specialist at Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency, about how Finland has built one of the world’s most resilient food systems. From high levels of self-sufficiency and strategic reserves to strong public-private cooperation, Finland’s approach demonstrates the value of planning for food security at every level.Key themes and takeaways:Tenant farmers are central to food production, landscape management, and sustainable agricultureMain feature recorded fresh from the NFU’s Tenant Farmers’ Conference panelFarmers share experiences on business diversification, tenancy agreements, and opportunities for growthAlan Laidlaw is the first UK Commissioner for Tenant Farming and responds to NFU members’ submitted questionsThe Farming and Food Fellowship strengthens MPs’ understanding of rural and tenant farming issuesFinland’s approach highlights the importance of preparedness, strategic reserves, and collaborationStrong planning and cooperation across government, industry, and households builds resilienceListen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Grass Half Full: Feeding Livestock and Fuelling the Future

  Welcome to Shed TalksIn this episode hosts Naomi Williams-Roberts and Josh Redford explore how farmers are managing livestock nutrition after a dry summer, what support is available, and how the NFU is helping members plan for the season ahead. Naomi shares what it’s like to open her on-farm pumpkin patch for the season, while Josh reflects on preparing for the NFU’s upcoming annual general meetings.They are joined by James Daniel from Precision Grazing and NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton, who offer practical tips on making the most of limited forage, the value of early planning, and how to stay flexible in a changing climate. Read more on the NFU's sustainable protein action plan: https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/sustainable-protein-action-plan/In our Westminster segment, Olivia Phoenix is joined by Scott Pepe to look ahead to a busy autumn of political lobbying. They discuss the NFU’s strong presence at this year’s party conferences, where the team engaged with over 600 politicians and hosted key discussions on the future of food and farming.Finally, we hear from Professor Nigel Mason at the University of Kent about his team’s remarkable work growing tea in simulated moon soil — and how this space science might have lessons for agriculture back on Earth.Key themes and takeaways:Drought has long-term impacts on grazing and winter feedEarly planning and advice are vital for livestock resilienceMob grazing and rotational grazing can help maximise grass useThe NFU provides ongoing support for members through seasonal challengesPolitical engagement is essential for shaping farming policyStrong representation at party conferences keeps farming on the national agendaSpace science can offer new ideas for managing poor soilsResearch into lunar agriculture has lessons for food security on EarthListen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Wolves, Wellbeing and Westminster: Building True Farming Resilience

  Welcome to Shed TalksIn this first episode of the NFU’s new podcast Shed Talks, hosts Bizza Walters and Luke Cox explore what resilience really looks like in British farming today – from daily pressures to long-term planning, mental health, and the challenges farmers face both at home and abroad.They are joined by two farmers: Hannah Jackson, known to many as The Red Shepherdess, who farms sheep and cattle in the Yorkshire Dales, and Oliver Collingham, who works on a mixed arable and livestock farm in Lincolnshire.Together, they share honest reflections on the realities of farming life, how they stay resilient, and why support networks and open conversations matter.Also in this episode, our Westminster segment features NFU External Affairs team members Olivia Phoenix and Ruairi Hodges, who discuss the new Defra top team and explain why it is vital for the NFU to maintain a presence at party political conferences every year.The episode ends with a powerful story from Mary Rickert, a cattle rancher in California whose community has been left devastated by attacks from wild wolves and mountain lions. Hear how ACDC music has helped!Listener warning: This interview includes graphic descriptions of livestock attacks and may be distressing for some listeners.Key themes and takeaways:A positive mindset can set the tone for the dayImposter syndrome is more common than you thinkSuccession planning is essential for future resilienceDiversifying income streams supports long-term stabilityOpen conversations around mental health make a differenceWild predator reintroductions have serious consequences for farmersThe NFU plays a vital role in giving farmers a voice in politicsCommunity, connection and shared experience help build resilienceTo find out more about your hosts and todays guests head to the below links:Bizza Walters - @bizza.waltersHannah Jackson - @redshepherdessTo find out more about NFU, head to www.nfuonline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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