NFU: Shed Talks

Welcome to NFU Shed Talks

How do farmers shape their businesses in a world of drought and flooding?

British farmers are living with two extremes, drought and deluge. Last winter left fields under water and crops undrilled. By summer, much of England was in drought. Huge parts of the country still are, yet the Environment Agency is now telling farmers to prepare for floods.

Hosts Luke Cox and Bizza Walters draw on their own experiences of combinable crops and livestock businesses, to unpack what this means for every sector. This can mean dwindling winter forage, poor crop establishment, irrigation-dependent horticulture and a record year for wildfires.

Tim Pratt, farm manager at Wantisden Hall Farms in Suffolk, explains how he has redirected millions of cubic metres of water into farm reservoirs rather than letting it be pumped out to sea, and why he is already growing fewer onions and potatoes. He makes the case for 15 to 20 year guaranteed abstraction licences so farmers can plan and invest.

Shropshire farmer and Nuffield Scholar Kate Mayne, who is also clerk to an internal drainage board, shares how farmers in the Severn catchment are working together to capture water in the wet months and use it in the dry ones.

NFU Water Specialist Mark Betson sets out the NFU's key asks. They include secure water for food production, simpler reservoir planning, flexible licences, and fair recognition and payment for farmers who store floodwater to protect communities downstream.

In the Westminster Section, Scott Pepe, Neeve McGinty and Sanjay Dhanda reflect on party conference season and look ahead to the Budget, including the NFU's call to extend the Annual Investment Allowance to reservoirs and water storage infrastructure.

Listen now and let us know: what one change would make the biggest difference on your farm?

NFU Online: https://www.nfuonline.com/
TIm Pratt: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tim-pratt-abaa5851
Kate Mayne: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kate-mayne-9724ba50
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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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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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