R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Today we welcome Ben Taylor-Davies onto the R2Kast. Known widely as RegenBen, Ben brings a refreshing perspective to regenerative agriculture, defining it as “replacing death with life.” This philosophy underpins his approach to farming and land management, where the focus is on reviving ecosystems and creating a balance between productivity and sustainability. 🌱Ben shares his five pillars of regenerative agriculture, which serve as a foundation for his work: no disturbance, living roots, soil armour, diversity, and the introduction of livestock. He explains how implementing these principles helps improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and create resilient agricultural systems that benefit both farmers and the environment. 🐄His work extends far beyond the UK, as Ben has played a significant role in regenerative farming projects across the globe. From consulting on soil health in Africa to promoting biodiversity in Europe and beyond, his global perspective enriches his approach and highlights the universal importance of sustainable agriculture. 🌍In addition to his innovative farming practices, Ben delves into how his ADHD has shaped his approach to life and work. He describes it as his “superpower,” enabling him to think outside the box and find creative solutions to complex challenges in agriculture. His openness about mental health provides valuable insight and inspiration for others in the farming community. 🧠Ben also reflects on the importance of reconnecting people with the land and promoting sustainable practices that ensure the long-term health of both farms and communities. His passion for educating others and advocating for change shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of farming. 🌍Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#BenTaylorDavies #RegenBen #RegenerativeAgriculture #R2Kast #HowdenRural #SustainableFarming #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #ADHDSuperpower #MentalHealthAwareness #LivestockIntegration #DiverseFarming #AgricultureInnovation #FarmToFork #ResilientFarming #EnvironmentalStewardship #FarmingCommunity #RegenerativePrinciples #GlobalAgriculture #SustainablePractices #FutureOfFarming #ConnectingWithLand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we delve into the tales of two remarkable Nuffield scholars, Aled Davies and Lorna Davis. Both share their unique perspectives, shaped by years of farming experience and transformative Nuffield journeys. 🌎Aled takes us through his background as a farmer's son from rural West Wales, where his passion for marketing and problem-solving took root. His career spans roles in animal health and feed, all while championing sustainable practices and innovative solutions in agriculture. 🌱Lorna introduces us to SuDSPlanter, an innovative solution for water management that integrates sustainable urban drainage systems with green infrastructure. She shares how this system is transforming the way communities approach water retention and management, improving water quality while addressing environmental challenges. 💧The pair also discuss their involvement in the Greener Future Award, an initiative recognising and celebrating efforts to make agriculture more environmentally sustainable. They highlight the importance of showcasing innovation and inspiring others in the industry to adopt greener practices, driving meaningful change for the future. 🌍Enjoy!Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.The views in this podcast are those of the participants and not of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#NuffieldScholarship #AledDavies #LornaDavis #Agriculture #WaterManagement #SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #WelshFarming #GlobalFarming #SuDSPlanter #GreenerFutureAward #FoodAndFarming #HowdenRural #NuffieldAdventures #FarmersVoice #RuralInnovation #WaterQuality #FarmingChallenges #CollaborationInFarming #FutureOfFarming #AgricultureAndClimate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Pete Russell onto the R2Kast. Pete is the founder of Ooooby (Out of Our Own Backyards), a revolutionary platform that connects consumers with local food producers. He shares the journey behind Ooooby, highlighting how the platform supports small-scale farmers and promotes sustainable, community-driven food systems. 🥦Ooooby provides a digital marketplace where customers can order fresh, locally grown produce, reducing the carbon footprint of their food while supporting their local economy. Pete explains how the platform bridges the gap between consumers and producers, ensuring farmers get a fair share of the profits while customers receive high-quality, seasonal produce. 🌱Pete delves into the challenges and successes of building a platform like Ooooby, from the initial idea to its global impact. He reflects on how digital tools can empower local food networks and why decentralising food systems is essential for a sustainable future. His vision is a world where local food networks thrive, fostering resilience and reducing dependency on industrial-scale farming. 🌍He also shares the personal motivations that drive him, including his passion for environmental stewardship and the importance of reconnecting people with where their food comes from. Pete’s story is one of innovation, determination, and a commitment to transforming the way we think about food. 🍎Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#PeteRussell #Ooooby #R2Kast #HowdenRural #LocalFoodSystems #SustainableAgriculture #FarmToFork #SupportLocalFarmers #FoodInnovation #CommunityDrivenFarming #DigitalFoodMarketplaces #EnvironmentalStewardship #FreshProduce #SustainableLiving #LocalEconomy #DecentralisedFood #FarmingFuture #AgriculturalInnovation #FoodSystemsChange #EatLocal #ConnectingProducersAndConsumers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Jaz Williams onto the R2Kast. Jaz shares her unique journey in agriculture, from her roots in a dairy farming family to her global adventures as a contract shepherd and wool handler. Her passion for livestock and dedication to learning have taken her from lambing sheds in the UK to remote farms in Shetland, the Falklands, and Australia. 🌍Just two hours before this episode was recorded, Jaz celebrated a major milestone: the release of her first children’s book, The Tale of Timothy TwigPig. She talks about the inspiration behind the story and how it reflects her love for farming and storytelling, blending her experiences with a creative outlet to connect with younger audiences. 📚Jaz also discusses the challenges of stepping into the farming world without formal agricultural education. Her resilience and hands-on experiences demonstrate that determination and a willingness to learn can break barriers. Whether it’s contract lambing or tackling roles in calf rearing, her story inspires those looking to join the industry without a traditional background. 💪Social media plays a significant role in Jaz’s life, connecting her to a vibrant community of farmers worldwide. She shares how Instagram has become a platform for celebrating wins, sharing challenges, and building friendships with like-minded individuals. Her openness and authenticity have created a network of support and collaboration across the sector. 📲Beyond farming, Jaz reflects on the value of independence, finding her own space in life, and building a balance between her personal and professional goals. Her journey is one of courage, adaptability, and embracing opportunities wherever they arise. 🌱Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#JazWilliams #R2Kast #GlobalFarming #HowdenRural #LivestockFarming #ContractShepherding #SheepFarming #SocialMediaInFarming #AgricultureCommunity #LambingSeason #SustainableFarming #FarmLife #WomenInAgriculture #TravelAndFarming #GlobalAgriculture #FarmingChallenges #YoungFarmers #BuildingNetworks #AgricultureStories #ModernFarming #FarmAdventures #TheTaleOfTimothyTwigPig #ChildrenBooksAndFarming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.