The Farmers Weekly Podcast

In this episode, as concern grows about funding for the government's flagship agri-environment scheme, we look at ways to farm profitably without subsidies.
Farmers who are doing just that share their secrets at the Norfolk Farming Conference and the BASE UK conference in Huntingdon.
They include Nottinghamshire farmer Joe Howard, of Howard Farms and Grassroots Farming; and Cotswolds farmer Henry Astor, of Bruern Farms, who is supplying Gails bakeries.
We also talk to Cambridgeshire farmer David Wheatley, of Petite Peonies; and Lancashire farmer Martin Caunce, of Brow Farm.
We also discuss the LinkedIn article about future funding for the Sustainable Farming Incentive by Geoff Sansome, former head of agriculture at Natural England.
We find out how to add extreme value to farm output – and how to harness the power of social media as a valuable marketing tool to consumers.
And we meet Sam Stables – the Herefordshire farmer who raised more than £40,000 for charity by walking 142 miles to London during Mind Your Head Week.
If you wish to make a donation, you can do so via Sam's fundraising page.
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/
Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/
Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/
For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly
To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected].
In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a wet winter sees leaves many fields under water, a special drainage scheme is delivering benefits for farmers and the environment.
We pay a special visit to the Allerton Project at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust farm in Leicestershire.
How a closer relationship with the EU could benefit UK growers and livestock producers – if we can get the balance right. Read the EFRA Committee report here.
And we discover how encouraging team spirit on the farm can help improve your mental wellbeing during Mind Your Head week.
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/
Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/
Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/
For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly
To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected].
In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did the government break its own rules when it imposed inheritance tax on farmers?
The High Court orders an urgent two-day judicial review of the Chancellor’s plans to hit family-owned businesses with death duties.
Beef and dairy producers could have to pay a licence to farm – we find out what buying an environmental permit could mean for your farm business.
And we meet the arable growers achieving amazing yields – and examine what the future holds for the Yield Enhancement Network.
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/
Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/
Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/
For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly
To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected].
In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at the 2026 Association of Independent Crop Consultants Conference.
Recorded in front of a live audience on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues.
Our panel is:
Baroness Minette Batters, author of the Farming Profitability Review
Andrew Blazey, AICC chairman and partner at Prime Agriculture
Jenny Brunton, senior European policy advisor at the British Agriculture Bureau, Brussels
Yorkshire farmer Paul Temple, of the Global Farmer Network.
Oli Fletcher, is a Leicestershire farmer, historian and Farming Explained YouTuber
Farmers Weekly Question Time is hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker. To attend or sponsor future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, failure to test illegal meat imports could leave livestock farmers exposed to animal disease, say food safety experts.
Sheep producers face a government clampdown on tail docking and lamb castration – how you can have your say on animal welfare.
And why farming needs better leaders: how a professional approach – and chartered status – could help recruit more people into agriculture.
To have your say on lamb welfare, visit the Defra consultation on on proposed changes to castration and tail docking methods.
The Society of Agriculture website is soc-ag.org.
The white paper by Paul Harris about putting people first in farming can be downloaded from https://real-success.co.uk/white-paper-2/ (you will be asked to submit your email address).
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/
Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/
Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/
For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly
To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected].
In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.