Wilson & Ashley

• Episode 16: The Rise of the Cowgirl and Why Inheritance Tax Could Break Farming

  Put your thoughts into the mixIn this episode of the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we explore two major stories shaping farming and rural life. First, it's the rise of female ranchers in the US, sparked by a recent US Guardian article. We're lucky enough to hear in detail from a real life cowgirl, Faith from Little Jennie Ranch. With women now making up more than 36% of agricultural producers in America—compared to just 16% of principal farmers in England—we discuss why this shift is happening, how ranching culture is changing, and what life is really like for these working women. From the influence of Yellowstone and country music to the realities of mental health, community, and the stereotypes still facing women in agriculture, we unpack the gap between the romantic image of ranching and the hard graft behind it.We then turn to a story which has been bubbling in UK headlines for a year: inheritance tax. Many listeners will have seen the viral Countryfile clip of farmer Tom Rees talking about the emotional impact of the proposed IHT changes. We break down what the reforms actually mean—from the new £1 million cap on full agricultural and business property relief to why so many farms, being asset rich and cash poor, will struggle to pay. With government claiming small family farms will be protected and farming bodies warning that thousands could be exposed every year, we look at the reality behind the headlines. We also discuss the human cost, the threat to family farms and food security, and what listeners can do to support the industry and stay informed.A powerful episode covering women in agriculture, ranching culture, inheritance tax, and the future of family farms.Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

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• Episode 15: Do the Aussies Do It Better… and Does Buying Followers Ever Pay Off?

  Put your thoughts into the mixFirst up, we’re heading to Australia to ask: do they do it better when it comes to farm employment and training? From government-backed gap year schemes like AgCareerStart to hands-on training farms for short-term workers, we explore how the Aussies attract and upskill new people into agriculture — and whether the UK could learn a thing or two.  But is the cost really worth it and we can't help but touch on the weather in Aus versus the UK!Then we turn to your social media feeds. How many of the people you follow buy engagement and followers or pay for promotions. What's the real value of viral videos and is it ever worth faking it online, or does authenticity always win in the end?This episode was inspired by content from Gabby and Charlie Travels  and The Social FarmhouseJoin our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

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• Episode 14: Is Farming in Crisis? What We Learned About Politics and Future Policy from the Conservatives

  Put your thoughts into the mixIs there any hope for farmers when it comes to political decision-making? We're fresh back from the Conservative Party Conference, invited by Victoria Atkins, Conservative MP and Shadow Environment Secretary, where it really did feel like farming took centre stage.In this episode, we talk more about Victoria's declaration of the "food and farming emergency” that we're facing and what this really means for farmers, family businesses, and consumers. From scrapping the Family Farm Tax to putting food production back at the heart of policy, are we seeing genuine support for rural communities, or just political posturing?Then, we turn to The Guardian’s recent piece on changes to Skilled Worker Visas threatening the future of UK farm labour. With many farms unable to recruit locally, could tightening visa rules cripple production — or is it time to rethink training, pay, and working conditions?Featuring insights from Amy (@thedairydaughter), and your listener questions on how Westminster misunderstands farming, this episode brings politics and real farming life together in typical Wilson & Ashley style.Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

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• Episode 13: Do Schools Fail Our Kids? Education, Farming & the Future

  Put your thoughts into the mixSchooling. It’s something we’ve both talked about a lot beyond the podcast—mainly because our own experiences couldn’t have been more different. In this episode, we tackle the big question of: to school or not to school?Prompted by a viral Stacey Dooley reel and plenty of conversations in our own new Podcast Community on Facebook, we explore the rise of home schooling in the UK, the realities of state vs. private education, and how farming children fit into the picture.From resilience and life skills, to whether schools prepare kids for the real world—or whether that’s down to parents—we share our thoughts, your comments, and some surprising stats. We also get into whether rural kids are at a disadvantage, and why having farming families in school can shape more than just the rural community.So whether you’re a parent weighing up the options, a farmer who’s been there, or just curious about how education fits into life on and off the farm, this episode’s for you.Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

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• Episode 12: Oversharing, Oversimplifying & Anonymity Out of Control

  Put your thoughts into the mixIn this episode, we're talking about the Love Island star, Farmer Will, and his new business venture.  It promises a behind-the-scenes look at British farming, exclusive workshops, and early access to new products. We explore whether this approach bridges the gap between farmers and consumers or oversimplifies the realities of farming life. We reflect on privilege and accessibility, asking: who really gets to have an opinion on how food is grown and sold? We also look at how Farmer Will compares to other initiatives, including Riverford, and discuss the complexities of transparency, sourcing, and pricing in modern British food boxes.In the second section, we tackle cyberbullying in farming communities. What does it actually look like online, and why do anonymous platforms bring out harsher behaviour? We explore the online disinhibition effect, the role of group admins, and the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with accountability in the digital worlds. Plus, we share real messages and experiences from farmers navigating these tricky online dynamics.Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

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