The Farmers Weekly podcast

47:33

In this episode, one in three farmers fear their children will sink the farm business when it's handed on to the next generation. Why farming families are walking a tightrope between succession and inheritance tax. Dairy producers are forced to dump thousands of litres of milk after a breakdown at a key processing plant in Lancashire. We've all the latest commodity prices. And we find out why climate-friendly farmers are turned off by the quest for net zero. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Endangered hedges, bonanza beef vision, grant fund to ADOPT innovation, foot-and-mouth meat and dairy import ban, & sweary singing farmers 46:54

12 days ago46:54

46:54

In this episode, we get to grips government grants to fund on-farm innovation and technology to improve productivity. With British Beef Week around the corner (23-30 April), we run the rule over the NFU's 10-year vision for the UK's beef industry. We look at why farm hedges could be the latest victim of the government's decision to close the Sustainable Farming Incentive to new applications. And we find out why singing sweary farmers are all the rage in Oxfordshire. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Minette's farm profitability review, should farmers really diversify? Resistant wheat shows signs of yellow rust, local food plan report, & auctioneer's giant red fibre glass cow goes missing 54:58

17 days ago54:58

54:58

In this episode, the government appoints former NFU president Minette Batters to lead a Defra review to solve farming's 'profitability problem'. Her appointment – by Defra secretary Steve Reed – aims to help growers and livestock producers increase their profit and financial resilience. We ask three experts what Baroness Batters should really be looking at – and whether farmers should be encouraged to diversify. Emily Norton, from Farm Foresight ; Richard King, from Andersons farm business consultants; and Jonathan Armitage, from Strutt & Parker , share their thoughts. We get out in the field, where resistant wheat crops are showing signs of yellow rust - samples for analysis should be sent to the UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS). We look ways farmers can supply more local food - according to the Local Food Plan . And we try to track down a giant red fibre glass cow after it goes missing. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Bread strike & hot cross buns, Trump & tariffs, animal disease & border controls, AHDB levy board future, & Sustainable Farming Incentive latest 52:08

25 days ago52:08

52:08

In this episode, livestock industry leaders warn of a devastating animal disease outbreak unless the government tightens border controls. MPs quiz. Defra minister Daniel Zeichner as cereal growers 'go on strike' in protest at government policies affecting UK farming. Will there really be no hot cross buns at Easter? We've the latest on the Sustainable Farming Incentive and how the Rural Payments Agency continues to process a backlog of applications. And one year after he took up the role, we've a special interview with Graham Wilkinson, chief executive of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. Plus all the latest commodity prices – and how Donald Trump's tariffs will affect UK agri-food products imported into the USA. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Red Tractor pledges smarter farm audits, action plan to reduce pesticide usage, & vigilance needed after bird flu confirmed in sheep 52:31

5 weeks ago52:31

52:31

In this episode, the Red Tractor assurance scheme responds to criticism by pledging to make farm audits easier for farmers. We speak to the Red Tractor interim chairman Alistair Mackintosh and operations director Philippa Wiltshire. Also in this episode – the government unveils long awaited plans to reduce pesticide usage by 10% within five years. We look at the likely impact on your farm business – and on food production. And a medical microbiologist says farmers need to remain vigilant after the first case of bird flu is confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
How to rescue the Sustainable Farming Incentive, farmers ramp up food production, pressure on spring seed and fertiliser, red diesel rumours, & why big business wants to invest in your farm 52:04

6 weeks ago52:04

52:04

In this episode, farmers ramp up food production following the closure of the government's flagship environmental scheme. Arable growers who were preparing Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications are now drilling spring crops instead – with strong demand for spring seed and fertiliser. Natural England former head of agriculture Geoff Sansome says mistakes were made when drawing up the SFI – but the scheme should be refined rather than redesigned. Why Chancellor Rachel Reeves must avoid targeting red diesel when she unveils the government's Spring Statement. And how big food companies are investing in agriculture – and incentivising farmers to adopt more sustainable practices. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Options for farmers locked out of Sustainable Farming Incentive, food security report, & is there a future for lab-grown meat? 49:56

7 weeks ago49:56

49:56

Just why did the government close its flagship agri-environment scheme without warning? We examine the options for farmers unable to join Defra's Sustainable Farming Incentive. A new study says the government must take food security and sustainable farming much more seriously. Published by the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission , the report is called Paying the Price: Cheap food, big business and the cost to farming and food security . And we ask: Is there really a future for lab grown meat? This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Emergency Podcast: Defra pulls plug on Sustainable Farming Incentive 28:17

7 weeks ago28:17

28:17

In this emergency episode, we examine the implications of Defra's decision to stop accepting applications for its flagship agri-environment scheme. The shock announcement to draw a line under the Sustainable Farming Incentive was announced at 6pm Tuesday, 11 March. Defra gave farmers no notice of the decision, which came into effect with immediate effect, leaving would-be applicants high and dry. We look at the reasons for the announcement – and where it leaves farmers and farm businesses across England. With thanks to special guests: Martin Lines, chairman of the Nature Friendly Farming Network Jamie Burrows, chairman of the NFU combinable crops board Ed Hutley, partner with farm business consultants Ceres Rural This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Rebel Labour MPs back farmers on inheritance tax, Pancake Day Rally, livestock mart hits out at 'keyboard warriors', climate change adaptation, & 'green' farmland market 46:33

8 weeks ago46:33

46:33

In this episode, a growing number of 'rebel' Labour MPs are supporting farmers against the government on inheritance tax. We have an exclusive interview with Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid- and South Pembrokeshire, who is calling for a government amnesty on the issue. A warm start to spring sees UK temperatures warmer than Madrid and Barcelona – and it's only the beginning of March. We find out how farmers are adapting to climate change - and get the low-down on the farmland market. The AHDB has published a special Climate Change Adaptation report . And a livestock mart in south-west England hits out at keyboard warriors after its Monday sale is cancelled. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Additional reporting by Phil Case. Follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Follow Louise (X): @louisearable Follow Hugh (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Defra's not-so-new farm policies, Pancake Day Rally against inheritance tax, NFU conference 2025 special, & how to succeed at succession planning 53:04

9 weeks ago53:04

53:04

In this episode, we examine Defra's latest raft of new policies to boost farm profitability. Just exactly how new are they? We scrutinise the keynote speech delivered by Defra secretary Steve Reed at the NFU's annual conference in London. We preview the Pancake Day Rally against government plans to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1 million. To register for the rally, click here . And we speak to the new group of succession planning experts who have formed the Succession Alliance to help farmers pass their farms on to the next generation. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Follow Louise (X): @louisearable Follow Hugh (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Farmers Weekly Question Time: Plumpton College - Farmers Weekly Question Time 1:18:03

10 weeks ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at Plumpton College in East Sussex Recorded in front of a live audience on Thursday, 20 February 2025, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: - James MacCleary , Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes & Lib Dem Europe spokesperson - Flavian Obiero , the Kenyan Pig Farmer , of Tynefield Farm - Kelly Hewson-Fisher , head of rural research, Savills - Amy Jackson , agricultural communications specialist, Oxtale PR - Mark Lumsdon-Taylor , found and president, The Rural Policy Group This Farmers Weekly Question Time is sponsored by Savills and Lantra , the skills and training organisation for the land-based sector. Farmers Weekly Question Time is hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker . To attend future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime .…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Chink of light on inheritance tax, farming's 'pecking order', Scotland's new farm leader, oilseed rape challenges, & why farming is harder than rocket science 46:54

11 weeks ago46:54

46:54

In this episode, we discuss the possible outcomes after government finally agrees to talks with farm leaders on inheritance tax. Have things gone too far? Were farming protestors right to force Keir Starmer to cut short a prime ministerial visit to Milton Keynes? And should farming be higher or lower on the government's pecking order? We speak to Aberdeenshire farmer Andrew Connan – NFU Scotland's newly president – and ask him about his priorities. And Louise meets the aerospace engineer who finds out that farming is harder than rocket science. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Follow Louise (X): @louisearable Follow Hugh (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
How to improve farm assurance, LEAF conference, colder weather on the way, upbeat DairyTech event, & Big Farmland Bird Count 46:18

12 weeks ago46:18

46:18

In this episode, we look at the LEAF Marque - the farm assurance scheme that delivers benefits for consumers and the environment – as well as for farmers. We find out what makes it work, why it is becoming so popular – and why supermarkets are so keen to work alongside LEAF food producers. We speak to Oxbury Bank – the latest lender offering a special deal to farmers who want to farm more sustainably. We visit an upbeat DairyTech event at Stoneleigh – and talk to the winner of the NMR Gold Cup, presented by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers. We've all the latest market prices – and we discover why it's so important to join this month's Big Farmland Bird Count . This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Follow Louise (X): @louisearable Follow Hugh (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Defra plan to reduce UK farmland, bonkers beef prices, Fenland Soil conference, & banks back farmers on inheritance tax 43:15

13 weeks ago43:15

43:15

In this episode, we look at government plans to reduce the area of UK farmland – and use it instead to restore nature and create wildlife habitats. The government's Land Use Framework for England – which is out for consultation – will earmark different areas of land for different uses. Objectives include food production, building 1.5 million homes this parliament, and helping to mitigate climate change. We examine what this means for key areas such as the Fens, with a visit to the Fenland Soil Conference in Ely, Cambridgeshire. With beef prices reaching record highs, we look at the prospects for the sector for farmers – and the price of steak for consumers. And as the battle over inheritance tax continues, we look at how banks say they are trying to support growers and livestock producers. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Follow Louise (X): @louisearable Follow Hugh (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Pea revival: can Pulse Pioneers save the planet? Farm assurance review: leadership culture under fire, spring fertiliser market, & inheritance tax - Farming Day of Unity 45:15

14 weeks ago45:15

45:15

In this episode, we look at how a group of 'Pulse Pioneers' are sowing the seeds for a revival of Britain's pea and bean crops. Pulse crops have many benefits. They include better soil health, less reliance on chemical fertilisers and lower dependency on pesticides. But inconsistent performance can make them difficult to grow profitably. We look at possible answers – and the bigger picture. For more information about the pea and bean project, visit the Pulse Pioneers and the Nitrogen Smart Climate initiative website. The long-awaited farm assurance review says there needs to be a change in leadership culture at Red Tractor. Can it really happen? We've a look at the market for spring fertiliser – and the latest on the inheritance tax battle, including the Farming Day of Unity. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Follow Louise (X): @louisearable Follow Hugh (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Peak Power: LAMMA farm machinery show special, retail giant Morrisons backs farmers on inheritance tax, Shadow Defra secretary Victoria Atkins, & latest farm protest plans 43:33

15 weeks ago43:33

43:33

In this episode, we discover how machinery manufacturers are making it easier for farmers to get their hands on the latest kit and technology. We visit the 2025 LAMMA farm machinery show – the two-day extravaganza bringing 40,000 visitors to the Birmingham NEC. We speak to farmers, machinery manufacturers and auctioneers – and get the lowdown on the prospects for the sector for the year ahead. As Morrisons backs farmers against the government on inheritance tax, we look at plans for further farm protests. And we find out how shadow Defra secretary Victoria Atkins is tackling government ministers on behalf of family farmers. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Follow Johann (X): @johanntasker Follow Louise (X): @louisearable Follow Hugh (X): @sondesplacefarm For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweekly To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
New deal or raw deal? Defra's big plan for farming; British farmers adopt French-style protests, Farming Day of Unity, & glyphosate resistant weeds confirmed in UK 41:56

16 weeks ago41:56

41:56

In this episode, UK environment secretary Steve Reed pledges a better future for Britain's farmers. Is it a New Deal? Or is it a raw deal? Mr Reed's speech to this year's Oxford Farming Conference made much mention of food security and the need to increase agricultural productivity and profitability. Meanwhile, farmers say they will ramp up protest against government plans to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm asset worth more than £1 million. As the UK's first case of glyphosate-resistant weeds are confirmed on a farm in Kent, we look at the implications for growers – especially regenerative farmers. This episode is co-hosted by Farmers Weekly podcast editor Johann Tasker , arable specialist Louise Impey and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom. To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, please email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In England, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Farmers Weekly Question Time: Oxford Farming Conference 2025 - Farmers Weekly Question Time 1:01:27

16 weeks ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at the 2025 Oxford Farming Conference. Recorded in front of a live audience on Wednesday the 8th of January 2025, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: - Minette Batters , cross-bench peer & immediate past president, NFU - Graham Wilkinson , chief executive, Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board - Alice Groom , head of sustainable land management, RSPB - Matt Lobley , professor of rural resource management, Exeter University - Oli Fletcher, farmer, rural historian & Farming Explained YouTube channel host Farmers Weekly Question Time is hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker . To attend future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime .…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Profitable food production in 2025, how to make money from the environment, & making sense of Labour's policies for farming – our special Oxford Farming Conference preview 42:48

17 weeks ago42:48

42:48

In this episode, we look at the prospects for farming in 2025 – and discuss the opportunities for growers and livestock producers. We examine the outlook for profitable UK food production, ways to generate income from the farmed environment and the likely direction for government policy. First, though, we preview the Oxford Farming Conference (8-10 January) – which has a reputation for setting the political agenda for the farming year. This year's conference will see a keynote speech by Defra secretary Steve Reed following a series of controversial policy announcements. Does the (still) fledgling Labour government really understand farming? And, if so, why has it imposed inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1 million? Contributors include: Oxford Farming Conference chairman Geoff Sansome Policy analyst Emily Norton, Farm Foresight Graham Redman, The Andersons Centre Tim Isaac, Ceres Rural Listeners in England can obtain free farm support advice until March 2025 under Defra's Farm Resilience Fund – subject to eligibility criteria. This episode is hosted by Johann Tasker . To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, please email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In England, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
From artificial insemination to artificial intelligence ~ how agri-tech is shaping the future of farming 32:43

19 weeks ago32:43

32:43

In this episode, we visit the AgriTechE REAP conference – the annual showcase for the latest innovations in agriculture. We find out how simple innovations can make farming more profitable – enabling farmers to work smarter rather than harder. From completing Sustainable Farming Incentive applications at the push of a button to using semen analysis to breed better livestock. We talk to start-up agri-tech entrepreneurs and some of the biggest global names in farming who are embracing big ideas to boost productivity. We get together with the Silicon Valley expert who explains how artificial intelligence is available now – and how farmers can get involved. And we meet the co-founder of a fledgling business on a quest to brew the perfect cup of coffee from UK-grown ingredients. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Tractor protest brings London to standstill, knock-on impact of tax changes, Farming Explained YouTube channel, & who are #Together? 37:10

20 weeks ago37:10

37:10

Hundreds of tractors descend on central London as farmers ramp up protests against the government's autumn Budget. As 500 tractors park outside Downing Street, we speak to farmers and protest organisers – and scrutinise the latest government announcement. Farmer and agricultural historian Oli Fletcher, from the Farming Explained YouTube channel , puts the protests in their wider context. We also analyse claims by Defra that it has injected £350m into farming to boost the UK's food security . Other government policies mentioned in this episode include: Mirror agreements for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Agreement extensions for Higher Level Stewardship Capital grants: guidance for applicants and agreement holders Further protests are being planned – including a rally of opposition politicians, farmers, other business owners at the London Palladium. Farmers fear they will have to sell-up after the government decided to end inheritance tax exemptions for farming families. We examine the knock-on effects of changes on the wider rural economy – and look at what might happen next. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable reporter Louise Impey. To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Ban threat for autumn manure spreading, controversy over Bovaer feed additive, capital grants halted, wheat and barley recommended list, & London tractor protest 38:23

21 weeks ago38:23

38:23

In this episode, could ban on autumn manure-spreading applications be the next body blow to hit Britain’s farmers? Well, quite possibly, as industry representatives are summoned to meet Defra officials following two legal challenges over the issue. We delve into the controversy over the decision by dairy processor Arla to use a new feed additive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cows. With campaigners calling for a milk and dairy boycott – we ask whether their concerns are justified – or just a load of hot air? Fear and loathing in the countryside – we examine Defra’s abrupt halt to capital grants for agri-environment work. We’ve the pick of the bunch of the latest combinable crop recommended list varieties – freshly unveiled for your drilling delight. And farmers prepare to ramp up protests against the government's inheritance tax decision – by driving hundreds of tractors into central London. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable farming journalist Louise Impey. To contact us, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. For the latest news, views and market prices for UK agriculture, visit fwi.co.uk .…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Farmers Weekly Question Time: Impact of inheritance tax on family farms - Farmers Weekly Question Time 1:08:51

22 weeks ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Harper Adams University in Shropshire. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. This episode focuses on the impact of the autumn 2024 Budget decision to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1m. Our panel is: - Julia Buckley , Labour MP for Shrewsbury - Jeremy Moody, secretary to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers - Clive Bailye, farmer and founder of The Farming Forum - Kelly Seaton, dairy farmer and AHDB knowledge exchange manager - Professor Karl Behrendt, of the Global Institute for Agri-Tech Economics Sponsored by Lantra , this Farmers Weekly Question Time event was recorded in front of a live studio audience on Thursday, 14 November, 2024. Hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker . To attend future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime .…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
London ‘farm tax’ protest special - featuring Clarkson and thousands of family farmers 41:26

23 weeks ago41:26

41:26

Thousands of farmers gather in London to lobby MPs and protest against changes to inheritance tax rules. From April 2026, agricultural assets worth more than £1m will be liable for 20% inheritance tax – leaving many farmers fearing for their livelihoods. Some 15,000 farmers descended on Westminster to oppose the changes, worried that the autumn Budget decision will force them to leave the land. Join us as we report live from the event - speaking to protest organisers, politicians and farmers on the streets around parliament. Could a compromise be possible – allowing the government to achieve its goal while enabling farmers to continue farming? Or are both sides digging in for the long haul? This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable farming journalist Louise Impey. To contact us, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Clarkson joins London farm tax protest, 100 rural MPs voice concern over Budget, advice on changes to farm support, NFU anger at human cost of measures 38:10

24 weeks ago38:10

38:10

In this episode, Jeremy Clarkson is set to join thousands of farmers protesting against the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farmland. The TV celebrity and star of Clarkson's Farm is expected to address farmers as they gather in London on Tuesday 19 November. Farm business consultants are continuing to wade through the government’s budget documents - looking at ways to mitigate their worst effects. We've a special interview with Richard Means, managing partner of Ceres Rural. And NFU president Tom Bradshaw says he understands farmers' anger at the Treasury for ignoring the "human cost" of the Budget.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Budget uproar - call for peaceful protest, life insurance and inheritance tax, tax on farm pick-ups, basic payment phase-out, future for family farms 39:11

25 weeks ago39:11

39:11

In this episode, industry leaders urge farmers not to take direct action following the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farmland. Thousands of farmers are expected to descend on London after the Budget announcement sent shockwaves through the industry. The protest will coincide with what the NFU is describing as a ‘mass lobbying’ of MPs to get the government decision reversed. The inheritance tax facing farmers following the Budget has understandably grabbed all the headlines. But the Chancellor also unveiled many more measures affecting agriculture. They included company car tax on farm pick-ups, an increase in employers national insurance – and the faster phase out of direct payments. Life insurance could be one way of mitigating the impact of inheritance tax on farmland. But farmers are urged to take advice rather than making rash decisions. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and specialist arable reporter Louise Impey. To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Budget bombshell: Inheritance tax - how to reduce your liability 26:28

26 weeks ago26:28

26:28

A special episode after an autumn Budget which promises huge changes to farm businesses – and indeed for farming families. The Budget saw Chancellor Rachel Reeves announce major changes to agricultural property relief and inheritance tax rules relating to farming. From April 2026, farmers will be subject to 20% inheritance tax on agricultural and business assets worth more than £1 million pounds. In this episode, four experts discuss ways farmers can reduce their liability. Our experts are: Amy Cowdell, from solicitors Shakespeare Martineau Robert Sullivan, from chartered surveyors GSC Grays Jason Beedell, from farm business consultants Strutt & Parker Sam Kirkham, from accountants Albert Goodman Topics discussed include gifting land and assets to family members; business structures, including limited companies; moving assets into a trust; succession planning; and life insurance. Thank you for listening to the Farmers Weekly Podcast . This episode was conceived, written, edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To contact us, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Budget preview, HedgeFest - payments fuel hedgerow revival, hill farming vital to upland future, & carbon-friendly fertiliser 40:57

27 weeks ago40:57

40:57

In this episode, as the government's Budget looms we ask three experts what farmers should expect in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement. We find out why the Sustainable Farming Incentive is fuelling interest in hedgerow management in England – and how farmers can obtain payments. We visit the Lake District, where upland farmers fear they are being left behind by the government's flagship environmental schemes. And we go under the North Sea where a carbon-friendly fertiliser is being mined to replenish sulphur levels on UK farms. Thank you for listening to the Farmers Weekly Podcast . This episode is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Louise Impey. To contact us, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
New Scientist Live, how to get into farming, flood recovery fund, abattoirs and bluetongue, latest harvest estimates, Cow Burp-o-meter & Vauxhall City Farm 40:52

28 weeks ago40:52

40:52

UK agriculture faces a huge skills gap – with lots of opportunities for people wanting to work in the sector or start their own agri-business. In this episode, we find out how UK farming is encouraging new entrants into the industry – and how to carve a career in agriculture. We visit the New Scientist Live festival of ideas at London's ExCel centre, where food and farming innovation is centre stage in front of 25,000 visitors. Agriculture is very much a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) sector keen to attract more urban youngsters. We look at opportunities around industry apprenticeships in agricultural engineering, plant science and livestock technology. For more information about the career opportunities mentioned in this episode, please explore the links below: The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture Lantra John Deere Apprentice Programme KWS careers Rothamsted Research LEAF (Linking Environment & Farming) We Are Land Based Engineering London City Farms & Community Gardens Association To make a donation to Vauxhall City Farm 50th anniversary appeal, please visit https://vauxhallcityfarm.org/50th-anniversary-appeal/ This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast was conceived, written, produced and hosted by Johann Tasker. Additional reporting by Philip Case, Charlie Reeve and Louise Impey. To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also message us by texting the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.…

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

1
Payments for farmers to store flood water, government faces 'moment of truth' on farming, update on Basic Payment Scheme phase-out, & Rural Communities Mental Health Foundation 33:40

29 weeks ago33:40