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Artificial intelligence can diagnose crop symptoms, interrogate huge amounts of data and even devise a fungicide programme. But can it really replace an experienced agronomist? In this episode, Johann Tasker investigates what AI could mean for crop management. He travels from a Bedfordshire wheat field to the banks of the Thames, an agronomy office in Essex, farm trials in East Anglia and to Cambridge University. Arable grower Andrew Robinson is already putting AI to the test by allowing it to devise a fungicide programme for his winter wheat. Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains why general-purpose chatbots can give convincing but wrong answers – and why specialist agricultural AI could be much more powerful. Independent agronomist Alex Hall considers where human judgement still matters – and how AI could help human agronomists do a better job. And Agrii’s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal what happened when they put technology head-to-head with conventional farm decision-making. Finally, former Mineral chief executive Dr Elliott Grant looks ahead to agentic AI – systems capable of investigating problems, using specialist tools and potentially taking action themselves. Chapters 00:00 – Can AI manage a wheat crop?Andrew Robinson explains why he handed the fungicide programme for half a hectare of winter wheat to AI – and why the resulting crop caught his attention. 03:01 – Putting ChatGPT to the agronomy testCan a chatbot diagnose yellowing wheat? Johann Tasker tests what ChatGPT can – and cannot – do when faced with a real-world crop problem. 05:58 – What is AI actually doing?Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains how large language models work, why they hallucinate and the risks of relying on confident-sounding answers. 09:30 – Why specialist agricultural AI mattersFrom wheat counting and disease recognition to slug prediction and satellite interpretation, could purpose-built models prove more useful than general-purpose chatbots? 12:36 – What does an agronomist bring?Ceres Rural partner and independent agronomist Alex Hall discusses experience, judgement, risk and the importance of understanding an individual farm business. 16:18 – Can AI give agronomists more experience?A farmer gets only one harvest each year. Could machines learn from thousands – and help advisers draw on far more information than any individual could absorb? 19:27 – Man versus machineAgrii’s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal the results of a field experiment comparing technology with conventional decision-making. 22:47 – The connected farmHow sensors, drones, satellites, weather information, research data and AI could increasingly work together to support farm decisions. 24:42 – Bias, trust and ground-truthing AIWho built the system? What was it trained on? And could commercial interests influence its recommendations? Jonathan Trotter explains what growers must check. 27:45 – The next leap: agentic AIAt Cambridge University’s Whittle Laboratory, Dr Elliott Grant explains the arrival of AI agents capable of reasoning, using specialist tools and carrying out tasks autonomously. 31:36 – What happens to the agronomist?As routine knowledge becomes easier for machines to reproduce, specialist expertise, proprietary knowledge and an understanding of individual farms could become increasingly valuable. 34:13 – Back to the AI wheat trialAndrew Robinson reveals how Microsoft Copilot devised its fungicide strategy – including finding the wrong weather forecast – and why the AI programme cost more than his farm standard. 37:11 – Asking AI the right questionCleanest crop, highest yield, best margin, lowest environmental impact or least risk? The answer an AI produces depends heavily on the objective it is given. 38:30 – Farmer, agronomist and AIWhat have the experiments and interviews taught us? Johann brings together the evidence before asking ChatGPT the original question one final time. This episode is brought to you by LG Seeds UK – providing innovative, reliable seed solutions to farmers in a changing world. Special Guests: Andrew Robinson – farms director, Heathcote Farms. Andrew is trialling an AI-generated winter wheat fungicide programme alongside the farm’s conventional approach. ChatGPT – ⁠the general-purpose AI assistant tested throughout the episode. Freddie Allen-Stevens – machine-learning and AI specialist at Insight ML, with experience developing agricultural applications including crop counting and slug-risk prediction. Alex Hall – partner and independent agronomist at  ⁠Ceres Rural in Saffron Walden. Ceres provides independent crop-management and agronomy advice. Jonathan Trotter – part of  ⁠Agrii’s research and agricultural technology work, exploring how digital technologies and agronomy can be combined in practical crop management. Sam Fordham – works in Agrii’s digital agriculture operation, including its Contour platform and the integration of farm, crop, weather and remote-sensing data. Dr Elliott Grant – technology and agriculture entrepreneur who led agricultural AI work at Google X and later became chief executive of Mineral. His work has focused on the intersection of AI, technology and agriculture. Useful links ⁠ChatGPT – the general puropose large language model from OpenAI. ⁠Agrii digital farming and precision agriculture – including information about Agrii’s RHIZA and Contour digital agronomy services. Insight LM – machine learning consultancy services to help businesses leverage data-driven insights. ⁠Ceres Rural – information about Ceres Rural’s independent agronomy and crop-management services. ⁠Dr Elliott Grant – background on Elliott’s work in agricultural technology and AI, including his work at Cambridge University's Whittle Laboratory. This episode of Farm Insight was written, edited, produced, sound-designed and hosted by Johann Tasker for Farmers Weekly. To get in touch with Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly For sponsor or advertising opportunities, 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.

Will a new carbon tax push up fertiliser prices? Has the farming industry successfully regulated its own pesticide use? And could English olive oil become the next big farming opportunity? In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine the government’s latest proposals for a carbon tax on imported fertiliser – and what they could mean for farm businesses when the new rules take effect in January 2027. New figures suggest the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could initially cost considerably less than feared. But with fertiliser prices already rising, growers remain concerned about the longer-term implications. We speak to Harriet Trewin of the Agricultural Industries Confederation about the likely impact on ammonium nitrate prices and what farmers should do ahead of the changes. We also visit Parliament to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Voluntary Initiative, the industry-led scheme promoting responsible pesticide use. Voluntary Initiative chairman David Bell explains why good stewardship is increasingly important as farmers face the loss of key crop protection products. Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain discusses the importance of industry self-regulation and the need for government support. Meanwhile, in Lincolnshire, farmer David Hoyles is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the Fens with what is believed to be Britain’s first commercial olive harvest. After investing £1 million and planting 18,000 olive trees, he is producing premium English olive oil. We visit his farm near Spalding to discover how the venture is progressing. Plus, our latest autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines the balance between delayed drilling, grassweed control and crop establishment. We also bring you the latest UK livestock and arable commodity prices, discuss farmland bird populations and preview Farmers Weekly Live, taking place at Stoneleigh Park in July 2027. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and this week’s headlines00:56 – Fertiliser carbon tax: What will CBAM cost farmers?01:28 – Harriet Truan, AIC: Latest estimates and fertiliser price implications05:14 – Analysis: Carbon taxes, farm margins and global competition10:34 – Autumn Drilling Update: Grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science13:08 – The Voluntary Initiative celebrates 25 years13:38 – David Bell: Responsible pesticide use and protecting active ingredients17:21 – Wendy Chamberlain MP: Why industry self-regulation matters19:37 – Analysis: Has the Voluntary Initiative been successful?26:11 – Farmers Weekly Live: Plans for July 202728:40 – On the farm: Rainfall, cover crops and farmland bird populations31:05 – Commodity markets: Latest livestock, grain and fuel prices32:38 – Britain’s first commercial olive harvest gets underway33:15 – David Hoyles: Growing olives and producing premium English olive oil36:19 – Analysis: Could olive growing take off across Britain?40:39 – Closing thoughts and next week’s podcast Guests Harriet Trewin – Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).David Bell – Chairman of the Voluntary Initiative and Scottish farmer.Wendy Chamberlain MP – Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife.David Hoyles – Lincolnshire farmer and founder of the English Olive Company. Useful links Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC)UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)The Voluntary InitiativeFarmers Weekly LiveEnglish Olive CompanyNational Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO) To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

Has the government missed another opportunity to support British farming? In this special edition of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine Chancellor John Healey’s Autumn Budget and ask what it really means for farmers, food production and the wider rural economy. The Chancellor extended the fuel duty cut on red diesel, temporarily suspended tariffs on fertiliser and heating oil, and announced business rates relief that could benefit farm shops. But with farm profitability under severe pressure, inheritance tax reforms unchanged and food production costs continuing to rise, industry leaders say the Budget offers little encouragement. NFU president Tom Bradshaw warns that farmers feel abandoned by a government that repeatedly promises to make food security a national priority. Country Land and Business Association president Gavin Lane says the Budget represents a missed opportunity to stimulate rural economic growth, Meanwhile, agricultural accountant Sam Kirkham, partner and head of farms at Albert Goodman, urges farming businesses to keep a close watch on cash flow. We also examine changes to biodiversity net gain, the outlook for food price inflation and the political calculations behind what some describe as a surprisingly benign Budget. Could the Chancellor’s cautious approach even signal an early general election? Hosted by Johann Tasker, with Hugh Broom and Louise Impey. Guest speakersTom Bradshaw – President, National Farmers’ Union (NFU)Gavin Lane – President, Country Land and Business Association (CLA)Sam Kirkham – Partner and Head of Farms and Estates, Albert Goodman Chapters00:00 – Autumn Budget: What does it mean for farmers?01:17 – Sam Kirkham: A Budget that fails to encourage investment02:41 – Tom Bradshaw: Farmers feel abandoned05:17 – Gavin Lane: A missed opportunity for rural growth06:55 – Inheritance tax: Has the government closed the door?09:41 – Food inflation and the cost of production10:26 – Red diesel and fertiliser: Will tax relief make a difference?12:01 – Rural energy costs: Who benefits from the Budget?13:45 – Business rates: Welcome relief for farm diversification15:31 – Biodiversity net gain: Has the market been undermined?18:16 – Farm profitability and the future of food security22:18 – What does the government want from the countryside?24:05 – Practical advice: What should farmers do now?25:54 – Hugh Broom and Louise Impey deliver their verdict29:15 – Could a cautious Budget signal an early election?31:12 – Can the government deliver growth while ignoring farming?33:40 – Final verdict: A missed opportunity for agriculture Useful links - HM Treasury – Autumn 2026 Budgets Documents- Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)- National Farmers’ Union (NFU)- Country Land and Business Association (CLA)- Albert Goodman – Accountants and Business Advisers- Farmers Weekly – Latest farming news and analysis This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

Farm leaders are calling for an urgent rethink of inheritance tax and investment allowances ahead of the autumn Budget on 28 October. With farm investment stalling and confidence at a low ebb, the NFU and major supermarket chains are urging the government to introduce tax reforms that could unlock billions of pounds of private investment in UK agriculture. CLA chief tax adviser Louise Speke explains why changes to inheritance tax and capital allowances could help farmers invest in machinery, buildings and reservoirs – without requiring major government spending. We visit Lincolnshire potato grower Alex Godfrey, who explains how drought, soaring fuel costs and increasingly unpredictable weather are making potato production more challenging. With irrigation and storage requiring substantial investment, growers want greater certainty over water supplies and future contracts. Meanwhile, McCain’s latest FarmDex report highlights growing concerns about extreme weather, rising costs and government policy. We also examine the government’s plans to encourage organic farming, the newly agreed sugar beet price for 2027-28 and the latest livestock, grain and fuel markets. And Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie Ireland make a surprise appearance at the Conservative Party conference, highlighting the financial pressures facing British farmers. Plus, our autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines herbicide resistance and how growers can protect the effectiveness of weed control programmes. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: What farming needs from the autumn Budget01:28 – Farm tax reform: NFU and CLA call for investment incentives02:03 – Louise Speke: Inheritance tax and capital allowances05:45 – Farm investment stalls amid policy uncertainty11:08 – Food security and the case for government action16:41 – Autumn drilling update: Herbicide resistance and Italian ryegrass18:59 – Potato harvest: Drought, irrigation and rising production costs22:31 – Why growers need better access to water23:46 – Lessons from a challenging potato harvest26:27 – McCain FarmDex: Farmers struggle with costs and uncertainty29:24 – Farmers Weekly journalists celebrate industry awards31:30 – Hedgehog decline: The debate over farming and badgers34:29 – Organic farming: Government plans to expand production37:58 – Sugar beet: New 2027-28 price agreement40:40 – Markets: Beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel43:08 – Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie at the Conservative Party conference45:37 – Farming policy and the future of environmental regulation49:12 – Conclusion: What next for British farming? Special guests: Louise Speke – Chief tax adviser, Country Land and Business Association.Jenny Deakin – Bayer Crop Science.Alex Godfrey – Potato grower, Lincolnshire. Useful links: National Farmers’ Union – Farming policy and campaignsCountry Land and Business Association – Taxation and rural business policyHM Treasury – Government Budgets and financial statementsHMRC – Agricultural Property ReliefHMRC – Annual Investment AllowanceGB Potatoes – Potato industry informationAHDB – Agricultural market intelligence This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

Soaring diesel prices are putting fresh pressure on farm businesses – and the outlook suggests volatility could continue well into 2027. In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine what is driving the surge in fuel costs, whether farmers should buy now or wait, and how hedging and reducing diesel use could help manage the risk. We also ask whether artificial intelligence could eventually replace your agronomist after Bedfordshire grower Andrew Robinson handed control of a winter wheat fungicide programme to AI. Plus, we hear from some of the winners at the 2026 Farmers Weekly Awards, discuss the latest debate over rural Britain and farm policy, bring you our weekly market round-up, and unveil Farmers Weekly Live – a new farm business event coming to Stoneleigh Park in July 2027. The episode also includes the Farmers Weekly Autumn Drilling Update, in association with Bayer Crop Science. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:53 – Why diesel prices are soaring03:59 – Should farmers buy diesel now or wait?06:33 – What expensive diesel means for farming14:10 – Autumn Drilling Update17:02 – Can AI replace your agronomist?19:05 – How AI could change agronomy24:36 – This week in farming27:37 – Rural Britain and Westminster31:17 – Farming and the UK’s relationship with Europe34:05 – Markets36:38 – Farmers Weekly Live launches43:01 – Podcast close Guests Patrick Crean – fuel procurement manager, AF GroupJenny Deakin – Bayer Crop ScienceAndrew Robinson – Bedfordshire arable farmerAndrew Meredith – editor, Farmers WeeklyDan Smith – managing director, Farmers WeeklyPresented by: Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Useful links Farmers Weekly Live – 6-7 July 2027, NAEC StoneleighDetails of the new event and registration of interest.  ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/farmers-weekly-live Red diesel price volatility hits autumn fieldworkFarmers Weekly’s report on the sharp rise in fuel costs and the implications for autumn operations.  ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/red-diesel-price-volatility-hits-autumn-fieldwork Farmers Weekly Awards 2026 winnersThe full list of this year’s winners, including Farm Manager of the Year Will Jones and Environmental Champion Colin Chappell.  ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/past-winners-2026 Alistair Leake – Lifetime Achievement AwardFarmers Weekly profile of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement winner.  ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/farmers-weekly-awards-2026-lifetime-achievement-winner Bayer Crop Science – autumn grassweed managementAdvice on blackgrass, Italian ryegrass and brome management in wheat.  ⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/insights/weed-management/weed-out-uncertainty Alternator Met herbicide informationBayer Crop Science information on autumn cereal weed control and application timings.  ⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/our-products/herbicides/alternator-met Farmers Weekly – latest farming news, analysis and markets⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/ Contact the podcast: [email protected] listeners can text FARM followed by their message to 88440. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers are ploughing up environmental features after thousands were shut out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive when funding ran out less than six hours after applications opened. In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we hear from Lincolnshire farmer Charles Anyan as he returns buffer strips to wheat production following problems with his SFI application. NFU vice-president Robyn Munt sets out what the union wants Defra to do next – including urgent clarity for farmers left without agreements and an earlier opening for SFI 2027. Shadow farming minister Robbie Moore gives the Conservative response and argues that the government and Treasury must provide greater certainty over future funding. And we visit the Allerton Project in Leicestershire, where a planned SFI agreement worth about £85,000 a year failed to get through. Allerton head of sustainable farming Joe Stanley considers what the debacle means for environmental delivery – and whether private natural-capital markets can fill some of the funding gap. Chapters 00:00 – SFI fallout: farmers start ploughing up environmental features09:27 – Autumn drilling update: grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science12:19 – NFU demands answers from Defra25:41 – Political fallout from the SFI closure37:18 – Markets: beef and sheep strengthen39:42 – Allerton Project: £85,000 SFI shortfall45:20 – What now for farm environmental policy? Special Guests Charles Anyan – Lincolnshire farmerRobyn Munt – vice-president, National Farmers’ UnionRobbie Moore MP – shadow farming ministerJoe Stanley – head of sustainable farming, Allerton Project Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 – scheme information Defra: SFI26 Window 2 update Defra: SFI26 Window 2 applications and statistics NFU: SFI scheme guidance and information Allerton Project This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

Defra is under intense pressure after the £233 million budget for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive was exhausted just five hours and 48 minutes after applications opened. In this emergency episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, farmers describe technical problems that prevented them from submitting complete applications despite weeks of preparation – leaving some facing holes of more than £50,000 in their farm budgets. Farm business consultant James Bush explains what went wrong, what farmers should do next and why Defra and the Rural Payments Agency need urgently to clarify what happens to those who missed out. Podcast hosts Johan Tasker, Hugh Broom and Louise Impey discuss the wider fallout – including fears that farmers could abandon environmental measures if funding remains unavailable. In this episode 00:00 – SFI funding exhausted in under six hoursThe £233m budget disappears after applications open, leaving thousands of farmers without agreements. 00:52 – West Sussex farmers hit by application problemsFrans de Boer and Rupert Hoare describe unexplained compatibility errors, missing options and incomplete applications despite extensive preparation. 02:45 – £55,000 hole in a Cambridgeshire farm budgetBeef and arable farmer Peter Hatley explains how technical problems prevented his application and why losing expected SFI income could force major changes to his farming system. 04:14 – Dartmoor farmer loses £50,000 agreementMatthew Cole describes spending hours preparing his upland application only for errors to prevent submission before the budget disappeared. 05:19 – Hugh and Louise reactHugh Broom and Louise Impey discuss the stress, confusion and frustration surrounding the application window – and the consequences for farmers who missed out. 08:07 – Farm consultant James Bush: what went wrong?James Bush, head of agriculture at GSC Grays, describes consultants preparing for a 24-hour application marathon – only to see the entire budget exhausted within six hours. 10:08 – What Defra needs to fixTechnical problems, mapping issues and the shortcomings of a highly compressed application window. 12:00 – What farmers should do nextJames explains why land-use codes, land cover, digital mapping and contingency plans need to be checked ahead of any future application window. 13:07 – The particular problem facing upland farmsWhy farmers in the uplands have fewer alternatives when environmental support disappears – and how one moorland agreement was left with a major funding shortfall. 15:04 – Don’t panic – but demand clarityWhat farmers need to know about another SFI window and how SFI 2026 might interact with future schemes. 16:10 – Could environmental land go back into production?Hugh warns that frustration with government schemes could encourage farmers to remove margins and other environmental measures. 19:38 – Budget, IT – and communicationLouise argues that Defra must either provide sufficient funding or redesign the scheme around the budget actually available. 21:03 – What happens nextThe team looks ahead to Friday’s Farmers Weekly Podcast and further coverage of the SFI fallout. Guests Frans de Boer – West Sussex farmerRupert Hoare – West Sussex farmerPeter Hatley – Cambridgeshire beef and arable farmerMatthew Cole – Dartmoor farmerJames Bush – head of agriculture, GSC Grays Useful links Farmers Weekly – latest Sustainable Farming Incentive news and analysis Defra – Sustainable Farming Incentive guidance Rural Payments Agency – SFI applications and scheme information GSC Grays – agricultural and farm business advice This emergency episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

Farmers face a race to secure funding when the Sustainable Farming Incentive reopens – with warnings that the available money could be allocated within just 24 hours. We look at how to prepare an SFI26 application, why growers should resist simply chasing grant money and what could happen to farmers whose existing agreements prevent them joining this time around. Sugar beet growers face another period of uncertainty after price negotiations between NFU Sugar and British Sugar break down. With the 2027/28 contract heading to arbitration, we ask whether the crop can continue to earn its place in the rotation. After one of the earliest maize harvests on record, we examine maize quality, forage shortages and why regular silage analysis could prove particularly important this winter. And former farm minister Daniel Zeichner gives an extraordinary account of life inside Defra – including his claim that he knew nothing about the government’s inheritance tax changes until after they were announced in the 2024 Budget. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction01:09 – SFI26: will the money run out in 24 hours?08:01 – SFI: preparing for the scramble14:21 – Autumn drilling update: managing dry seedbeds16:56 – Sugar beet price talks head to arbitration20:50 – Does sugar beet have a future?25:39 – Around the farming world30:01 – Maize harvest: quantity versus quality34:25 – Markets: livestock up, grain down and diesel jumps36:46 – Daniel Zeichner: what really happened inside Defra?44:20 – Abi Kay on an extraordinary interview Special Guests Chloe Timberlake – farm business adviser, Ceres RuralNick Scantlebury – senior farms manager, Elveden EstateNeil Groom – maize specialist, GrainseedDaniel Zeichner MP – former Defra farm ministerAbi Kay – Farmers Weekly chief reporter Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026SFI26 Window 2 updateSugar beet price arbitrationBritish Sugar’s Cantley plansBovine TB transmission researchDaniel Zeichner interview This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

In an exclusive interview with Farmers Weekly's Abi Kay, former farm minister Daniel Zeichner gives an extraordinary account of life inside Defra.  Revelations include Mr Zeichner's claim that as a minister he knew nothing about government plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers until after they were announced in the 2024 Budget. He says he was then “dutifully dispatched to defend” the policy to furious farmers. Mr Zeichner also admits that Labour was not sufficiently prepared for government when it was elected in July 2024. He says he was unable to tell farmers the “full story” about problems with the government's flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which ran out of money in March 2025. He also describes feeling “man-marked” by Treasury officials he had never met – and says the government should have foreseen the trouble its inheritance tax plans caused. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: uk.linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130 For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on 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.

Tenant farmers are being urged to seek rent reductions as difficult arable economics put pressure on farm businesses – but how far should landlords go to share the pain? This week, we examine calls for rent cuts of up to 20% and ask whether landlords and tenants need a new approach to negotiating rents during difficult years. We also investigate the secret workshops helping farmers protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated rural crime. Security specialist Frank Cannon explains why some crime-prevention advice is deliberately kept behind closed doors. Meanwhile, pig producers face a difficult autumn after processors served notice on supply contracts. Thousands of pigs could be left without a contracted buyer each week, accelerating the decline of independent production. And finally, we head to the cinema for Derek vs Derek, a feature-length documentary following two neighbouring Devon farmers with very different ideas about the countryside: dairy farmer Derek Banbury and rewilder Derek Gow. Derek vs Derek is directed by James Dawson and follows Derek Banbury and Derek Gow over three years. Its UK cinema release begins on 2 October 2026. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:59 – Should tenant farmers demand rent cuts?09:41 – Who should carry the pain in a bad year?13:27 – Autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science15:23 – Secret workshops tackle rural crime18:11 – How farmers can make themselves harder targets25:10 – Farming politics on the road27:35 – Back British Farming Day29:06 – Pig producers face contract crisis33:43 – Markets: livestock, grain and fuel36:09 – Derek vs Derek: farming meets rewilding38:38 – Food production or nature – must farmers choose?47:23 – Podcast wrap-up Guests and useful links: Richard King – partner, Andersons farm business consultantsJeremy Moody – secretary and adviser, Central Association of Agricultural ValuersFrank Cannon – chartered security professional, Rural SafeGuardAlistair Driver – editor, Pig World This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

In this episode, we examine new farm-level evidence suggesting phosphorus is coming into balance on farms in the River Wye catchment – and ask what it means for water pollution. We visit a field trial where precision breeding could make UK-grown soya commercially possible. We examine the continuing decline in cattle and sheep numbers, and run the rule over the latest livestock and arable markets. And we discover why some of Britain’s biggest music names are heading to Suffolk for a harvest festival with a difference. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:51 – River Wye: are farmers turning the tide on pollution?10:18 – Bayer autumn drilling update: tackling weeds field by field12:20 – Could gene-edited soya become a UK break crop?21:51 – Farming news: El Niño, Asian hornets and SFI2626:07 – Why are Britain’s beef and sheep herds shrinking?32:21 – Markets: beef firms as grain prices rise34:59 – A Great British Harvest Festival with a difference42:13 – That’s all for this week Guests Dan Smith – farm facilitator, Herefordshire Rural Hub Rachel Banks – technical manager, Bayer Crop Science Dr Frank Röber – Europe Breeding Alliances lead, Corteva Agriscience Philip Case – Farmers Weekly Prys Morgan – beef and lamb sector director, AHDB Andrew Sunnucks – farmer and music producer Useful links River Wye nutrient balance projectRiver Wye water quality – Environment AgencySFI26 Window 2AHDB Beef & LambBayer Crop ScienceGreat British Harvest Festival This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

In this episode, how much rain is enough to start drilling after one of the driest summers in recent memory? We look at autumn crop establishment as growers weigh up whether to put oilseed rape and other crops into exceptionally dry soils – or wait for more meaningful rainfall. We assess the prospects for the coming sugar beet harvest after drought, heat and pest pressure take their toll on crops. And farm leaders call for tougher controls on Brazilian beef and imported eggs as questions mount over whether food coming into Britain meets the same standards expected of UK producers. Meanwhile, fertiliser suppliers urge growers to start talking about next season’s requirements as geopolitical disruption threatens to disrupt another buying season. And finally, a police watchdog says firearms licensing in England and Wales is “not fit for purpose”. What would a new national licensing authority mean for the thousands of farmers and other rural businesses that rely on shotguns and firearms for their work? This episode is brought to you by KWS – seeding the future since 1856. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:53 – How much rain is enough to drill oilseed rape?02:24 – How late is too late for oilseed rape?03:21 – Drilling into exceptionally dry seed-beds04:01 – Should growers increase seed rates?05:07 – Has this week’s rain changed anything?07:14 – Grass, cover crops and an exceptionally early maize harvest08:21 – What happened to cabbage stem flea beetle?09:24 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS11:45 – How badly has drought hit sugar beet?14:02 – Beet armyworm adds to pest pressure15:01 – Building more resilient sugar beet crops16:05 – Can plant breeding deliver drought tolerance?16:52 – What are growers expecting from harvest?19:29 – A difficult lifting campaign ahead?20:49 – Calls to stop Brazilian beef imports21:11 – Imported eggs and the salmonella outbreak22:53 – Farmers urged to plan fertiliser requirements early24:17 – Geopolitics puts fertiliser supply chains under pressure25:01 – But what about farm cash flow?26:17 – Can the supply chain cope with another late rush?28:59 – Markets update29:20 – Firearms licensing ‘not fit for purpose’30:25 – Farmers’ experience of firearms licensing31:26 – Would a national firearms authority work better?32:18 – Closing remarks Guests Jock Willmott – partner and agronomist, Ceres Rural Matt Bull – product manager, KWS Dr Georgina Barratt – head of crop production, British Beet Research Organisation Harriet Trewin – head of fertiliser, Agricultural Industries Confederation Lee Freeman – HM inspector of constabulary Useful links ⁠Ceres Rural⁠British Beet Research Organisation⁠Agricultural Industries ConfederationLatest UKHSA salmonella outbreak updateGovernment firearms licensing guidance This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

Could government-backed crisis loans help cash-strapped farmers recover from drought and keep Britain producing food? This week, we examine industry proposals for a Keep Britain Growing Loan – an interest-free, government-backed scheme planned for farmers. With the bluetongue outbreak continuing to spread northwards, we hear why livestock producers are being urged to vaccinate susceptible cattle and sheep as soon as possible. We look at China’s drive for greater food self-sufficiency and what it could mean for global agricultural markets. And a new report called From Risk to Reward examines the financial cost of switching to regenerative farming. If farmers lose money during the transition, should food companies and the wider supply chain shoulder more of the risk? This episode is brought to you by Bayer CropScience - weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction01:02 – Could crisis loans keep farmers farming?04:30 – Would the loans make a difference?09:46 – Autumn Drilling Update with Bayer Cropscience11:44 – Bluetongue spreads further across Britain17:05 – Is it too late to vaccinate?17:57 – Preparing for bluetongue in 202723:34 – Harvest, autumn cultivations and SFI27:07 – China targets greater food self-sufficiency30:06 – Markets33:16 – Who pays for regenerative farming?39:02 – Should food companies share the risk? Guests Alex Godfrey – Lincolnshire farmer and chairman, GB PotatoesRachel Banks – technical manager, Bayer CropscienceClaire Wise – acting national livestock chair, NFUMandy Nevel – head of animal health, AHDBJoe Stanley – head of sustainable farming, Allerton Project Useful Links Keep Britain Growing LoanBluetongue – latest situationBayer weed management adviceRegenerative agriculture and NestléAllerton ProjectFrom Risk to Reward This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

In this episode, Defra unveils a £65m package to help drought-hit farmers – we examine how it could help your farm business. We also look at whether growers should start drilling winter crops into exceptionally dry soils – and assess the worsening forage situation for cattle and sheep. Elsewhere, farmers in South Wales help firefighters tackle wildfires, grain markets respond to renewed turmoil in the Black Sea, And three veteran kayakers take to the rivers of East Anglia to raise money for rural mental health charity YANA (You Are Not Alone). This episode is brought to you by plant breeder KWS. Guests Ian Gould – Independent farm adviser John Cousins – Weed scientist, ADAS Andrew Jones – Independent dairy and beef nutritionist Brian Bowen – South Wales farmer Henry Kilvert – Norfolk farmer and YANA supporter Chapters 00:00 – Defra unveils £65m drought package01:52 – SFI flexibility in extreme drought06:33 – What does the £65m package actually offer?10:40 – Extra grazing for livestock farmers13:07 – Can farmers rely on SFI long term?15:51 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS18:04 – When should growers start autumn drilling?23:17 – Blackgrass, herbicides and dry seedbeds26:06 – Should growers risk drilling oilseed rape?28:37 – Livestock forage crisis deepens29:57 – Drought threatens fertility and production32:18 – Sheep, forage and winter feed stocks5:23 – Listener feedback and farming resilience36:34 – Farmers battle South Wales wildfires39:29 – Grain prices react to Black Sea attacks40:26 – This week’s farmgate prices42:56 – Three old men in boats44:37 – Tackling loneliness in farming Usel links Government £65m drought support announcement: Sustainable Farming Incentive: Environment Agency drought and water resources information AHDB harvest progress AHDB drought, feed and fodder advice ADAS YANA – rural mental health support This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.

As drought conditions worsen across England, MPs demand urgent government action to safeguard water supplies for food production. South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough says farmers need more flexible abstraction licences, simpler rules for building reservoirs and adequate support. We examine Defra’s new £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant and ask whether improving personal resilience can help farmers navigate increasingly volatile weather, markets and government policy. Meanwhile, grain marketing consultant Richard Whitlock warns growers to carry out due diligence when selling grain as profitability among merchants comes under pressure. And we celebrate 150 volumes of the Aberdeen Angus Herd Book – and ask how genetics and data could shape the breed’s next 150 years. Guests * Ben Goldsborough – Labour MP for South Norfolk* Samantha “Sammy” Seaman – farm leadership, mindset and resilience coach* Richard Whitlock – grain marketing consultant* Robert Gilchrist – chief executive, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Chapters 00:55 – Farmers demand their fair share of water01:25 – Ben Goldsborough: “Drier than Jerusalem”02:28 – Abstraction licences and regulation03:16 – Food security versus data centres03:48 – What farmers can do05:35 – Is Defra listening?08:17 – What help do drought-hit farms need?10:57 – A climate “doom loop”?14:37 – Bayer Autumn Drilling Update16:55 – £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant17:20 – Samantha Seaman on handling pressure20:01 – Building resilient farm businesses23:25 – Can farmers bounce back?26:31 – Bluetongue situation worsens30:57 – Sustainable Farming Incentive update32:27 – Harvest quality surprises34:47 – Be careful who buys your grain36:47 – Checking your grain buyer38:30 – Commodity markets41:27 – Aberdeen Angus at 15042:29 – Why Aberdeen Angus endures43:17 – Genetics, DNA and lower emissions49:30 – Closing remarks Useful links - Rural Payments Agency extreme weather guidance- Defra Farmer Welfare Grant- Samantha Seaman Coaching- Richard Whitlock – grain merchant analysis- Bayer Crop Science weed management- Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - 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, sponsor or advertise on 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.