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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.

Sheep farmers are being urged to consider vaccination as a surge in bluetongue cases causes serious losses across south-west England. We have the latest on the worsening outbreak, the risks associated with livestock movements and whether vaccination makes financial sense. We also examine the impact of extreme heat and drought on this year’s harvest. Soil scientist Danni Robb explains why high temperatures can damage grain yields, how warmer nights affect crops and what growers can do to improve resilience. Plus, we discuss forage shortages, chickpea prices, straw and wool insulation, and the latest farm commodity prices. And Louise visits the winner of the 2026 Silver Lapwing Award – and sees how farming goes hand-in-hand with outstanding environmental management in Gloucestershire. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:57 – Surge in bluetongue cases hits sheep farms01:19 – Philippa Page and Phil Stocker assess the outbreak03:03 – Should farmers vaccinate before tupping?04:55 – Hugh Broom on sheep losses in south-west England07:48 – Certis Belchim message: managing take-all in cereal crops09:29 – Heat, drought and poor harvest yields11:06 – How warm nights affect wheat yields12:16 – Which crops have performed better?13:28 – Varieties, soil health and climate resilience24:11 – Podcast updates and listener feedback25:40 – Chickpea prices and imported competition27:03 – Warning over adding moisture to stored grain27:38 – The environmental impact of free-range eggs31:09 – Hugh tries British wool insulation33:06 – This week’s farm commodity prices35:24 – Frampton Court Estate wins the Silver Lapwing Award36:05 – Peter Clifford on agroforestry and farm partnerships37:35 – Funding environmental work in the future42:07 – Closing remarks Guests * Philippa Page, president, Sheep Veterinary Society* Phil Stocker, chief executive, National Sheep Association* Dani Robb, soil scientist, Ceres Research* Peter Clifford, Frampton Court Estate Useful links * Bluetongue guidance* Bluetongue vaccination guidance* National Sheep Association* Sheep Veterinary Society* British Society of Soil Science* Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group* Silver Lapwing Award* Frampton Court Estate 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.

What does Dame Angela Eagle’s appointment as Defra secretary mean for UK agriculture? This week, we examine the new secretary of state’s priorities, political influence and ability to secure the long-term budgets farmers say they need. We also hear from NFU Sugar chairman Kit Papworth following British Sugar’s proposal to stop processing beet at its Cantley factory in Norfolk. At the Royal Welsh Show, farmers respond to a three-year, £340m-a-year funding settlement for the Sustainable Farming Scheme. We pay tribute to NFU livestock board chairman David Barton, hear how the drought is affecting harvest and examine rising farmgate prices. And during Farm Safety Week, combine fire survivor Andrew Williamson explains why machinery can be replaced—but people cannot. This episode is brought to you by seed breeder KWS. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:51 – What will Angela Eagle mean for farming?05:58 – A farmer-friendly appointment at Defra?07:37 – Cantley sugar factory faces closure12:30 – Can Britain rebuild its rural economy?18:21 – Imported cane sugar versus home-grown beet23:09 – Welsh farmers receive funding certainty27:48 – Has Wales found a better approach?33:45 – Remembering David Barton36:41 – Harvest and drought update38:52 – Abby’s new investigative role40:03 – Farm markets42:38 – Combine fires and Farm Safety Week46:02 – Why farm safety is not improving Special Guests: Dame Angela Eagle – secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairsKit Papworth – Norfolk sugar beet grower and chairman of the NFU Sugar BoardAndrew Williamson – farmer and vice-chairman of the NFU Combinable Crops Board The episode is presented by Johann Tasker, Abi Kay, Hugh Broom and Anne Dunn. Useful links ⁠British Sugar’s announcement on the proposed Cantley closure ⁠NFU Sugar: Growers need certainty following Cantley proposal ⁠Welsh Government: £1bn multi-year funding commitment ⁠NFU Cymru response to the funding settlement ⁠Farm Safety Foundation – Yellow Wellies ⁠Farm Safety Week 2026 ⁠Farmers Weekly: Level the Field – physical health in farming ⁠KWS UK Email the podcast team at [email protected]. Listeners in the UK can text FARM, followed by their message, to 88440. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does an Andy Burnham government mean for UK agriculture? This week, Westminster watcher Jeremy Moody examines the new prime minister’s farming credentials – and whether a land value tax could hit agricultural businesses. We also examine the law on defending yourself and your property after prosecutors decide that a Derbyshire farmer who fatally shot an intruder will face no criminal charges. Agricultural solicitor Aled Owen explains when force may be considered necessary and reasonable—and why picking up a firearm should always be a last resort. Elsewhere, we bring you the latest harvest results, advice on handling exceptionally dry oilseed rape, this week’s livestock and arable prices, and an unusual field fire started by a buzzard. And finally, could chickpeas become a profitable, climate-resilient break crop for UK growers? Louise Impey visits field-scale trials in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to find out. This episode is brought to you by plant breeder KWS. Special Guests Jeremy Moody – secretary and adviser, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers Matt Bull – product manager, KWS Aled Owen – agricultural solicitor and partner, HCR Law David White – Cambridgeshire arable farmer and chickpea trial grower Josiah Meldrum – Hodmedod’s Wholefoods Chapters 00:55 What does an Andy Burnham government mean for agriculture?04:51 Could farmers face a land value tax?08:45 Will rural Britain be heard?11:47 Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS15:15 Farmer faces no charges over fatal shooting15:52 What does the law allow householders to do?19:44 Advice for farmers facing an intruder26:10 Harvest results: wheat, barley, beans and oilseed rape28:02 Adding moisture to very dry oilseed rape29:23 Buzzard blamed for standing-crop fire30:48 Church rejects blanket rewilding target31:41 Environment Agency farm inspection findings33:04 Should rural speed limits fall to 20mph?35:31 Market update38:11 Could chickpeas become a UK break crop?45:18 Closing remarks Useful links ⁠Farmers Weekly ⁠Central Association of Agricultural Valuers ⁠HCR Law agricultural regulatory team ⁠Crown Prosecution Service guidance on self-defence and crime prevention ⁠AHDB grain-storage moisture targets United Oilseeds ⁠NIAB: UK chickpea production research ⁠Hodmedod’s Farmers Weekly market prices This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Abi Kay, 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 Abi: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130 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.

A third summer heatwave is creating difficult harvesting conditions, with shrivelled grain, variable cereal yields and combines being forced to operate early in the morning or late at night. We examine warnings against “grain washing” - adding water to very dry harvested grain before it goes into store - and consider the risks of hot spots, mould and contamination. Elsewhere, MPs challenge Defra over whether its new 25-year farming roadmap contains enough detail, investment and ambition to improve profitability and food security. And finally, Norwegian football star Erling Haaland explains why he buys raw milk, beef and honey from a Cheshire farm. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim. Special Guests: * Amy Caitlin, AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds team* Alistair Carmichael MP, Efra committee chairman* Emma Reynolds MP, Defra secretary* Erling Haaland, Manchester City and Norway footballer* Helen Southworth, Cheshire dairy farmer, Greenoaks Farm Chapters 00:59 Heatwave harvest challenges01:27 Warning over grain washing02:34 Early harvest results04:09 Should growers add moisture?07:17 Silage and maize conditions09:47 Partner message: Certis Belchim11:29 Is Defra’s farming roadmap credible?11:54 Emma Reynolds challenged by MPs13:28 Alistair Carmichael interview23:32 Farming sentiment in Scotland29:07 Harvest disrupts farm plans30:14 Markets update32:07 Erling Haaland backs British farm produce33:39 The Haaland effect36:52 England versus Norway37:38 Closing remarks Useful links Farmers Weekly Podcast AHDB grain storage guide AHDB grain-cooling guidance Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future Defra Farming Roadmap summary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Food Standards Agency: raw drinking milk 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.

This week’s Farmers Weekly Podcast comes from the Groundswell show in Hertfordshire, where Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tells farmers she wants their ideas for a new rural policy. Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Ms Badenoch says future policy should be shaped by farmers and land managers – not just by officials in Westminster and Whitehall. We also examine whether private finance can help pay for greener farming, as Lloyds Bank launches the Food and Nature Resilience Fund with Wildfarmed, Severn Trent Water, Affinity Water and AXA. Plus, Farmers Weekly editor Andrew Meredith joins Hugh Broom and Louise Impey to discuss Defra, countryside stewardship higher tier, harvest progress, private finance and the mood at Groundswell. And finally, we hear from Groundswell co-founder Alex Cherry as the UK’s leading regenerative farming event marks its 10th anniversary. This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists. Special Guests: * Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party* Ben Makowiecki, agriculture sustainability director, Lloyds Bank* Alex Cherry, co-founder, Groundswell* Andrew Meredith, editor, Farmers Weekly Chapters 00:00 – Episode introduction from Groundswell01:03 – Hugh Broom opens the show01:22 – Kemi Badenoch visits Groundswell09:07 – Andrew Meredith joins the discussion11:47 – Countryside stewardship higher tier changes16:37 – Lloyds Bank launches Food and Nature Resilience Fund17:06 – Ben Makowiecki explains private finance for regen farming23:49 – Can private money really support farmers?27:10 – Harvest report29:23 – Donald Trump and regenerative farming30:31 – Contaminated meat and World Cup anti-doping tests31:47 – Off-grid living, guinea pigs and pigeon meat32:42 – Sir Peter Kendall calls for more farming optimism34:23 – Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel36:33 – Groundswell marks its 10th anniversary42:31 – Final reflections from the show Useful links Farmers Weekly Groundswell Conservative Party Lloyds Bank Agriculture Wildfarmed Soil Association Exchange Woodland Trust Defra This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Hugh Broom. We love to hear from you: - 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.