1811292644
Wilson & Ashley

Advertise on podcast: Wilson & Ashley

This podcast has
38 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2025/04/29
Latest episode
2026/10/13
Average duration
62 min.
Release period
15 days

Description

Unfiltered. Unexpected. Unapologetically Honest.  Welcome to The Wilson & Ashley Podcast — where no farming topic is off limits. But this isn't just a farming podcast... Broadcast from their unique mobile studio, Rebecca Wilson, a sheep and arable farmer from Yorkshire and Charlotte Ashley, a dairy farmer from Cumbria, bring you conversations around food, farming and rural life that are guaranteed to get heads turning.  Inspired by what’s trending — from recent articles to viral videos — each episode blends reality, farming, and pop culture in equal measure.  With the straight talking approach that followers have come to know and love from these two women in agriculture, conversations are honest, hilarious and real - like voice notes between two friends who aren't afraid to say what everyone else is thinking. Drawing on their own farming knowledge along with voice notes from friends, listeners of the podcast and industry experts, they're bringing a new perspective on rural life.  Whether you're a full time farmer, never set foot on a farm or fall somewhere in between, we're pleased to have you on board! Got a story, a strong opinion, or a reel we just have to talk about? Drop us a DM or a voice note — we want you to be part of the conversation! Subscribe now and let’s get into it! New episode released every other Tuesday  Follow us on social media: @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Email us: [email protected] Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

Unlock Wilson & Ashley podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details

Email contact information

Direct podcast contact details

Listeners

Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details

Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Wilson & Ashley podcast


39. SFI Disaster: What on Earth Is Going On With Farming Funding?
2026/10/13
Put your thoughts into the mix Before we get onto this week's episode, Charlotte has been creating the most amazing pieces of wool artwork! The two unique pieces will be auctioned off at the upcoming British Farming Awards to raise money for the Farming Community Network. So, if you’re heading to the awards, make sure you’ve got your pennies ready! Now, onto the SFI debacle. The application window opened suddenly and the funding which helps farmers deliver good environmental outcomes was gone in a matter of hours. Add in the IT issues, helpline problems and farmers who weren’t even aware the window had opened, and it’s fair to say it was a bit of a shambles. What actually happened, was there ever enough money available in the first place, and what on earth farmers are supposed to do now? We talk about the first-come, first-served approach to government funding, whether farming should be treated differently to other industries, and why there seems to be so much judgement from people who think farmers should just get on with it without any support. We touch on the familiar accusation that this Labour Government is anti-farming - is this the case, or is farming being pushed to change in ways that farmers aren’t necessarily happy with?  The Jury's Out shares a song we are completely OBSESSED with! A big thank you to our sponsors, Kirkby Tyres and BKT, for supporting the Wilson & Ashley Podcast. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
38. Are M&S Cows happier?
2026/10/06
Put your thoughts into the mix M&S is bringing artificial intelligence onto British dairy farms, using cameras and algorithms to monitor the health, behaviour and comfort of cows across all 46 farms in its Milk Pool. The technology is designed to spot changes earlier and give farmers more detailed information about individual cows — but does more technology automatically mean better animal welfare? We look at how M&S is using AI, what it could mean for the future of dairy farming, and whether consumers are willing to pay more for higher welfare and new technology.  Plus, The Jury’s Out, and this week Rebecca has a problem with TikTok’s automatic send button. Thank you as always, to BKT and Kirkby Tyres. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
37. Are Mega Farms Taking Over British Farming?
2026/09/29
Put your thoughts into the mix Following last week’s episode about the Animal Rising farrowing crate protest, this week on The Wilson & Ashley Podcast we’re taking a closer look at factory farming and mega farms. We start by looking at how Animal Rising defines a “factory farm” — and why their definition is based on the production system and conditions rather than simply the number of animals. That leads us into the wider debate around large-scale farming in Britain. We look at the growth of larger beef and dairy farms, indoor housing, animal welfare, efficiency and economies of scale. Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean worse welfare, and we discuss whether larger farms can actually have advantages when it comes to investment in infrastructure, staff, health and nutrition. We also look at the challenges facing smaller family farms and whether scale is becoming an inevitable part of the future of British agriculture. Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, as one of our listeners from the US reveals what they’re completely over! Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
36. Why Is There a Woman in a Pig Crate? The Animal Rising Protest Explained
2026/09/22
Put your thoughts into the mix There’s a woman in a farrowing crate in Trafalgar Square — but what exactly is Animal Rising trying to tell us about pig farming? In this episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast, we’re looking at the protest involving Michelle, the Animal Rising activist who put herself inside a farrowing crate as part of their campaign to end factory farming in Britain by 2040. The campaign centres around Luna, a sow filmed by Animal Rising during a month-long investigation at a pig farm. We look at the footage, the way it is presented, and some of the farming practices highlighted in the video. But how much context is missing? We discuss what farrowing crates are, why they are used, the welfare arguments for and against them, and what UK law actually says. We also look at the challenges of moving towards crate-free systems, including cost, infrastructure, labour, piglet mortality and the potential impact on British pork production - thank you to pig farmer Anna Longthorp for her contribution.  And then there’s Michelle in the crate. Is comparing a human to a sow an effective way of communicating the welfare issue — or does it simply provoke an emotional reaction? Is the protest presenting a powerful image and what do we really think about farrowing crates.  Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, with Charlotte revealing what she’s completely over this week. Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
35. Derek vs Derek: Can Farming & Nature Really Coexist?
2026/09/15
Put your thoughts into the mix Can we restore nature while still producing enough food? And which Derek has the better argument? In this episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast, we’re talking about Derek vs Derek, the new documentary putting two very different visions of the British countryside head-to-head. We’ve seen the film ahead of its official UK release, so we’re giving you our thoughts after our trip to London! On one side is Derek Banbury, an intensive dairy farmer who sees food production and caring for the countryside as entirely compatible. On the other is Derek Gow, a former sheep farmer who has moved into rewilding, creating habitat and bringing species such as beavers and wild boar back to his land. We discuss the film’s central question: can we restore nature and biodiversity while still producing enough food? Did the trailer give us the wrong impression? Is the film anti-farming, a defence of farmers, or a genuinely balanced look at the debate? We also discuss Britain's nature-depletion narrative, and what we actually see on farmland — from swallows and insects to soils, watercourses and wildlife. And, most importantly… which Derek was more persuasive? Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, with Rebecca revealing her latest obsession. Watch the Derek vs Derek trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeZbO-t3rlA Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
34. Misinformation in the Countryside | Are Farmers Too Defensive?
2026/09/01
Put your thoughts into the mix We're taking a closer look at misinformation in the countryside, how quickly assumptions about farming can spread online, and why sometimes what you think you’re seeing isn’t necessarily what’s happening. In this episode: Why do people so often form opinions about farming without knowing the full story?The assumptions people make about pesticides and plant protection productsHow many misunderstandings about farming could be cleared up with a simple conversation with a farmer?Do farmers need to be more accountable and open to questions from consumers?Is misinformation deliberately created to generate engagement and feed the social media algorithm?Do farmers sometimes contribute to the problem through out-of-context posts and deliberately provocative content?Are farmers too defensive or dismissive when people ask questions?How can farmers and the public have better conversations about agriculture?We discuss where legitimate questions end and misinformation begins — and whether farmers themselves need to do more to challenge misconceptions about modern farming. Thank you to Kirkby Tyres and BKT Tyres for keeping the wheels of farming turning.  Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
33. Farm accidents, a life-saving app and Charlotte's basketball obsession
2026/09/01
Put your thoughts into the mix Farmers are notoriously good at saying “I’ll be fine” — but when it comes to serious injuries and accidents on farms, waiting for it to get better isn’t always an option. In this episode, we talk about farming accidents, farm safety and why farmers can be so reluctant to seek medical help, before taking a look at the new RABI Farmers Aid app, designed to help in the crucial minutes after an accident while you’re waiting for the emergency services to arrive. In this episode: Why farmers are often reluctant to call 999 or go to A&EThe culture of self-reliance and “just get on with it”Why accidents can be particularly difficult to deal with on remote farmsRABI's research into farmers' health and wellbeingThe shocking statistics around agricultural fatalities in the UKThe new RABI Farmers Aid app and how it can help in an emergencyThe importance of the “platinum ten minutes” after a serious injuryUsing What3Words to help emergency services find youAnd Charlotte reveals something she is currently obsessed with… Download the RABI Farmers Aid app and make sure you have it before you need it: https://rabi.org.uk/rabi-officially-launches-farmersaid-app-to-support-response-to-critical-on-farm-accidents/  Thank you to Kirkby Tyres and BKT Tyres for keeping the wheels of farming turning.  Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
32. Why are farmers always complaining about the weather?
2026/08/18
Put your thoughts into the mix Almost three quarters of England is in drought at the time of recording— so what does that actually mean for farmers, food production and the price of our food? We’re talking about what we’re seeing on our own farms, from crop yields and forage to water availability, boreholes and the risk of fires, as well as some of the less obvious consequences of a dry summer, including livestock disease. But there’s a bigger question too: when there isn’t enough water, who should get it? Should farmers be allowed to abstract more water to protect crops and livestock? What about rivers, wildlife and drinking water? And why does water abstraction become such a contentious issue whenever we have a dry summer? We’re also talking about why drought is suddenly getting so much attention in the mainstream media, whether FarmTok is helping consumers understand what’s happening on farms, and what farmers actually need from Government. So… are farmers justified in complaining about the weather, or do we just need to get on with it? Plus, after last week’s verdict, The Jury’s Out returns — and Rebecca has found something she is absolutely obsessed with. Hint: it involves guinea pigs and tapirs! Thank you to BKT Tyres and Kirkby Tyres for sponsoring this podcast and keeping the wheels of farming turning. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
31. You Asked, We Delivered! | We’re Going Weekly
2026/08/18
Put your thoughts into the mix We’re back! And after a VERY busy summer, we’ve got a lot to catch you up on. It’s been a while… and when we looked at our diaries, we genuinely don’t know how we were supposed to fit recording a podcast in as well! From weddings, Cereals at Diddly Squat Farm and Zach Bryan, to the Great Yorkshire Show, The Game Fair, Farm 24 and Meat Up — we’ve basically been here, there and everywhere. Then we’re introducing something new… The Jury’s Out. A new segment where we decide whether something is something we’re completely obsessed with or something we are absolutely, categorically over. And no, it probably won't have anything to do with farming. This week, Rebecca has had enough of those very noisy close-up eating videos on TikTok. You know the ones.  And finally, we’ve got an announcement that we know you’re going to be pretty pleased about… We’re going weekly! You asked for more episodes, so from now on you’ll be getting Wilson & Ashley every Tuesday.  It’s very good to be back. Thank you to BKT Tyres and Kirkby Tyres for sponsoring this podcast and keeping the wheels of farming turning. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
30. Out of Control Rural Crime and is AI Killing Creativity?
2026/06/02
Put your thoughts into the mix This week on the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we tackle two issues affecting rural Britain right now: the rise of AI and concerns around the future of creativity, alongside the growing rural crime epidemic impacting farmers and countryside communities across the UK. We begin by discussing a recent video from artist and farming supporter Doodling Lucy, exploring fears that cheap reproduction content could threaten creative industries and small rural businesses. Lucy’s work has long celebrated British farming and agriculture, and we discuss why this conversation matters so much for the countryside. In this episode: Is AI destroying creativity?Can people still tell the difference between human-made art and AI-generated content?Why creativity matters to farming and rural businessesThe rise of diversification on farms through art, crafts and creative brandsThe emotional and financial impact of AI on artists and small businessesWe also dive into the rural crime epidemic, discussing:  The latest rural crime statsQuad bike thefts, GPS theft and organised countryside crimeLivestock theft and the devastating rise in dog attacks on farm animalsThe emotional toll rural crime has on farming familiesThe impact of crime on insurance premiums and day-to-day farm operationsWhether rural policing is fit for purposeThe new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) laws and what they mean for farmers and dog ownersPractical ways rural communities can improve farm securityFeaturing conversations on: AI and creative industriesBritish farming diversificationRural policing and countryside crimeLivestock worrying lawsNFU Mutual rural crime dataThe realities of life in the countrysideIf you’re interested in British farming, rural affairs, countryside issues, agriculture, creativity, rural business and current affairs, this episode is packed with honest conversation and debate. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
29. Celebrity Farmers and Food Labelling Loopholes
2026/05/19
Put your thoughts into the mix We're tackling the controversial British food labelling loophole and ask whether supermarket packaging is confusing consumers — or outright misleading them. With imported food products often displaying Union Jacks, British countryside imagery and phrases like “Packed in Britain” or “Prepared in the UK”, are shoppers being led to believe they’re supporting British farmers when they may not be? We cover: What the food labelling loophole actually isWhy British flags and branding appear on imported foodThe difference between “Packed in Britain”, “Prepared in Britain” and genuinely British produceWhy British farmers are frustratedConsumer trust in UK food standards and animal welfareProposed Conservative reforms to country-of-origin labellingThen we move onto influencers and celebrities buying farms. From viral YouTubers and TikTok stars documenting their countryside moves, to celebrity farming shows like Clarkson’s Farm and Fletchers on the Farm, farming has become a social media lifestyle aspiration. But is that a good thing for agriculture? We discuss: Why influencers and celebrities are buying farmsWhether social media is glamorising farmingConcerns around animal welfare and misinformationFarming as a lifestyle brand versus food productionWhether celebrity exposure actually benefits British farmingFeaturing the below topics: Clarkson’s FarmFletchers on the FarmRural influencers and FarmTok cultureBritish food standardsUK agriculture and countryside lifeIf you care about British farming, food transparency, rural business, livestock, countryside issues and the future of agriculture, this episode is packed with honest conversation and debate. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
28. Foot and Mouth - The Aftermath No One Talks About (Part 2)
2026/05/05
Put your thoughts into the mix In Part 2 of our Foot and Mouth series, we move beyond the initial outbreak and into the harsh reality of what it took to bring it under control — and the lasting impact it had far beyond the farm gate. This is the side of the story that is rarely spoken about. We hear from a slaughterman working at the very front line of the response — confronting the scale, intensity, and emotional weight of the job day after day. Alongside this, we explore how the outbreak rippled through the wider rural economy, from farming families outside infected zones to local businesses, communities, and industries brought to a standstill. Foot and Mouth didn’t just affect those who lost livestock — it reshaped entire rural landscapes, both economically and emotionally. Like Part 1, this episode gives space to those who experienced it first-hand, in their own words — because these are stories that deserve to be heard in full. In the 2026 spin-off Dutton Ranch, Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler begin rebuilding their lives and cattle operation in Texas. A major storyline involves a devastating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in their herd. After discovering that an infected bull was purchased using forged health records, the disease spreads through the cattle, forcing the ranch to euthanize and bury the entire herd to prevent further contamination. The event is portrayed as both an economic disaster and an emotional loss for Beth and Rip, who view the cattle as the foundation of their new ranching future. Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, including references to animal culling and suicide. Some listeners may find this distressing. If you’ve been following this series, thank you — and if you haven’t yet, we recommend listening to Part 1 first for the full context. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
27. Foot and Mouth - The Day Everything Changed for British Farmers (Part 1)
2026/04/21
Put your thoughts into the mix In this first part of our two-part series, we step back into 2001 — to the beginning of the Foot and Mouth outbreak. An outbreak that would change British farming forever. What started as a single confirmed case quickly escalated into a national crisis. But behind the headlines and statistics were real people, real farms, and real lives being turned upside down. In this episode, we hear directly from those on the front line. A farmer from an affected area shares what it was like to live through the uncertainty, fear, and reality of the disease arriving at the farm gate. We’re also joined by a vet who was working on the ground during the outbreak — an experience so profound it ultimately led him into politics. Together, their stories paint a picture not just of how the disease spread, but of how it felt — the decisions, the pressure, and the moments that have stayed with them ever since. This episode runs in a slightly different format to usual, allowing space for these stories to be told properly — because the human impact of Foot and Mouth was far-reaching, and is still felt today. In the 2026 spin-off Dutton Ranch, Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler begin rebuilding their lives and cattle operation in Texas. A major storyline involves a devastating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in their herd. After discovering that an infected bull was purchased using forged health records, the disease spreads through the cattle, forcing the ranch to euthanize and bury the entire herd to prevent further contamination. The event is portrayed as both an economic disaster and an emotional loss for Beth and Rip, who view the cattle as the foundation of their new ranching future. Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, including references to animal culling and suicide. Some listeners may find this distressing. Thank you to our contributors.  Sources: https://www.woah.org/en/reflections-on-the-foot-and-mouth-disease-epidemic-of-2001-a-united-kingdom-perspective/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12483017 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foot-and-mouth-disease  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease/  https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/mar/21/footandmouth.angeliquechrisafis  https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7075072.brigadier-tells-chaos-epidemic-fight/  https://www.farminguk.com/news/uk-not-prepared-for-foot-and-mouth-outbreak-vets-warn_68307.html  Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
Episode 26 From Lambing Sheds to Land Wars. Farming, Rewilding and the actual Reality
2026/04/07
Put your thoughts into the mix What really happens when you put rewilding, farming, and real-life rural voices in the same conversation? In this unfiltered and often hilarious episode, we dive deep into one of the most controversial debates in modern agriculture: 👉 Should land be rewilded—or should it feed people? From sleep-deprived lambing nights and muddy farm realities to the growing pressure of government schemes, rising costs, and public opinion, this episode pulls back the curtain on what farming actually looks like in 2026. We unpack: 🌱 The truth behind the rewilding movement—and why it divides farmers🚜 The financial realities of farming (and why ideology doesn’t pay the bills)🐑 The impact of predators, policy, and “perfect” environmental narratives💸 Subsidies, carbon credits, and whether sustainability is being driven by money or morals🌍 Why food security might be closer to crisis than we think👩‍🌾 The social side of farming life—from relationships to rural identityExpect strong opinions, candid storytelling, and a no-nonsense look at the balance between nature, food production, and survival. Because behind every headline about rewilding… there are real farmers, real families, and real consequences. 🎧 If you care about food, the countryside, or the future of farming—this one’s for you. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
Episode 25: Britain’s Broken Food System - Food Banks and the Impact of Junk Food
2026/03/24
Put your thoughts into the mix In this episode of the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, off the back of a great reel from Schöffel Country and The Country Food Trust, we talk about how game meat is being used to tackle food poverty in the UK.  When you actually look at the numbers, food poverty is hard to ignore - millions of people in the UK are struggling to access enough food, there are now more food banks than McDonald's restaurants, and demand for emergency food is still rising. At the same time, we’ve got a growing deer population, not enough being culled, and huge amounts of nutritious, sustainable meat that could be used far better. When a relatively small number of deer can produce hundreds of thousands of meals, it feels like utilising this meat for those in need is a no brainer.  We also touch on food waste and our own experience trying to get fresh produce into food banks, and how complicated it actually was. It all feeds into a bigger conversation around access to proper, nutritious food to fuel the body and the mind.  In the second half, we talk about declining mental health and why we need to back our farmers as part of the solution. There’s a clear trend showing younger generations are struggling more, and while there’s no single cause, diet keeps coming up as part of the conversation — especially the rise in ultra-processed foods, even in products people think are healthy. It all links back to farming. If we’re producing less real, whole food in this country, what replaces it? And what does that mean not just for food security, but for long-term health? When you join it all up — food banks, malnutrition, game meat, ultra-processed diets and mental health — it keeps coming back to the same point. Good food is vital for the health of people and farmers are uniquely placed to provide it. Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/ If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.  Subscribe now and let’s get into it! @wilsonandashley @rebeccawilsonfarming @charlotteashleyfarm Powered by Ridgeline Clothing Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.

Podcast reviews

Read Wilson & Ashley podcast reviews


0 out of 5
0 reviews

Podcast sponsorship advertising

Start advertising on Wilson & Ashley relevant audience podcasts


What do you want to promote?