In this episode, as senior civil servant Janet Hughes decides to leave Defra, we look at what it means for the Sustainable Farming Incentive. It's a revolving door at the AHDB, with the appointment of a new chair – and the announcement that chief executive Graham Wilkinson is moving on. Scottish livestock leaders say a climate committee report call…

In this episode, MPs say the government should delay plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers – and revise its controversial policy. Defra announces a partial reopening of the Sustainable Farming Incentive for growers and livestock producers in England. US agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins tells Farmers Weekly that poultry and pork are "on the…

In this episode we look at the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive agri-environment scheme. Natural England head of agriculture Peter Craven tells us the scheme will return – and be better for farming and the environment, albeit with a likely smaller budget. We assess the impact of the UK-US trade deal on the beef and arable sectors – and a…

Record-breaking temperatures see crops sweltering in the spring sunshine. A worry or just another challenge for arable growers? UK former home secretary James Cleverly and Save British Farming campaigners say the government must take food security more seriously. As the UK commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and the end of World …

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Question Time Podcast examines a ground-breaking new farm tenancy agreement. Developed by the Crown Estate and the Tenant Farmers Association, the agreements are called Environmental Farm Business Tenancies (eFBTs). EFBTs are 15-year-long tenancy agreements which encourage tenant farmers to diversify in a way whic…

In this episode, one in three farmers fear their children will sink the farm business when it's handed on to the next generation. Why farming families are walking a tightrope between succession and inheritance tax. Dairy producers are forced to dump thousands of litres of milk after a breakdown at a key processing plant in Lancashire. We've all the…

In this episode, we get to grips government grants to fund on-farm innovation and technology to improve productivity. With British Beef Week around the corner (23-30 April), we run the rule over the NFU's 10-year vision for the UK's beef industry. We look at why farm hedges could be the latest victim of the government's decision to close the Sustai…

In this episode, the government appoints former NFU president Minette Batters to lead a Defra review to solve farming's 'profitability problem'. Her appointment – by Defra secretary Steve Reed – aims to help growers and livestock producers increase their profit and financial resilience. We ask three experts what Baroness Batters should really be lo…

In this episode, livestock industry leaders warn of a devastating animal disease outbreak unless the government tightens border controls. MPs quiz. Defra minister Daniel Zeichner as cereal growers 'go on strike' in protest at government policies affecting UK farming. Will there really be no hot cross buns at Easter? We've the latest on the Sustaina…

In this episode, the Red Tractor assurance scheme responds to criticism by pledging to make farm audits easier for farmers. We speak to the Red Tractor interim chairman Alistair Mackintosh and operations director Philippa Wiltshire. Also in this episode – the government unveils long awaited plans to reduce pesticide usage by 10% within five years. …

In this episode, farmers ramp up food production following the closure of the government's flagship environmental scheme. Arable growers who were preparing Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications are now drilling spring crops instead – with strong demand for spring seed and fertiliser. Natural England former head of agriculture Geoff Sanso…

Just why did the government close its flagship agri-environment scheme without warning? We examine the options for farmers unable to join Defra's Sustainable Farming Incentive. A new study says the government must take food security and sustainable farming much more seriously. Published by the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission, the report is c…

In this emergency episode, we examine the implications of Defra's decision to stop accepting applications for its flagship agri-environment scheme. The shock announcement to draw a line under the Sustainable Farming Incentive was announced at 6pm Tuesday, 11 March. Defra gave farmers no notice of the decision, which came into effect with immediate …

In this episode, a growing number of 'rebel' Labour MPs are supporting farmers against the government on inheritance tax. We have an exclusive interview with Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid- and South Pembrokeshire, who is calling for a government amnesty on the issue. A warm start to spring sees UK temperatures warmer than Madrid and Barcelona – …

In this episode, we examine Defra's latest raft of new policies to boost farm profitability. Just exactly how new are they? We scrutinise the keynote speech delivered by Defra secretary Steve Reed at the NFU's annual conference in London. We preview the Pancake Day Rally against government plans to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth mo…

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at Plumpton College in East Sussex Recorded in front of a live audience on Thursday, 20 February 2025, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: - James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat M…

It was one of the most audacious air attacks of World War II – a low-level raid designed to cut off Hitler's fuel supply by bombing the Ploesti oil refineries in Romania. Taking place on Sunday, August 1, 1943, Operation Tidal Wave saw five B-24 Liberator bomb groups take off from Libya and fly in complete radio silence across the Mediterranean tow…

In this episode, we discuss the possible outcomes after government finally agrees to talks with farm leaders on inheritance tax. Have things gone too far? Were farming protestors right to force Keir Starmer to cut short a prime ministerial visit to Milton Keynes? And should farming be higher or lower on the government's pecking order? We speak to A…

In this episode, we look at the LEAF Marque - the farm assurance scheme that delivers benefits for consumers and the environment – as well as for farmers. We find out what makes it work, why it is becoming so popular – and why supermarkets are so keen to work alongside LEAF food producers. We speak to Oxbury Bank – the latest lender offering a spec…

In this episode, we look at government plans to reduce the area of UK farmland – and use it instead to restore nature and create wildlife habitats. The government's Land Use Framework for England – which is out for consultation – will earmark different areas of land for different uses. Objectives include food production, building 1.5 million homes …

In this episode, we look at how a group of 'Pulse Pioneers' are sowing the seeds for a revival of Britain's pea and bean crops. Pulse crops have many benefits. They include better soil health, less reliance on chemical fertilisers and lower dependency on pesticides. But inconsistent performance can make them difficult to grow profitably. We look at…

In this episode, we discover how machinery manufacturers are making it easier for farmers to get their hands on the latest kit and technology. We visit the 2025 LAMMA farm machinery show – the two-day extravaganza bringing 40,000 visitors to the Birmingham NEC. We speak to farmers, machinery manufacturers and auctioneers – and get the lowdown on th…

In this episode, UK environment secretary Steve Reed pledges a better future for Britain's farmers. Is it a New Deal? Or is it a raw deal? Mr Reed's speech to this year's Oxford Farming Conference made much mention of food security and the need to increase agricultural productivity and profitability. Meanwhile, farmers say they will ramp up protest…

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at the 2025 Oxford Farming Conference. Recorded in front of a live audience on Wednesday the 8th of January 2025, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: - Minette Batters, cross-b…

In this episode, we look at the prospects for farming in 2025 – and discuss the opportunities for growers and livestock producers. We examine the outlook for profitable UK food production, ways to generate income from the farmed environment and the likely direction for government policy. First, though, we preview the Oxford Farming Conference (8-10…

In this episode, we visit the AgriTechE REAP conference – the annual showcase for the latest innovations in agriculture. We find out how simple innovations can make farming more profitable – enabling farmers to work smarter rather than harder. From completing Sustainable Farming Incentive applications at the push of a button to using semen analysis…

A special bonus episode about Ops Normal – the authorised operational history of Britain's Army Air Corps by John Greenacre and Mike Peters, co-host of the Mighty Eighth Podcast. Since its formation in 1957, the Army Air Corps has played a prominent role in almost every British Army operation in modern times. A comprehensive operational history of …

Hundreds of tractors descend on central London as farmers ramp up protests against the government's autumn Budget. As 500 tractors park outside Downing Street, we speak to farmers and protest organisers – and scrutinise the latest government announcement. Farmer and agricultural historian Oli Fletcher, from the Farming Explained YouTube channel, pu…

In this episode, could ban on autumn manure-spreading applications be the next body blow to hit Britain’s farmers? Well, quite possibly, as industry representatives are summoned to meet Defra officials following two legal challenges over the issue. We delve into the controversy over the decision by dairy processor Arla to use a new feed additive to…

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Harper Adams University in Shropshire. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. This episode focuses on the impact of the autumn 2024 Budget decision t…

Thousands of farmers gather in London to lobby MPs and protest against changes to inheritance tax rules. From April 2026, agricultural assets worth more than £1m will be liable for 20% inheritance tax – leaving many farmers fearing for their livelihoods. Some 15,000 farmers descended on Westminster to oppose the changes, worried that the autumn Bud…

In this episode, Jeremy Clarkson is set to join thousands of farmers protesting against the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farmland. The TV celebrity and star of Clarkson's Farm is expected to address farmers as they gather in London on Tuesday 19 November. Farm business consultants are continuing to wade through the government’…

It was a mission which started just like any other: but it ended when the B-17 Flying Fortress "Little Boy Blue" crashed into a farmer's field in Suffolk, England. Eight of the ten air crew were killed that day – and 80 years on, we join their families in that very same field to honour their memory. We speak to Brian Cracknell – one of the last rem…

In this episode, industry leaders urge farmers not to take direct action following the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farmland. Thousands of farmers are expected to descend on London after the Budget announcement sent shockwaves through the industry. The protest will coincide with what the NFU is describing as a ‘mass lobbying’ …

A special episode after an autumn Budget which promises huge changes to farm businesses – and indeed for farming families. The Budget saw Chancellor Rachel Reeves announce major changes to agricultural property relief and inheritance tax rules relating to farming. From April 2026, farmers will be subject to 20% inheritance tax on agricultural and b…

In this episode, as the government's Budget looms we ask three experts what farmers should expect in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement. We find out why the Sustainable Farming Incentive is fuelling interest in hedgerow management in England – and how farmers can obtain payments. We visit the Lake District, where upland farmers fear they are being l…

UK agriculture faces a huge skills gap – with lots of opportunities for people wanting to work in the sector or start their own agri-business. In this episode, we find out how UK farming is encouraging new entrants into the industry – and how to carve a career in agriculture. We visit the New Scientist Live festival of ideas at London's ExCel centr…

In this episode, as the wet autumn continues, we look at flood management – and payments for farmers to protect communities by storing flood water. We have the latest on the NFU's campaign for a fair Autumn Budget for farming – and what is needed to deliver UK food security. We've an update on the phase-out of the Basic Payment Scheme in England – …

In this episode, we ask who is to blame for Defra's reported £358m underspend on farming – and can it really be justified? A better year ahead? After a challenging time, the latest forecasts suggest UK dairy has finally turned the corner. We get to grips with the latest developments on precision breeding – which could pave the way for UK farmers to…

In this episode, after a week of torrential rain and floods washes away newly drilled cereal crops, we ask: will it really be another wet autumn? We find out why Defra policy is on hold ahead of the Autumn Budget – in a special interview with NFU president Tom Bradshaw. We discover how farmers are measuring their environmental and social impact –an…

In this episode, we look at the future for farm support following a UK cereal harvest said to be among the worst in living memory. We travel to London for Back British Farming Day as growers and livestock producers meet MPs to get the farming message across to politicians. We look at NFU calls for an increase in the UK budget for agriculture – and …

In this episode, we look at the future of the UK potato sector with a special visit to the Potato Days UK event at Dyson Farming. With the crop under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, we find out how potato growers and processors are reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We discuss the role regenerative agriculture has when it comes to potato p…

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Cookstown in Northern Ireland. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: - John Gilliland, Professor of Practice in Agriculture & Sustaina…

In this episode, Queen guitarist and wildlife campaigner Brian May is under fire after calling for an end to badger culling in England. The complaints come head of a BBC TV documentary in which Sir Brian argues that badgers are wrongly blamed for spreading bovine tuberculosis. We look at why British holidaymakers have been banned from bringing back…

In this episode, we pay a special visit to the UK's biggest farmer-owned grain storage facility at the height of harvest. Camgrain stores up to 500,000 tonnes of cereals, oilseed rape and pulse crops every year on behalf of its 500 farmer-members. Camgrain's four advanced processing centres work around the clock to take in hundreds of lorry loads o…

In this episode, we get to grips with the latest Sustainable Farming Incentive – and what it means for your farm business. Scottish growers face heavy losses after virus-hit potato crops are destroyed in an effort to protect high-health status seed production. Could more winter linseed be grown as an alternative break crop? We've a harvest update a…

In this episode, the government pledges a new deal for farmers to boost confidence across the industry. We look at what the promise might mean – and what it might deliver. Lottery money for landscapes – farmers could be among the winners from a £150m heritage fund to revitalise wildlife habitats and the environment. Industry leaders highlight the i…

In this episode, farm leader Tom Bradshaw says a bigger budget is needed for British farmers to deliver food security and reach Net Zero. The NFU president wants the government to set aside £5.6bn for agriculture – more than twice the current annual amount. We visit the Royal Welsh Show where the budget for agriculture in Wales is also a hot topic …

In this episode, a young farmer tells how he is lucky to be alive after being trapped under a stack of falling bales. Christopher Rolfe was airlifted to hospital following the accident thanks to Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance. Chris told his story at the start of Farm Safety Week – the annual campaign by the Farm Safety Foundation and the Yell…

In this episode, in a special harvest preview, we look at the prospects for cereal crops as combines roll into oilseed rape. New Defra secretary Steve Reed makes his first speech to farmers at the Great Yorkshire Show. What can we expect from the new government when it comes to supply chain fairness – and will it put its money where its mouth is? M…