Wilson & Ashley – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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In this episode, we’re tackling the controversy around the recent Budget Day farmer protest in London — what was meant to be a well-planned, low-disruption demonstration against the proposed “family farm tax” turned chaotic after the Met Police reversed permissions less than 24 hours before farmers arrived. Tractors were banned from Whitehall, some still made it into central London, a few were seized, and several farmers were arrested simply for bringing their vehicles. We chat through why this happened, the questions Victoria Atkins has now put to the Met, and whether farmers are right to feel they’re experiencing “two-tier policing.” 

We then switch gears to the biodegrading wool video that’s gone viral on social media. One comment really stuck with us: “Every polyester shirt ever produced is still here.” 

With Charlotte’s background in wool processing, we talk through why we shear sheep, UK wool quality, and the realities of the wool market — including our own worked example of just how little profit a 200-ewe flock can make once shearing and labour are accounted for.

We also highlight the real strengths of wool: its ability to absorb moisture, its low environmental footprint, and the fact it naturally locks away carbon — a stark contrast to synthetics.

We also share insights from the British Wool event at St Martins University in London, covering farmer-to-fashion storytelling, consumer perceptions, and the high standards of British sheep farming.

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@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

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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. 

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In this episode of Wilson & Ashley, we unpack two big, and sometimes controversial, topics shaping the future of food and farming: Cambridge University’s move towards a 100% plant-based menu and the fast-growing interest in regenerative agriculture across the UK.

We begin with Cambridge University’s 2023 vote supporting fully plant-based catering across its services — a decision driven by sustainability arguments and student-led climate activism. But has the plan actually become reality? And what would large-scale plant-based menus mean for British livestock farmers, nutrition, food culture and student choice? We look at the latest updates, and why food can become politicised. 

Then we turn to regenerative farming: the buzzword everyone’s using, but which is also drawing criticism for its potential to be polarising. We break down some of the principles of regenerative agriculture and explain why regen systems are being championed particularly in the supply chain by companies including Waitrose, Arla, McCain, Nestlé and more. We also explore the realities for farmers: yield dips during transition, changing skillsets, expectations, and the debate around regen premiums.

This episode really digs into the future of how food is grown, sold and served.

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If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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

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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. 

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This week, we're talking about the real cost of food – and the true reality of many of the products that are on supermarket shelves. Inspired by a video from B FRANK Health, we unpack the rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), how they’ve warped our perception of value, and why real, nutritious food can feel “too expensive” – despite the fact it shouldn’t be.

Government policy, food affordability, and the staggering profits of retailers compared to plummeting farm incomes form part of the conversation – as we ask: are we valuing food (and farmers) properly?

In part two, we react to Will Evans’ tongue-in-cheek take on farming influencers. Are we all ego-driven disruptors, Only Fans shepherdesses, or sponsored content machines? Or is there room for something more authentic, honest, and impactful in the world of farming content creation?

From UPFs to perceptions, pricing to policy – it’s another episode of real talk from Wilson and Ashley... all with a few meanders off topic too!

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If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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

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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. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

This week on the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we’re tackling the conversation around Glastonbury... but we're looking beyond the music. Held on a 1,000-acre working dairy farm, we ask: are vegan festivalgoers being hypocrites? If ticket sales support farming, can you really separate the two?

We unpack the festival’s environmental impact, from solar panels on cattle sheds to a ban on body glitter, and debate whether farming can be part of the festival's sustainability solutions. 

We also get into the latest free speech controversy on the Glastonbury stage - has free speech gone too far?

We've been keeping an eye on Australian Tiktok creator, Indy Clinton, who recently hired a PI to track her trolls. As farmers who post our everyday lives on social media (with trolls to match sometimes) we're looking at this and asking what happened to 'be kind'. 

Interesting insights (hopefully!) and the usual Wilson & Ashley chaos!

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If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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

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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. 

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Disclaimer: This episode covers a sensitive and delicate subject, including practices around religious slaughter. We approach the topic with respect and aim to present balanced, factual information.

In this episode, we attempt to unpack the complex and often controversial world of Halal and Kosher slaughter in the UK. Triggered by a 100,000-strong petition calling non-stun slaughter “barbaric,” a recent Westminster Hall debate has reignited public and political scrutiny — but how much do people really understand?

We explore the reality behind Halal practices, with most Halal meat in the UK actually pre-stunned, and only a small minority falling under non-stun methods. Drawing on expert research from AHDB and the University of Huddersfield, we  highlight the real economic value of the Halal sector.

We draw on the views of the British Veterinary Association which calls for tighter regulation, labelling, and a permit system for non-stun slaughter and ask can we get the right balance between animal welfare, religious rights, and consumer transparency.

From the importance of the Demonstration of Life protocol to labelling reforms, international bans on non-stun methods, and the juggle between faith and welfare, we navigate this sensitive topic with facts, fairness, and the plain-speaking honesty you've come to expect from the duo.

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If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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

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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. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

We’re back — and fresh from our very first outing with the Wilson and Ashley podcast trailer! We still can't believe that people came looking for us to have a chat after listening to our episodes! Sitting in our trailer, it really did bring home how we want the episodes to be like a chat between friends! One question kept cropping up… “How did you two even meet?” Well, in this episode, we get into the story!

Charlotte reveals why she initially hated Rebecca (yes, really!), how we went from this to a full on collaboration and why we’re so passionate about women backing women and saying YES to opportunities — even when they’re a bit scary.

In the second half, we're keen to get talking about the right to roam. We talk cattle, countryside code, and the chaos that can come with footpaths running through farms. We share our own footpath stories alongside as always some brilliant insights from our farming and townie listeners!

Expect honest conversations on:

• Safety around livestock
• Dogs on leads (or not?)
• Public access vs. private land
• And why a bit of common sense goes a long way

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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

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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. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

In this episode of the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we’re talking about the weather. Yes, we know that farmers are always complaining about it being too wet, too windy, too cold...but why does it matter?

With dry, cracked fields and brown fields becoming the norm across the UK, we want to explore the reality of farming through the extremes. Inspired by a recent post from the Funky Farmer, and the flood of comments that followed, we reflect on what drought actually means on our farms — not just in terms of grass growth and yields, but also the emotional toll.

Some parts of the country might have been blessed with some recent showers, but we ask: is it too little, too late? We hear from some of our farming listeners who share their honest thoughts on the topic. But do consumers understand any of this? Does drought, and everything that comes with it, make any real difference to what ends up in people’s shopping baskets — or is it business as usual in the eyes of the public?

That question leads us straight into the world of plant-based branding, and a new marketing campaign for oat milk.

We talk about Olly Harrison’s recent collaboration with Alpro, where he speaks as a British farmer about the sustainability of UK-grown oats. It's caused a bit of a stir online, with some people confusing Alpro’s campaign with the more controversial tone of Oatly. We look at the facts — including the only advert the ASA has pulled recently (and why it wasn’t one of the aggressive anti-farming ones) — and we ask what this shift in messaging means for the future of food and farming.

Charlotte gives her gut reaction as a dairy farmer to oat milk: can we embrace plant-based products, and is there such a thing as a "good news" story for UK farming in the alternative dairy space?

We explore Alpro’s claims about sustainability, crop rotations, and regenerative farming, and weigh up the pros, cons, and consumer confusion around what it really means to “support local.”

Hold tight because this one is a jam packed episode! Part weather report, part industry analysis, and part marketing masterclass — all with that classic straight talking Wilson and Ashley.

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If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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

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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. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

We’ve absolutely loved hearing from our listeners in previous episodes—so this week, we’re handing over the mic (sort of) and sharing your takes on the biggest myths you’ve heard about farming. From dinner table debates to downright daft questions, it’s all in here. But should we be judging consumers for not knowing, or should we, as farmers, take more responsibility for bridging the knowledge gap?

In this myth-busting episode, Wilson and Ashley wade into the world of food and farming misconceptions. From the rumour that brown cows produce chocolate milk, to the real facts behind milking cows—not because they're forced to, but because they want to—we’re setting the record straight.

We also chat about the vegan narrative, tractor girls and Only Fans and why some animals have horns. Whether you’re a curious consumer or a fellow farmer, this episode is packed with laughs, logic, and a few eye-roll moments.

We've done our research and we're clearing the air with facts, humour and a fair few opinions!

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

Episode 2: Chlorinated Chicken, Trade Deals, Charlotte & Rebecca Take London, Does the Women in Agriculture Movement Really Matter and is There a North-South Divide?

Unfiltered. Unexpected. Unapologetically honest….some might say blunt. Again.

We're back — this time fresh from a trip to the capital for the National Women in Agriculture Awards, with one of our hosts bringing back the Influencer of the Year crown! Don't get us started on the word 'influencer' though, that needs its own episode! Of course there was a sense of power, pride, and passion in a room full of many incredible women shaping the future of farming... but has the women in agriculture movement gone too far? This is a topic our listeners definitely had some opinions on!

Now we don't have time in less than an hour to fully dissect the UK-US trade deals going on at the moment but we do dive into the chlorinated chicken debate. With mainstream media frothing over the trade talks and what this means for consumers and farmers, we’re asking what’s really at stake? Because spoiler alert: it’s not just about chlorine and chicken. It’s about food standards, consumer trust, and the slippery slope that starts with one deal and ends with a broken food system.

At the moment, it seems like policy is made in Westminster but the consequences land squarely in our farmyards - who actually benefits from importing cheap food? And who’s left picking up the pieces when trust in British farming takes another knock?

Yet again, we're reminded why podcasts like ours matter - real farming voices are essential. We tell the stories from the farm and beyond, as they happen, combining opinion and fact. 

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If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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

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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. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

Episode 1: The Rural Town Divide, Social Media, Charlotte’s screen time, farming life & the next generation

Unfiltered. Unexpected. Unapologetically honest….some might say blunt. 

Welcome to the very first episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast hosted by Charlotte Ashley and Rebecca Wilson. We’d like to think that we are strong, no-nonsense farming women with deep roots in the countryside and a passion for tackling big issues.  Recording from our unique mobile podcast studio, we are also on YouTube so if you fancy watching the whole thing unfold, jump on over and witness the carnage.

In this debut we dive straight into the growing rural-urban divide, using a thought provoking video by shepherdess Emma Grey from the Isle of Bute as our starting point. We feel it demonstrates perfectly the reason for us starting a podcast.

We explore how social media portrays farming life, the misconceptions it can create, and how digital culture is reshaping even the most remote communities. Prompted by Rebecca watching the super hit Netflix show, Adolescence, the conversation turns to children, mobile phones, and the internet. Are we losing the real-world connection that children once had? Is Charlotte just a terrible parent and a huge hypocrite? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. 

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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.