Farming Focus – Details, episodes & analysis

Make sure you listen to episode 7 to get the most from this bonus episode. 

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter introduces the bonus

00:38  Peter talks about his experience at Groundswell. 

01:30 Benefits of growing a more diverse sward. 

02:43 The science behind the impact that mob grazing has on the soil. 

04:22 Is there an optimal frequency for grazing or leaving? 

06:05 Using a plate meter

06:45 Ben's rotation.

08:26 What inspired Ben to start mob grazing?

12:35 What has been the impact for Ben?

15:00 Peter starts to round up. 

15:25 Finish.

Today on the show we’re talking about mob grazing, what it is, its benefits and how to do it most effectively. 

Peter is joined by Cornish farmer Ben Thomas who farms beef cattle on the edge of Bodmin Moor and Hannah Jones who is a carbon and soils advisor with the Farm Carbon Toolkit. 

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Send us an email to podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

00:54 Ben introduces himself. 

04:30 What is the lasting impact of 6 Inches of Soil film?

06:30 Hannah Jones introduces herself.

07:53 Mob grazing - what is it and how does it differ from other ways of grazing?

09:30 What does mob grazing look like in practice for Ben?

13:10 Stocking density.

15:25 Follow up with Hannah.

17:20 How quickly can farmers expect to see changes to their soil health when starting with mob grazing?

19:30 Is most of the benefit from reduced compaction and rest or trampling and leaving some plant matter behind?

20:50 Challenges with a mob grazing system. 

24:08 Mob grazing is when we go in with higher levels of cover. What is true mob grazing? How much cover to leave?

25:25 Soil types.

26:11 Practical tips and messages to farmers.

31:12 Showstoppers

33:15 Peter rounds up. 

Make sure you listen to episode 1 to get the most from this bonus episode. 

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus.

00:55 Climate change and the challenges that it brings.

06:57 Regulation - is there too much or is the balance right?

10:06 Water management and its future. 

14:06 What is next for Graham and Chris?

16:20 Peter closes the show. 

In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green interviews two farmers, Graham Eggins and Chris Berry, to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in the Southwest region. Graham farms on the island of Brier in the Isles of Scilly, while Chris farms near Exeter. Graham talks about the logistical challenges of farming on an isolated island, including the transportation of livestock and machinery. He also shares how he diversified his farm by starting a chili operation. Chris discusses the importance of reducing reliance on inputs and the need for adaptability in the face of price volatility and changing labor dynamics. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities facing farmers in the Southwest of the UK. The main challenges discussed include a shortage of people wanting to work in farming, the impact of climate change on water resources, and the burden of regulations. The farmers also discuss the importance of diversification and the need to promote and market their products. The main opportunities highlighted include the use of social media to engage with customers and the potential for direct marketing. The conversation ends with practical tips for farmers, such as pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and improving water management.

Takeaways

• Farming on an isolated island presents unique logistical challenges, including transportation of livestock and machinery.
• Diversification can be a successful strategy for farmers, allowing them to find new markets and increase resilience.
• Reducing reliance on inputs and focusing on self-sufficiency can improve profitability and sustainability.
• Adaptability is crucial in the face of price volatility and changing labor dynamics in the farming industry. There is a shortage of people wanting to work in farming, and farmers need to find ways to attract and retain workers.
• Climate change is impacting water resources, and farmers need to adapt by implementing water management strategies.
• Regulations are a necessary part of farming, but there is a need for support to simplify paperwork and ensure food security.
• Diversification is important for farmers to explore new opportunities and markets.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for farmers to promote their products and engage with customers.
• Improving water management and soil health can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.
• Farmers should push themselves out of their comfort zones and be open to trying new things.
• Direct marketing and engaging with customers can lead to higher profits and customer loyalty.

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

00:57 Chris Berry introduces himself. 

01:45 Graham Eggins introduces himself. 

03:08 What brought Graham to Bryher?

06:08 Graham does everything and has to wear many hats. 

06:57 Graham has heavily diversified  - what has influenced this? 

07:45 Graham's chilli business - how did this start?

12.15 Trying different things. Has Graham always been like this? 

14:02 Chris's reaction to Graham's story. 

15:20 Keep things simple.

18:57 Being aware that things need to change - Chris's story and how he is planning for the future. 

20:42 Keep things fun to attract people. 

21:26 'Member Focus'

24:58 The main challenges for agriculture as an industry. [Graham]

27:49 Chris adds his thoughts. 

29:09 Practical tips to farmers. - try things outside of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself.  Split your fields into two. 

30:59 Showstoppers. 

33:29 Peter ends the show. 

Make sure you listen to episode 1 to get the most from this bonus episode. 

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and Prof Mike Coffey / Jim Dixon.

00:33 What is next for cattle genetics and what breakthroughs do we still want to make?

03:05 How useful is it to reduce breeding values down to a single figure?

05: 57 Lessons from traditional and heritage breeds?

07:51 Comments from Jim on other breeds. 

08:43 Make sure that the animals you have are fit for purpose where you are. 

In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green explores the topic of breeding the perfect cow. He is joined by James Dixon, a farmer who raises stabilizer cattle in Cumbria, and Professor Mike Coffey from SRUC. They discuss the benefits of composite breeds like stabilizers, the history of cattle genetics, and the use of genomics in breeding. They also touch on the importance of feed efficiency and its impact on methane emissions. Overall, the conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to improve cattle genetics and the challenges and opportunities in breeding the ideal cow. The conversation explores the importance of feed efficiency and carbon footprint in cattle farming. It discusses the priorities for genetic improvement, including the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) and visual selection. The conversation also touches on the role of genetics in disease resistance, cost efficiency, and meat quality. It highlights the need for data-driven decision-making and the importance of recording phenotypes. The guests emphasize the goal of breeding animals that are economically viable, low-maintenance, and fit for purpose. We also have a new feature on the show in which we meet Cornish Mutual members. 

Takeaways

• The perfect cow is subjective and varies depending on the farm and its specific needs.
• Composite breeds like stabilizers offer the benefit of hybrid vigor and the ability to introduce new bloodlines.
• Genetic improvement in cattle has come a long way, with a focus on traits like milk yield, fertility, and feed efficiency.
• The use of genomics has revolutionized the breeding process, allowing for more accurate selection at a younger age.
• Feed efficiency is an important trait that can lead to cost savings and reduced methane emissions in cattle farming. Feed efficiency and carbon footprint are important considerations in cattle farming.
• Genetic improvement can be achieved through the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) and visual selection.
• Disease resistance, cost efficiency, and meat quality are key focuses for genetic improvement.
• Data-driven decision-making and recording phenotypes are crucial for genetic progress.
• The goal is to breed animals that are economically viable, low-maintenance, and fit for purpose.

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

01:38 James Dixon introduces himself. 

02:45 Looking more at the stablizer breed.

03:58 Jim's switch from dairy to beef.

05:30 Prof Mike Coffey introduces himself.

06:00 How far have we come with genetic improvement?

08:25 Have half an eye on the efficiency of the business when thinking about genetic decisions. 

12:00 How has breeding itself changed and what opportunities does this present?

14:20 Peter summarises the points so far.

16:00 Jim talks about genomics in beef herds.

18:18 Feed efficiency of cattle.

19:29 Member focus feature - Peter goes to Royal Cornwall Show.

21:52 Jim's priorities for genetic improvement. 

23:30 What are the key focuses for genetics at large?

25:22 How much of an issue is it that decisions of beef genetics are being made by dairy farmers? 

26:35 Peter's perfect cow - what would the guests' perfect cow look like?

29:18 Advice to farmers from Mike and Jim. 

30:30 Showstoppers

32:46 Peter rounds up the episode. 

In this episode, Peter is joined by Catherine Mead OBE who is the owner of Lynher Dairies, the home of Cornish Yarg cheese; and David Fursdon who is the Chair of both Dyson Farming and The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture as well as a trustee of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission and the Royal Countryside Fund. David recently joined the board of Cornish Mutual.

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show

01:22 Catherine Mead introduces herself.

01:48 David Fursdon introduces himself. 

02:21 Going back to episode 1 - Jake Freestone talks about the future for his farm in Worcestershire.

03:53 How do we find more certainty in farming?

05:34 Catherine gives her thoughts on the uncertainty of today.

07:34 Peter introduces the episode with Peter Craven in it. 

09:00 How significant an issue is succession for farming families?

11:35 David's thoughts on succession.

12:49 Peter introduces the episode with Chris Manley in episode 3.

14:30 Are we getting better at talking about health and wellbeing?

17:15 Peter introduces episode with Simon Haley. 

18:38 How can farmers balance the main business with diversified income?

22:00 Peter introduces episode with Adele Jones. 

23:20 Net zero - are we moving quickly enough and do we have the resources to do it?

26:16 Catherine's thoughts on the shift towards net zero.

29:55 We have a positive story and we can keep it simple. 

30:35 Peter introduces episode with Amy Jackson on communication and animal welfare.

32:03 Thoughts on what we should be communicating towards 2050?

33:42 The 3 skills or attributes that farmers will need to be successful in the future?

35:40 What does the future of farming look like and what will farming look like in 2050?

38:32 Peter rounds up the episode.

In this episode Peter speaks to Dr Amy Jackson, founder and director of Oxtale Communications about animal health and welfare, including the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. 

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and Amy Jackson. 

00:38 What is the government's animal health and welfare pathway? 

03:42 The difference between standards and attainment. Vet visits encourage farmers to be more proactive. What is the ceiling from using these visits? 

05:37 Get value for money from your vet. 

06:06 The role of the vet is changing. 

06:48 How can higher welfare add value to an operation?

08:18 Show that the animal takes priority - this carries credibility.

08:36 A benefit to the team dealing with the livestock. 

09:26 Jingle

09:31 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode, Peter is joined by Amy Jackson who founded Oxtale Communications. Peter and Amy discuss the topic of communication through the lens of animal health and welfare. 

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show

01:09 Peter's Future Farm in 60 seconds.

02:38 Peter introduces Dr Amy Jackson. 

03:02 Amy introduces herself and her work. 

03:40 Does the UK have the highest welfare standards in the world?

04:28 What's the difference between 'health' and 'welfare'?

07:56 Indoor and outdoor systems. 

09:20 How do farmers communicate to the public when it comes to health and welfare and where does health and welfare rank in terms of importance to the public?

13:05 Some farmers may be apprehensive or defensive about talking about welfare but farmers can accentuate the positives. 

14:24 We don't always get everything right. 

15:08 Own your situation and don't have a victim mindset. 

15:30 Obama podcast. 

18:03 Consumption is still rising for a lot of agricultural products. 

19:39 Social licence to farm.

19:50 How can farmers tell their story?

23:30 A practical tip from Amy - talk to people and listen.

24:45 What 3 skills or attributes will farmers of the future need? - be resilient; be empathetic; have holidays. 

27:31 Showstoppers.

29:45 Peter rounds up the episode. 

In this bonus episode we hear more from last week's guests Pete and Jenny Olds. 

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and today's guests.

00:40 Pete Olds talks about their Open Farm Sunday event. 

01:43 What are the benefits of hosting Open Farm Sunday for the Olds? 

03:49 There is a huge appetite to learn.

05:27 Other things that the Olds do to engage with people. 

07:35 Jenny's advice to a farmer who is not sure where to start and might be wary of holding an event.

08:55 How to ensure a farm event is successful? Jenny's top tips. 

10:20 What can go wrong with farm events?

12:30 Peter rounds up. 

12:50 Closing message.