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?
00:00 – Introduction 00:53 – 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-beds 04:01 – Should growers increase seed rates? 05:07 – Has this week’s rain changed anything? 07:14 – Grass, cover crops and an exceptionally early maize harvest 08:21 – What happened to cabbage stem flea beetle? 09:24 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS 11:45 – How badly has drought hit sugar beet? 14:02 – Beet armyworm adds to pest pressure 15:01 – Building more resilient sugar beet crops 16:05 – 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 imports 21:11 – Imported eggs and the salmonella outbreak 22:53 – Farmers urged to plan fertiliser requirements early 24:17 – Geopolitics puts fertiliser supply chains under pressure 25:01 – But what about farm cash flow? 26:17 – Can the supply chain cope with another late rush? 28:59 – Markets update 29:20 – Firearms licensing ‘not fit for purpose’ 30:25 – Farmers’ experience of firearms licensing 31:26 – 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
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
Drought crisis loans, does regen farming stack up?, bluetongue vaccination, & China food security
Season 1 · Episode 318
Saturday, August 22, 2026 • Duration 47:12
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 – Introduction 01:02 – Could crisis loans keep farmers farming? 04:30 – Would the loans make a difference? 09:46 – Autumn Drilling Update with Bayer Cropscience 11:44 – Bluetongue spreads further across Britain 17:05 – Is it too late to vaccinate? 17:57 – Preparing for bluetongue in 2027 23:34 – Harvest, autumn cultivations and SFI 27:07 – China targets greater food self-sufficiency 30:06 – Markets 33:16 – Who pays for regenerative farming? 39:02 – Should food companies share the risk?
Guests
Alex Godfrey – Lincolnshire farmer and chairman, GB Potatoes Rachel Banks – technical manager, Bayer Cropscience Claire Wise – acting national livestock chair, NFUMandy Nevel – head of animal health, AHDBJoe Stanley – head of sustainable farming, Allerton Project
£65m drought aid, autumn drilling, livestock forage, firefighting farmers & fundraising for mental health
Season 1 · Episode 317
Saturday, August 15, 2026 • Duration 49:12
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.
00:00 – Defra unveils £65m drought package 01:52 – SFI flexibility in extreme drought 06:33 – What does the £65m package actually offer? 10:40 – Extra grazing for livestock farmers 13:07 – Can farmers rely on SFI long term? 15:51 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS 18:04 – 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
Drought crisis, grain marketing, farm welfare grants, & 150 years of Aberdeen Angus cattle
Season 1 · Episode 316
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • Duration 50:27
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 water 01:25 – Ben Goldsborough: “Drier than Jerusalem” 02:28 – Abstraction licences and regulation 03:16 – Food security versus data centres 03:48 – What farmers can do 05:35 – Is Defra listening? 08:17 – What help do drought-hit farms need? 10:57 – A climate “doom loop”? 14:37 – Bayer Autumn Drilling Update 16:55 – £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant 17:20 – Samantha Seaman on handling pressure 20:01 – Building resilient farm businesses 23:25 – Can farmers bounce back? 26:31 – Bluetongue situation worsens 30:57 – 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
Bluetongue surge, harvest yields explained, and wildlife-friendly farming
Season 1 · Episode 315
Friday, July 31, 2026 • Duration 42:59
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 – Introduction 00:57 – Surge in bluetongue cases hits sheep farms 01:19 – Philippa Page and Phil Stocker assess the outbreak 03:03 – Should farmers vaccinate before tupping? 04:55 – Hugh Broom on sheep losses in south-west England 07:48 – Certis Belchim message: managing take-all in cereal crops 09:29 – Heat, drought and poor harvest yields 11:06 – How warm nights affect wheat yields 12:16 – Which crops have performed better? 13:28 – Varieties, soil health and climate resilience 24:11 – Podcast updates and listener feedback 25:40 – Chickpea prices and imported competition 27:03 – Warning over adding moisture to stored grain 27:38 – The environmental impact of free-range eggs 31:09 – Hugh tries British wool insulation 33:06 – This week’s farm commodity prices 35:24 – 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
Angela Eagle returns to Defra, Welsh farm funding, sugar beet factory closure, David Barton tribute, & combine harvester fires
Season 1 · Episode 314
Friday, July 24, 2026 • Duration 50:44
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 – Introduction 00:51 – What will Angela Eagle mean for farming? 05:58 – A farmer-friendly appointment at Defra? 07:37 – Cantley sugar factory faces closure 12:30 – Can Britain rebuild its rural economy? 18:21 – Imported cane sugar versus home-grown beet 23:09 – Welsh farmers receive funding certainty 27:48 – Has Wales found a better approach? 33:45 – Remembering David Barton 36:41 – Harvest and drought update 38:52 – Abby’s new investigative role 40:03 – Farm markets 42:38 – Combine fires and Farm Safety Week 46:02 – Why farm safety is not improving
Special Guests:
Dame Angela Eagle – secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Kit Papworth – Norfolk sugar beet grower and chairman of the NFU Sugar Board – farmer and vice-chairman of the NFU Combinable Crops Board
What to expect from Andy Burnham's government, no murder charge over farm shooting, & UK chickpea challenge
Season 1 · Episode 313
Saturday, July 18, 2026 • Duration 49:35
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 KWSFarmer faces no charges over fatal shootingWhat does the law allow householders to do?Advice for farmers facing an intruderHarvest results: wheat, barley, beans and oilseed rapeAdding moisture to very dry oilseed rapeBuzzard blamed for standing-crop fireChurch rejects blanket rewilding targetEnvironment Agency farm inspection findingsShould rural speed limits fall to 20mph?Market updateCould chickpeas become a UK break crop?Closing remarks
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 challenges 01:27 Warning over grain washing 02:34 Early harvest results 04:09 Should growers add moisture? 07:17 Silage and maize conditions 09:47 Partner message: Certis Belchim 11:29 Is Defra’s farming roadmap credible? 11:54 Emma Reynolds challenged by MPs 13:28 Alistair Carmichael interview 23:32 Farming sentiment in Scotland 29:07 Harvest disrupts farm plans 30:14 Markets update 32:07 Erling Haaland backs British farm produce 33:39 The Haaland effect 36:52 England versus Norway 37:38 Closing remarks
Groundswell 2026: Private money for green farming, Wildfarmed, Kemi Badenoch & 10 years of regenerative agriculture
Season 1 · Episode 311
Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 47:21
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 Groundswell 01:03 – Hugh Broom opens the show 01:22 – Kemi Badenoch visits Groundswell 09:07 – Andrew Meredith joins the discussion 11:47 – Countryside stewardship higher tier changes 16:37 – Lloyds Bank launches Food and Nature Resilience Fund 17:06 – Ben Makowiecki explains private finance for regen farming 23:49 – Can private money really support farmers? 27:10 – Harvest report 29:23 – 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
Flaming June, Farming Roadmap, bovine TB, farm machinery 10 years post- Brexit, and green award for farm estate
Season 1 · Episode 310
Thursday, June 25, 2026 • Duration 45:40
This week, we examine whether the government’s long-awaited 25-year Farming Roadmap will deliver the certainty, confidence and investment farmers need.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw gives his reaction to Defra’s plan, while we discuss profitability, agri-environment funding, climate resilience and the value of farming to the wider economy.
We debate the impact of hot weather and this month's record-breaking temperatures on farm enterprises.
We also examine Defra’s refreshed bovine TB strategy, including new testing approaches and the prospect of cattle vaccination by 2030.
With the UK marking 10 years since the Brexit referendum, Cheffins chairman Bill King explains how leaving the EU has changed the trade in second-hand farm machinery.
And we visit Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, winner of a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists.
Special Guests.
* Tom Bradshaw, president, NFU * Paul Tompkins, deputy president, NFU * Josh Swain, farm animal vet, Synergy Animal Health * Bill King, chairman, Cheffins * Dr Johnny Wake, managing partner, Courteenhall Estate
Chapters
00:00 Intro and headlines 01:13 Defra unveils 25-year farming roadmap 01:45 Tom Bradshaw on whether the roadmap goes far enough 05:42 Louise and Hugh analyse the plan 12:09 Certis Belchim partner message: managing take-all risk 13:48 Defra refreshes bovine TB eradication strategy 14:59 Josh Swain explains new TB testing technology 16:30 Hugh and Louise discuss TB testing, vaccination and farm impact 24:24 Hot weather, harvest prospects and climate adaptation26:30 Brexit: 10 years on for farm machinery trade27:04 Bill King on export friction after Brexit31:25 Hugh and Louise assess Brexit’s farming legacy36:45 This week’s commodity prices38:31 Courteenhall Estate wins King’s Award for sustainability42:41 Looking ahead to Groundswell
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.
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