Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at the 2026 Association of Independent Crop Consultants Conference.

Recorded in front of a live audience on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues.

Our panel is:
Baroness Minette Batters, author of the Farming Profitability Review
Andrew Blazey, AICC chairman and partner at Prime Agriculture
Jenny Brunton, senior European policy advisor at the British Agriculture Bureau, Brussels
Yorkshire farmer Paul Temple, of the Global Farmer Network.
Oli Fletcher, is a Leicestershire farmer, historian and Farming Explained YouTuber

Farmers Weekly Question Time is hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker. To attend or sponsor future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit fwi.co.uk/questiontime.

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast &ndash; the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at the 2026 Association of Independent Crop Consultants Conference.
Recorded in front of a live audience on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues.
Our panel is:
<ul>
<li>Baroness Minette Batters,&nbsp;author of the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farming-profitability-review-2025-an-independent-review">Farming Profitability Review</a></li>
<li>Andrew Blazey, <a href="https://aicc.org.uk/">AICC</a> chairman and partner at <a href="https://primeag.co.uk/">Prime Agriculture</a></li>
<li>Jenny Brunton, senior European policy advisor at the <a href="https://www.britishagriculturebureau.co.uk/">British Agriculture Bureau</a>, Brussels</li>
<li>Yorkshire farmer Paul Temple, of the <a href="https://globalfarmernetwork.org/">Global Farmer Network</a>.</li>
<li>Oli Fletcher, is a Leicestershire farmer, historian and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@farmingexplained">Farming Explained</a> YouTuber</li>
</ul>
Farmers Weekly Question Time is hosted by Farmers Weekly Podcast editor Johann Tasker. To attend or sponsor future Farmers Weekly Question Time events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/questiontime/question-time">fwi.co.uk/questiontime</a>.

The inside track on the biggest stories affecting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Every Friday.

The inside track on the biggest stories affecting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Every Friday.

The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Farmers Weekly Question Time: AICC Agronomy Conference 2026

This week, police pledge tougher action on hare coursing after an Essex farmer suffers almost 200 incidents in eight months.

The government unveils plans to slash tariffs on 100 food items imported into the UK. We examine the impact of food price controls on UK farmers.

Beef sector leaders call for fairer pricing as the market eases ahead of the Beef Expo industry showcase at Melton Mowbray livestock market.

And we meet the farmer testing “firewater” – a Defra-funded ADOPT project aiming to make nitrogen from air, water and electricity.

Guests

Tom Bradshaw – NFU president
Neil Shand – chief executive, National Beef Association
Hugh Brown – chief executive, Gillstream Markets / Melton Mowbray Market
Matthew Register – Essex farmer
Robyn Munton – NFU vice-president
Tim Ellis – farmer involved in the Firewater ADOPT project


Chapters

01:04 – Food tariffs and price caps
01:43 – Tom Bradshaw warning
03:24 – Food import controls analysed
14:36 – Beef market analysis
27:30 – Hare-coursing crackdown
30:34 – Red diesel thefts and fuel duty
34:30 – Markets update
36:46 – Fertiliser from air and water


Useful links
Targeted food tariff cuts
NFU update on hare-coursing sentencing guidelines 
NBA Beef Expo 2026 
Adopt Project on firewater
Farmers Weekly Market Prices

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.

We love to hear from you: -

Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/

Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/

Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/

For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly

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. 

This week, police pledge tougher action on hare coursing after an Essex farmer suffers almost 200 incidents in eight months.
The government unveils plans to slash tariffs on 100 food items imported into the UK. We examine the impact of food price controls on UK farmers.
Beef sector leaders call for fairer pricing as the market eases ahead of the <a href="https://www.nationalbeefassociation.com/beef-expo/">Beef Expo</a> industry showcase at <a href="https://meltonmowbraymarket.co.uk/">Melton Mowbray livestock market</a>.
And we meet the farmer testing &ldquo;firewater&rdquo; &ndash; a Defra-funded ADOPT project aiming to make nitrogen from air, water and electricity.
Guests
Tom Bradshaw &ndash; NFU president Neil Shand &ndash; chief executive, National Beef Association Hugh Brown &ndash; chief executive, Gillstream Markets / Melton Mowbray Market Matthew Register &ndash; Essex farmer Robyn Munton &ndash; NFU vice-president Tim Ellis &ndash; farmer involved in the Firewater ADOPT project 
Chapters
01:04 &ndash; Food tariffs and price caps 01:43 &ndash; Tom Bradshaw warning 03:24 &ndash; Food import controls analysed 14:36 &ndash; Beef&nbsp;market analysis 27:30 &ndash; Hare-coursing crackdown 30:34 &ndash; Red diesel thefts and fuel duty 34:30 &ndash; Markets update 36:46 &ndash; Fertiliser from air and water 
Useful links
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cost-of-living-boost-with-free-bus-travel-for-children-and-targeted-food-tariff-cuts">Targeted food tariff cuts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nfuonline.com/news/sentencing-guideline-for-hare-coursing/">NFU update on hare-coursing sentencing guidelines&nbsp;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nationalbeefassociation.com/beef-expo/">NBA Beef Expo 2026</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/crop-management/two-farmers-help-test-on-farm-nitrogen-making-project">Adopt Project on firewater</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/prices-trends">Farmers Weekly Market Prices</a></li>
</ul>
This episode of the&nbsp;Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
We love to hear from you: -
Contact or follow Johann: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/">linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/</a>
Contact or follow Louise:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/">linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/</a>
Contact or follow Hugh: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/">linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/</a>
For Farmers Weekly, visit <a href="https://fwi.co.uk/">fwi.co.uk</a> or follow <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly">linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly</a>
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email <a href="mailto:podcast@fwi.co.uk">podcast@fwi.co.uk</a>.&nbsp;In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.&nbsp;

Clampdown hare-coursing, tariffs cut on food imports, Beef Expo, & fertiliser from thin air

Fuel shortages triggered by the Iran conflict could leave crops rotting in fields this harvest unless food production is prioritised.

We hear from CAAV adviser Jeremy Moody, who warns that red diesel availability is now an immediate concern for arable farmers, with further uncertainty for autumn planting.

We also visit Dyson Farming’s new research centre in Lincolnshire, where managing director Daniel Cross explains how the business hopes to transform British agriculture.

At the Pig and Poultry Fair, Pig World editor Alistair Driver reports on mixed market sentiment, falling pig prices and concern over Morrisons giving notice to some British pig suppliers.

Plus, Hugh Broom rounds up the markets, Louise Impey reflects on glyphosate; and the Princess Royal receives for Farmers Club Cup for her long-standing support for UK agriculture.

In this episode:
00:00 Fuel shortages threaten harvest
14:41 Dyson Farming’s research centre
30:05 Weather, silage, maize and glyphosate
35:08 Pig and Poultry Fair market mood
39:23 Hugh’s market report
42:11 Princess Royal receives Farmers Club Cup

This week’s guests:
Jeremy Moody, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers
Daniel Cross, Dyson Farming
Alistair Driver, Pig World
Chris Riddle, The Farmers Club

Useful links:
House of Commons Efra Committee
Dyson Farming Research
British Pig & Poultry Fair
Farmers Weekly markets data

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.

Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/

Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/

Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/

For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly

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. We'd love to hear from you.

Fuel shortages triggered by the Iran conflict could leave crops rotting in fields this harvest unless food production is prioritised.
We hear from CAAV adviser Jeremy Moody, who warns that red diesel availability is now an immediate concern for arable farmers, with further uncertainty for autumn planting.
We also visit Dyson Farming&rsquo;s new research centre in Lincolnshire, where managing director Daniel Cross explains how the business hopes to transform British agriculture.
At the Pig and Poultry Fair, Pig World editor Alistair Driver reports on mixed market sentiment, falling pig prices and concern over Morrisons giving notice to some British pig suppliers.
Plus, Hugh Broom rounds up the markets, Louise Impey reflects on glyphosate; and the Princess Royal receives for Farmers Club Cup for her long-standing support for UK agriculture.
In this episode: 00:00 Fuel shortages threaten harvest 14:41 Dyson Farming&rsquo;s research centre 30:05 Weather, silage, maize and glyphosate 35:08 Pig and Poultry Fair market mood 39:23 Hugh&rsquo;s market report 42:11 Princess Royal receives Farmers Club Cup
This week&rsquo;s guests: Jeremy Moody, <a href="https://www.caav.org.uk/">Central Association of Agricultural Valuers</a> Daniel Cross, <a href="https://dysonfarming.com/">Dyson Farming</a> Alistair Driver, <a href="https://www.pig-world.co.uk/">Pig World</a> Chris Riddle, <a href="https://www.thefarmersclub.com/">The Farmers Club</a>
Useful links: <a href="https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/52/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/">House of Commons Efra Committee</a> <a href="https://research.dysonfarming.com/">Dyson Farming Research</a> <a href="https://pigandpoultry.org.uk/">British Pig &amp; Poultry Fair</a> <a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/prices-trends">Farmers Weekly markets data</a>
This episode of the&nbsp;Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
Contact or follow Johann:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/">linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/</a>
Contact or follow Louise: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/">linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/</a>
Contact or follow Hugh: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/">linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/</a>
For Farmers Weekly, visit <a href="https://fwi.co.uk/">fwi.co.uk</a> or follow <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly">linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly</a>
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcast@fwi.co.uk">podcast@fwi.co.uk</a>.
In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you.

Fuel and fertiliser fears deepen, Dyson’s farm future, pig markets, & a royal farming honour

This week, food and environmental groups call for a ban on pre-harvest glyphosate use. We look at the alternatives – and whether this could be the thin end of the wedge.

We also hear why farm leaders are pushing back against proposals to extend environmental permitting to beef and dairy farms.

Plus, has the beef bubble burst? AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke explains why cattle prices have eased – and Hugh Broom looks at what could happen next.

And finally, we visit Whins Farm in Cumbria, where the Addington Fund is offering a rare starter farm tenancy for a new entrant.

In this episode:
0:00 Pre-harvest glyphosate: should it be banned?
11:02 Environmental permitting for beef and dairy
20:23 Farm update, silage and maize drilling
22:51 Women in Agriculture Awards
24:08 Beef prices: has the market turned?
34:10 Markets with Hugh Broom
36:05 Starter farm tenancy at Whins Farm, Cumbria

This week’s guests:
Martin Lines, Nature Friendly Farming Network
Paul Tompkins, NFU deputy president
Hannah Clarke, AHDB lead analyst
Simon Mountjoy, Addington Fund

Useful links:
Women in Agriculture Network
Addington Fund Whins Farm tenancy details
GSC Grays tenancy application details
Farmers Weekly markets data

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.

Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/

Contact or follow Abi: linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130/

Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/

For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly

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. We'd love to hear from you.

This week, food and environmental groups call for a ban on pre-harvest glyphosate use. We look at the alternatives &ndash; and whether this could be the thin end of the wedge.
We also hear why farm leaders are pushing back against proposals to extend environmental permitting to beef and dairy farms.
Plus, has the beef bubble burst? AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke explains why cattle prices have eased &ndash; and Hugh Broom looks at what could happen next.
And finally, we visit Whins Farm in Cumbria, where the Addington Fund is offering a rare starter farm tenancy for a new entrant.
In this episode: 0:00 Pre-harvest glyphosate: should it be banned? 11:02&nbsp;Environmental permitting for beef and dairy 20:23 Farm update, silage and maize drilling 22:51 Women in Agriculture Awards 24:08&nbsp;Beef prices: has the market turned? 34:10 Markets with Hugh Broom 36:05 Starter farm tenancy at Whins Farm, Cumbria
This week&rsquo;s guests: Martin Lines, <a href="https://www.nffn.org.uk/">Nature Friendly Farming Network</a> Paul Tompkins, <a href="https://www.nfuonline.com/">NFU deputy president</a> Hannah Clarke, <a href="https://ahdb.org.uk/">AHDB lead analyst</a> Simon Mountjoy, <a href="https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/">Addington Fund</a>
Useful links: <a href="https://web.staypost.app/c/explore-communities/women-in-agriculture-network">Women in Agriculture Network</a> <a href="https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/whins-farm">Addington Fund Whins Farm tenancy details</a> <a href="https://www.gscgrays.co.uk/property/whins-farm-howgill-kendal-cumbria-la8-0bt/">GSC Grays tenancy application details</a> <a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/prices-trends">Farmers Weekly markets data</a>
This episode of the&nbsp;Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
Contact or follow Johann:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/">linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/</a>
Contact or follow Abi: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130/">linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130/</a>
Contact or follow Hugh: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/">linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/</a>
For Farmers Weekly, visit <a href="https://fwi.co.uk/">fwi.co.uk</a> or follow <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly">linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly</a>
To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcast@fwi.co.uk">podcast@fwi.co.uk</a>.
In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. We'd love to hear from you.

Farmers Weekly Question Time: AICC Agronomy Conference 2026

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