Will closer links with Europe bring fresh opportunities for British growers and livestock producers – or new restrictions on UK farming?

This week, we examine the proposed UK–EU deal to ease checks on food and agricultural trade.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw explains why farming is the testbed for the wider relationship, while we consider the implications for precision breeding, crop protection and market access.

Should the Sustainable Farming Incentive be scrapped and rebuilt – or simply funded properly?

Lord Curry calls for a fresh approach to environmental stewardship, and we debate whether reform or greater investment offers the best way forward.

We also discuss the government’s renewed bovine TB strategy, why farmers need a voice on new water councils, and the latest livestock, grain and fuel prices.

And finally, Bishop of Norwich Graham Usher pledges to champion farmers in the House of Lords, as we consider long-term environmental funding and better access to rural healthcare.

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

Chapters

01:05 UK–EU farm trade deal: Tom Bradshaw’s priorities
03:48 REAP conference: precision breeding, pesticides and market access
07:14 Closer EU links: opportunities and trade-offs for farmers
16:55 SFI: start again or fund it properly?
26:54 Bovine TB: testing, vaccination and delivering the strategy
30:07 Water councils: why farming needs a seat at the table
33:30 Markets: livestock, grain, oilseeds and diesel
35:56 Bishop of Norwich pledges to champion farmers
38:43 Rural health, access to care and farm safety

Guests


Tom Bradshaw – NFU president


Jack Smith – farmer and REAP conference contributor


Belinda Clarke – director, Agri-TechE


Mark Buckingham – Bayer Crop Science


Lord Curry – contributor to the debate on the future of farm support


Graham Usher – Bishop of Norwich

Useful links


Sustainable Farming Incentive: official guidance


TB Hub: bovine TB information for farmers


Agri-TechE: agricultural innovation and the team behind REAP


Bishop of Norwich: Graham Usher

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

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. 

Will closer links with Europe bring fresh opportunities for British growers and livestock producers &ndash; or new restrictions on UK farming?
This week, we examine the proposed UK&ndash;EU deal to ease checks on food and agricultural trade.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw explains why farming is the testbed for the wider relationship, while we consider the implications for precision breeding, crop protection and market access.
Should the Sustainable Farming Incentive be scrapped and rebuilt &ndash; or simply funded properly?
Lord Curry calls for a fresh approach to environmental stewardship, and we debate whether reform or greater investment offers the best way forward.
We also discuss the government&rsquo;s renewed bovine TB strategy, why farmers need a voice on new water councils, and the latest livestock, grain and fuel prices.
And finally, Bishop of Norwich Graham Usher pledges to champion farmers in the House of Lords, as we consider long-term environmental funding and better access to rural healthcare.
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
Chapters
01:05 UK&ndash;EU farm trade deal: Tom Bradshaw&rsquo;s priorities 03:48 REAP conference: precision breeding, pesticides and market access 07:14 Closer EU links: opportunities and trade-offs for farmers 16:55 SFI: start again or fund it properly? 26:54 Bovine TB: testing, vaccination and delivering the strategy 30:07 Water councils: why farming needs a seat at the table 33:30 Markets: livestock, grain, oilseeds and diesel 35:56 Bishop of Norwich pledges to champion farmers 38:43 Rural health, access to care and farm safety
Guests
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Tom Bradshaw &ndash; NFU president
</li>
<li>
Jack Smith &ndash; farmer and REAP conference contributor
</li>
<li>
Belinda Clarke &ndash; director, Agri-TechE
</li>
<li>
Mark Buckingham &ndash; Bayer Crop Science
</li>
<li>
Lord Curry &ndash; contributor to the debate on the future of farm support
</li>
<li>
Graham Usher &ndash; Bishop of Norwich
</li>
</ul>
Useful links
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sustainable-farming-incentive-guidance-for-applicants-and-agreement-holders">Sustainable Farming Incentive: official guidance</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://tbhub.co.uk/">TB Hub: bovine TB information for farmers</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.agri-tech-e.co.uk/about-agri-teche/">Agri-TechE: agricultural innovation and the team behind REAP</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/about/bishops-staff-team/bishops/">Bishop of Norwich: Graham Usher</a>
</li>
</ul>
To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -
Contact or follow Johann: <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 <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.&nbsp;

UK–EU farm deal, SFI rethink, bovine TB, water councils & bishop backs farmers

Artificial intelligence can diagnose crop symptoms, interrogate huge amounts of data and even devise a fungicide programme. But can it really replace an experienced agronomist?

In this episode, Johann Tasker investigates what AI could mean for crop management.

He travels from a Bedfordshire wheat field to the banks of the Thames, an agronomy office in Essex, farm trials in East Anglia and to Cambridge University.

Arable grower Andrew Robinson is already putting AI to the test by allowing it to devise a fungicide programme for his winter wheat.

Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains why general-purpose chatbots can give convincing but wrong answers – and why specialist agricultural AI could be much more powerful.

Independent agronomist Alex Hall considers where human judgement still matters – and how AI could help human agronomists do a better job.

And Agrii’s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal what happened when they put technology head-to-head with conventional farm decision-making.

Finally, former Mineral chief executive Dr Elliott Grant looks ahead to agentic AI – systems capable of investigating problems, using specialist tools and potentially taking action themselves.

Chapters

00:00 – Can AI manage a wheat crop?
Andrew Robinson explains why he handed the fungicide programme for half a hectare of winter wheat to AI – and why the resulting crop caught his attention.

03:01 – Putting ChatGPT to the agronomy test
Can a chatbot diagnose yellowing wheat? Johann Tasker tests what ChatGPT can – and cannot – do when faced with a real-world crop problem.

05:58 – What is AI actually doing?
Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains how large language models work, why they hallucinate and the risks of relying on confident-sounding answers.

09:30 – Why specialist agricultural AI matters
From wheat counting and disease recognition to slug prediction and satellite interpretation, could purpose-built models prove more useful than general-purpose chatbots?

12:36 – What does an agronomist bring?
Ceres Rural partner and independent agronomist Alex Hall discusses experience, judgement, risk and the importance of understanding an individual farm business.

16:18 – Can AI give agronomists more experience?
A farmer gets only one harvest each year. Could machines learn from thousands – and help advisers draw on far more information than any individual could absorb?

19:27 – Man versus machine
Agrii’s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal the results of a field experiment comparing technology with conventional decision-making.

22:47 – The connected farm
How sensors, drones, satellites, weather information, research data and AI could increasingly work together to support farm decisions.

24:42 – Bias, trust and ground-truthing AI
Who built the system? What was it trained on? And could commercial interests influence its recommendations? Jonathan Trotter explains what growers must check.

27:45 – The next leap: agentic AI
At Cambridge University’s Whittle Laboratory, Dr Elliott Grant explains the arrival of AI agents capable of reasoning, using specialist tools and carrying out tasks autonomously.

31:36 – What happens to the agronomist?
As routine knowledge becomes easier for machines to reproduce, specialist expertise, proprietary knowledge and an understanding of individual farms could become increasingly valuable.

34:13 – Back to the AI wheat trial
Andrew Robinson reveals how Microsoft Copilot devised its fungicide strategy – including finding the wrong weather forecast – and why the AI programme cost more than his farm standard.

37:11 – Asking AI the right question
Cleanest crop, highest yield, best margin, lowest environmental impact or least risk? The answer an AI produces depends heavily on the objective it is given.

38:30 – Farmer, agronomist and AI
What have the experiments and interviews taught us? Johann brings together the evidence before asking ChatGPT the original question one final time.

This episode is brought to you by LG Seeds UK – providing innovative, reliable seed solutions to farmers in a changing world.

Special Guests:

Andrew Robinson – farms director, Heathcote Farms. Andrew is trialling an AI-generated winter wheat fungicide programme alongside the farm’s conventional approach.

ChatGPT – ⁠the general-purpose AI assistant tested throughout the episode.

Freddie Allen-Stevens – machine-learning and AI specialist at Insight ML, with experience developing agricultural applications including crop counting and slug-risk prediction.

Alex Hall – partner and independent agronomist at  ⁠Ceres Rural in Saffron Walden. Ceres provides independent crop-management and agronomy advice.

Jonathan Trotter – part of  ⁠Agrii’s research and agricultural technology work, exploring how digital technologies and agronomy can be combined in practical crop management.

Sam Fordham – works in Agrii’s digital agriculture operation, including its Contour platform and the integration of farm, crop, weather and remote-sensing data.

Dr Elliott Grant – technology and agriculture entrepreneur who led agricultural AI work at Google X and later became chief executive of Mineral. His work has focused on the intersection of AI, technology and agriculture.

Useful links

⁠ChatGPT – the general puropose large language model from OpenAI.

⁠Agrii digital farming and precision agriculture – including information about Agrii’s RHIZA and Contour digital agronomy services.

Insight LM – machine learning consultancy services to help businesses leverage data-driven insights.

⁠Ceres Rural – information about Ceres Rural’s independent agronomy and crop-management services.

⁠Dr Elliott Grant – background on Elliott’s work in agricultural technology and AI, including his work at Cambridge University's Whittle Laboratory.

This episode of Farm Insight was written, edited, produced, sound-designed and hosted by Johann Tasker for Farmers Weekly.

To get in touch with Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/

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

For sponsor or advertising opportunities, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. 

Artificial intelligence can diagnose crop symptoms, interrogate huge amounts of data and even devise a fungicide programme. But can it really replace an experienced agronomist?
In this episode, Johann Tasker investigates what AI could mean for crop management.
He travels from a Bedfordshire wheat field to the banks of the Thames, an agronomy office in Essex, farm trials in East Anglia and to Cambridge University.
Arable grower Andrew Robinson is already putting AI to the test by allowing it to devise a fungicide programme for his winter wheat.
Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains why general-purpose chatbots can give convincing but wrong answers &ndash; and why specialist agricultural AI could be much more powerful.
Independent agronomist Alex Hall considers where human judgement still matters &ndash; and how AI could help human agronomists do a better job.
And Agrii&rsquo;s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal what happened when they put technology head-to-head with conventional farm decision-making.
Finally, former Mineral chief executive Dr Elliott Grant looks ahead to agentic AI &ndash; systems capable of investigating problems, using specialist tools and potentially taking action themselves.
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Can AI manage a wheat crop? Andrew Robinson explains why he handed the fungicide programme for half a hectare of winter wheat to AI &ndash; and why the resulting crop caught his attention.
03:01 &ndash; Putting ChatGPT to the agronomy test Can a chatbot diagnose yellowing wheat? Johann Tasker tests what ChatGPT can &ndash; and cannot &ndash; do when faced with a real-world crop problem.
05:58 &ndash; What is AI actually doing? Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains how large language models work, why they hallucinate and the risks of relying on confident-sounding answers.
09:30 &ndash; Why specialist agricultural AI matters From wheat counting and disease recognition to slug prediction and satellite interpretation, could purpose-built models prove more useful than general-purpose chatbots?
12:36 &ndash; What does an agronomist bring? Ceres Rural partner and independent agronomist Alex Hall discusses experience, judgement, risk and the importance of understanding an individual farm business.
16:18 &ndash; Can AI give agronomists more experience? A farmer gets only one harvest each year. Could machines learn from thousands &ndash; and help advisers draw on far more information than any individual could absorb?
19:27 &ndash; Man versus machine Agrii&rsquo;s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal the results of a field experiment comparing technology with conventional decision-making.
22:47 &ndash; The connected farm How sensors, drones, satellites, weather information, research data and AI could increasingly work together to support farm decisions.
24:42 &ndash; Bias, trust and ground-truthing AI Who built the system? What was it trained on? And could commercial interests influence its recommendations? Jonathan Trotter explains what growers must check.
27:45 &ndash; The next leap: agentic AI At Cambridge University&rsquo;s Whittle Laboratory, Dr Elliott Grant explains the arrival of AI agents capable of reasoning, using specialist tools and carrying out tasks autonomously.
31:36 &ndash; What happens to the agronomist? As routine knowledge becomes easier for machines to reproduce, specialist expertise, proprietary knowledge and an understanding of individual farms could become increasingly valuable.
34:13 &ndash; Back to the AI wheat trial Andrew Robinson reveals how Microsoft Copilot devised its fungicide strategy &ndash; including finding the wrong weather forecast &ndash; and why the AI programme cost more than his farm standard.
37:11 &ndash; Asking AI the right question Cleanest crop, highest yield, best margin, lowest environmental impact or least risk? The answer an AI produces depends heavily on the objective it is given.
38:30 &ndash; Farmer, agronomist and AI What have the experiments and interviews taught us? Johann brings together the evidence before asking ChatGPT the original question one final time.
This episode is brought to you by <a href="https://lgseeds.co.uk/">LG Seeds UK</a> &ndash; providing innovative, reliable seed solutions to farmers in a changing world.
Special Guests:
Andrew Robinson &ndash; farms director, Heathcote Farms. Andrew is trialling an AI-generated winter wheat fungicide programme alongside the farm&rsquo;s conventional approach.
ChatGPT &ndash; ⁠the general-purpose AI assistant tested throughout the episode.
Freddie Allen-Stevens &ndash; machine-learning and AI specialist at Insight ML, with experience developing agricultural applications including crop counting and slug-risk prediction.
Alex Hall &ndash; partner and independent agronomist at&nbsp; ⁠Ceres Rural in Saffron Walden. Ceres provides independent crop-management and agronomy advice.
Jonathan Trotter &ndash; part of&nbsp; ⁠Agrii&rsquo;s research and agricultural technology work, exploring how digital technologies and agronomy can be combined in practical crop management.
Sam Fordham &ndash; works in Agrii&rsquo;s digital agriculture operation, including its Contour platform and the integration of farm, crop, weather and remote-sensing data.
Dr Elliott Grant &ndash; technology and agriculture entrepreneur who led agricultural AI work at Google X and later became chief executive of Mineral. His work has focused on the intersection of AI, technology and agriculture.
Useful links
<a href="https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12677804-what-is-chatgpt-faq">⁠ChatGPT</a> &ndash; the general puropose large language model from OpenAI.
<a href="https://www.agrii.co.uk/">⁠Agrii digital farming and precision agriculture</a> &ndash; including information about Agrii&rsquo;s RHIZA and Contour digital agronomy services.
<a href="https://insightml.io/">Insight LM</a> &ndash; machine learning consultancy services to help businesses leverage data-driven insights.
<a href="https://ceresrural.co.uk/">⁠Ceres Rural </a>&ndash; information about Ceres Rural&rsquo;s independent agronomy and crop-management services.
⁠<a href="https://uk.linkedin.com/in/elliott-grant-31862">Dr Elliott Grant</a> &ndash; background on Elliott&rsquo;s work in agricultural technology and AI, including his work at Cambridge University's Whittle Laboratory.
This episode of Farm Insight was written, edited, produced, sound-designed and hosted by Johann Tasker for Farmers Weekly.
To get in touch with&nbsp;Johann: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/">linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/</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>
For sponsor or advertising opportunities, 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.&nbsp;

Can AI replace your agronomist? Farmer vs machine in the field

Will a new carbon tax push up fertiliser prices? Has the farming industry successfully regulated its own pesticide use? And could English olive oil become the next big farming opportunity?

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine the government’s latest proposals for a carbon tax on imported fertiliser – and what they could mean for farm businesses when the new rules take effect in January 2027.

New figures suggest the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could initially cost considerably less than feared. But with fertiliser prices already rising, growers remain concerned about the longer-term implications.

We speak to Harriet Trewin of the Agricultural Industries Confederation about the likely impact on ammonium nitrate prices and what farmers should do ahead of the changes.

We also visit Parliament to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Voluntary Initiative, the industry-led scheme promoting responsible pesticide use.

Voluntary Initiative chairman David Bell explains why good stewardship is increasingly important as farmers face the loss of key crop protection products.

Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain discusses the importance of industry self-regulation and the need for government support.

Meanwhile, in Lincolnshire, farmer David Hoyles is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the Fens with what is believed to be Britain’s first commercial olive harvest.

After investing £1 million and planting 18,000 olive trees, he is producing premium English olive oil. We visit his farm near Spalding to discover how the venture is progressing.

Plus, our latest autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines the balance between delayed drilling, grassweed control and crop establishment.

We also bring you the latest UK livestock and arable commodity prices, discuss farmland bird populations and preview Farmers Weekly Live, taking place at Stoneleigh Park in July 2027.

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

This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and this week’s headlines
00:56 – Fertiliser carbon tax: What will CBAM cost farmers?
01:28 – Harriet Truan, AIC: Latest estimates and fertiliser price implications
05:14 – Analysis: Carbon taxes, farm margins and global competition
10:34 – Autumn Drilling Update: Grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science
13:08 – The Voluntary Initiative celebrates 25 years
13:38 – David Bell: Responsible pesticide use and protecting active ingredients
17:21 – Wendy Chamberlain MP: Why industry self-regulation matters
19:37 – Analysis: Has the Voluntary Initiative been successful?
26:11 – Farmers Weekly Live: Plans for July 2027
28:40 – On the farm: Rainfall, cover crops and farmland bird populations
31:05 – Commodity markets: Latest livestock, grain and fuel prices
32:38 – Britain’s first commercial olive harvest gets underway
33:15 – David Hoyles: Growing olives and producing premium English olive oil
36:19 – Analysis: Could olive growing take off across Britain?
40:39 – Closing thoughts and next week’s podcast

Guests

Harriet Trewin – Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).
David Bell – Chairman of the Voluntary Initiative and Scottish farmer.
Wendy Chamberlain MP – Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife.
David Hoyles – Lincolnshire farmer and founder of the English Olive Company.

Useful links

Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC)
UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
The Voluntary Initiative
Farmers Weekly Live
English Olive Company
National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO)


To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

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. 

Will a new carbon tax push up fertiliser prices? Has the farming industry successfully regulated its own pesticide use? And could English olive oil become the next big farming opportunity?
In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine the government&rsquo;s latest proposals for a carbon tax on imported fertiliser &ndash; and what they could mean for farm businesses when the new rules take effect in January 2027.
New figures suggest the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could initially cost considerably less than feared. But with fertiliser prices already rising, growers remain concerned about the longer-term implications.
We speak to Harriet Trewin of the Agricultural Industries Confederation about the likely impact on ammonium nitrate prices and what farmers should do ahead of the changes.
We also visit Parliament to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Voluntary Initiative, the industry-led scheme promoting responsible pesticide use.
Voluntary Initiative chairman David Bell explains why good stewardship is increasingly important as farmers face the loss of key crop protection products.
Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain discusses the importance of industry self-regulation and the need for government support.
Meanwhile, in Lincolnshire, farmer David Hoyles is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the Fens with what is believed to be Britain&rsquo;s first commercial olive harvest.
After investing &pound;1 million and planting 18,000 olive trees, he is producing premium English olive oil. We visit his farm near Spalding to discover how the venture is progressing.
Plus, our latest autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines the balance between delayed drilling, grassweed control and crop establishment.
We also bring you the latest UK livestock and arable commodity prices, discuss farmland bird populations and preview Farmers Weekly Live, taking place at Stoneleigh Park in July 2027.
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
This episode is brought to you by <a href="https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk">Bayer Crop Science</a> &ndash; weeding out uncertainty.
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Introduction and this week&rsquo;s headlines 00:56 &ndash; Fertiliser carbon tax: What will CBAM cost farmers? 01:28 &ndash; Harriet Truan, AIC: Latest estimates and fertiliser price implications 05:14 &ndash; Analysis: Carbon taxes, farm margins and global competition 10:34 &ndash; Autumn Drilling Update: Grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science 13:08 &ndash; The Voluntary Initiative celebrates 25 years 13:38 &ndash; David Bell: Responsible pesticide use and protecting active ingredients 17:21 &ndash; Wendy Chamberlain MP: Why industry self-regulation matters 19:37 &ndash; Analysis: Has the Voluntary Initiative been successful? 26:11 &ndash; Farmers Weekly Live: Plans for July 2027 28:40 &ndash; On the farm: Rainfall, cover crops and farmland bird populations 31:05 &ndash; Commodity markets: Latest livestock, grain and fuel prices 32:38 &ndash; Britain&rsquo;s first commercial olive harvest gets underway 33:15 &ndash; David Hoyles: Growing olives and producing premium English olive oil 36:19 &ndash; Analysis: Could olive growing take off across Britain? 40:39 &ndash; Closing thoughts and next week&rsquo;s podcast
Guests
Harriet Trewin &ndash; Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC). David Bell &ndash; Chairman of the Voluntary Initiative and Scottish farmer. Wendy Chamberlain MP &ndash; Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife. David Hoyles &ndash; Lincolnshire farmer and founder of the English Olive Company.
Useful links
<a href="https://www.agindustries.org.uk">Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC)</a> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism">UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)</a> <a href="https://www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk">The Voluntary Initiative</a> <a href="https://farmersweeklylive.fwi.co.uk">Farmers Weekly Live</a> <a href="https://englisholive.co.uk">English Olive Company</a> <a href="https://www.nroso.org.uk">National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO)</a> 
To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -
Contact or follow Johann: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/">linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/</a>
Contact or follow Abi: <a href="https://uk.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 <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.&nbsp;

Fertiliser carbon tax, 25 years of responsible spraying, & Britain’s first olive harvest

Has the government missed another opportunity to support British farming?

In this special edition of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine Chancellor John Healey’s Autumn Budget and ask what it really means for farmers, food production and the wider rural economy.

The Chancellor extended the fuel duty cut on red diesel, temporarily suspended tariffs on fertiliser and heating oil, and announced business rates relief that could benefit farm shops.

But with farm profitability under severe pressure, inheritance tax reforms unchanged and food production costs continuing to rise, industry leaders say the Budget offers little encouragement.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw warns that farmers feel abandoned by a government that repeatedly promises to make food security a national priority.

Country Land and Business Association president Gavin Lane says the Budget represents a missed opportunity to stimulate rural economic growth,

Meanwhile, agricultural accountant Sam Kirkham, partner and head of farms at Albert Goodman, urges farming businesses to keep a close watch on cash flow.

We also examine changes to biodiversity net gain, the outlook for food price inflation and the political calculations behind what some describe as a surprisingly benign Budget.

Could the Chancellor’s cautious approach even signal an early general election?

Hosted by Johann Tasker, with Hugh Broom and Louise Impey.

Guest speakers
Tom Bradshaw – President, National Farmers’ Union (NFU)
Gavin Lane – President, Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
Sam Kirkham – Partner and Head of Farms and Estates, Albert Goodman

Chapters
00:00 – Autumn Budget: What does it mean for farmers?
01:17 – Sam Kirkham: A Budget that fails to encourage investment
02:41 – Tom Bradshaw: Farmers feel abandoned
05:17 – Gavin Lane: A missed opportunity for rural growth
06:55 – Inheritance tax: Has the government closed the door?
09:41 – Food inflation and the cost of production
10:26 – Red diesel and fertiliser: Will tax relief make a difference?
12:01 – Rural energy costs: Who benefits from the Budget?
13:45 – Business rates: Welcome relief for farm diversification
15:31 – Biodiversity net gain: Has the market been undermined?
18:16 – Farm profitability and the future of food security
22:18 – What does the government want from the countryside?
24:05 – Practical advice: What should farmers do now?
25:54 – Hugh Broom and Louise Impey deliver their verdict
29:15 – Could a cautious Budget signal an early election?
31:12 – Can the government deliver growth while ignoring farming?
33:40 – Final verdict: A missed opportunity for agriculture

Useful links

- HM Treasury – Autumn 2026 Budgets Documents
- Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)
- National Farmers’ Union (NFU)
- Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
- Albert Goodman – Accountants and Business Advisers
- Farmers Weekly – Latest farming news and analysis

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

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

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. 

Has the government missed another opportunity to support British farming?
In this special edition of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine Chancellor John Healey&rsquo;s Autumn Budget and ask what it really means for farmers, food production and the wider rural economy.
The Chancellor extended the fuel duty cut on red diesel, temporarily suspended tariffs on fertiliser and heating oil, and announced business rates relief that could benefit farm shops.
But with farm profitability under severe pressure, inheritance tax reforms unchanged and food production costs continuing to rise, industry leaders say the Budget offers little encouragement.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw warns that farmers feel abandoned by a government that repeatedly promises to make food security a national priority.
Country Land and Business Association president Gavin Lane says the Budget represents a missed opportunity to stimulate rural economic growth,
Meanwhile, agricultural accountant Sam Kirkham, partner and head of farms at Albert Goodman, urges farming businesses to keep a close watch on cash flow.
We also examine changes to biodiversity net gain, the outlook for food price inflation and the political calculations behind what some describe as a surprisingly benign Budget.
Could the Chancellor&rsquo;s cautious approach even signal an early general election?
Hosted by Johann Tasker, with Hugh Broom and Louise Impey.
Guest speakers Tom Bradshaw &ndash; President, National Farmers&rsquo; Union (NFU) Gavin Lane &ndash; President, Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Sam Kirkham &ndash; Partner and Head of Farms and Estates, Albert Goodman
Chapters 00:00 &ndash; Autumn Budget: What does it mean for farmers? 01:17 &ndash; Sam Kirkham: A Budget that fails to encourage investment 02:41 &ndash; Tom Bradshaw: Farmers feel abandoned 05:17 &ndash; Gavin Lane: A missed opportunity for rural growth 06:55 &ndash; Inheritance tax: Has the government closed the door? 09:41 &ndash; Food inflation and the cost of production 10:26 &ndash; Red diesel and fertiliser: Will tax relief make a difference? 12:01 &ndash; Rural energy costs: Who benefits from the Budget? 13:45 &ndash; Business rates: Welcome relief for farm diversification 15:31 &ndash; Biodiversity net gain: Has the market been undermined? 18:16 &ndash; Farm profitability and the future of food security 22:18 &ndash; What does the government want from the countryside? 24:05 &ndash; Practical advice: What should farmers do now? 25:54 &ndash; Hugh Broom and Louise Impey deliver their verdict 29:15 &ndash; Could a cautious Budget signal an early election? 31:12 &ndash; Can the government deliver growth while ignoring farming? 33:40 &ndash; Final verdict: A missed opportunity for agriculture
Useful links
- <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-documents-for-budget-2026">HM Treasury &ndash; Autumn 2026 Budgets Documents</a> - <a href="https://⁠obr.uk">Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)</a> - <a href="https://⁠www.nfuonline.com">National Farmers&rsquo; Union (NFU)</a> - <a href="https://⁠www.cla.org.uk">Country Land and Business Association (CLA)</a> - <a href="https://⁠www.albertgoodman.co.uk">Albert Goodman &ndash; Accountants and Business Advisers</a> - <a href="https://⁠www.fwi.co.uk">Farmers Weekly &ndash; Latest farming news and analysis</a>
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -
Contact or follow Johann: <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 <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.&nbsp;

Autumn Budget Special: Hit or miss for farming?

Farm leaders are calling for an urgent rethink of inheritance tax and investment allowances ahead of the autumn Budget on 28 October.

With farm investment stalling and confidence at a low ebb, the NFU and major supermarket chains are urging the government to introduce tax reforms that could unlock billions of pounds of private investment in UK agriculture.

CLA chief tax adviser Louise Speke explains why changes to inheritance tax and capital allowances could help farmers invest in machinery, buildings and reservoirs – without requiring major government spending.

We visit Lincolnshire potato grower Alex Godfrey, who explains how drought, soaring fuel costs and increasingly unpredictable weather are making potato production more challenging.

With irrigation and storage requiring substantial investment, growers want greater certainty over water supplies and future contracts.

Meanwhile, McCain’s latest FarmDex report highlights growing concerns about extreme weather, rising costs and government policy.

We also examine the government’s plans to encourage organic farming, the newly agreed sugar beet price for 2027-28 and the latest livestock, grain and fuel markets.

And Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie Ireland make a surprise appearance at the Conservative Party conference, highlighting the financial pressures facing British farmers.

Plus, our autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines herbicide resistance and how growers can protect the effectiveness of weed control programmes.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: What farming needs from the autumn Budget
01:28 – Farm tax reform: NFU and CLA call for investment incentives
02:03 – Louise Speke: Inheritance tax and capital allowances
05:45 – Farm investment stalls amid policy uncertainty
11:08 – Food security and the case for government action
16:41 – Autumn drilling update: Herbicide resistance and Italian ryegrass
18:59 – Potato harvest: Drought, irrigation and rising production costs
22:31 – Why growers need better access to water
23:46 – Lessons from a challenging potato harvest
26:27 – McCain FarmDex: Farmers struggle with costs and uncertainty
29:24 – Farmers Weekly journalists celebrate industry awards
31:30 – Hedgehog decline: The debate over farming and badgers
34:29 – Organic farming: Government plans to expand production
37:58 – Sugar beet: New 2027-28 price agreement
40:40 – Markets: Beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel
43:08 – Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie at the Conservative Party conference
45:37 – Farming policy and the future of environmental regulation
49:12 – Conclusion: What next for British farming?

Special guests:

Louise Speke – Chief tax adviser, Country Land and Business Association.
Jenny Deakin – Bayer Crop Science.
Alex Godfrey – Potato grower, Lincolnshire.

Useful links:

National Farmers’ Union – Farming policy and campaigns
Country Land and Business Association – Taxation and rural business policy
HM Treasury – Government Budgets and financial statements
HMRC – Agricultural Property Relief
HMRC – Annual Investment Allowance
GB Potatoes – Potato industry information
AHDB – Agricultural market intelligence

This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty.

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

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

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. 

Farm leaders are calling for an urgent rethink of inheritance tax and investment allowances ahead of the autumn Budget on 28 October.
With farm investment stalling and confidence at a low ebb, the NFU and major supermarket chains are urging the government to introduce tax reforms that could unlock billions of pounds of private investment in UK agriculture.
CLA chief tax adviser Louise Speke explains why changes to inheritance tax and capital allowances could help farmers invest in machinery, buildings and reservoirs &ndash; without requiring major government spending.
We visit Lincolnshire potato grower Alex Godfrey, who explains how drought, soaring fuel costs and increasingly unpredictable weather are making potato production more challenging.
With irrigation and storage requiring substantial investment, growers want greater certainty over water supplies and future contracts.
Meanwhile, McCain&rsquo;s latest FarmDex report highlights growing concerns about extreme weather, rising costs and government policy.
We also examine the government&rsquo;s plans to encourage organic farming, the newly agreed sugar beet price for 2027-28 and the latest livestock, grain and fuel markets.
And Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie Ireland make a surprise appearance at the Conservative Party conference, highlighting the financial pressures facing British farmers.
Plus, our autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines herbicide resistance and how growers can protect the effectiveness of weed control programmes.
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Introduction: What farming needs from the autumn Budget 01:28 &ndash; Farm tax reform: NFU and CLA call for investment incentives 02:03 &ndash; Louise Speke: Inheritance tax and capital allowances 05:45 &ndash; Farm investment stalls amid policy uncertainty 11:08 &ndash; Food security and the case for government action 16:41 &ndash; Autumn drilling update: Herbicide resistance and Italian ryegrass 18:59 &ndash; Potato harvest: Drought, irrigation and rising production costs 22:31 &ndash; Why growers need better access to water 23:46 &ndash; Lessons from a challenging potato harvest 26:27 &ndash; McCain FarmDex: Farmers struggle with costs and uncertainty 29:24 &ndash; Farmers Weekly journalists celebrate industry awards 31:30 &ndash; Hedgehog decline: The debate over farming and badgers 34:29 &ndash; Organic farming: Government plans to expand production 37:58 &ndash; Sugar beet: New 2027-28 price agreement 40:40 &ndash; Markets: Beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel 43:08 &ndash; Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie at the Conservative Party conference 45:37 &ndash; Farming policy and the future of environmental regulation 49:12 &ndash; Conclusion: What next for British farming?
Special guests:
Louise Speke &ndash; Chief tax adviser, Country Land and Business Association. Jenny Deakin &ndash; Bayer Crop Science. Alex Godfrey &ndash; Potato grower, Lincolnshire.
Useful links:
<a href="https://www.nfuonline.com">National Farmers&rsquo; Union &ndash; Farming policy and campaigns</a> <a href="https://www.cla.org.uk">Country Land and Business Association &ndash; Taxation and rural business policy</a> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-treasury">HM Treasury &ndash; Government Budgets and financial statements</a> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/agricultural-relief-inheritance-tax">HMRC &ndash; Agricultural Property Relief</a> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/capital-allowances/annual-investment-allowance">HMRC &ndash; Annual Investment Allowance</a> <a href="https://www.gb-potatoes.co.uk">GB Potatoes &ndash; Potato industry information</a> <a href="https://ahdb.org.uk">AHDB &ndash; Agricultural market intelligence</a>
This episode is brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk">Bayer Crop Science</a> &ndash; weeding out uncertainty.
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -
Contact or follow Johann: <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 <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.&nbsp;

Farm tax breaks, potato harvest, organics, and Clarkson at Tory conference

Soaring diesel prices are putting fresh pressure on farm businesses – and the outlook suggests volatility could continue well into 2027.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine what is driving the surge in fuel costs, whether farmers should buy now or wait, and how hedging and reducing diesel use could help manage the risk.

We also ask whether artificial intelligence could eventually replace your agronomist after Bedfordshire grower Andrew Robinson handed control of a winter wheat fungicide programme to AI.

Plus, we hear from some of the winners at the 2026 Farmers Weekly Awards, discuss the latest debate over rural Britain and farm policy, bring you our weekly market round-up, and unveil Farmers Weekly Live – a new farm business event coming to Stoneleigh Park in July 2027.

The episode also includes the Farmers Weekly Autumn Drilling Update, in association with Bayer Crop Science.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction
00:53 – Why diesel prices are soaring
03:59 – Should farmers buy diesel now or wait?
06:33 – What expensive diesel means for farming
14:10 – Autumn Drilling Update
17:02 – Can AI replace your agronomist?
19:05 – How AI could change agronomy
24:36 – This week in farming
27:37 – Rural Britain and Westminster
31:17 – Farming and the UK’s relationship with Europe
34:05 – Markets
36:38 – Farmers Weekly Live launches
43:01 – Podcast close

Guests

Patrick Crean – fuel procurement manager, AF Group
Jenny Deakin – Bayer Crop Science
Andrew Robinson – Bedfordshire arable farmer
Andrew Meredith – editor, Farmers Weekly
Dan Smith – managing director, Farmers Weekly
Presented by: Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.

Useful links

Farmers Weekly Live – 6-7 July 2027, NAEC Stoneleigh
Details of the new event and registration of interest.  
⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/farmers-weekly-live

Red diesel price volatility hits autumn fieldwork
Farmers Weekly’s report on the sharp rise in fuel costs and the implications for autumn operations.  
⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/red-diesel-price-volatility-hits-autumn-fieldwork

Farmers Weekly Awards 2026 winners
The full list of this year’s winners, including Farm Manager of the Year Will Jones and Environmental Champion Colin Chappell.  
⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/past-winners-2026

Alistair Leake – Lifetime Achievement Award
Farmers Weekly profile of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement winner.  
⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/farmers-weekly-awards-2026-lifetime-achievement-winner

Bayer Crop Science – autumn grassweed management
Advice on blackgrass, Italian ryegrass and brome management in wheat.  
⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/insights/weed-management/weed-out-uncertainty

Alternator Met herbicide information
Bayer Crop Science information on autumn cereal weed control and application timings.  
⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/our-products/herbicides/alternator-met

Farmers Weekly – latest farming news, analysis and markets
⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/

Contact the podcast: podcast@fwi.co.uk
UK listeners can text FARM followed by their message to 88440.

Soaring diesel prices are putting fresh pressure on farm businesses &ndash; and the outlook suggests volatility could continue well into 2027.
In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine what is driving the surge in fuel costs, whether farmers should buy now or wait, and how hedging and reducing diesel use could help manage the risk.
We also ask whether artificial intelligence could eventually replace your agronomist after Bedfordshire grower Andrew Robinson handed control of a winter wheat fungicide programme to AI.
Plus, we hear from some of the winners at the 2026 Farmers Weekly Awards, discuss the latest debate over rural Britain and farm policy, bring you our weekly market round-up, and unveil Farmers Weekly Live &ndash; a new farm business event coming to Stoneleigh Park in July 2027.
The episode also includes the Farmers Weekly Autumn Drilling Update, in association with Bayer Crop Science.
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Introduction 00:53 &ndash; Why diesel prices are soaring 03:59 &ndash; Should farmers buy diesel now or wait? 06:33 &ndash; What expensive diesel means for farming 14:10 &ndash; Autumn Drilling Update 17:02 &ndash; Can AI replace your agronomist? 19:05 &ndash; How AI could change agronomy 24:36 &ndash; This week in farming 27:37 &ndash; Rural Britain and Westminster 31:17 &ndash; Farming and the UK&rsquo;s relationship with Europe 34:05 &ndash; Markets 36:38 &ndash; Farmers Weekly Live launches 43:01 &ndash; Podcast close
Guests
Patrick Crean &ndash; fuel procurement manager, AF Group Jenny Deakin &ndash; Bayer Crop Science Andrew Robinson &ndash; Bedfordshire arable farmer Andrew Meredith &ndash; editor, Farmers Weekly Dan Smith &ndash; managing director, Farmers Weekly Presented by: Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.
Useful links
Farmers Weekly Live &ndash; 6-7 July 2027, NAEC Stoneleigh Details of the new event and registration of interest.&nbsp; ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/farmers-weekly-live
Red diesel price volatility hits autumn fieldwork Farmers Weekly&rsquo;s report on the sharp rise in fuel costs and the implications for autumn operations.&nbsp; ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/red-diesel-price-volatility-hits-autumn-fieldwork
Farmers Weekly Awards 2026 winners The full list of this year&rsquo;s winners, including Farm Manager of the Year Will Jones and Environmental Champion Colin Chappell.&nbsp; ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/past-winners-2026
Alistair Leake &ndash; Lifetime Achievement Award Farmers Weekly profile of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement winner.&nbsp; ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/farmers-weekly-awards-2026-lifetime-achievement-winner
Bayer Crop Science &ndash; autumn grassweed management Advice on blackgrass, Italian ryegrass and brome management in wheat.&nbsp; ⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/insights/weed-management/weed-out-uncertainty
Alternator Met herbicide information Bayer Crop Science information on autumn cereal weed control and application timings.&nbsp; ⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/our-products/herbicides/alternator-met
Farmers Weekly &ndash; latest farming news, analysis and markets ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/
Contact the podcast: podcast@fwi.co.uk UK listeners can text FARM followed by their message to 88440.

Red diesel prices, Can AI replace your agronomist? & Farmers Weekly Live 

Farmers are ploughing up environmental features after thousands were shut out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive when funding ran out less than six hours after applications opened.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we hear from Lincolnshire farmer Charles Anyan as he returns buffer strips to wheat production following problems with his SFI application.

NFU vice-president Robyn Munt sets out what the union wants Defra to do next – including urgent clarity for farmers left without agreements and an earlier opening for SFI 2027.

Shadow farming minister Robbie Moore gives the Conservative response and argues that the government and Treasury must provide greater certainty over future funding.

And we visit the Allerton Project in Leicestershire, where a planned SFI agreement worth about £85,000 a year failed to get through.

Allerton head of sustainable farming Joe Stanley considers what the debacle means for environmental delivery – and whether private natural-capital markets can fill some of the funding gap.

Chapters

00:00 – SFI fallout: farmers start ploughing up environmental features
09:27 – Autumn drilling update: grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science
12:19 – NFU demands answers from Defra
25:41 – Political fallout from the SFI closure
37:18 – Markets: beef and sheep strengthen
39:42 – Allerton Project: £85,000 SFI shortfall
45:20 – What now for farm environmental policy?


Special Guests

Charles Anyan – Lincolnshire farmer
Robyn Munt – vice-president, National Farmers’ Union
Robbie Moore MP – shadow farming minister
Joe Stanley – head of sustainable farming, Allerton Project

Useful links
Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 – scheme information
Defra: SFI26 Window 2 update
Defra: SFI26 Window 2 applications and statistics
NFU: SFI scheme guidance and information
Allerton Project

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

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

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. 

Farmers are ploughing up environmental features after thousands were shut out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive when funding ran out less than six hours after applications opened.
In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we hear from Lincolnshire farmer Charles Anyan as he returns buffer strips to wheat production following problems with his SFI application.
NFU vice-president Robyn Munt sets out what the union wants Defra to do next &ndash; including urgent clarity for farmers left without agreements and an earlier opening for SFI 2027.
Shadow farming minister Robbie Moore gives the Conservative response and argues that the government and Treasury must provide greater certainty over future funding.
And we visit the Allerton Project in Leicestershire, where a planned SFI agreement worth about &pound;85,000 a year failed to get through.
Allerton head of sustainable farming Joe Stanley considers what the debacle means for environmental delivery &ndash; and whether private natural-capital markets can fill some of the funding gap.
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; SFI fallout: farmers start ploughing up environmental features 09:27 &ndash; Autumn drilling update: grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science 12:19 &ndash; NFU demands answers from Defra 25:41 &ndash; Political fallout from the SFI closure 37:18 &ndash; Markets: beef and sheep strengthen 39:42 &ndash; Allerton Project: &pound;85,000 SFI shortfall 45:20 &ndash; What now for farm environmental policy? 
Special Guests
Charles Anyan &ndash; Lincolnshire farmer Robyn Munt &ndash; vice-president, National Farmers&rsquo; Union Robbie Moore MP &ndash; shadow farming minister Joe Stanley &ndash; head of sustainable farming, Allerton Project
Useful links
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26">Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 &ndash; scheme information</a></li>
<li><a href="https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/23/sfi26-window-2-an-update/">Defra: SFI26 Window 2 update</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sfi-uptake-september-2026-window-2/sustainable-farming-incentive-applications-window-2-september-2026">Defra: SFI26 Window 2 applications and statistics</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nfuonline.com/news/sfi-scheme-guidance-and-information/">NFU: SFI scheme guidance and information</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.allertontrust.org.uk/">Allerton Project</a></li>
</ul>
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -
Contact or follow Johann: <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 <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.&nbsp;

SFI26: Sifting through the wreckage of the Sustainable Farming Incentive

Defra is under intense pressure after the £233 million budget for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive was exhausted just five hours and 48 minutes after applications opened.

In this emergency episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, farmers describe technical problems that prevented them from submitting complete applications despite weeks of preparation – leaving some facing holes of more than £50,000 in their farm budgets.

Farm business consultant James Bush explains what went wrong, what farmers should do next and why Defra and the Rural Payments Agency need urgently to clarify what happens to those who missed out.

Podcast hosts Johan Tasker, Hugh Broom and Louise Impey discuss the wider fallout – including fears that farmers could abandon environmental measures if funding remains unavailable.

In this episode

00:00 – SFI funding exhausted in under six hours
The £233m budget disappears after applications open, leaving thousands of farmers without agreements.

00:52 – West Sussex farmers hit by application problems
Frans de Boer and Rupert Hoare describe unexplained compatibility errors, missing options and incomplete applications despite extensive preparation.

02:45 – £55,000 hole in a Cambridgeshire farm budget
Beef and arable farmer Peter Hatley explains how technical problems prevented his application and why losing expected SFI income could force major changes to his farming system.

04:14 – Dartmoor farmer loses £50,000 agreement
Matthew Cole describes spending hours preparing his upland application only for errors to prevent submission before the budget disappeared.

05:19 – Hugh and Louise react
Hugh Broom and Louise Impey discuss the stress, confusion and frustration surrounding the application window – and the consequences for farmers who missed out.

08:07 – Farm consultant James Bush: what went wrong?
James Bush, head of agriculture at GSC Grays, describes consultants preparing for a 24-hour application marathon – only to see the entire budget exhausted within six hours.

10:08 – What Defra needs to fix
Technical problems, mapping issues and the shortcomings of a highly compressed application window.

12:00 – What farmers should do next
James explains why land-use codes, land cover, digital mapping and contingency plans need to be checked ahead of any future application window.

13:07 – The particular problem facing upland farms
Why farmers in the uplands have fewer alternatives when environmental support disappears – and how one moorland agreement was left with a major funding shortfall.

15:04 – Don’t panic – but demand clarity
What farmers need to know about another SFI window and how SFI 2026 might interact with future schemes.

16:10 – Could environmental land go back into production?
Hugh warns that frustration with government schemes could encourage farmers to remove margins and other environmental measures.

19:38 – Budget, IT – and communication
Louise argues that Defra must either provide sufficient funding or redesign the scheme around the budget actually available.

21:03 – What happens next
The team looks ahead to Friday’s Farmers Weekly Podcast and further coverage of the SFI fallout.

Guests

Frans de Boer – West Sussex farmer
Rupert Hoare – West Sussex farmer
Peter Hatley – Cambridgeshire beef and arable farmer
Matthew Cole – Dartmoor farmer
James Bush – head of agriculture, GSC Grays

Useful links
Farmers Weekly – latest Sustainable Farming Incentive news and analysis
Defra – Sustainable Farming Incentive guidance
Rural Payments Agency – SFI applications and scheme information
GSC Grays – agricultural and farm business advice

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

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

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. 

Defra is under intense pressure after the &pound;233 million budget for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive was exhausted just&nbsp;five hours and 48 minutes after applications opened.
In this emergency episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, farmers describe technical problems that prevented them from submitting complete applications despite weeks of preparation &ndash; leaving some facing holes of more than &pound;50,000 in their farm budgets.
Farm business consultant James Bush explains what went wrong, what farmers should do next and why Defra and the Rural Payments Agency need urgently to clarify what happens to those who missed out.
Podcast hosts Johan Tasker, Hugh Broom and Louise Impey discuss the wider fallout &ndash; including fears that farmers could abandon environmental measures if funding remains unavailable.
In this episode
00:00 &ndash; SFI funding exhausted in under six hours The &pound;233m budget disappears after applications open, leaving thousands of farmers without agreements.
00:52 &ndash; West Sussex farmers hit by application problems Frans de Boer and Rupert Hoare describe unexplained compatibility errors, missing options and incomplete applications despite extensive preparation.
02:45 &ndash; &pound;55,000 hole in a Cambridgeshire farm budget Beef and arable farmer Peter Hatley explains how technical problems prevented his application and why losing expected SFI income could force major changes to his farming system.
04:14 &ndash; Dartmoor farmer loses &pound;50,000 agreement Matthew Cole describes spending hours preparing his upland application only for errors to prevent submission before the budget disappeared.
05:19 &ndash; Hugh and Louise react Hugh Broom and Louise Impey discuss the stress, confusion and frustration surrounding the application window &ndash; and the consequences for farmers who missed out.
08:07 &ndash; Farm consultant James Bush: what went wrong? James Bush, head of agriculture at GSC Grays, describes consultants preparing for a 24-hour application marathon &ndash; only to see the entire budget exhausted within six hours.
10:08 &ndash; What Defra needs to fix Technical problems, mapping issues and the shortcomings of a highly compressed application window.
12:00 &ndash; What farmers should do next James explains why land-use codes, land cover, digital mapping and contingency plans need to be checked ahead of any future application window.
13:07 &ndash; The particular problem facing upland farms Why farmers in the uplands have fewer alternatives when environmental support disappears &ndash; and how one moorland agreement was left with a major funding shortfall.
15:04 &ndash; Don&rsquo;t panic &ndash; but demand clarity What farmers need to know about another SFI window and how SFI 2026 might interact with future schemes.
16:10 &ndash; Could environmental land go back into production? Hugh warns that frustration with government schemes could encourage farmers to remove margins and other environmental measures.
19:38 &ndash; Budget, IT &ndash; and communication Louise argues that Defra must either provide sufficient funding or redesign the scheme around the budget actually available.
21:03 &ndash; What happens next The team looks ahead to Friday&rsquo;s Farmers Weekly Podcast and further coverage of the SFI fallout.
Guests
Frans de Boer &ndash; West Sussex farmer Rupert Hoare &ndash; West Sussex farmer Peter Hatley &ndash; Cambridgeshire beef and arable farmer Matthew Cole &ndash; Dartmoor farmer James Bush &ndash; head of agriculture, GSC Grays
Useful links
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/">Farmers Weekly</a> &ndash; latest Sustainable Farming Incentive news and analysis</li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs">Defra</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26/sfi26-scheme-rules-and-guidance">Sustainable Farming Incentive guidance</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/rural-payments-agency">Rural Payments Agency</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sustainable-farming-incentive-guidance-for-applicants-and-agreement-holders">SFI applications and scheme information</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gscgrays.co.uk/services/farm-business-consultancy/">GSC Grays</a> &ndash; agricultural and farm business advice</li>
</ul>
This emergency episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -
Contact or follow Johann: <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 <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.&nbsp;

Emergency Episode: SFI26 funding gone in under six hours – what now?

Farmers face a race to secure funding when the Sustainable Farming Incentive reopens – with warnings that the available money could be allocated within just 24 hours.

We look at how to prepare an SFI26 application, why growers should resist simply chasing grant money and what could happen to farmers whose existing agreements prevent them joining this time around.

Sugar beet growers face another period of uncertainty after price negotiations between NFU Sugar and British Sugar break down. With the 2027/28 contract heading to arbitration, we ask whether the crop can continue to earn its place in the rotation.

After one of the earliest maize harvests on record, we examine maize quality, forage shortages and why regular silage analysis could prove particularly important this winter.

And former farm minister Daniel Zeichner gives an extraordinary account of life inside Defra – including his claim that he knew nothing about the government’s inheritance tax changes until after they were announced in the 2024 Budget.

This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction
01:09 – SFI26: will the money run out in 24 hours?
08:01 – SFI: preparing for the scramble
14:21 – Autumn drilling update: managing dry seedbeds
16:56 – Sugar beet price talks head to arbitration
20:50 – Does sugar beet have a future?
25:39 – Around the farming world
30:01 – Maize harvest: quantity versus quality
34:25 – Markets: livestock up, grain down and diesel jumps
36:46 – Daniel Zeichner: what really happened inside Defra?
44:20 – Abi Kay on an extraordinary interview

Special Guests

Chloe Timberlake – farm business adviser, Ceres Rural
Nick Scantlebury – senior farms manager, Elveden Estate
Neil Groom – maize specialist, Grainseed
Daniel Zeichner MP – former Defra farm minister
Abi Kay – Farmers Weekly chief reporter

Useful links

Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026
SFI26 Window 2 update
Sugar beet price arbitration
British Sugar’s Cantley plans
Bovine TB transmission research
Daniel Zeichner interview

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

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

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. 

Farmers face a race to secure funding when the Sustainable Farming Incentive reopens &ndash; with warnings that the available money could be allocated within just 24 hours.
We look at how to prepare an SFI26 application, why growers should resist simply chasing grant money and what could happen to farmers whose existing agreements prevent them joining this time around.
Sugar beet growers face another period of uncertainty after price negotiations between NFU Sugar and British Sugar break down. With the 2027/28 contract heading to arbitration, we ask whether the crop can continue to earn its place in the rotation.
After one of the earliest maize harvests on record, we examine maize quality, forage shortages and why regular silage analysis could prove particularly important this winter.
And former farm minister <a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/farm-policy/zeichner-lifts-the-lid-on-life-inside-defra">Daniel Zeichner gives an extraordinary account of life inside Defra</a> &ndash; including his claim that he knew nothing about the government&rsquo;s inheritance tax changes until after they were announced in the 2024 Budget.
This episode is brought to you by <a href="https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/">Bayer Crop Science &ndash; weeding out uncertainty</a>.
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Introduction 01:09 &ndash; SFI26: will the money run out in 24 hours? 08:01 &ndash; SFI: preparing for the scramble 14:21 &ndash; Autumn drilling update: managing dry seedbeds 16:56 &ndash; Sugar beet price talks head to arbitration 20:50 &ndash; Does sugar beet have a future? 25:39 &ndash; Around the farming world 30:01 &ndash; Maize harvest: quantity versus quality 34:25 &ndash; Markets: livestock up, grain down and diesel jumps 36:46 &ndash; Daniel Zeichner: what really happened inside Defra? 44:20 &ndash; Abi Kay on an extraordinary interview
Special Guests
Chloe Timberlake &ndash; farm business adviser, <a href="https://ceresrural.co.uk/">Ceres Rural</a> Nick Scantlebury &ndash; senior farms manager, <a href="https://www.elveden.com/">Elveden Estate</a> Neil Groom &ndash; maize specialist, <a href="https://www.grainseed.co.uk/">Grainseed</a> Daniel Zeichner MP &ndash; former Defra farm minister Abi Kay &ndash; Farmers Weekly chief reporter
Useful links
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26">Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026</a> <a href="https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/29/sfi26-update-window-1-now-closed/">SFI26 Window 2 update</a> <a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/sugar-beet-price-sent-to-arbitration-after-talks-stall?fw_source=home_arable">Sugar beet price arbitration</a> <a href="https://www.britishsugar.co.uk/media/news/2026-07-21-british-sugar-proposes-reduction-in-operational-footprint-to-support-long-term-competitiveness">British Sugar&rsquo;s Cantley plans</a> <a href="fwi.co.uk/livestock/health-welfare/livestock-diseases/bovine-tb/tb-sequencing-points-to-greater-risk-from-cattle-movement?fw_source=home_livestock&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com">Bovine TB transmission research</a> <a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/farm-policy/zeichner-lifts-the-lid-on-life-inside-defra">Daniel Zeichner interview</a>
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -
Contact or follow Johann: <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 <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.&nbsp;

SFI scramble, sugar beet arbitration, maize quality, & Daniel Zeichner on life inside Defra

In an exclusive interview with Farmers Weekly's Abi Kay, former farm minister Daniel Zeichner gives an extraordinary account of life inside Defra. 

Revelations include Mr Zeichner's claim that as a minister he knew nothing about government plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers until after they were announced in the 2024 Budget.

He says he was then “dutifully dispatched to defend” the policy to furious farmers.

Mr Zeichner also admits that Labour was not sufficiently prepared for government when it was elected in July 2024.

He says he was unable to tell farmers the “full story” about problems with the government's flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which ran out of money in March 2025.

He also describes feeling “man-marked” by Treasury officials he had never met – and says the government should have foreseen the trouble its inheritance tax plans caused.

Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

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

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

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. 

In an exclusive interview with Farmers Weekly's Abi Kay, former farm minister <a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/farm-policy/zeichner-lifts-the-lid-on-life-inside-defra">Daniel Zeichner gives an extraordinary account of life inside Defra</a>.&nbsp;
Revelations include Mr Zeichner's claim that as a minister he knew nothing about government plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers until after they were announced in the 2024 Budget.
He says he was then &ldquo;dutifully dispatched to defend&rdquo; the policy to furious farmers.
Mr Zeichner also admits that Labour was not sufficiently prepared for government when it was elected in July 2024.
He says he was unable to tell farmers the &ldquo;full story&rdquo; about problems with the government's flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which ran out of money in March 2025.
He also describes feeling &ldquo;man-marked&rdquo; by Treasury officials he had never met &ndash; and says the government should have foreseen the trouble its inheritance tax plans caused.
Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.
To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -
Contact or follow Johann: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/">linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/</a>
Contact or follow Abi: <a href="https://uk.linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130">uk.linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130</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>. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.&nbsp;

Abi Kay's Big Questions: Former minister Daniel Zeichner lifts the lid on life inside Defra.

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

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