Put your thoughts into the mix
This week on the podcast, we’re tackling two big talking points in farming — one heated debate, and one devastating disease.
First up: children on farms. After Farmers Weekly ran a piece comparing farm kids to Victorian chimney sweeps, the backlash was fierce.
We're asking are the clickbait headlines distracting from farming’s real health and safety issues? Do farm kids grow up safer and more risk-aware, or should children be kept away from farm work altogether? And is comparing supervised help to slave labour just a step too far?
Then, in part two: bovine TB hits Clarkson’s Farm. It’s an old story for farmers, but the Clarkson name has thrust TB into the mainstream. We break down what TB actually is, why farms go into ‘lockdown’, and the devastating financial and emotional toll it takes — with average costs topping £20,000 per farm and some losing hundreds of thousands.
We look at the testing system (and its failings), the need for better science, and the ongoing battle over badger culling. With more than 13,000 cattle slaughtered in 2024 — the highest on record — TB remains farming’s most painful, costly and controversial challenge.
Two topics, plenty of opinions, and the usual Wilson & Ashley honesty.
Thank you to our contributors on this week's episode:
Abi Coombes
Andrew Meredith
Charles Goadby
Steve Evans
Gareth Wyn Jones
Maria Warne
Sophie Bell
Hannah Jackson
https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/farm-safety-stars-free-e-learning-course-helps-protect-children-on-farms?fw_source=home_business
If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or a take of your own… Slide into the DMs or drop us a voice note — we want your thoughts in the mix!
Subscribe now and let’s get into it!
@wilsonandashley
@rebeccawilsonfarming
@charlotteashleyfarm
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