Shows
The CountryThe Country 17/07/25: Abbi Ayre talks to Jamie MackayThis month’s Farmstrong farmer hails from Reefton, where she and her husband are dairy farmers. She talks about shed shouts, and super yachts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-07-1705 min
The SuccessionReady PodcastSuccessionReady – The Client ExperienceIn this episode, co-hosts James Grieve and Ashka Wirk are joined by Halee Fried. Halee is the founder of a family-owned business, Farmstrong Cider Company, located in Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada. Halee and her family were early adopter clients of the SuccessionReady approach to succession planning. Halee shares her experience with founding and growing Farmstrong, her succession planning experience with SuccessionReady, and her advice to other founders thinking about succession planning for their businesses.2025-07-1025 min
Message From the House: With the MajorityWhy Ohio Farmers Say This Bill Is a Game-Changer | MFTH Ep. 13In this episode of Messages from the House, Representative Bob Peterson and Whitney Bowers from the Ohio Farm Bureau dive into Senate Bill 100 — a groundbreaking effort to help Ohio farmers and rural small business owners access affordable health care in what Rep. Peterson calls “the most important agriculture bill” of the General Assembly — find out why.
Health coverage is one of the biggest barriers to staying on the farm. SB 100 creates a new health plan tailored to the unique needs of the agricultural community, allowing farm families to get the care they need without leaving the land they lov...2025-07-0322 min
Salt of the Earth Farm StoriesEp 57: The Unbreakable Farmer - Warren DaviesWarren Davis, known as The Unbreakable Farmer, has a raw and powerful story.City-born but drawn to the land, he bought his first farm at 22. When drought and hardship hit, so did a mental health crisis.Walking off the farm after 20 years was heartbreaking—but it became the turning point.Now, Warren shares his story across Australia, helping rural communities build resilience, open up, and seek support when they need it most.To find out more about Warren visit www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.auIf you need support, please reach ou...2025-06-1240 minThe CountryThe Country 12/06/25: Samuel Whitelock talks to Jamie MackayAn All Blacks legend talks about life after rugby. He also celebrates Farmstrong’s 10th anniversary and how he’s been an ambassador for the nationwide rural wellbeing programme for nine of those years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-1204 min
The Beer Craft, Beer and Brewing PodcastBrewing for FlavorWe are once again throwing a certain piece of German legislation out the window. This week, we’re joined in the studio by Alex Neff, brewer at Farmstrong Brewing Co. in Mt. Vernon. Alex reached out to us to talk about brewing for flavor rather than style — and let’s just say, we were already pouring a pint before he finished the sentence. In this episode, we dive into creative ingredient selection, yeast-driven flavor profiles, and what happens when you add coffee, herbs, or fruit post-fermentation. We talk about balance, complexity, and why breaking the “style rules” often leads...2025-06-121h 16
Utah Hockey Podcast#42: “FARM STRONG” NHL Prospect Talks Meeting With Utah Mammoth + Shares Message WITH Fans“FARM STRONG” NHL Prospect Talks Meeting With Utah Mammoth + Shares Message WITH Fans-Combine Breakdown-Take Me To Dinner First-The Enemy of My Enemy-Planting Seeds of Interest-#FARMSTRONG2025-06-1132 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandCome Ashore, Come Ashore with Russ Mill and Glen McLellanIn a first for Blether Together, we are joined by not one but two guests for a lively, warm and open conversation.Host Sarah Stephen met with Russ Mill and Glen McLellan to find out more about the annual Come Ashore Cup, taking place on Saturday 7th June at Orkney Rugby Club.The event was set up in 2022 by Russ, in memory of his cousin and popular Caithness farmer Alexander Mill who sadly died by suicide in 2021. Tune in to hear Sarah, Russ and Glen discuss just how important social events like this one are...2025-05-3027 minThe CountryThe Country 23/05/25: Kane Brisco talks to Jamie MackayThis month’s Farmstrong farmer and champion is a well-known Taranaki cow cocky and author of the best selling book Tools for the Top Paddock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2304 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandEvery day is a school day, with Wallace CurrieThis #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we're excited to share a brand new podcast episode featuring someone who embodies what Farmstrong's Five Ways to Wellbeing are all about.In this powerful episode, host Sarah Stephen chats with Wallace Currie, a 28-year-old farmer’s son, who shares his journey of resilience, vulnerability, and growth. Wallace shares how creating his own podcast Rural2Kitchen, supporting the Young Farmers, taking notice of the world around him, and embracing continuous learning have become the cornerstones of his approach to wellbeing.Fresh from completing a daring abseiling challenge to raise awareness and funds for Fa...2025-05-1636 min
Shut Up & ListenKyle Alan HobbsKyle Alan Hobbs is a Bellingham-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist blending cosmic country with a psychedelic twist. Born in Memphis and raised across Florida and California, Hobbs’s music reflects a restless, exploratory spirit grounded in American roots.A self-taught musician, Hobbs grew from a ska- and punk-loving teen into a genre-blending artist—pulling influence from J Dilla’s beats, Brian Eno’s atmospheres, and the twang of classic country. But it was Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds that became his compass, guiding him toward the haunting, heartfelt sounds of Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard, and John Prine.2025-05-1544 min
Rush Hour AgLouie's Legacy, Zumbach History & Stepped Up BasisIn Episode 2 of Rush Hour Ag, we turn the mic toward co-host Louie Zumbach—a lifelong Iowan, farmer, former legislator, and passionate advocate for agriculture.
Louie shares his story from growing up on a multi-generational farm to serving in the Iowa House of Representatives. We dive into his deep family roots in farming, what drove him into public service, and how those experiences shape his perspective today.
We also unpack one of the most critical topics in ag policy: the stepped-up basis. Louie breaks down what it means, why it matters to family farms, and how policy decisions in D.C...2025-05-1436 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandMindset special, with Kirsty Ritchie of Mind & MissionIn this bonus episode of Blether Together, Rebecca Dawes talks to Kirsty Ritchie of Mind & Mission where she explains more on the twelve different ways of thinking, how our mindsets are influenced, and how we can change the way we think to give us a more positive outlook on life. How you think is how you feel! Listen in to find out what kind of thinker you are, and for tips on the ways you could improve your mindset by adapting your thinking.Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families t...2025-05-1233 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandStress Spotlight Special, with Dr Heather Meikle, Senior Counselling PsychologistIn this bonus episode of Blether Together, to tie in with Stress Awareness Month, host Sarah Stephen met with Dr Heather Meikle, Senior Counselling Psychologist at First Psychology and Wellbeing Advisor at Farmstrong Scotland, to discuss tips on combatting stress - especially important at busy times of year such as lambing and calving.From our research, farmers and crofters across Scotland have told us that stress is something they'd like to be able to handle better. In response to this, with the help of our psychology expert Heather we have created some detailed resources on how we...2025-04-1617 minThe CountryThe Country 16/04/25: Geoff Spark talks to Rowena DuncumCanterbury dairy farmer and Farmstrong champion, who was heavily involved in the recent "Harvesting Health" evening – a joint effort between Rural Support Trust and Farmstrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-1607 min
R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All InR2Kast 317 - Alix Ritchie on Grassland, Curriculum Change, and FarmStrong ScotlandToday we welcome Alix Ritchie onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A true stalwart of Scottish agriculture, Alix shares her remarkable journey—from a childhood on a non-working farm to becoming a respected voice in rural education and mental well-being. 🌿Alix and her husband John run Montalt Farm in Perthshire, where they focus on regenerative grazing, reducing inputs, and aiming to farm without subsidies. 🐑 Their system includes Solaris and Simmental-cross cattle, alongside easy-care sheep, all raised with low-intervention methods and strong emphasis on soil health. 🚜✨We explore Alix’s career journey, from SAYFC to QMS, where she led the de...2025-04-041h 04
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandMind over matter, with Callum LindsayWhen Callum and his wife Zara moved to the Isle of Arran to start farming in their own right back in 2023, they imagined the hardest bit would be adjusting to island life in a new community. Five months after they moved, Callum sustained life-changing injuries in an ATV accident.In this podcast episode, Blether Together host Sarah Stephen caught up with Callum to find out how he and his family have worked through the upheaval of the accident, and the tools Callum has used to stay positive despite his challenging recovery…Farmstrong Scotland is an in...2025-03-2944 minThe CountryThe Country 26/03/25: Stephen Crossan talks to Jamie MackayThis month's Farmstrong farmer is a Bay of Plenty kiwifruit spraying contractor who organises the annual Dairy Farmers v Hort Growers cricket match in Te Puke to get farmers and growers off-farm for a day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-2604 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandSleep Special: Make Sleep Health a Priority, with Head of Sleep Action Alyson O'BrienIn this bonus episode of Blether Together, to tie in with World Sleep Day 2025 - 'Make Sleep Health a Priority' host Sarah Stephen met with Alyson O'Brien, Head of Sleep Action to discuss tips on getting a better nights sleep, especially important at busy times of year such as lambing and calving.From our research, farmers and crofters across Scotland have told us that getting the right amount of good quality sleep can be challenging. In response to this, with the help of our sleep expert Alyson we have created some detailed resources on how we can a...2025-03-1123 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandFinding Resilience, with Michael GoldieMichael Goldie is a fifth generation farmer and breeds pedigree Suffolk sheep along with his mum Helen, who started breeding the flock 60 years ago. Michael also works as an agent for NFU Mutual and NFU Scotland, which is where he believes part of his resilience and recovery strategy came from when, earlier this year, his flock was unfortunately hit with the Schmallenberg Virus resulting in him losing around 70% of his lamb crop. Michael discusses with host Sarah Stephen, how he dealt with the situation physically and mentally, and how making a plan of recovery early on has h...2025-02-2721 minThe CountryThe Country 27/02/25: James Bruce talks to Jamie MackayThis month's Farmstrong Farmer is a rugby-playing, horse-riding, Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-2705 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandBonus episode: Webinar recording - Give Wellbeing a Sporting Chance with Stafford McDowallListen to the recording of the last in our winter webinar series, Give Wellbeing a Sporting Chance, when we speak to Scottish rugby sensation, Stafford McDowall. Stafford had his name down to study agriculture at Newcastle University as an 18-year-old, but he deferred the place while he tried to break into the professional rugby ranks, juggling training sessions with farm jobs. The chance to make rugby his livelihood did come knocking during that gap year out and Stafford headed for the bright lights of Glasgow and a life away from the family farm which stands a...2025-02-1854 min
The Whole Story29. Farmstrong with Gerard VaughanIn this episode Becks sits down with Gerard Vaughan from Farmstrong. Gerard is Farmstrong’s programme director and he helped design and establish the programme in 2015 . He now oversees its research and education initiatives and is passionate about turning the science of wellbeing into practical tools and resources for busy farmers.Farmstrong is a nationwide wellbeing programme for the rural community with the aim of supporting farmers to “live well to farm well” and in this episode Gerard shares with us why looking after your mental wellbeing is not a positive for you, but also a...2025-02-1046 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandWellbeing on Wheels, with Rob WainwrightIn this episode of Blether Together, host Sarah Stephen caught up with Rob Wainwright OBE before he sets off on Doddie's Grand Tour 2025 - an 800-mile charity cycle from Dublin to Edinburgh to raise money for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.Rob relocated to the Isle of Coll in the 90's to farm with his family after his rugby career as a Scotland international came to an end. Listen in to the podcast to find out more about island farming, Rob's passion for looking after his wellbeing, and raising money for charities close to his heart.2025-02-0428 min
Scotland's Farm Advisory Service PodcastAgri Culture - SAYFC RespectMary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Ally Brunton chair of SAYFC and Jillian Kennedy, SAYFC Vice chair. They both talk about their time in young farmers and the experiences and benefits of being in the club. They also tell us about the SAYFC Respect campaign which was launched at the Highland Show in 2024, which aims to allow every member to contribute to SAYFC as a safe, inclusive, fun environment for young people. This episode discusses themes around mental wellbeing and suicide, please listen with care. Resources The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs | SAYFC SAYFC f...2025-01-1637 min
Agri CultureSAYFC RespectMary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Ally Brunton chair of SAYFC and Jillian Kennedy, SAYFC Vice chair. They both talk about their time in young farmers and the experiences and benefits of being in the club. They also tell us about the SAYFC Respect campaign which was launched at the Highland Show in 2024, which aims to allow every member to contribute to SAYFC as a safe, inclusive, fun environment for young people. This episode discusses themes around mental wellbeing and suicide, please listen with care. Resources The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs | SAYFC SAYFC f...2025-01-1637 minThe CountryThe Country 16/01/25: Brendan Lane talks to Rowena DuncumInch Clutha dairy farmer and one of a number of farmers and growers who’ve entered the Gravel in Paradise cycling events which Farmstrong is helping to support and promote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-01-1607 min
Scotland's Farm Advisory Service PodcastStock Talk - Jock GibsonIn this podcast we hear from Jock Gibson who is a farmer and butcher. He talks about his farming system at home and how his cattle are certified with Pasture for Life. This means they are on a grassland and forage diet and are therefore slower to reach finished weights than conventional finishing systems which feed concentrate feed. Jock has native breeds of cattle to suit this system. Jock also talks about the butchery side of the business and direct selling to customers and the importance of eating quality of the meat he is selling to customers. Jock also t...2024-12-271h 08
Stock TalkJock GibsonIn this podcast we hear from Jock Gibson who is a farmer and butcher. He talks about his farming system at home and how his cattle are certified with Pasture for Life. This means they are on a grassland and forage diet and are therefore slower to reach finished weights than conventional finishing systems which feed concentrate feed. Jock has native breeds of cattle to suit this system. Jock also talks about the butchery side of the business and direct selling to customers and the importance of eating quality of the meat he is selling to customers. Jock also t...2024-12-271h 08
Talking DairySummer yarns: ‘Dairy farming saved my life’ | Bonus episodeWelcome to the first of our Talking Dairy summer yarns. In this bonus episode, we revisit a moment from the inspiring story of Emma Walton, a young contract milker from Waikato. Hear how dairy farming not only saved her life but also gave her purpose and strength. Emma shares her top strategies for coping with stress and why she thinks farming is more than just a job. Listen to the full episode here: 'Dairy farming saved my life' | DairyNZ Support resources and links:Rural Support Trust: Help an...2024-12-2211 min
Scotland's Farm Advisory Service PodcastRural Roundup - Keeping Well at ChristmasWelcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who discuss all relevant schemes and deadlines, and look ahead to Christmas in the Farming Community. FAS Resources Mental Health and Wellbeing | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service fas.scot/downloads/mental-health-and-wellbeing/ Other Resources Home - RSABI Christmas and mental health - Mind Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well Preparing for...2024-12-1819 min
The Rural RoundupKeeping Well at ChristmasWelcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who discuss all relevant schemes and deadlines, and look ahead to Christmas in the Farming Community. FAS Resources Mental Health and Wellbeing | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service fas.scot/downloads/mental-health-and-wellbeing/ Other Resources Home - RSABI Christmas and mental health - Mind Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well Preparing f...2024-12-1819 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandI'M Wellness with Iona MurrayHost Sarah Stephen caught up with Iona Murray; one half of Fed by Farmers and no stranger to podcasting, she’s on the other side of the interview this time, answering the questions instead of asking them! Iona tells us about her career, which spans being a school teacher, going to work at Dumfries House, working with Cammy Wilson at The Sheep Game, and now adding starting her own business I'M Wellness to her list of achievements, where she is a holistic health and wellness practitioner. Iona also discusses going through a tough time during the...2024-12-1725 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandKeep talking and laughing, with Jim SmithOur special Christmas bonus recording is with the one and only Jim Smith! You don’t have to be a teuchter to enjoy this, it’s got something for everyone. Jim tells Sarah about his farming background, how going to Young Farmers helped on his journey to becoming a stand-up comedian and the reason he regularly takes time out to go to the cinema or out for dinner with friends. Listen to the end for Jim’s hilarious impressions of some very well-known voices! Jim also gives some great, simple wellbeing improvement tips, a listen that's...2024-12-1728 minThe CountryThe Country 16/12/24: Marc Gascoigne talks to Jamie MackayIs a Cambridge dairy farmer and Farmstrong ambassador/champion who launches the Farmstrong playlist and offers some good advice from the mental health coal face. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-1608 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandA new perspective on farming, with Cora CooperHost Sarah Stephen talks with Cora Cooper on her journey from law graduate to partner in a farming business in Muirkirk, Ayr. Working as a team with her husband and three young children, Cora discusses their farming system of 3,500 hill ewes on over 5,000 acres of hill ground, and their passion for delivering for both nature and food production.Cora and David have built their business around their family, and Cora talks about the priorities, the challenges to get where they are and the wellbeing routine that she has implemented to make her day a bit less hectic.2024-12-0130 minThe CountryThe Country 29/11/24: Harry Gaddum talks to Jamie MackayThis month's Farmstrong farmer talks about the launch of the new book "Getting through - what it takes to recover from extreme weather events".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-11-2906 min
REXREX November 29th - NZ Olympian Melissa Galloway, Hawke's Bay Farmer Harry Gaddum and Nuffield NZ Trustee Steve WilkinsOn today's REX Daily podcast, Dom talks with NZ Olympian Melissa Galloway about her performance in the dressage event at Paris 2024, selling her Olympic ride 'Joey' and competing at the top level overseas... He talks with Hawke's Bay deer farmer Harry Gaddum about his involvement in the Farmstrong book, 'Getting Through; recovering from extreme weather events', the lasting effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and the rejuvenation of the local rural cricket team... And he talks with NZ Nuffield Trustee Steve Wilkins about the value of Nuffield scholarship and his various roles with the Foundation for Arable Research, Rural Leaders and...2024-11-2858 min
Blether Together with Farmstrong ScotlandBonus episode: Webinar recording - Give Wellbeing a Sporting Chance with Sam WhitelockListen in to the recording of our first webinar in the new series, Give Wellbeing a Sporting Chance, with Sam Whitelock.Farmstrong Chairman John Scott welcomes Sam Whitelock, farmer and New Zealand rugby player.As well as giving some insights to his impressive rugby career, Sam also gives an open and honest account of life on the farm and in particular the challenges the family faced when they suffered an outbreak of Salmonella. He speaks about how this affected both their business and wellbeing, and how it led to him getting involved in F...2024-11-1347 min
Scotland's Farm Advisory Service PodcastAgri Culture - Jim Chapman: Adapting to Life After an AccidentListener Advisory Note : This episode contains a mention of suicide, please listen with care. Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by joined by Jim Chapman, farmer and farm safety ambassador. Jim talks openly about the farm accident that changed his life when he lost his arm in a PTO shaft. He talks about the impact that had on him, and how he got through the dark times. He tells us how important the support he received from friends, family and young farmers was to him. He went on to do a Nuffield scholarship on farm safety and is now an amb...2024-11-1247 min
Scotland's Farm Advisory Service PodcastAgri Culture - Stephanie Berkeley: Yellow WelliesMary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation Stephanie Berkeley is Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, which you might know also as Yellow Wellies. The Farm Safety Foundation was established in 2014 with the aim of improving farm safety in the UK. The Foundation runs successful campaigns such as Farm Safety week and educates young farmers across the UK in colleges and young farmer clubs. Stephanie talks to us about the importance of the charity, and resources available to all farmers. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more...2024-11-1235 minAgri CultureStephanie Berkeley: Yellow WelliesMary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation Stephanie Berkeley is Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, which you might know also as Yellow Wellies. The Farm Safety Foundation was established in 2014 with the aim of improving farm safety in the UK. The Foundation runs successful campaigns such as Farm Safety week and educates young farmers across the UK in colleges and young farmer clubs. Stephanie talks to us about the importance of the charity, and resources available to all farmers. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more...2024-11-1235 minAgri CultureJim Chapman: Adapting to Life After an AccidentListener Advisory Note : This episode contains a mention of suicide, please listen with care. Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Jim Chapman, farmer and farm safety ambassador. Jim talks openly about the farm accident that changed his life when he lost his arm in a PTO shaft. He talks about the impact that had on him, and how he got through the dark times. He tells us how important the support he received from friends, family and young farmers was to him. He went on to do a Nuffield scholarship on farm safety and is now an ambassador for th...2024-11-1247 minThe CountryThe Country 04/10/24: Samuel Whitelock talks to Jamie MackayThe former All Black great and current Farmstrong Ambassador talks about life after rugby, farming in Hawkes Bay, and the PTS Logistics Charity Golf Tournament on November 21 at Wairakei.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-11-0407 min
Life is for the Living4.3 - The Bad NewsWhat do you do when you get the worst news of your life? How do you cope? Who do you tell? And how do you move forward? In this episode, guest Mara walks us through the journey to her husband's Pat diagnosis of ALS and the months after the diagnosis and they learned what their new normal was. To learn more about ALS: https://www.iamals.org/Pat's Website: https://farmstrong.info/Mara and Pat's Twitter: https://x.com/farmstronginfoTo listen via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeisfortheLivingPodcast2024-10-2116 min