Shows
Meet the FarmersFarming in Cornwall: Peter Green on Cattle, Podcasting, Family & the FutureIn this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle heads to Stithians in Cornwall to meet Peter Green, a fifth-generation farmer, Nuffield Scholar, and host of Cornish Mutual’s Farming Focus podcast. Peter shares his remarkable journey from studying physics and working as a chartered accountant, to returning home to Cornwall to rebuild the family farm after the tragic loss of his parents in 2007.Now running a grass-fed Stabiliser beef herd, Peter talks about:Transitioning from corporate life back to farmingManaging grief and responsibility following the death of his parents in a ca...2025-06-2345 min
Meet the FarmersWhat's it like to be a young farmer in Ireland? - with Sophie BellIn this episode, we’re heading to County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland to meet a next-generation voice in farming — Sophie Bell.Sophie is part of a rising wave of young farmers who are not only tackling the day-to-day challenges of running a farm, but also using social media to share their stories, connect with wider audiences, and bring attention to rural issues. From climate resilience to the pressures of food production, Sophie is navigating what it means to farm in the 21st century.In this conversation, Ben and Sophie discuss:Her jour...2025-06-1625 min
Meet the FarmersThe Challenges of Farming Alone (and some dog training tips) - Damian Barson's storyIn this episode of Meet the Farmers, we focus on the inspiring story of Damian Barson — a man who made the life-changing decision to enter the world of sheep farming in his fifties. Formerly a professional dog trainer, Damian took his first steps into agriculture in 2021. Today, he manages a flock of around 150 ewes, including Mules, Swaledales, and other breeds.Damian shares the highs and lows of his journey so far — from venturing into farming to facing the emotional toll of caring for a close friend and coping with the personal isolation that farm life can bring. This...2025-06-0945 min
Meet the FarmersBritain's Fittest Farmer and Farm Fitness - with Will ArdenIn this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle is joined by Will Arden — arable and deer farmer from Lincolnshire, founder of The Farmyard Gym, and head judge of Britain’s Fittest Farmer. With five competitions under his belt and a recent win in the men’s under-40s category, Will shares his passion for fitness, mental health, and how farmers can stay strong in both body and mind, on and off the farm.Apply for Britain's Fittest Farmer 2025 competition here - Farmers Weekly - Britain's Fittest Farmer - About the competitionImage credit: Will Arden2025-06-0221 min
Meet the FarmersFarming, Fashion and a £254,000 grant - an update from James and Katie AllenIn this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle catches up with James and Katie Allen, a dynamic couple whose journey into farming began with conservation grazing and has evolved into something much bigger. Originally featured during the Meet the Farmers on Tour series in 2019, James and Katie return to the podcast with exciting updates from their new 170-acre holding near Swindon.James and Katie have built a thriving, nature-led enterprise focused on native breed cattle and sheep.Recently, their business took a major leap forward with the opening of a new on-farm tannery and...2025-05-2637 min
Meet the FarmersThe Women Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture - with Stephanie AndersonIn this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle is joined by US author and journalist Stephanie Anderson to discuss the transformative role women are playing in regenerative agriculture. Stephanie’s latest book, From the Ground Up: The Women Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture, shines a spotlight on female farmers and changemakers who are rethinking how we grow food in the face of climate change.From battling conventional norms to pioneering new practices rooted in sustainability and equity, these women are proving that leadership in agriculture can be diverse, resilient, and regenerative. Stephanie shares intimate stories, key insights from he...2025-05-1927 min
Meet the FarmersHow do you start a farming or land based business from scratch? Alex and Emily Crawley on starting a conservation grazing businessIn this episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle sits down with Alex and Emily Crawley, co-directors of Grazing Management Limited, to explore the concept of conservation grazing and their journey starting their business. Based in the Forest of Dean, the Crawleys are using native breed cattle, sheep, and goats to deliver environmental benefits on land managed by charities, government agencies, and private owners.Neither Emily nor Alex began their careers in agriculture. Emily comes from a background in the charitable sector (and also as a pilates instructor!), while Alex transitioned from a military and diplomatic...2025-05-1250 min
Meet the FarmersPaludiculture and Wetter Farming - An Opportunity for Agriculture?Today on the show we’re talking about paludiculture. You might not have heard the term before, but paludiculture is the practice of wetland farming—essentially growing crops on rewetted lands, usually peatlands. Paludiculture is emerging as a way to restore peatlands, reduce carbon emissions, and explore the creation of new income opportunities for farmers and landowners.Peatlands play a critical role in ecosystems. They store vast amounts of carbon, support biodiversity, and regulate water levels. However, draining peatlands releases huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. The big question is: can we farm in a way that...2025-05-0529 minMeet the FarmersSoil: The World at Our Feet - an Exhibition at Somerset HouseToday’s episode takes us from the fields to the heart of London to reflect on a truly unique and thought-provoking exhibition that has just wrapped up at Somerset House in London, marking its 25th anniversary. Titled Soil: The World at Our Feet, the exhibition brought together visionary artists to reframe how we think about the ground beneath us.Far from being “just dirt,” this exhibition invited visitors to see soil as a living, breathing system—one that underpins not only agriculture but culture, climate, and community. Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld from The Land Gardeners came up with...2025-04-2125 min
Meet the FarmersCutting Inputs and Output to Increase Profitability - investigating 'The Profitable Farm' with Chris Clark and Brian ScanlonToday, we're diving into one of the most critical challenges in farming today—profitability. How do you balance the demands of business, the realities of nature, and the need to manage energy and resources sustainably at a time when income sources and profitability itself is undergoing change?To help us explore this, I’m joined by two returning guests who are tackling these questions head-on—farm consultant Chris Clark and physicist Brian Scanlon. Together, they've written a new book, very recently published by 5m books and titled The Profitable Farm: Balancing Business, Nature and Energy through MSO, which...2025-04-1437 min
Meet the FarmersCycling, Swimming and Running 550km and Raising Money for RABI - the Borderline Challenge with Hugh AddisonToday on the show, we’re diving into an incredible story of endurance, resilience, and getting behind the agricultural community. Joining Ben is Hugh Addison from Cumbria, who, with his sister Alex and a few friends, is gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime endurance challenge—which they have called the Borderline Challenge. This September, they will cycle, swim, and run a staggering 550km from Sligo in Ireland to the mouth of the Tyne in England, using nothing but human power.The challenge is also about raising vital awareness and funds for The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI)—a charit...2025-04-0727 min
Meet the FarmersHydroelectric, sheep and sustainability in Wales - with James RawWe’re in Wales for this episode and Ben's guest is James Raw - a seventh-generation farmer who runs a hill farm in the heart of the Cambrian mountains. James has implemented a range of practices and projects at his farm, including the creation of two hydro systems and a farming system that focuses on soil health and biodiversity. He was awarded the prestigious Low Impact Award in the annual M&S Select Farm Awards for England and Wales last year. In this episode Ben and James talk about James's farming journey, the changes that he has enacted on th...2025-03-3124 min
Meet the FarmersA Farm in London - with Tom DavisBen's guest today is Tom Davis who once went on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James to talk about ducks. Tom is currently Farm Manager at Mud Chute Farm which is in the heart of London on the Isle of Dogs. He’s a trustee of the British Waterfowl Association and the poultry club of Great Britain and a former trustee of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. And he’s also no stranger to the small screen, having appeared on a number of TV programmes to chat all things farming. Born and raised on a council estat...2025-03-2453 min
Meet the FarmersBorders Farm Life - with Matthew AndersonWe’re in Scotland today and Ben's guest is Matthew Anderson who until recently was farming with his Father and brother over three farms in the Scottish Borders over 660 Ha all grassland and hill land, half owned and half rented. He has now started a new farming business with his brother on about 330 ha of mostly rented ground. And to see what this looks like you can check out his youtube channel at Borders Farm Life. Today we’ll talk about his farming journey so far, we’ll talk about improving hill farm land and selecting cattle for low mainte...2025-03-1736 minMeet the FarmersLet's talk Succession - with Andy Guy and Amy FryWith inheritance tax seemingly permanently in the farming and general news at the moment we’re taking a deep dive into the topic of succession on the podcast for this episode. The newly formed Succession Alliance has come together to help farming families on their succession journey and in the episode we’ll discover what this new organisation is and who’s in it, what they’re aiming to achieve and we’ll also talk about succession in general terms and give you some ideas for how you can begin conversations with your family. We also talk about the d...2025-03-1041 minMeet the FarmersNFU Conference Review, Steve Reed and Inheritance TaxThe NFU conference on 25th February saw 700 NFU members descend on London in a change to the usual Birmingham venue. The subject that dominated was predictably inheritance tax and feelings were high in the room when Secretary of State for Defra Steve Reed gave his speech. He announced lots of additional measures but it was inheritance tax that everyone was focussed on. In this episode we review the conference with beef and sheep farmer Rebecca Morgan who is also Chair of Ludlow NFU and is on the consultancy team for agri and rural PR and marketing agency Pinstone, and...2025-03-0338 min
Meet the FarmersFarmers - What Keeps You Awake At Night? CLICK HERE for the link to take you to the survey! Grounded Research are asking for your help in building a picture of how the pressures of being a farmer in 2025 are felt differently for every farmer. They have over 500 responses so far to their question 'What keeps you awake at night?' but would like to hit the 1000 mark before the survey ends in March. Participation is entirely voluntary and you will have the option to join Grounded's research community at the end or simply contribute to this piece of research with no...2025-02-2425 min
Meet the FarmersMeet Robin Aird - Farm Manager to the Earls of Suffolk and BerkshireWe’re heading to Wiltshire today to Charlton Park Estate which is home to the Earls of Suffolk and Berkshire. Ben is joined by Robin Aird who is the Farms and Estate Manager. The farm itself is around 1450 hectares (nearly 4000 acres), a mix of arable and grassland. On top of this the farm has about 5,500 tonnes of grain storage capacity. 78 hectares of woodland and 560 hectares of environmental features are central to the estate’s conservation strategy which is made up of wild bird food areas, cover cropping, wildflower areas and grass margins. Today we’re going to hear more about...2025-02-1745 min
Meet the FarmersForward Thinking Farming on 6000 hectares - with Chris BaylisChris Baylis is Head of farming for Sir Richard Sutton Limited, which manages and owns a portfolio of trading assets and businesses in the hotels, property and farming sectors.Image credit: Chris Baylis. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also...2025-02-1031 min
Meet the FarmersDairy Farming on the Isle of Man, dung beetles and cheese tasting - with David CooilFor the Isle of Man Creamery (to sample some of their cheese) visit - The Isle of Man's leading dairy farmers - Isle of Man Creamery Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural jour...2025-02-0342 min
Meet the FarmersA regenerative journey - with Kyle Richardville and Stuart JohnsonMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at R...2025-01-2748 min
Meet the FarmersPig Farming, Diversification and the debate on inheritance tax - with Norfolk farmer Tom WrightMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at R...2025-01-2028 minMeet the FarmersSearching for Innovation at Oxford Real Farming ConferenceMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at R...2025-01-1326 min
Meet the FarmersBIG Farming Quiz of the Year 2024 - with Will Evans, Milly Fyfe, Flavian Obiero and Peter GreenPlay along with this year's quiz and let us know how you get on .You can contact Ben by emailing ben@ruralpodmedia.co.uk or follow us on Instagram or Twitter. Thank you for all your support this year! Happy Christmas and a very happy new year for 2025!We'll be back in January. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPo...2024-12-231h 09Meet the FarmersDo Big International Policy Events Matter to Farmers on the Ground? - and a review of 2024 - with Chris ManleyMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at R...2024-12-161h 05
Meet the FarmersMeet the Farm Manager of the Colman Family's Estate - Michael BallsImage credit: Michael BallsMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-12-0947 min
Meet the FarmersThe Road Towards Farming Full Time- with George SturlaImage credit: George SturlaMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-12-0229 min
Meet the FarmersLand Alive 2024 - The New Regenerative EventLand Alive took place at the Bath and West Showground on 22nd-23rd November 2024. It was organised by Sustainable Food Somerset in association with the Royal Bath and West Society. This episode was sponsored by Cornish Mutual, farming insurance experts for the south west. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Pod...2024-11-2934 minMeet the FarmersFarmers Rally in London and the Reaction Since the BudgetHuge thanks to all the farmers who took part in producing this episode. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If...2024-11-2523 min
Meet the Farmers100 Years of Biodynamic Farming: Episode 2: Biodynamic Farming Today and TomorrowThis podcast was presented and produced by Ben Eagle for RuralPod Media. To find out more about our work visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk or find our podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Special thanks to everybody who contributed to this series including Gabriel Kaye, Bernard Jarman, Berni Courts, Alison and John Chapman,Emma Hams, Gala Bailey Barker, Louisa Ellerker, Peter Darwell and Cattherine Powell. Thanks also to Hawkwood College and the Biodynamic Association. This music for the series was from Flying Heads and CW Music Productions. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Med...2024-11-2224 min
Meet the Farmers100 Years of Biodynamic Farming: Episode 1 - Biodynamic Roots: A Century of GrowthThis podcast was presented and produced by Ben Eagle for RuralPod Media. To find out more about our work Special thanks for this episode to everybody who contributed including Gabriel Kaye, Bernard Jarman, Berni Courts, Catherine Powell and Alison and John Chapman. Thanks also to Hawkwood College and the Biodynamic Association. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is th...2024-11-2229 min
Meet the FarmersFrom Pubs to Poultry - the story of Rebecca Tonks and St Ewe EggsImage credit: Rebecca TonksMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-11-1843 minMeet the FarmersPitch Up! - Hear more from farmers Tim May and John CherryPitch Up! Annual call-out to join our growing circular communities.Check out our sister show - Rural Business Focus - subscribe today on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agri...2024-11-1125 minMeet the FarmersThe Budget in Full, and news about a Regen Ag PrizeLink to Land Alive event - LandAlive | NEW Food & Farming Conference | 22-23 Nov '24Link to Roots to Regeneration - Regenerative Agriculture Training Program | Roots to Regeneration - Roots of Nature Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a free...2024-11-0425 min
Meet the FarmersGrowing Tea in Wales - with Lucy GeorgeImage credit: Lucy GeorgeLink to Land Alive event - LandAlive | NEW Food & Farming Conference | 22-23 Nov '24Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co...2024-10-2837 min
Meet the Farmers5000 acres and counting: restoring a hill and building a business - with David and Cora CooperImage credit: David and Cora CooperLink to Land Alive event - LandAlive | NEW Food & Farming Conference | 22-23 Nov '24Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at...2024-10-2152 min
Meet the FarmersChet Valley Vineyard and the Future for English Wine Making - with John HemmantYou can find out more about Chet Valley Vineyard at Norfolk Vineyard - English Wines - Vineyard holidays Tours & Stays (chetvineyard.co.uk)Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out mor...2024-10-1430 min
Meet the FarmersRobot Milking and the Future of Dairy - with Farmers Weekly Columnist Cath MorleyImage credit: Cath MorleyMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-10-0755 min
Meet the FarmersFrom Nursing to Farming - Inspired by Clarkson's Farm - with Chloe LucasImage credit: Chloe LucasMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-09-3039 min
Meet the FarmersME, PoTS and life on a Yorkshire farm - with Holly MoscropImage credit: Holly MoscropMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-09-2333 min
Meet the FarmersKeep Calm and Carry On: The Story of Growing a New Horticultural Business - with Sinead FentonImage credit: Sinead FentonMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-09-1647 min
Meet the FarmersAhead of the Sheep Field and Entering the Industry from a non farming background - with Ed MuntImage credit: Scottish Farmer (Craig Stephen); courtesy of Ed MuntMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have...2024-09-0942 minMeet the FarmersHarvest Special 2024Huge thanks to Charles, Richard, Andrew and Andrew for sending their contributions. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If yo...2024-09-0212 min
Meet the FarmersInsect Farming: The Solution for Sustainable Protein? - with David TavenorImage credit: David Tavenor. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invol...2024-08-1930 min
Meet the FarmersThe Sustainable Food and Farming Pioneer - Patrick HoldenImage credit: Sustainable Food TrustMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in gett...2024-08-1258 minMeet the FarmersInto the archive - Helen Browning and Edward VipondBen delves into the Meet the Farmers archive and digs up 2 previous episodes.Episode NotesMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or ben...2024-08-0539 minMeet the FarmersInto the archive - Amanda Owen and Tom ClarkeMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at R...2024-07-2947 minMeet the FarmersInto the archive - Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones and Anna JonesMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at R...2024-07-2241 minMeet the FarmersInto the archive - Rich Heady, Aled Evans, Jess LangtonMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at R...2024-07-1531 min
Meet the FarmersFrom fire breathing vegan to Derbyshire dairy farmer - meeting Alistair MacbethAlistair Macbeth, a mixed livestock farmer in Derbyshire, shares his journey from accidental farmer to managing a small dairy farm. The farm is located in the Peak District and is primarily focused on dairy farming, with a herd of 40 cows. Alistair also keeps Jacob sheep and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs. He and his partner Connor became farmers by chance, offering to work a few hours a week in exchange for a place to live. Over time, they took on more responsibility and now run the entire farm. Alistair also discusses his transition from being vegan to consuming meat and...2024-07-0850 min
Meet the FarmersGroundswell 2024 - How to scale regenerative agriculture?Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at R...2024-07-0135 min
Meet the FarmersInvesting in Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture - with Jake FreestoneJake Freestone, farm manager at Overbury Farms, discusses the history and operations of the farm, as well as his journey in agriculture. Overbury Farms is a diverse estate and farming business that follows regenerative farming principles. Jake emphasizes the importance of investing in the next generation of farmers and the challenges of finding and retaining good people. He also talks about his Nuffield scholarship on breaking the wheat yield plateau in the UK and the role of soil health in increasing yields and improving the environmental profile of the farm. Jake emphasizes the importance of investing in soil health...2024-06-2447 min
Meet the FarmersThe Evolution of a Dairy and Pigs Business - with Rory ChristieRory Christie, a dairy, pigs, and beef farmer from Dumfries and Galloway, shares the history and evolution of his family farm. They have a 200-sow pig business and an 1100-cow dairy enterprise. Rory discusses the use of genetic testing, AI, and embryo transfer to improve the health and performance of their herd. He also talks about his involvement in the Milk Suppliers Association, a dairy co-op that supplies milk to the creamery at Stranraer. Rory emphasizes the importance of paying farmers for the environmental goods they provide and the challenges of labor shortage and compliance in the industry.2024-06-1734 min
Meet the FarmersIntensive Poultry and Regenerative Arable - with former FW arable farmer of the year Will OliverWill Oliver, a fourth-generation arable and poultry farmer, discusses his farm in Leicestershire and the challenges and diversifications he has undertaken. The farm grows wheat, maize, and winter beans, and also has a poultry enterprise with 175,000 chickens. Will emphasizes the importance of efficiency, risk-taking, and diversification in running a successful farm. He talks about the benefits of integrating arable and poultry farming, including utilizing manure and growing feed crops. Will also discusses the challenges of growing affordable food, navigating through bird flu pandemics, and managing costs and margins in the poultry industry. He highlights the importance of biosecurity and...2024-06-1044 min
Meet the FarmersFarming in Shetland with This Farming Life's Kirsty and Aimee BudgeImage credit: Kirsty and Aimee BudgeMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in g...2024-06-0338 min
Meet the FarmersDiscovering Farming in Japan - with Rupert ShinnerImage credit: Rupert ShinnerMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-05-2746 min
Meet the FarmersFirst time farming on the Isle of Wight - with Francesca CooperImage credit: Francesca CooperMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-05-2031 min
Meet the FarmersRanching on a big scale - with Lauren JohnsonImage credit: Lauren JohnsonMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-05-1338 min
Meet the FarmersRooted in Resilience: A Visit to Cultivate 2024Huge thanks to the Cultivate team for allowing us to record at the event.Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk 2024-05-0625 min
Meet the FarmersBack to the Ranch - with Avery WrigglesworthImage credit: Avery WrigglesworthMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting invo...2024-04-2927 min
Meet the FarmersCurlews and Farming in the Dales - with Leigh WestonBen speaks to Leigh Weston who farms in the Yorkshire Dales. Leigh is an ambassador for Curlew Action. Image credit: Leigh WestonMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out...2024-04-2246 min
Meet the Farmers'Move Your Cows More Frequently' - with Ben ThomasBen meets Cornish beef farmer Ben Thomas. Link to Six Inches of SoilMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk 2024-04-1540 minMeet the FarmersInto the podcast archiveWe take a look back through the podcast archive at 3 previous episodes. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk I...2024-04-0853 min
Meet the FarmersThe Growing Grower: From 7 Acres to 136 Acres - with Bal PaddaBal and his family run Vicarage Nurseries in the Vale of Evesham alongside his team of 10 full-time staff and 150 seasonal workers. Growing 1,200t of strawberries (4 million punnets) and 100t of raspberries each season on 136 acres, the business supplies UK retailers as well as wholesale and farmers’ markets.The farm and business have grown greatly since his parents first started it on seven acres in 1997, after moving to the UK from Punjab in 1966. Bal joined his parents on the farm in 2009 as a stop gap and loved it so much he stayed – and he’s built it from there...2024-04-0137 min
Meet the FarmersFrom Interior Design to the Farm - with Anna BartonToday we’re heading to Staffordshire to meet Anna Barton. Brought up in London and trained in interior design, Anna never imagined she’d become a farmer. Then she met her builder husband whose parents needed help running their soft fruit farm in Staffordshire, so in 2016 the pair moved there and Anna became an overnight expert in growing strawberries and running a busy café and shop.Canalside Farm stands on the banks of the Trent and Mersey canal and is 26 acres in size (around 10 hectares). The farm has a large glasshouse and 20 polytunnels planted with strawberries and raspb...2024-03-2542 min
Meet the FarmersMeet the Beef Farmer of the Year 2023 - with Ian FarrantToday we’re heading to Herefordshire and Ben is speaking to Farmers Weekly’s 2023 Beef Farmer of the Year Ian Farrant who farms 600 acres of land on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border. Beef production on the farm is part of a larger family partnership which also includes dairy and arable units. Ian is responsible for the beef however and rears and finishes around 650 dairy cross calves on a forage based system. Ian is very keen at finding efficiencies as well as making the farm as sustainable as possible in all ways for the future. With this in mind he has also...2024-03-1843 min
Meet the FarmersSix Inches of Soil - meet the team!Six Inches of Soil is based on the regenerative farming movement in the UK and follows three young farmers for a year. It also explores broader concepts behind regenerative agriculture and the soil crisis. The film follows the stories of Anna Jackson, an 11th generation arable and sheep farmer from Lincolnshire; Adrienne Gordon, a small-scale vegetable farmer in Cambridgeshire; and Ben Thomas, a Cornwall-based cattle farmer who specialises in pasture-fed beef. The film documents their highs and lows over a one-year period as they embark on a regenerative journey, working to adopt sustainable practices while building viable b...2024-03-0645 min
Meet the FarmersAmerican Apples and Facebook Marketplace - with Kait ThorntonToday we’re back in the US, in the far north west, indeed nearly on the Canadian border and Ben is meeting a fruit farmer from Washington State. Kait Thornton grows 180 hectares (440 acres) of apples and pears. She’s a 4th generation farmer at home but also started her own fruit selling company ‘Kait’s Crates’ at just 15. She has cleverly used social media to build her business , starting with Facebook marketplace and now has a huge following on TikTok which helps in raising awareness of her brand. She recently graduated from Washington State university with a degree in marketing...2024-03-0432 min
Meet the FarmersBuilding the Inclusive Farm - with Mike DuxburyMike Duxbury is the co-founder of Inclusive Farm, along with Ness Shillito. After a career in the wider agricultural sector and then at Vodafone, Mike saw the farm as his next step. Blind from the age of 6, inspiring disabled people and people with special needs is Mike's focus, through the means of farming. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the...2024-02-2650 min
Meet the FarmersCorn, Soybeans and Social Media - with Zoe KentFind Zoe on Instagram here.Today we’re heading across to the US, to Ohio to meet 8th generation farmer Zoe Kent. Zoe grows 2000 acres of corn and soybeans and she has amassed a whopping 420,000 followers across Facebook, Tiktok and Instagram sharing her farming life. She graduated from college in 2017 and worked for her dad Mickey as an employee before becoming a partner in 2019 and taking on the business fully in 2021 when her dad retired. She holds an ag business degree from Ohio State University.Image credit: Zoe Kent. Meet the Farmers is pro...2024-02-1934 min
Meet the FarmersBringing the Cows Back Home - with Huw FoulkesToday we’re heading to Denbighshire in Wales to meet dairy and beef farmer Huw Foulkes. Huw was brought up on a dairy farm but was initially put off farming when he saw his father having to sell his herd. He got the farming bug at college though and ended up re-establishing a dairy on his family’s farm with a micro-dairy of 15 red polls. For his beef he crosses Welsh black heifers with Wagyu bulls. The whole system uses regenerative techniques. Huw also works on another local dairy farm to supplement his income.Image credit: Huw Foul...2024-02-1237 min
Meet the Farmers'Farming is a long term game' - with Ben CooperToday we’re heading to Wiltshire to meet arable and beef farmer Ben Cooper. Ben farms 800 acres alongside his brother and father in the Pewsey Vale of Wiltshire, growing wheat, barley, oats and canary seed as well as producing hay and straw. As well as the cattle and the crops Ben has helped the family diversify into 'pick your own pumpkins' and Christmas trees, and he also works off farm carrying out agricultural market research for clients across the ag industry as well as being a teaching fellow at the University of Reading. Image credit: Ben Cooper2024-02-0553 min
Meet the Farmers500 Years with One Family, and still looking to the future - with Clare MainwaringToday we are heading to Shropshire to the Oteley Estate which has been in the Mainwaring family for 500 years. Ben's guest is Clare Mainwaring who runs the 2000 acre estate with her husband Ian. Clare and Ian rear two herds of native British cattle – Shorthorns and Highlands, they have a flock of sheep and some pigs. They’re also not afraid of trying new things and in recent years have launched premium meat boxes, held open garden days, market days, created a cafe and farm shop that opens once a week, they’ve held ‘walk and eat’ events, open farm days, and...2024-01-2951 min
Meet the FarmersThe Compaction Crisis - Talking Soils with Niels CorfieldNiels Corfield is an agricultural consultant based in Norfolk. You can find out more by visiting his website - Home - Regenerative agriculture consultancy for farmers and landowners (nielscorfield.com)Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and...2024-01-2246 min
Meet the FarmersDairy Down Under - with Rachael McGrathToday Ben meets Rachael McGrath who is a dairy farmer based in south west Victoria in Australia. She farms with her dad and the herd is made up of stud Jerseys, Brown Swiss and some cross breeds. They also have sheep and horses on the farm. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at R...2024-01-1528 min
Meet the FarmersFarming in Norway (and New Zealand) - with Ola UtgaardBen heads to New Zealand this week to meet Norwegian dairy and beef farmer Ola Utgaard. Ola farms in Lesja which is 2 hours south of Trondheim in Norway but is currently working away in New Zealand. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is a...2024-01-0845 min
Meet the FarmersThe Big Farming Quiz of the Year 2023For the last episode of the year Ben is joined by Sue Pritchard (CEO at Food, Farming and Countryside Commission), Stuart Roberts (Hertfordshire farmer and former Deputy President of the NFU), Jez Fredenburgh (agri-food journalist and knowledge exchange fellow at Agrifood for Net Zero Plus) and Ranald Angus (Caithness arable farmer) to round up the year and take part in this year's 'Big Farming Quiz of the Year'. Play along at home as the answers will be revealed at the end. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. ...2023-12-181h 01
Meet the FarmersMaking a Small Mixed Farm Pay its Way - with Andrew CourtAndrew Court runs the family’s 275-acre mixed farm with his mother and brother. The rotation includes winter wheat, spring oats, spring peas and winter barley as well as oil seed rape. Andrew studied agricultural engineering at Harper Adams before returning to the family farm. He is also involved with the Institute of Agricultural Engineers, is the new chair of the Farmers Club under 35s committee for 2024 and part of the Just Farmers network. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not...2023-12-1140 min
Meet the FarmersThe Green Farm Collective and the Route to Regen - with Michael KavanaghToday we’re in Shropshire meeting farm manager Michael Kavanagh who is also a founding director of The Green Farm Collective, a company set up for knowledge exchange, to trade carbon and biodiversity and regeneratively farmed produce. Michael has also previously managed farms in North Yorkshire and Essex. In 2014 he transitioned 600 acres of the arable farm that he currently manages to zero till and his rotation is diverse consisting of milling wheats, heritage wheats, malting barley and quinoa. He now farms around 1700 acres in total. His system also includes 650 ewes which are lambed outdoors using an extensive system. He wa...2023-12-0439 min
Meet the FarmersChristmas is Coming - a revisit to see Paul KellyChristmas is coming so Ben heads to Essex to speak to turkey farmer Paul Kelly of Kelly Turkeys. Ben last visited Paul in episode 8 of the podcast in June 2017. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affai...2023-11-2733 min
Meet the FarmersDiscover US Agriculture and Ag Podcasting with Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie KovarikWe’re heading to the US today and meeting the stars of the Discover Ag podcast – New Mexico dairy farmer Tara Vander Dussen and Nebraska based rancher Natalie Kovarik. Discover Ag sets out to discuss ‘agriculture you can relate to’, connect listeners with farmers and explore the food system. As well as the podcast Tara and Natalie formed Elevate Ag which helps producers to tell their story online .Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be fou...2023-11-1342 min
Meet the FarmersWhen Farming Meets Radio - Hugh BroomToday Ben speaks to a man who is no stranger to agri podcasting or indeed broadcast journalism in general - Surrey farmer and Farmers Weekly podcast host Hugh Broom. Hugh worked full time as a broadcast journalist in radio for 10 years first in local radio in Reading before moving to Capital Radio, LBC and Classic FM in London and then going part time with BBC Radio Five Live doing news and travel until it moved to Manchester. Throughout that period he was also running the family farm in Surrey where he’s the fourth generation to farm. The business is...2023-11-0654 min
Meet the FarmersMeeting Amy the Lancashire CowgirlToday on the show we’re meeting Lancashire based beef and arable farmer Amy Wilkinson who farms with her family on 285ha of tenanted land. As well as their arable rotation the Wilkinsons raise 650 dairy crosses up to finishing. Amy is also a columnist with Farmers Guardian. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcas...2023-10-3027 min
Meet the FarmersCounting Sheep with Matt BlythToday on the show we're talking sheep and Ben is meeting Matt Blyth who is a livestock advisor and has many years of experience managing sheep. Born and bred in Lincolnshire, Matt did a course at Northumberland College specialising in sheep and beef and then went on to work with a number of sheep flocks - from assisting a shepherd on an 1800 ewe flock in Hampshire to running a 540-ewe flock near Basingstoke, to running a flock for 15 years in west Sussex. Further, in 2021 he began a Nuffield farming scholarship evaluating the potential cost benefits of electronic data recording...2023-10-2347 min
Meet the FarmersMeet the Dairy Daughter - Amy EgglestonToday we’re in Leicestershire and Ben is meeting fifth generation dairy farmer Amy Egglestone who some of you will know better as ‘the dairy daughter’ on Instagram. Amy and her family run a 600-cow dairy herd on a New Zealand-style grazing and spring calving system. As well as her life on the farm she is also a rural marketing specialist and is the Director of Pastures Green Communications which she set up in 2018 to help rural and agricultural businesses promote themselves both on and offline. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural p...2023-10-1641 min
Meet the FarmersTrees On Farms Mini Series (2) - Ep3. 'Creating a Woodland Management Plan'Ben has teamed up with the Forestry Commission once again to make this mini-series focussed on trees on farms. In this series we are asking three questions focussed on the ‘why’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ of farm woodland management. In the first episode we asked why we need to improve our management of farm woodlands in the UK in the first place? Then in episode 2 we had a question time format asking ‘what farmers need to know about managing trees?’, and in the third and final episode we are asking how farmers can manage their farm woodlands better, using the practical exampl...2023-10-1339 min
Meet the FarmersTrees On Farms Mini Series (2) - Ep2. 'Trees on Farms Question Time'Ben has teamed up with the Forestry Commission once again to make this mini-series focussed on trees on farms. In this series we are asking three questions focussed on the ‘why’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ of farm woodland management. In the first episode we were asking why we need to improve our management of farm woodlands in the UK in the first place? In this second episode we have a question time format asking ‘what farmers need to know about managing trees?’, and in the third and final episode we’ll be asking how farmers can manage their farm woodlands better, using the...2023-10-1148 min
Meet the FarmersTrees On Farms Mini Series (2) - Ep1. 'Why do we need to improve our management of farm woodlands in the UK?'Ben has teamed up with the Forestry Commission once again to make this mini-series focussed on trees on farms. In this series we are asking three questions focussed on the ‘why’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ of farm woodland management. In this first episode we’ll be asking why we need to improve our management of farm woodlands in the UK in the first place? Then in episode 2 we’ll have a question time format asking ‘what farmers need to know about managing trees?’, and in the third and final episode we’ll be asking how farmers can manage their farm woodlands better, usin...2023-10-0939 min
Meet the Farmers5 Years of Just FarmersToday we’re marking the 5th anniversary of Just Farmers, which if you don’t know it, is a unique communications project for British agriculture. It was founded by agri journalist Anna Jones following her Nuffield Scholarship and has seen dozens of farmers pass through its doors. So today we’re going to reflect back on those 5 years, ask what Just Farmers is all about, how it helps farmers and the media and ask what it’s future might be? Ben is joined by its founder Anna Jones as well as rural affairs journalist and broadcaster Tom Heap and two farm...2023-09-2541 min
Meet the FarmersThe Benefits of Learning on the Job - with Eveey HunterToday we’re heading to Hertfordshire to meet arable farmer Eveey Hunter who alongside her role on the family farm wide hustles for two haulage businesses, does some consultancy work and is a current member of the Next Generation Forum for the NFU. Eveey chose to not go down the academic route and learnt on the job working for grain storage and haulage companies before returning to her family’s farm. Today we’ll learn more about why she chose to do that as well as the farm business itself and Eveey’s thoughts on the future of ag for the...2023-09-1828 min
Meet the FarmersWhat is the future for Agroforestry? A visit to the Agroforestry ShowThe Agroforestry Show was held on 6th-7th September 2023 and was organised by The Soil Association and the Woodland Trust. Many thanks to all of the contributors to this podcast episode including Helen Browning, Ben Raskin, Rhodri Owen, Liam Armstrong, Connor Kendrew, Chris Jones, James Ramskir Gardiner and Will Simonson. For more information on the Agroforestry Show click here.For the Agroforestry Handbook click here. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not const...2023-09-1234 min
Meet the FarmersA Rollercoaster of a Year - with Tom CarlisleToday we’re heading to the Yorkshire Dales, to near Skipton to speak to sheep and beef farmer Tom Carlisle who keeps 650 ewes, 30 suckler cattle and 2 pygmy goats on 420 acres of land. He’s also recently diversified into glamping pods. On Instagram he is known as 'dalesfarmer' and you may know him for his quite fantastic lamb national reels. Tom married his wife Aimee a little over a year ago and they have had a rollercoaster first year of marriage which we go into in the episode, including the birth of their son William and hearing about Aimee's breast canc...2023-09-1139 min
Meet the Farmers'The Voice of the Pig' - with Mark JaggerPigs are back on the podcast today and Ben is joined by Mark Jagger who is based in Suffolk and works as Assistant Grower Farms Manager for BQP. BQP breeds and rears over a million pigs a year using a number of different systems including outdoor born, straw finished, RSPCA Freedom Food Assured, free range and organic. They have around 30 per cent of the UK market share making them the largest pig farming business in Britain. Mark works to help new farmers set up their buildings and operations ready for pig enterprises. Mark has worked in the pig sector...2023-09-0448 minMeet the FarmersMeet the Farmers Harvest Special 2023Farmers featured include: Richard Heady (Buckinghamshire)John Pawsey (Suffolk)Martin Lines (Cambridgeshire)Charles Anyan (Lincolnshire)Andrew Wilson (North Yorkshire)Ranald Angus (Caithness) Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agenc...2023-08-2820 min
Meet the FarmersHow a Farm Magazine Came to Life - with Mike DonovanToday we’re in Wales highlighting a farming publication that has been in circulation for over 30 years. Ben is joined by publisher and former dairy farmer Mike Donovan, who may be better known as the editor and founder of Practical Farm Ideas Magazine. The magazine is published four times a year and features leading edge innovations developed by farmers and engineers which can be used as inspiration for its farmer readers. Mike launched the magazine in 1992 and since then he has covered everything from min till to biogas plants, sexed semen to robotic milking and mobile handling to implement in...2023-08-2143 min
Meet the FarmersCarbon, Sheep and a 'Compulsive Interest' in the land - with Liz BowlesToday we’re in the south west and Ben meets sheep farmer and Chief Executive at the Farm Carbon Toolkit, Liz Bowles. Liz has rich experience as an adviser to farmers, farmer-controlled businesses, retailers, food service providers and processors on sustainable farming practices and developing and managing sustainable supply chains and supply chain relationships. For 20 years she worked at ADAS, now the UK’s largest independent provider of agricultural and environmental consultancy, policy advice, research and development. She was also at the Soil Association as Associate Director of Farming and Land Use for nearly 9 years and she’s been an ind...2023-08-1451 min
Meet the FarmersKeep Calm and Carry On - with Gwyndaf ThomasWe’re in Wales today meeting dairy farmer Gwyndaf Thomas. Gwyndaf owns and runs a 430-acre dairy farm in the rolling hills of Carmarthenshire in West Wales. The herd consists of 270 outdoor run autumn calving cows - mainly Friesian, but also a few Jersey crosses; and the cows are grazed rotationally on grass. Gwyndaf grew up on what is now his brother’s farm and he moved to his family’s other farm once the family had expanded. He has four teenage children and there’s also one full time employee on the farm in addition to Gwyndaf. On top of t...2023-08-0730 min
Meet the FarmersFarming and Podcasting in Ireland - with Noel ClancyWe’re heading over the Irish Sea again today to meet Tipperary beef and sheep farmer and farming podcaster Noel Clancy. Out the Gap, Noel's podcast, is a monthly podcast recorded on location with farmers across Ireland. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast produc...2023-07-3134 min
Meet the FarmersEthics of dairy calf management and other dairy stories with Anna BowenWe’re heading to Ceredigion in Wales today to meet dairy farmer, consultant, writer and Nuffield Scholar. Indeed Anna Bowen’s CV is pretty impressive and she clearly makes the most of her time. She is a director of Symbiotic Farming Ltd – which is contract based and they milk 300 cows on a grass based spring block calving system. She’s also a freelance writer and journalist and has written for a range of rural, equestrian, farming, sustainability and women’s lifestyle magazines and websites as well as doing some PR work. She is also a consultant with the Andersons Centre spe...2023-07-2443 min
Meet the FarmersFarm Safety Week Special - with Richard WadeTo mark Farm Safety Week we are discussing what is probably one of the most important topics in farming – keeping people safe and well on farms. Ben's guest is very well placed for this week with rich experience in occupational safety and compliance across a number of different sectors, which includes agriculture. Richard Wade is Director at Risk and Safety Compliance Services which provides health and safety auditing, management and training services across the UK. Rich has a background in the armed services. Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agen...2023-07-1726 min