Farming Focus

Hosted by Cornish Mutual

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Episodes

111

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The podcast for South West Farmers.

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60 recent

June 2, 202642 min

How collaboration is shaping the future of farming

Recorded live at the 2026 Devon County Show, this series finale of Farming Focus™ brings together elements of several episodes to explore why collaboration is becoming increasingly important for resilient and profitable farm businesses. Host Peter Green is joined by Devon farmer Chris Berry, facilitator Mel Bradley and Farm Carbon Toolkit’s Becky Willson to discuss how discussion groups, farmer clusters and shared learning are helping farmers tackle uncertainty together. From practical ideas such as machinery sharing to larger landscape projects, the conversation highlights the power of trust, curiosity and peer-to-peer support in shaping the future of South West farming. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

May 26, 20269 min

Practical biosecurity tips for moving livestock safely

Buying or selling livestock always carries risk, but good biosecurity can make a big difference. In this Farming Focus™ bonus episode, host Peter Green is rejoined by Synergy Farm Health vet Esme Moffat and Devon sheep farmer Pete Delbridge to discuss practical steps farmers can take when moving stock. From understanding health status and asking the right questions to quarantine and transport hygiene, they explain how manageable routines and informed decisions can help reduce disease risk and protect farm businesses. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

May 19, 202630 min

Managing disease risk on South West farms

Host Peter Green discusses the practical realities of farm biosecurity with Synergy Farm Health vet Esme Moffett and Devon sheep farmer Peter Delbridge. The episode highlights how building awareness and regularly reviewing risk can improve long-term animal health. Covering the major disease risks facing South West farms, from TB and sheep scab to bluetongue, they look at why simple habits still matter and suggest practical steps to protect livestock health. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

May 12, 202615 min

Understanding gifting in farm succession planning

Peter Green is re-joined by solicitor Tom Mottram from Porter Dodson and Devon farmer Jilly Greed in this bonus episode of Farming Focus™ to explore the role of gifting within farm succession planning. They discuss tax implications, affordability and the importance of professional advice, alongside Jilly’s first-hand experience of transferring assets. They advise being informed is a strength, highlighting how careful planning is essential to protect both your family and your farm business. Make sure you listen to episode 8 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here.

May 5, 202635 min

How to secure your farm’s future through succession planning

This episode explores farm succession planning in light of recent changes to agricultural property relief. Host Peter Green is joined by solicitor Tom Mottram from Porter Dodson and fourth-generation Devon farmer Jilly Greed to discuss tax implications, family conversations and practical steps. From partnership agreements to professional advice, they share honest insight and experience, strongly recommending early planning helps secure a farm’s future. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

April 28, 202614 min

Farming with nature: Making the most of available schemes

In this bonus episode, Peter Green is joined once again by AHDB’s Dr Laura Underdown and farmer Jonathan Chapman to consider how environmental schemes can support farm businesses. They discuss matching schemes with farm goals, making the most of different land types and the importance of learning from other farmers. As Jonathan Chapman says, “you've got to make a profit”, with the focus on building resilience, improving the environment and making practical, business-minded decisions. Make sure you listen to episode 7 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here.

April 21, 202638 min

How to turn your farm's natural capital into opportunity

This episode of Farming Focus™ looks at natural capital, what it is and what it means for farm businesses in a changing policy and market landscape. AHDB’s Dr Laura Underdown explains it as “putting a pound sign on nature”, while farmer Jonathan Chapman shares how he’s been making the most of his natural capital by building soil health and increasing biodiversity. The discussion covers risk, income opportunities and why investing in nature is vital for resilient food production. It encourages farmers to think long term but act now. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

April 14, 20268 min

Using weather data to make practical farming decisions

Building on last week’s episode of Farming Focus™, we look at how data and technology can support more resilient farming in the face of changing weather. From soil monitoring to variety selection, Met Office science lead Professor Pete Falloon and Riviera Produce farm and sustainability manager David Thomas share practical examples of using information to guide decisions. Hear how tracking performance, using local data and working with research can help farmers adapt, improve and plan with greater confidence. Make sure you listen to episode 6 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here.

April 7, 202633 min

Farming through extreme weather: How to build resilience

In this episode of Farming Focus™, we explore how South West farmers can stay resilient as weather patterns become more unpredictable. From wetter winters to hotter, drier summers, Met Office science lead Professor Pete Falloon and Riviera Produce farm and sustainability manager David Thomas share practical insights on adapting day-to-day operations. Hear how improving soil health, using data and being open to change can help futureproof your farm in an increasingly volatile climate. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

March 31, 202614 min

Dairy market uncertainty: Practical steps for farmers

Current milk price volatility is seeing dairy farmers “juggling more money faster than they've ever juggled before” according to Chris Walkland on this week’s Farming Focus™, with additional pressure now coming from rocketing fuel prices. So, what can farmers do? Control the controllable in your situation and look ahead is the advice of award-winning Devon farmers Christopher and George Courtier. And don’t overlook the value of talking to others – “every little thing you can pick up is always worth listening to.” Make sure you listen to episode 5 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here.