The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Hosted by Farmers Weekly

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100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

The inside track on the biggest stories affecting UK agriculture - with Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Every Friday.

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60 recent

August 15, 202649 min

£65m drought aid, autumn drilling, livestock forage, firefighting farmers & fundraising for mental health

In this episode, Defra unveils a £65m package to help drought-hit farmers – we examine how it could help your farm business. We also look at whether growers should start drilling winter crops into exceptionally dry soils – and assess the worsening forage situation for cattle and sheep. Elsewhere, farmers in South Wales help firefighters tackle wildfires, grain markets respond to renewed turmoil in the Black Sea, And three veteran kayakers take to the rivers of East Anglia to raise money for rural mental health charity YANA (You Are Not Alone). This episode is brought to you by plant breeder KWS . Guests Ian Gould – Independent farm adviser John Cousins – Weed scientist, ADAS Andrew Jones – Independent dairy and beef nutritionist Brian Bowen – South Wales farmer Henry Kilvert – Norfolk farmer and YANA supporter Chapters 00:00 – Defra unveils £65m drought package 01:52 – SFI flexibility in extreme drought 06:33 – What does the £65m package actually offer? 10:40 – Extra grazing for livestock farmers 13:07 – Can farmers rely on SFI long term? 15:51 – Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS 18:04 – When should growers start autumn drilling? 23:17 – Blackgrass, herbicides and dry seedbeds 26:06 – Should growers risk drilling oilseed rape? 28:37 – Livestock forage crisis deepens 29:57 – Drought threatens fertility and production 32:18 – Sheep, forage and winter feed stocks 5:23 – Listener feedback and farming resilience 36:34 – Farmers battle South Wales wildfires 39:29 – Grain prices react to Black Sea attacks 40:26 – This week’s farmgate prices 42:56 – Three old men in boats 44:37 – Tackling loneliness in farming Usel links Government £65m drought support announcement: Sustainable Farming Incentive: Environment Agency drought and water resources information AHDB harvest progress AHDB drought, feed and fodder advice ADAS YANA – rural mental health support This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 11, 202650 min

Drought crisis: MPs demand fair share of water for farming

As drought conditions worsen across England, MPs demand urgent government action to safeguard water supplies for food production. South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough says farmers need more flexible abstraction licences, simpler rules for building reservoirs and adequate support. We examine Defra’s new £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant and ask whether improving personal resilience can help farmers navigate increasingly volatile weather, markets and government policy. Meanwhile, grain marketing consultant Richard Whitlock warns growers to carry out due diligence when selling grain as profitability among merchants comes under pressure. And we celebrate 150 volumes of the Aberdeen Angus Herd Book – and ask how genetics and data could shape the breed’s next 150 years. Guests * Ben Goldsborough – Labour MP for South Norfolk * Samantha “Sammy” Seaman – farm leadership, mindset and resilience coach * Richard Whitlock – grain marketing consultant * Robert Gilchrist – chief executive, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Chapters 00:55 – Farmers demand their fair share of water 01:25 – Ben Goldsborough: “Drier than Jerusalem” 02:28 – Abstraction licences and regulation 03:16 – Food security versus data centres 03:48 – What farmers can do 05:35 – Is Defra listening? 08:17 – What help do drought-hit farms need? 10:57 – A climate “doom loop”? 14:37 – Bayer Autumn Drilling Update 16:55 – £1.5m Farmer Welfare Grant 17:20 – Samantha Seaman on handling pressure 20:01 – Building resilient farm businesses 23:25 – Can farmers bounce back? 26:31 – Bluetongue situation worsens 30:57 – Sustainable Farming Incentive update 32:27 – Harvest quality surprises 34:47 – Be careful who buys your grain 36:47 – Checking your grain buyer 38:30 – Commodity markets 41:27 – Aberdeen Angus at 150 42:29 – Why Aberdeen Angus endures 43:17 – Genetics, DNA and lower emissions 49:30 – Closing remarks Useful links - Rural Payments Agency extreme weather guidance - Defra Farmer Welfare Grant - Samantha Seaman Coaching - Richard Whitlock – grain merchant analysis - Bayer Crop Science weed management - Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 31, 202642 min

Bluetongue surge, harvest yields explained, and wildlife-friendly farming

Sheep farmers are being urged to consider vaccination as a surge in bluetongue cases causes serious losses across south-west England. We have the latest on the worsening outbreak, the risks associated with livestock movements and whether vaccination makes financial sense. We also examine the impact of extreme heat and drought on this year’s harvest. Soil scientist Danni Robb explains why high temperatures can damage grain yields, how warmer nights affect crops and what growers can do to improve resilience. Plus, we discuss forage shortages, chickpea prices, straw and wool insulation, and the latest farm commodity prices. And Louise visits the winner of the 2026 Silver Lapwing Award – and sees how farming goes hand-in-hand with outstanding environmental management in Gloucestershire. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim . Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:57 – Surge in bluetongue cases hits sheep farms 01:19 – Philippa Page and Phil Stocker assess the outbreak 03:03 – Should farmers vaccinate before tupping? 04:55 – Hugh Broom on sheep losses in south-west England 07:48 – Certis Belchim message: managing take-all in cereal crops 09:29 – Heat, drought and poor harvest yields 11:06 – How warm nights affect wheat yields 12:16 – Which crops have performed better? 13:28 – Varieties, soil health and climate resilience 24:11 – Podcast updates and listener feedback 25:40 – Chickpea prices and imported competition 27:03 – Warning over adding moisture to stored grain 27:38 – The environmental impact of free-range eggs 31:09 – Hugh tries British wool insulation 33:06 – This week’s farm commodity prices 35:24 – Frampton Court Estate wins the Silver Lapwing Award 36:05 – Peter Clifford on agroforestry and farm partnerships 37:35 – Funding environmental work in the future 42:07 – Closing remarks Guests * Philippa Page, president, Sheep Veterinary Society * Phil Stocker, chief executive, National Sheep Association * Dani Robb, soil scientist, Ceres Research * Peter Clifford, Frampton Court Estate Useful links * Bluetongue guidance * Bluetongue vaccination guidance * National Sheep Association * Sheep Veterinary Society * British Society of Soil Science * Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group * Silver Lapwing Award * Frampton Court Estate This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 24, 202650 min

Angela Eagle returns to Defra, Welsh farm funding, sugar beet factory closure, David Barton tribute, & combine harvester fires

What does Dame Angela Eagle’s appointment as Defra secretary mean for UK agriculture? This week, we examine the new secretary of state’s priorities, political influence and ability to secure the long-term budgets farmers say they need. We also hear from NFU Sugar chairman Kit Papworth following British Sugar’s proposal to stop processing beet at its Cantley factory in Norfolk. At the Royal Welsh Show, farmers respond to a three-year, £340m-a-year funding settlement for the Sustainable Farming Scheme. We pay tribute to NFU livestock board chairman David Barton, hear how the drought is affecting harvest and examine rising farmgate prices. And during Farm Safety Week, combine fire survivor Andrew Williamson explains why machinery can be replaced—but people cannot. This episode is brought to you by seed breeder KWS. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:51 – What will Angela Eagle mean for farming? 05:58 – A farmer-friendly appointment at Defra? 07:37 – Cantley sugar factory faces closure 12:30 – Can Britain rebuild its rural economy? 18:21 – Imported cane sugar versus home-grown beet 23:09 – Welsh farmers receive funding certainty 27:48 – Has Wales found a better approach? 33:45 – Remembering David Barton 36:41 – Harvest and drought update 38:52 – Abby’s new investigative role 40:03 – Farm markets 42:38 – Combine fires and Farm Safety Week 46:02 – Why farm safety is not improving Special Guests: Dame Angela Eagle – secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Kit Papworth – Norfolk sugar beet grower and chairman of the NFU Sugar Board Andrew Williamson – farmer and vice-chairman of the NFU Combinable Crops Board The episode is presented by Johann Tasker , Abi Kay , Hugh Broom and Anne Dunn. Useful links ⁠ British Sugar’s announcement on the proposed Cantley closure ⁠ NFU Sugar: Growers need certainty following Cantley proposal ⁠ Welsh Government: £1bn multi-year funding commitment ⁠ NFU Cymru response to the funding settlement ⁠ Farm Safety Foundation – Yellow Wellies ⁠ Farm Safety Week 2026 ⁠ Farmers Weekly: Level the Field – physical health in farming ⁠ KWS UK Email the podcast team at podcast@fwi.co.uk . Listeners in the UK can text FARM , followed by their message, to 88440 . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 18, 202649 min

What to expect from Andy Burnham's government, no murder charge over farm shooting, & UK chickpea challenge

What does an Andy Burnham government mean for UK agriculture? This week, Westminster watcher Jeremy Moody examines the new prime minister’s farming credentials – and whether a land value tax could hit agricultural businesses. We also examine the law on defending yourself and your property after prosecutors decide that a Derbyshire farmer who fatally shot an intruder will face no criminal charges. Agricultural solicitor Aled Owen explains when force may be considered necessary and reasonable—and why picking up a firearm should always be a last resort. Elsewhere, we bring you the latest harvest results, advice on handling exceptionally dry oilseed rape, this week’s livestock and arable prices, and an unusual field fire started by a buzzard. And finally, could chickpeas become a profitable, climate-resilient break crop for UK growers? Louise Impey visits field-scale trials in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to find out. This episode is brought to you by plant breeder KWS . Special Guests Jeremy Moody – secretary and adviser, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers Matt Bull – product manager, KWS Aled Owen – agricultural solicitor and partner, HCR Law David White – Cambridgeshire arable farmer and chickpea trial grower Josiah Meldrum – Hodmedod’s Wholefoods Chapters 00:55 What does an Andy Burnham government mean for agriculture? 04:51 Could farmers face a land value tax? 08:45 Will rural Britain be heard? 11:47 Farmers Weekly Harvest Update with KWS 15:15 Farmer faces no charges over fatal shooting 15:52 What does the law allow householders to do? 19:44 Advice for farmers facing an intruder 26:10 Harvest results: wheat, barley, beans and oilseed rape 28:02 Adding moisture to very dry oilseed rape 29:23 Buzzard blamed for standing-crop fire 30:48 Church rejects blanket rewilding target 31:41 Environment Agency farm inspection findings 33:04 Should rural speed limits fall to 20mph? 35:31 Market update 38:11 Could chickpeas become a UK break crop? 45:18 Closing remarks Useful links ⁠ Farmers Weekly ⁠ Central Association of Agricultural Valuers ⁠ HCR Law agricultural regulatory team ⁠ Crown Prosecution Service guidance on self-defence and crime prevention ⁠ AHDB grain-storage moisture targets United Oilseeds ⁠ NIAB: UK chickpea production research ⁠ Hodmedod’s Farmers Weekly market prices This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker with Abi Kay, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130 Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 10, 202638 min

Heatwave harvest grain-washing alert, Farming Roadmap 'waffle', Scottish agriculture, & Erling Haaland backs British farmers

A third summer heatwave is creating difficult harvesting conditions, with shrivelled grain, variable cereal yields and combines being forced to operate early in the morning or late at night. We examine warnings against “grain washing” - adding water to very dry harvested grain before it goes into store - and consider the risks of hot spots, mould and contamination. Elsewhere, MPs challenge Defra over whether its new 25-year farming roadmap contains enough detail, investment and ambition to improve profitability and food security. And finally, Norwegian football star Erling Haaland explains why he buys raw milk, beef and honey from a Cheshire farm. This episode is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim . Special Guests: * Amy Caitlin, AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds team * Alistair Carmichael MP, Efra committee chairman * Emma Reynolds MP, Defra secretary * Erling Haaland, Manchester City and Norway footballer * Helen Southworth, Cheshire dairy farmer, Greenoaks Farm Chapters 00:59 Heatwave harvest challenges 01:27 Warning over grain washing 02:34 Early harvest results 04:09 Should growers add moisture? 07:17 Silage and maize conditions 09:47 Partner message: Certis Belchim 11:29 Is Defra’s farming roadmap credible? 11:54 Emma Reynolds challenged by MPs 13:28 Alistair Carmichael interview 23:32 Farming sentiment in Scotland 29:07 Harvest disrupts farm plans 30:14 Markets update 32:07 Erling Haaland backs British farm produce 33:39 The Haaland effect 36:52 England versus Norway 37:38 Closing remarks Useful links Farmers Weekly Podcast AHDB grain storage guide AHDB grain-cooling guidance Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future Defra Farming Roadmap summary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Food Standards Agency: raw drinking milk This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 6, 202647 min

Groundswell 2026: Private money for green farming, Wildfarmed, Kemi Badenoch & 10 years of regenerative agriculture

This week’s Farmers Weekly Podcast comes from the Groundswell show in Hertfordshire, where Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tells farmers she wants their ideas for a new rural policy. Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Ms Badenoch says future policy should be shaped by farmers and land managers – not just by officials in Westminster and Whitehall. We also examine whether private finance can help pay for greener farming, as Lloyds Bank launches the Food and Nature Resilience Fund with Wildfarmed, Severn Trent Water, Affinity Water and AXA. Plus, Farmers Weekly editor Andrew Meredith joins Hugh Broom and Louise Impey to discuss Defra, countryside stewardship higher tier, harvest progress, private finance and the mood at Groundswell. And finally, we hear from Groundswell co-founder Alex Cherry as the UK’s leading regenerative farming event marks its 10th anniversary. This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists. Special Guests: * Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party * Ben Makowiecki, agriculture sustainability director, Lloyds Bank * Alex Cherry, co-founder, Groundswell * Andrew Meredith, editor, Farmers Weekly Chapters 00:00 – Episode introduction from Groundswell 01:03 – Hugh Broom opens the show 01:22 – Kemi Badenoch visits Groundswell 09:07 – Andrew Meredith joins the discussion 11:47 – Countryside stewardship higher tier changes 16:37 – Lloyds Bank launches Food and Nature Resilience Fund 17:06 – Ben Makowiecki explains private finance for regen farming 23:49 – Can private money really support farmers? 27:10 – Harvest report 29:23 – Donald Trump and regenerative farming 30:31 – Contaminated meat and World Cup anti-doping tests 31:47 – Off-grid living, guinea pigs and pigeon meat 32:42 – Sir Peter Kendall calls for more farming optimism 34:23 – Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel 36:33 – Groundswell marks its 10th anniversary 42:31 – Final reflections from the show Useful links Farmers Weekly Groundswell Conservative Party Lloyds Bank Agriculture Wildfarmed Soil Association Exchange Woodland Trust Defra This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Hugh Broom. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 25, 202645 min

Flaming June, Farming Roadmap, bovine TB, farm machinery 10 years post- Brexit, and green award for farm estate

This week, we examine whether the government’s long-awaited 25-year Farming Roadmap will deliver the certainty, confidence and investment farmers need. NFU president Tom Bradshaw gives his reaction to Defra’s plan, while we discuss profitability, agri-environment funding, climate resilience and the value of farming to the wider economy. We debate the impact of hot weather and this month's record-breaking temperatures on farm enterprises. We also examine Defra’s refreshed bovine TB strategy, including new testing approaches and the prospect of cattle vaccination by 2030. With the UK marking 10 years since the Brexit referendum, Cheffins chairman Bill King explains how leaving the EU has changed the trade in second-hand farm machinery. And we visit Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, winner of a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. This episode is brought to you by Certis Belchim – crop protection specialists. Special Guests. * Tom Bradshaw, president, NFU * Paul Tompkins, deputy president, NFU * Josh Swain, farm animal vet, Synergy Animal Health * Bill King, chairman, Cheffins * Dr Johnny Wake, managing partner, Courteenhall Estate Chapters 00:00 Intro and headlines 01:13 Defra unveils 25-year farming roadmap 01:45 Tom Bradshaw on whether the roadmap goes far enough 05:42 Louise and Hugh analyse the plan 12:09 Certis Belchim partner message: managing take-all risk 13:48 Defra refreshes bovine TB eradication strategy 14:59 Josh Swain explains new TB testing technology 16:30 Hugh and Louise discuss TB testing, vaccination and farm impact 24:24 Hot weather, harvest prospects and climate adaptation 26:30 Brexit: 10 years on for farm machinery trade 27:04 Bill King on export friction after Brexit 31:25 Hugh and Louise assess Brexit’s farming legacy 36:45 This week’s commodity prices 38:31 Courteenhall Estate wins King’s Award for sustainability 42:41 Looking ahead to Groundswell Useful links * Defra farming roadmap * Defra bovine TB strategy update * Cheffins farm machinery auctions * Courteenhall Estate * King’s Awards for Enterprise * Groundswell This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 17, 202644 min

Verdict on SFI budget, fertiliser warning, Red Tractor responds, and Only Farmers

Defra has finally unveiled the budget for its flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme – but is £240 million enough to meet demand from farmers? Former Natural England agriculture head Geoff Sansome gives his verdict – and explains why thousands of farmers could still be left in limbo when existing agreements expire. We also bring you an exclusive interview with new Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin, who responds to criticism of the farm assurance scheme. Just weeks into the role, Mr McLaughlin outlines plans for reform and explains how technology, AI and simpler audits could help rebuild trust with farmers. Recorded at the Cereals event at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, we discuss why this year’s show has been one of the most talked-about industry events in years. And we hear about the NFU’s call for government support to protect growers from soaring fertiliser costs. Finally, we meet the team behind Only Farmers – a new online platform designed to help farmers market products, share equipment, promote experiences and connect with customers. Guests * Geoff Sansome – former head of agriculture, Natural England * Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin * NFU president Tom Bradshaw * Lisa Hogan – co-founder, Only Farmers * Wolfe Bentinck – co-founder, Only Farmers Chapters 00:00 SFI budget finally confirmed 01:45 Geoff Sansome on whether £240m is enough 05:41 Industry reaction to the SFI announcement 09:02 Exclusive: Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin 11:36 Why assurance reform is taking so long 14:05 Imports, standards and farmer frustrations 16:38 Technology, AI and the future of farm assurance 20:41 Panel reaction to Red Tractor’s plans 24:49 Cereals 2026 from Diddly Squat Farm 25:14 Has Jeremy Clarkson changed Cereals? 30:51 NFU fertiliser resilience plan explained 35:43 Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel 38:34 Only Farmers: a new platform for agriculture 41:47 Can farmers benefit from Only Farmers? 43:50 Final thoughts and goodbye Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive Red Tractor National Farmers Union Cereals Event Only Farmers Natural England Farmers Weekly This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 12, 202651 min

Cereals 2026 at Clarkson's Farm: Does it still pay to grow combinable crops?

This live Cereals 2026 episode tackles one big question: with high input costs and mediocre grain prices will planting cereals this autumn be financially worthwhile? The discussion starts with markets and margins, including break-even wheat prices, grain carryover, milling wheat premiums and the risks of holding out for higher prices. Part Two looks at how growers can reduce risk through variety choice, BYDV resistance, hybrid wheat, yellow rust resilience and AHDB decision-support tools. Finally, we asks whether the public and politicians really understand farming — and how Clarkson’s Farm has changed the conversation about food security and farm profitability. Guests Andrew Williamson – Shropshire farmer and NFU Combinable Crops Board vice-chair Andrew Dewing – Dewing Grain chief executive and grain trader Clare Leaman – NIAB cereal variety specialist Sacha White – AHDB crop protection scientist Patrick Galbraith – Daily Telegraph rural affairs writer Charlie Ireland – Ceres Rural and adviser to Clarksons Farm George Badger – Ceres Rural and adviser to Clarksons Farm Chapters 00:00 – Introduction Live from Cereals 2026 at Diddly Squat Farm. 01:15 – Are cereals still worth drilling? Andrew Williamson outlines the pressure on arable margins. 04:12 – Grain markets and break-even prices Andrew Dewing assesses wheat values, cost of production and selling opportunities. 05:30 – Feed prices and livestock links Hugh Broom looks at what low grain prices mean for livestock producers. 09:04 – Fertiliser costs and possible support The NFU’s call for help if fertiliser prices spike. 11:44 – Feed wheat, milling wheat and risk Louise Impey and the panel discuss whether milling wheat still stacks up. 16:37 – Grain marketing strategy When should growers lock in prices for harvest 2026 and 2027? 19:20 – Growing a cost-effective crop Claire Lehman and Sasha White join the discussion. 20:10 – BYDV-resistant varieties Why barley is moving faster than wheat on BYDV tolerance. 21:30 – Hybrid wheat Could new hybrid wheat varieties change the market? 23:13 – Yellow rust resistance How breeders are responding to resistance breakdowns. 24:24 – AHDB’s new BYDV tool Sasha White explains how the tool can help growers decide whether spraying is worthwhile. 28:28 – Decision support and SFI tools How AHDB is helping growers weigh up complex agronomic and business choices. 32:04 – Resilience over yield Why variety choice is increasingly about consistency and risk management. 34:45 – Does the public understand farming? Patrick Galbraith, Charlie Ireland and George Badger join the final panel. 35:52 – Telling farming stories in national media How farming issues are explained to non-farming audiences. 37:17 – Behind the scenes at Diddly Squat What Clarkson’s Farm gets right about farming life. 42:27 – Food security and public awareness Why the link between shoppers and producers remains fragile. 44:32 – Reasons for optimism Mixed farming, SFI, land opportunities and long-term business thinking. 49:09 – How farming is perceived Patrick Galbraith on public sympathy, politics and why farming should keep pushing its case. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk . In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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