The HFG Podcast: Stories from the field, where farming, people, and progress meet.

Hosted by Hunt Forest Group

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Nov 2025

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About the show

Welcome to The HFG Podcast, a down-to-earth look at life in and around modern agriculture and professional turf. Brought to you by Hunt Forest Group, we chat with the people behind the machines, the tech shaping the future of farming and groundscare, and bring you the stories that don’t always make the headlines. Whether you’re in the cab, the workshop, or just curious about how things work behind the scenes, this podcast is for you. From GPS-guided tractors to apprentice journeys, farm safety to first-hand stories from the field. The HFG Podcast brings you real conversations from the heart of the countryside. Each episode features voices from across the agricultural and pro turf world: technicians, trainers, firefighters, farmers, and more. We talk about the challenges, the changes, and the small wins that keep the wheels turning. 🎧 What you’ll hear: Practical tips and insights from people on the ground Honest chats about working solo, staying safe, and adapting to new tech Stories from apprentices, engineers, and rural communities A bit of humour, a bit of grit, and a lot of real talk Whether you’re part of the industry or just love a good story, hit subscribe and join us for a fresh take on farming life.

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10 recent

November 28, 2025Episode 223 min

Budget Day: Why Rural Britain is Fighting Back

Farmers take to Westminster on Budget Day to protest Inheritance Tax changes - and The HFG Podcast is there.In this special episode, host Martin Clay heads to London to join the Farmers’ IHT Protest on the day of the Autumn Budget. Against the backdrop of Westminster, Martin speaks directly to those at the heart of the issue - farmers fighting for their futures and the survival of British farming.Guests include:Tom Janaway, Henry Graham, and Kurt Morton – all Farmers sharing their raw, honest views from the protestAlan Miller from the Together Association – offers an outside perspective on why food security matters for the whole nationChris Philp, Conservative MP and Shadow Home Secretary – with an impassioned response to the farmers’ concernsPaul Burnett and Ed Smales, HFG Sales Directors – discussing how these changes ripple through rural businesses and the wider agricultural economyThe discussion covers:Why Inheritance Tax changes could reshape farming for generationsThe impact on rural communities and businesses beyond the farm gateFarmers’ hopes for clarity and fairness in succession planningThe bigger picture: food security and the future of British agricultureFrom early morning frost on Westminster Bridge to the roar of tractors in Trafalgar Square, this episode captures the emotion, determination, and urgency of a protest that matters to everyone, whether you farm or not.Listen now to hear real voices from the ground and understand why this fight is about more than tax - it’s about heritage, livelihoods, and the future of rural Britain.- - - - Find us online at www.huntforest.comFollow us on social media @huntforestgroupGot questions or ideas for the podcast? Email marketing@huntforest.comFind us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup

August 28, 2025Episode 135 min

Seconds Matter: Farm Safety and the First Response

Seconds matter in farm emergencies. Host Martin Clay talks with fire service professionals about farm safety, first response, and how to be prepared when accidents happen.Agriculture remains the most dangerous industry in the UK, with farmers and rural workers facing a significantly higher risk of fatal and life-changing accidents than any other sector. When incidents occur, the first few minutes are critical. In this special episode of the HFG Podcast, host Martin Clay speaks to Matt Horne, GW Watch Manager at Basingstoke Fire Station, and Dave Wills, Precision Ag Support Specialist at Hunt Forest Group and Retained Firefighter with Romsey Fire Station. Together, they provide a professional perspective on the realities of farm safety, the causes of serious accidents, and the essential actions that can be taken while awaiting emergency services. The discussion covers:Why agriculture continues to record one of the highest fatality rates in Great BritainThe most common emergencies on farms, including machinery entrapments, fires, and rural road traffic incidentsThe importance of first response measures such as first aid, fire prevention, and emergency planningHow farmers, contractors, and rural businesses can access support, training, and resources from the fire serviceThis episode of the HFG Podcast offers clear, practical guidance for anyone working in agriculture, reinforcing the need for preparedness, safety awareness, and rapid response when accidents occur.- - - - Find out more and access their farm safety guidance here: https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/safety-outdoors/farm-fire-safety/Workshops can also be arranged directly through the fire service - giving you and your team practical advice on fire prevention, first response, and compliance.Find us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup

December 16, 2024Episode 837 min

The Berkshire Farm Girl

In our final Podcast Episode of the year, host Martin sits down with The Berkshire Farm Girl, Eleanor Gilbert. Eleanor is a prominent figure in the local farming community, known for her successful YouTube channel, large social media following, and frequent appearances on local radio and at industry events.With the future of family farms facing unprecedented challenges, Martin and Eleanor discuss the impact of the new Labour government's policies on the agricultural sector, particularly how they affect Rookery Farm, where Eleanor works alongside her stepfather Dan. They explore the threat posed by changes to inheritance tax laws to this fifth-generation farm.Eleanor provides an inside look at their family farming operation, their fondness for John Deere machinery, and the continued support they receive from Hunt Forest Group. She also shares her passion for supporting local charities and discusses the successes and stresses of running a public-facing Pumpkin Patch.The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of managing YouTube and public social media channels. Eleanor also recounts her exciting trip to Germany with John Deere, where she experienced and tested the latest innovations, including the S7, T5 & T6 Combines, the new 6M Tractors, and the revolutionary See & Spray spot spray technology.As always, we welcome your feedback! Please let us know if you have any questions, suggestions for future features or topics, or guests you'd like to hear from.If you're not already following The Berkshire Farm Girl, find her on social media and YouTube at https://www.facebook.com/berkshirefarmgirlhttps://x.com/LittleBigFarmhttps://www.instagram.com/berkshirefarmgirl/https://www.youtube.com/@berkshirefarmgirlFind us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup

November 22, 2024Episode 737 min

Apprentice Of The Year - Diving Deeper into John Deere Apprenticeships

In Episode 7 of the HFG Podcast, we return to the world of John Deere ProVQ Service Technician apprenticeships. This time, we're joined by special guest John Alexander, the newly crowned John Deere Ag Service Apprentice of the Year.Host Martin, Group Service Manager Nick Hill, and HR Manager Chloe Fear delve into John's journey and the apprenticeship program. We discuss the upcoming recruitment evenings, John's recent success, and the challenges and rewards of an Ag Service apprenticeship.John shares his experiences over the past three years, explaining how he balanced college work with his day job at HFG. We also explore the rigorous End-Point Assessment (EPA) process, including the tasks and pressures involved.If you're curious about what a Service Tech Apprenticeship entails, this episode is for you. Nick and John provide a comprehensive overview, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of this unique learning path.Find us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroupFind us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup

August 27, 2024Episode 620 min

Precision Turf Innovation: How Tech is transforming Turf Management

John Deere's Precision Turf technology is revolutionising the fields of grounds care and golf course management. Martin sits down with Precision Turf Specialist, Craig Woodman, to delve into the available offerings, underlying technology, and the substantial benefits it brings to customers.The HFG Podcast returns with a brand-new episode exploring the exciting world of Precision Technology in the Turf, Groundscare, and Golf sectors. Join host Martin as he chats with Craig Woodman, a Precision Turf Specialist at Hunt Forest Group, about the latest John Deere Turf Technology.With extensive experience in the golf course sphere, both as a greenskeeper and in course management, Craig now leads the Precision Turf team at Hunt Forest Group. He's applying his years of expertise to demonstrate John Deere's innovative machinery and solutions.John Deere Precision Technology has been a leader in agriculture for nearly two decades. Its recent adoption in the Golf and Turf world is already proving to be a game-changer. All machines are now "Connectivity Ready," offering a range of benefits. Martin and Craig discuss what this means for the professional turf industry and how it can help customers now and in the future.Connectivity is a hot topic, and many operators worry about privacy and job security. Craig dispels these myths and fears, highlighting the many advantages of a connected machine: improved efficiency, accurate fuel usage tracking, and proactive fault diagnosis. This reduces downtime and saves money, without replacing the operator.Training is crucial for successful implementation, and Hunt Forest Group offers regular training sessions for operators of all levels. Craig also announces a new subscription model for Tech support.Explore the world of Precision Turf with the team at HFG! Find us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup

June 12, 2024Episode 518 min

The Future of Farming is Here: A Look at the New 6M Tractors & T5/T6 Combines

Get ready for a glimpse into the future of farming! In this episode, we join members of the Hunt Forest Group (HFG) Sales, Precision Technologies, and Marketing Teams as they head to the John Deere UK launch event at Langar in Nottinghamshire.Unpacking the Latest Innovations:New John Deere 6M Tractors. Sales Rep Jonathan Ward and Sales Director Paul Burnett share their insights on what this exciting new range will mean for the HFG market.Revolutionizing Crop Care. Construction Sales Director Ed Smales dives into the current sprayer lineup and unveils the groundbreaking See & Spray spot spray technology which should be available for demos next year.Precision Ag Advances. Precision Tech Specialist Dave Wills highlights the latest advancements in John Deere's data-driven farming solutions.T5/T6 Combines Take Center Stage. HFG's resident combine expert, Lawrence Matthews, gives us a rundown of the new T5/T6 combines and the recently unveiled S7 model, including key specs and exciting updates.While these machines won't hit farms until 2025, this episode offers a thrilling look ahead at how John Deere is shaping the future of agriculture. Don't miss out on the insights from the HFG team as they share their thoughts on these revolutionary new product offerings!Find us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup

May 24, 2024Episode 430 min

From Service to Service

From Service to Service: Career Opportunities in the World of Service, Military Hiring, Apprenticeships and Internal Progression.This episode of the HFG podcast hits the road! Martin heads to Hunt Forest Group's most westerly branch at Nether Stowey, to speak to some members of the team down in Somerset.Joined by Nick Hill, HFG's Group Service Manager, they explore career options for Agricultural and Turf service technicians. Nick explains John Deere's military hiring program, designed to help ex and transitioning military personnel gain valuable qualifications and experience for a career outside the armed forces.The conversation then shifts to apprenticeships, specifically the John Deere ProVQ scheme. They chat with first-year apprentice Toby and recent graduate John about their experiences, daily routines, and whether they recommend the apprenticeship path to future school leavers.Finally, Nether Stowey Service Manager Andy Scott joins the discussion. Andy shares his background, how he progressed within the company, and the challenges of managing a team he was once part of.Nick also highlights some of Hunt Forest Group’s current vacancies for listeners, who may be interested in a career change into the agriculture or grounds care service industries.Produced by: Martin ClayEpisode Guests: Nick Hill, Andy Scott, Toby Sadler & John AlexanderFind us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup

April 26, 2024Episode 328 min

D-MAX Steel, EV's & Volcanoes

Isuzu Pick-up Update: Limited Editions, Electric Future, and the Arctic Trucks AT35Recently back from a ‘work trip’ to Thailand, HFG Isuzu Sales Manager and former ‘Hero of Isuzu’, Gareth Thomas joins Martin on this episode of The HFG Podcast.They discuss everything that’s going on with the Isuzu brand and take a look at the newly launched limited edition ‘D-MAX Steel Edition’. Gareth also gives an insight into Isuzu’s recently announced EV pickup, and why we might not see one in the UK in the immediate future.A lot of what is to come from Isuzu in the coming months is still under a press embargo, so Martin and Gareth take a trip down memory lane and reflect upon the trip of a lifetime, last year’s epic ‘Norse Bound’ expedition in their demonstrator Arctic Trucks AT35.Find out how Gareth turned a 3-week work trip to Iceland into an epic adventure with his brother-in-law, what caused Gareth a moment of intense fear during the Norse Bound expedition, and ultimately how the Arctic Trucks AT35 performed driving over 5000 miles through 10 European countries.To catch up with all episodes of the 'Norse Bound' expedition watch them online here. Produced by: Martin ClayEpisode Guest: Gareth ThomasFind us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup

March 1, 2024Episode 217 min

Sprayer Showcase

Showcasing the Cutting-edge John Deere 300 Series SprayerRemember that exciting new John Deere 300 Series self-propelled sprayer unveiled at Agritechnica last year? Well, Hunt Forest Group were lucky enough to get their hands on it first and show it off to customers in Southwest England.Join host Martin and Josh, the HFG Sprayer Specialist, as they chat about the recent HFG Sprayer Showcase Customer events and what’s to come with John Deere Crop Care in the future.But that's not all! Josh also sits down with David Matthews, John Deere's Crop Care Specialist, to get the inside scoop on all the key features and improvements that make the 300 Series sprayers a game-changer in the self-propelled sprayer market.Get ready to dive into the world of precision agriculture, advanced spray control systems, and why the 300 Series is the new star of the Crop Care sector! Produced by: Martin ClayEpisode Guests: Josh Fulton, David Matthews, Ian Dewey & Nick DunkFind us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup

February 2, 2024Episode 117 min

What is RTK?

We look at all things RTK and how it's beneficial to customers in Agriculture and the Professional Turf industry.Episode DescriptionWith employee efficiency and cost savings at the forefront of running any successful business, these parameters have never been more prevalent in the world of Agriculture than they are currently. With machine and input costs rising all the time, getting the most from machinery and hardware is crucial.As one of the largest suppliers of John Deere Agricultural and Professional Turf machinery throughout the United Kingdom. Offering, understanding, and getting the best from the many technology solutions available from John Deere and our other key franchises is key to ensuring our customers have the best support and advantages possible in such a tough industry where the variables are changing all the time.In this episode, we look at the importance of RTK. What it is and what it can do to improve accuracy, outputs and more. Host Martin is joined by Dave and Matt from the Hunt Forest Group Precision Technologies team to explore the world of RTK. Exploring, its quirks and look at some real-world situations that showcase the benefits of this technology, detailing just why it is a must-have for anyone looking to increase their accuracy and efficiency in the world of Agriculture, Golf, Construction and more.Produced by: Martin ClayEpisode Guests: Dave Wills & Matt RansonFind out more about HFG RTK at www.hfg-rtk.co.ukFind us online at www.huntforest.comPlease get in touch with any questions or suggestions for the podcast via email marketing@huntforest.com or follow us on social media @huntforestgroup