R2Kast - People in Food and Farming 4x1k1f

Today we welcome Jamie Bartley onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Jamie is the CEO and founder of Unyte Group, a dynamic business tackling decarbonisation in the built environment through retrofit solutions, waste remediation, training, and scaling hemp as a carbon-negative material! ♻️🌱 Jamie shares how Unyte has grown from a vision of low-carbon retrofit to a hub of innovation—developing hemp-based insulation, training installers, and pioneering circular construction practices. His ion for scaling sustainable change shines throughout! 🏗️🌿 We explore the complexities of industrial hemp, including THC legislation, the stark differences from marijuana, and why historical misinformation has held back a material with massive regenerative, nutritional, and ecological benefits. 🌍📜 From soil health to bee biodiversity, Jamie dives into hemp’s role in regenerative farming. We also cover biochar, a carbon sequestration powerhouse, and hemp’s potential in textiles, food, construction, and even aviation fuel! ✈️🧵 His advice? Don’t give up—this sector needs pioneers! Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . #HempFarming #CarbonNegative #Biochar #SustainableConstruction #UnyteGroup #RegenerativeAg #CircularEconomy #IndustrialHemp #AgTech #GreenBuilding #NetZero #HempInsulation #EnvironmentalImpact #LowCarbon #RuralInnovation #SustainableFarming #SoilHealth #CarbonSequestration #GreenSkills #FarmingFuture #Podcast #AgriLeadership #ClimateAction #SustainableMaterials #NatureBasedSolutions #CleanTech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni we welcome Tony Pexton and James Pick. 🌍✨ With nearly 50 years between their scholarships, this episode beautifully contrasts two eras of learning, travel, and transformation in UK agriculture. 🚜 Tony shares his 1975 Nuffield journey 50 years on, reflecting on studying sheep and big flock management across New Zealand. 🐑 He discusses how Nuffield sparked his lifelong involvement in industry leadership, including time as Chair of Nuffield and the Farmers Club. His second Nuffield (one of two to ever do two), funded by the Frank Arden Award, explored sustaining rural incomes—highlighting change, adaptability, and the evolving agricultural landscape. 📈🌾 James takes us through a more modern lens, discovering Nuffield after seeing “NSch” in Twitter bios. 📱 His scholarship investigates whether potatoes can be grown without degrading soil, a challenge he explored across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. James shares the emotional highs and logistical hurdles of solo travel—and how Nuffield accelerated his personal and professional growth. 🌍🥔 Together, Tony and James reflect on what has changed and what remains timeless about Nuffield: the power of travel, the importance of meeting global thinkers, and the shared fire to move agriculture forward. 🔥 It’s a cross-generational conversation packed with insight, humility, and iration for the sector and the people in it. 💬🌱 Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for their of this project. The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust. #NuffieldScholar #AgricultureLeadership #RegenerativeFarming #SoilHealth #PotatoFarming #ArableFarming #SheepFarming #FarmResilience #FarmInnovation #RuralDevelopment #YoungFarmers #GlobalAgriculture #UKFarming #AgriLeadership #FarmingStories #FarmLife #KnowledgeExchange #AgriPolicy #AgEducation #SustainableFarming #Farming #Agriculture #Sustainability #Leadership #Innovation #GlobalNetworking Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Chloe Lucas onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Chloe’s story is one of transformation—beginning in London as a children’s nurse with no farming background, to becoming a ionate advocate for agriculture through her work with Highland cattle. 🐮🌱 Chloe opens up about the mental health struggles she faced during the pandemic as an NHS paediatric nurse and how this led her to discover a new path through farming. From watching Clarkson’s Farm to volunteering on livestock farms, Chloe shares how rural life became her therapy. 🧠❤️ She speaks about her incredible connection with her Highland cows, her voluntary farming adventures across the UK, and her unique fusion of healthcare and agriculture. Chloe now works with Barleylands to educate schoolchildren about food origins. 🧑‍🌾📚 Nominated for the Women in Agriculture Influencer of the Year award, Chloe’s humble approach, powerful story, and community spirit shine. Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to find purpose, and that farming welcomes everyone—regardless of background. Good luck on May 6th, Chloe! 🏆✨ Enjoy! 😊 #HighlandCows #WomenInAg #NHSHero #MentalHealthAwareness #FarmingJourney #AgriInspiration #NewToFarming #PaediatricNurse #FarmLife #AgriculturalEducation #RuralTherapy #FarmVolunteering #AgInfluencer #FoodOrigins #CattleCare #R2Kast #YoungFarmers #LocalAg #AgriCommunity #FarmingWithHeart #TransformationStory #Inspiration #Farming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Alix Ritchie onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A true stalwart of Scottish agriculture, Alix shares her remarkable journey—from a childhood on a non-working farm to becoming a respected voice in rural education and mental well-being. 🌿 Alix and her husband John run Montalt Farm in Perthshire, where they focus on regenerative grazing, reducing inputs, and aiming to farm without subsidies. 🐑 Their system includes Solaris and Simmental-cross cattle, alongside easy-care sheep, all raised with low-intervention methods and strong emphasis on soil health. 🚜✨ We explore Alix’s career journey, from SAYFC to QMS, where she led the development of ‘Farming Food Steps’ and the educational game ‘Mission Sustained.’ These innovative resources help integrate agriculture into the curriculum, showcasing how red meat fits into health, sustainability, and real-world learning. 📚💡 Now leading FarmStrong Scotland, Alix champions peer-to-peer for farmers and crofters, promoting well-being through events, podcasts, and practical tools. With a small team, she’s driving real change in how the sector views health, mindset, and work-life balance. 🧠❤️ Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . #FarmStrongScotland #Wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #GrasslandManagement #RegenerativeFarming #AgEducation #YoungFarmers #CurriculumChange #MissionSustained #FarmingFoodSteps #WomenInAg #FarmLife #ScottishFarming #SheepFarming #CattleBreeding #LeadershipInAg #SustainabilityInAg #Peer #AgriculturalInnovation #CommunityEngagement #R2Kast #Inspiration #Farming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we welcome Euan Bremner onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From the northernmost tip of mainland Scotland to working on massive arable farms in England and Australia, Euan’s journey in agriculture has been shaped by a mix of home, travel, and leadership. 🌍🚜 Euan grew up on his family’s beef and sheep farm in Caithness but initially wasn’t certain about a farming career. Instead, he pursued agricultural mechanisation at Harper Adams, which led him to placements on large-scale arable estates. 🌾 His time in Lincolnshire, working on a 14,000-acre farm, opened his eyes to precision farming, large-scale operations, and even chlorophyll harvesting for food colouring! 🏭✨ His adventures didn’t stop there—Euan worked in Australia during one of the worst wildfire seasons, witnessing the scale and challenges of farming in extreme conditions. 🔥 He also spent time working in precision agriculture with Cornthwaite Group in Scotland, before ultimately deciding to return home to Caithness and commit to the family farm. His experiences reinforced the importance of seeing different systems before settling into the home farm. 🌱💡 Beyond farming, Euan has taken on a major leadership role as North Chair of SAYFC, where we’ve had the pleasure of working closely together. 🤝 It’s been great collaborating with him, and his proactive approach to SAYFC has been inspiring! Euan has played a crucial role in representing young farmers across the region, driving engagement, and ensuring get the best opportunities. 🚜🔥 Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . #YoungFarmers #SAYFC #Agriculture #HarperAdams #BeefFarming #ArableFarming #PrecisionAg #ScottishFarming #FarmLeadership #AgCareers #AgriTech #SustainableFarming #FarmLife #RuralDevelopment #Caithness #SheepFarming #FarmingCommunity #ScottishAgriculture #FarmingInnovation #LivestockFarming #Leadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we welcome Annie Winn onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Annie’s journey from studying animal husbandry to founding She Sells Socials, Events, and More has been anything but conventional! 🌾📱 Annie shares her unexpected path into agriculture, from working in farm certification to marketing for the Addington Fund and eventually taking the leap into self-employment. 🚀 Her story highlights the value of adaptability, ion, and finding the right opportunities in an ever-changing industry. 💡✨ Beyond her business, Annie reflects on her love for travel, her time working in Ibiza, and how stepping outside her comfort zone shaped her career. 🌍 From working in bars to running successful social media campaigns, she proves that life experience is just as valuable as formal education. 🍹💼 Annie’s ion for rural communities is evident in her work, where she helps agricultural businesses thrive online. 📢 Her expertise in content creation, engagement strategies, and brand storytelling has made her a key figure in agri-marketing. It’s been a pleasure getting to know Annie and seeing her bring fresh ideas to the sector! 🚜🔥 Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . #SocialMediaMarketing #Agriculture #AgriMarketing #ContentCreation #SheSellsSocials #FarmingCommunity #Marketing #RuralBusiness #AgriLeadership #Travel #FreelancerLife #DigitalMarketing #CreativeEntrepreneur #EventManagement #BrandStrategy #FarmLife #Networking #SmallBusiness #SelfEmployment #BusinessGrowth #MarketingTips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast, which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Neville and Di Stangroom! 🌍✨ Their journey through agriculture, fruit growing, and Nuffield has been filled with innovation, travel, and a deep commitment to the industry. 🚜🍎 I found a lot of similarities between that or Di and Neville’s relationship to that of Yasmine and I’s!👫 Neville’s Nuffield Scholarship in 1978 focused on mechanising fruit harvesting, particularly for apples and strawberries. 🍓 He travelled to Australia to explore innovative techniques, learning about the Tertura trellis system and integrated pest management, which transformed his approach to farming. While some ideas didn’t take off, the lessons on sustainability and pest control were invaluable. 🌱💡 He also remains deeply involved in blackcurrant production, supplying fruit for Ribena and playing a role in the evolution of modern fruit-growing practices. 🍇🚜 Di brings a unique perspective, having ed the farm’s operations while also driving change in mental health awareness in farming. 💙 She co-founded YARNA (You Are Not Alone), an initiative that provided counselling for farmers struggling with isolation and depression. Her dedication has helped transform attitudes towards mental health in the sector, proving the impact of Nuffield beyond just farming practices. 👏🧠 Their Nuffield experiences led to lifelong connections worldwide, from Australia to Zimbabwe. 🌏 Through hospitality, conferences, and networking, they’ve formed friendships that continue to shape their perspectives today. Their advice? Don’t over-plan, embrace the unexpected, and always make time for people. It’s been a privilege to share their story! 🤝🔥 Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for their of this project. The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust. #NuffieldScholar #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFarming #MentalHealthAwareness #FruitGrowing #Blackcurrants #AgInnovation #FarmResilience #PestManagement #AgLeadership #Rural #Agriculture #YoungFarmers #FarmingCommunity #FarmLife #IntegratedPestManagement #Horticulture #FarmerWellbeing #InternationalFarming #KnowledgeExchange #RuralMentalHealth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we welcome Patrick Snelle onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Patrick’s journey through agriculture has taken him from lambing in Wales to farming on remote islands and even managing a sheep dairy in Dorset. 🐑🌍 I want to say this episodes comes with a disclaimer that we talk about a real example of attempted suicide. Growing up outside of farming, Patrick found his way into the industry through family connections and sheer determination. 🚜 He studied at Harper Adams via their access course, which gave him a foot in the door, leading to roles in beef, sheep, and even poultry farming. His travels took him to Islay, Shetland, and Lambay Island, where he worked with sheep, cattle, and even wild wallabies! 🦘 Patrick opens up about his mental health struggles, including his experience with bipolar disorder and a suicide attempt that led to a long road to recovery. 💙 He shares how vital networks, medication, and understanding employers helped him rebuild his life. His story is a testament to resilience, and he highlights the progress in mental health awareness within farming, urging others to seek help when they need it. 🌱💪 Now working as a vet technician, Patrick has found stability and fulfilment. 🩺 His ion for animal care, foot trimming, and working alongside vets has given him a rewarding career. His advice? Don’t be afraid to change direction if something isn’t working—there’s always another path in agriculture! 🌾✨ Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . #SheepFarming #MentalHealthAwareness #BipolarDisorder #FarmingResilience #VetTech #Agriculture #RuralLife #HighlandsAndIslands #SustainableFarming #AnimalCare #Shepherding #HarperAdams #FarmingMentalHealth #AgCareers #RegenerativeAg #SheepDairy #FarmLife #YoungFarmers #Rural #LivestockManagement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we welcome Kelly Hewson-Fisher onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Kelly’s journey from growing up on a dairy farm to becoming Head of Rural Research at Savills is nothing short of inspiring. 🌱💧 Kelly shares how her parents started farming by selling their wedding gifts to buy cows and rent land. 🐄 She reflects on her path through Harper Adams, her time with ADAS as an agricultural business consultant, and how she found her ion in water security and rural research. Her story highlights the importance of adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities. 🚜✨ As a leading voice in water management, Kelly delves into the critical role of water security in agriculture. 💦 She explains how catchment management, collaboration between farmers and water companies, and innovative storage solutions are essential for future sustainability. From nitrate levels in aquifers to the challenges of extreme weather, Kelly emphasises the need for better education and proactive policies to ensure long-term resilience. 🌍🌾 Beyond her professional work, Kelly is ionate about mentorship and leadership. 👥 Managing the rural research team at Savills, she finds fulfilment in ing and developing the next generation of industry experts. Her dedication to the sector proves that agriculture isn’t just about farming—it’s about people, policy, and sustainability. It’s been a pleasure to hear her insights! 🌟📊 Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . #WaterSecurity #SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #CatchmentManagement #SoilHealth #Savills #AgResearch #FarmingInnovation #LandUse #FutureFarming #ClimateResilience #RuralLeadership #PolicyMatters #Agriculture #WaterManagement #FarmResilience #Sustainability #RuralDevelopment #FoodProduction #AgriTech #EnvironmentalStewardship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we welcome Joanne Hall onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Joanne’s journey is nothing short of fascinating—from studying architecture to travelling the world and making a huge impact in the Young Farmers community. 🌍✨ Joanne shares her experience pursuing a six-year architecture degree at Glasgow School of Art 🏛️ and how her career led her to working with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. Alongside her ion for architecture, she discovered a love for marketing and social media while living in Benbecula, where she also ran a Highland dance school! 💃🌊 Beyond her professional career, Joanne has travelled extensively, exploring Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and India. 🗺️ Her adventurous spirit took her to incredible places, including performing in military tattoos in Australia, Canada, and Europe. She shares the unique experiences of solo travelling and the eye-opening lessons she learned along the way. 🏕️✈️ Joanne is also a dedicated leader in SAYFC, currently serving as Vice Chair of the Comms and Marketing Committee alongside me as Chair. 📢 It’s been a pleasure to work with and get to know Jo in our roles, as she plays a key part in shaping SAYFC’s communication strategy—from social media content to event promotion—ensuring Young Farmers continues to grow and engage its . Her commitment to the organisation shines through in everything she does! 🚜🔥 Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . #YoungFarmers #SAYFC #Architecture #HighlandDancing #MilitaryTattoo #SoloTravel #Scotland #Marketing #SocialMedia #AgriLeadership #Networking #RuralLife #CreativeIndustries #CommunityEngagement #PublicSpeaking #EventPlanning #AgriYouth #ScotlandTravel #BuildingFutures #CulturalExchange #Leadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome my dad, Colin Currie, back for his second appearance on the podcast and my partner, Yasmine, for her first! 🏡🎤 We chat about our journey into farming, from Colin’s lifelong connection to the land to Yas’ unexpected route into shepherding after a childhood love for animals. 🐏💚 Colin updates us on his ongoing mission to visit every livestock market in the UK, sharing highlights and insights from his experiences across the country. 📍🚜 He also reminisces about his time as Chair of Arran Young Farmers 40 years ago and the importance of youth organisations in rural communities. 🌾🧑‍🌾 Meanwhile, Yas tells us about Dorothy, the Dorset sheep who stole her heart and now calls Arran home! 🐑💖 She shares her path from aspiring vet nurse to full-time shepherd, proving that a non-farming background doesn’t mean you can’t find a way in! 🏞️✨ And, of course, we reflect on some of our biggest adventures—including THAT boat trip in New Zealand! ⛴️🌊 Was it thrilling or utterly terrifying? Depends on who you ask! 😅 Enjoy! 😃🎙️ Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . 🙌 #Farming #SheepFarming #Agriculture #RuralLife #FarmingLife #YoungFarmers #Livestock #Shepherding #FamilyFarming #ScottishFarming #AgricultureCommunity #FarmingPodcast #FarmLife #FarmingStories #UKFarming #SustainableFarming #FarmersOfInstagram #RuralStories #TravelAndFarming #FarmingJourney #FarmExperiences #Podcast #PodcastLife #PodcastHost #PodcastEpisode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast, which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Liz Bowles and Jim Baird. 🌍✨ Jim Baird, a dairy farmer from Lanark 🐄, shares his journey from studying entrepreneurship through Nuffield to becoming vice-chair of Nuffield UK. He discusses his focus on regenerative agriculture 🌱, rotational grazing, reducing chemical inputs, and his work with First Milk’s sustainability initiatives. His ion for balancing productivity with environmental stewardship is evident in his approach. 🚜🌿 Liz Bowles, CEO of Farm Carbon Toolkit 🌾, reflects on her experience as a Nuffield Scholar studying collaboration in the red meat sector. She discusses her dedication to regenerative agriculture, the importance of soil health 🌍, and the evolution of carbon footprinting in farming. Her work focuses on helping farmers reduce emissions while improving profitability and biodiversity. 🌱💡 The conversation explores key sustainability themes, including the role of dung beetles 🪲, the challenges of multi-species swards, and the opportunities in regenerative agriculture. Both guests highlight the importance of adaptability, data-driven decision-making 📊, and ing farmers through collaboration and knowledge exchange. 🌾🗣️ Jim and Liz also reflect on their Nuffield journeys ✈️, sharing how the scholarship opened doors to global learning and shaped their careers. They emphasise the need for continuous learning, networking, and innovation in agriculture to build resilient and sustainable farming systems. 🌍🤝 Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for their of this project. The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust. #SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #CarbonFootprinting #NuffieldScholar #DairyFarming #LivestockManagement #FarmResilience #Agroecology #RuralInnovation #ClimateSmartFarming #CarbonSequestration #Biodiversity #FirstMilk #FarmCarbonToolkit #GrasslandManagement #DungBeetles #AgriTech #FarmerCollaboration #AgEducation #Agriculture #Farming #Sustainability #RuralLife #Innovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Craig Davison and Jeff Miller onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ This episode dives into agricultural education, a topic that’s booming in the UK but has been well-established in the US for years. 🌾📚 With Craig’s experience in Scotland and Jeff’s academic leadership in Arkansas, we explore the contrasts and opportunities in ag education between the two nations. Craig shares his journey from Scotland to the US, where he immersed himself in high school agriculture programs, FFA, and hands-on learning that shaped his career. 🐄🌱 His insights into education pathways and how early exposure to agriculture can create future industry leaders are fascinating! Jeff brings the American perspective, highlighting the vast range of study options in the US, from ag communications to leadership and policy. 📢💡 He discusses how FFA and 4-H play a massive role in recruitment for the industry, and how the UK could benefit from a similar model to bring in more young talent. We also touch on new micro-credential courses launching in the UK, designed to boost skills in agricultural communications, marketing, and journalism. 🎓📈 If you’re keen to see ag education expand here, this one’s for you! Enjoy! Thanks to Howden Rural for the . #Agriculture #Education #Farming #AgEd #FFA #YoungFarmers #AgCommunications #FutureOfFarming #Leadership #RuralDevelopment #FoodSystems #AgTech #RegenerativeAg #Marketing #Policy #Sustainability #Livestock #FarmLife #Innovation #CareersInAg #FutureFarmers #Podcast #FarmingPodcast #UKFarming #USAg #SocialMediaMarketing #AgPolicy #AgStudents #FoodSecurity #AgCareer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Ben Williams onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Ben has had a fascinating career spanning education, sustainability, and now as one of the directors of the Oxford Farming Conference. His journey has been anything but straightforward, moving from teaching to working in agriculture and sustainability, always driven by a ion for making things better. 🌍✨ Ben shares his experiences of working in education, particularly with special educational needs students, and how that shaped his perspective on learning and development. He talks about his time setting up a school farm and how hands-on experiences transformed students’ engagement. 🏫🐷 Now working in sustainability, Ben discusses his work ensuring that major food production systems meet environmental and ethical standards. He delves into the challenges and opportunities in making agriculture more sustainable, while keeping it financially viable for farmers and businesses. ♻️🚜 We also hear about Ben’s new role with the Oxford Farming Conference and his thoughts on the future of UK agriculture. His journey proves that careers don’t always follow a straight path – sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected places! 🌱🎓 Enjoy! Thanks to Howden Rural for the . #Sustainability #Education #OxfordFarmingConference #Agriculture #FoodProduction #FarmToFork #AgriLeadership #ClimateSmartFarming #FutureOfFarming #FoodSecurity #RegenerativeFarming #CarbonFarming #YoungFarmers #AgriTech #FoodInnovation #RuralDevelopment #FarmEducation #GreenFarming #SustainableFood #AgriCareers #SoilHealth #Podcast #Farming #Agriculture #UKFarming #FarmLife #FoodIndustry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Tom Turner onto the R2Kast! From using TikTok as a tool to gain clients in a previous role to now working with KWS, Tom’s journey is one full of adaptability and strategic moves! 📱🌱 We chat about his transition from an agricultural consultancy role into agronomy, his experience in business development, and his ion for crop management. Tom shares how he has navigated challenges and embraced opportunities in the industry! 🚜📊 We also dive into the power of digital content creation, discussing how social media has transformed communication in farming and beyond. Tom gives insight into how KWS operates and his role within the company, making an impact on the seed and crop sector! 🌾💡 We also cover our favourite Call of Duty’s because that the real important stuff! 🎮 Enjoy! Thanks to Howden Rural for the . #Agriculture #Farming #Agronomy #CropScience #FarmBusiness #KWS #SocialMediaMarketing #DigitalFarming #PrecisionAg #FarmerLife #SustainableFarming #SeedIndustry #SoilHealth #FarmInnovation #RegenerativeAg #UKFarming #RuralLife #AgTech #YoungFarmers #FarmEducation #Podcast #FarmingPodcast #R2Kast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Ben Andrews back onto the R2Kast! 🌱 Ben, an organic farmer from North Herefordshire, s us once again to chat about his farming journey, biodiversity, and how his Nuffield research is shaping his views on agriculture. We dive into Ben’s ion for biodiversity and how organic farming has evolved on his family farm over the past two decades. 🦉 He shares how his land management decisions have encouraged more wildlife, including rare birds and insects, and how this has strengthened his belief in balancing food production with environmental sustainability. Flooding is a major challenge for Ben’s farm, with extreme weather events causing six months of standing water in some fields. 🌊 We discuss how this impacts productivity, the struggles of working with floodplain restoration, and the ongoing battle to make land more resilient in a changing climate. Finally, we touch on Ben’s Nuffield Scholarship, where he’s exploring ways to integrate better land management practices to improve biodiversity while maintaining farm profitability. 🏆 His journey highlights the challenges and rewards of farming in a way that prioritises both nature and production. Enjoy! Thanks to Howden Rural for the . #OrganicFarming #Biodiversity #SustainableAgriculture #Flooding #ClimateResilience #RegenerativeFarming #SoilHealth #WildlifeConservation #NatureFriendlyFarming #FarmLife #Birdwatching #EnvironmentalSustainability #NuffieldScholar #Agroecology #FarmerStories #ClimateChange #SoilRegeneration #Agriculture #UKFarming #FarmResilience #Podcast #Farming #RuralLife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series, we chat to Simon Beckett, a third-generation farmer from a family with a deep-rooted Nuffield legacy. His father, Alan Beckett, was a Nuffield Scholar in 1957, and Simon continued the tradition in 1987 with a study on motivation in middle management.  Even Simons daughter Holly has done Nuffield, making it three generations of Beckett scholars! 🌾 Simon shares the incredible journey of their business—from dairy to poultry and then expanding into retail and farm diversification. His experience in strategic planning and leadership offers valuable insights into evolving and adapting in the farming world. 🚜 We also explore the challenges of stepping back from leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the lasting impact of Nuffield on his career. Simon reflects on how the Beckett Scholarship has helped many entrepreneurial scholars, reinforcing the strong network within the Nuffield community. 🌍 His ion for business, personal development, and ing the next generation shines through in this episode. A conversation full of wisdom, history, and plenty of laughs along the way! 🎙️ Enjoy! Thank you to Howden Rural for their of this project. The views in this podcast are those of the participants and not the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust. #R2Kast #NuffieldScholar #SimonBeckett #FarmLeadership #Agriculture #Motivation #BusinessGrowth #RuralInnovation #FarmDiversification #SuccessionPlanning #StrategicFarming #RetailFarming #FarmBusiness #FarmingLegacy #LeadershipInAgriculture #NuffieldFarming #GlobalAgriculture #EntrepreneurialFarming #FarmManagement #SustainableFarming #AgricultureLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Tom McVeigh onto the R2Kast! 🚜 Tom has been making big changes on his farm, transitioning away from traditional methods and diving into nut farming, a less common but increasingly valuable crop in the UK. We explore how he’s reshaping his farm, the challenges of introducing nut trees into British agriculture, and the long-term vision for this shift. Tom shares the lessons he’s learned, from soil management to market demand, and the unexpected hurdles along the way. 🌰🌳 Beyond nut farming, we discuss how agriculture is evolving, the importance of trial and error, and how technology and innovation can help farmers adapt to changing markets and climates. His forward-thinking approach offers valuable insight for anyone considering diversification. 🌱 Tom’s journey is a fascinating look at how farms can pivot, adapt, and thrive with new ideas and sustainable practices. If you’re interested in future-proofing your farm, this episode is one you won’t want to miss! 🚀 Enjoy! Thanks to Howden Rural for the . #R2Kast #TomMcVeigh #NutFarming #FarmTransformation #SustainableFarming #AgInnovation #Diversification #SoilHealth #FutureOfFarming #ClimateResilience #RegenerativeAgriculture #FarmDiversification #AgriTech #AgriLeadership #FarmingInnovation #UKFarming #AgriBusiness #Horticulture #NewCrops #FarmingCommunity #SustainableAg #AgTech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Will Blake onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ With so much of this series focusing on farming, it’s important we also bring in more voices from the food industry—and Will is the perfect guest to do just that! 🍽️ Will has spent years working in hospitality across both the UK and Oman, gaining experience in high-pressure kitchens and learning what makes a truly great food experience. Now, he’s the owner of Troff on the Go, a street food business that has built a strong following for its bold flavours and top-tier dishes. 🌯🔥 We also chat about consumer trends, the growing demand for authenticity in food, and how small businesses can compete in a world dominated by big chains. Will’s insights into customer expectations and adapting to the fast-paced nature of hospitality make for a fascinating discussion. 🌍 To top it all off, he shares a fun story involving a former US president—a moment that perfectly sums up the unpredictability of working in hospitality! His experience in hospitality, customer service, and building a successful food brand makes this an episode packed with knowledge and inspiration for anyone in food and farming. 🏆 Enjoy! Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . #R2Kast #WillBlake #TroffOnTheGo #FoodIndustry #Hospitality #StreetFood #ConsumerTrends #FarmToFork #FoodBusiness #QualityIngredients #IndependentBusiness #FoodCulture #RestaurantLife #ChefLife #UKFood #ingLocal #CulinaryInnovation #FarmingAndFood #HowdenRural Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Oli Fletcher onto the R2Kast! 🎥 From growing up on a small dairy farm to studying history at Oxford, Oli has taken a unique route into the world of agricultural advocacy. His YouTube channel, Farming Explained, dives deep into complex debates surrounding food production, sustainability, and rural life. 🚜 Oli doesn’t shy away from controversy—his content tackles everything from veganism to food security, breaking down the nuances of modern farming in a way that’s both accessible and thought-provoking. His goal? To bridge the gap between farmers and consumers through informed discussion. 🌍📢 We also delve into farming history, uncovering some hidden truths about agriculture’s past and how they still shape the industry today. From overlooked innovations to long-standing misconceptions, this episode offers a fascinating look at the evolution of farming. 📜🌾 We also chat about the pressures of putting yourself out there online. As much as social media allows farmers to share their stories, it also invites criticism. Oli shares his experiences of navigating this space, handling backlash, and staying true to his mission of educating the public. 💻💬 Enjoy! 😊 Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued . #Farming #Agriculture #RuralLife #FoodProduction #YouTube #SocialMedia #FarmingExplained #OxfordUniversity #FoodSecurity #SustainableFarming #ConsumerEducation #FarmToFork #FarmingDebates #RegenerativeAg #FarmerInfluencer #AgriculturalAdvocacy #LivestockFarming #FarmingHistory #HiddenTruths #DigitalFarming #UKAgriculture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.