Ep.49 Rodrigo Navarro from Wandering Feathers "What a year!"
48 min
In this episode I catch up with Rod from Wandering Feathers after a busy year. See episode 14 for my original conversation explaining how it all started.
About the show
Late night ramblings on everything agriculture - this serious yet light-hearted podcast will open your eyes to the world of agriculture. Whether it's farming, tractors, agribusiness, diversification, arable, livestock, land management, food production or simply the countryside and rural affairs, you'll find a variety of voices from people working in the sector. The podcast is for everybody, whether or not you farm...so why not hop on my tractor and come along for the ride.
Newest episodes
Ep.48 Lisa & Cam Edwards "I bought an £8 electric pepper grinder off Amazon & strapped it to a drone"
49 min
I talk to mother & son farmers Lisa & Cam Edwards at GooseMeadow Farming in Southwest Lancashire about their efforts to make best use of their lowland peat which is under water roughly 10 months of the year, by growing bullrushes (Typha) for a commercially viable textile business. Check out the following links to learn more about how they solved the problems of germination as well as creating a unique harvesting solution. You can find Cam on Instagram @bullrush_farmer orthe family farm @goosemeadowfarmingltd Find out more about Biopuff at www.ponda.bio
Ep. 47 Ian Botham 'Beefy' "I'm a country boy"
36 min
Cricketing legend and peer of the realm Lord Ian Botham of Ravensworth (to give him his full title), is better known today for championing the protection of the countryside, specifically the unique moorland habitat surrounding his small corner of Yorkshire. In my chat with 'Beefy' we talked about cricket, wine, and his busy schedule as well as his campaigning to prevent the installation of wind farms across several Yorkshire moors. October has also seen the launch of his new autobiography 'Seasons - Riding the Torpedo' that says more about his loves and life behind the stellar cricketing career headlines and as he puts it, "gets a few things off his chest." You can find a copy of the book at all good book retailers.
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All episodes
Ep.49 Rodrigo Navarro from Wandering Feathers "What a year!"
48 min
In this episode I catch up with Rod from Wandering Feathers after a busy year. See episode 14 for my original conversation explaining how it all started.
Ep.48 Lisa & Cam Edwards "I bought an £8 electric pepper grinder off Amazon & strapped it to a drone"
49 min
I talk to mother & son farmers Lisa & Cam Edwards at GooseMeadow Farming in Southwest Lancashire about their efforts to make best use of their lowland peat which is under water roughly 10 months of the year, by growing bullrushes (Typha) for a commercially viable textile business. Check out the following links to learn more about how they solved the problems of germination as well as creating a unique harvesting solution. You can find Cam on Instagram @bullrush_farmer orthe family farm @goosemeadowfarmingltd Find out more about Biopuff at www.ponda.bio
Ep. 47 Ian Botham 'Beefy' "I'm a country boy"
36 min
Cricketing legend and peer of the realm Lord Ian Botham of Ravensworth (to give him his full title), is better known today for championing the protection of the countryside, specifically the unique moorland habitat surrounding his small corner of Yorkshire. In my chat with 'Beefy' we talked about cricket, wine, and his busy schedule as well as his campaigning to prevent the installation of wind farms across several Yorkshire moors. October has also seen the launch of his new autobiography 'Seasons - Riding the Torpedo' that says more about his loves and life behind the stellar cricketing career headlines and as he puts it, "gets a few things off his chest." You can find a copy of the book at all good book retailers.
Ep.46 John Pawsey "This is amazing, you know, this is unfathomable what I'm looking at"
52 min
John Pawsey, 4th generation Suffolk organic farmer, bookworm and bon viveur…we settle down to natter about a few things currently on his mind. Find out more about John, the family business and his great team at Shimpling Park Farm here: Shimpling Park Farm | Diversified organic farm in Suffolk and don’t forget to follow him on Instagram @John.Pawsey for updates and the occasional prank.
Ep.45 Silas Hedley-Lawrence “thing with regenerative is, some people get so triggered by that word”
1 hr 8 min
Regenerative farmer and farm consultant Silas explains how he came to work out a regen system for better results that work at scale as well as for smallholders starting out. Learn more about his work on his website grassfedfarmer.com or his social channels by the same name.
Ep. 44 Ben Adams "50% of the area has yielded 80% of the control, so something has worked"
43 min
Arable farmer, consultant and farming influencer Ben Adams talks to me about intercropping trials, crop strategy, tech & more. Follow Ben @BenAdamsAgri on YouTube, Facebook & Instagram https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=ben%20adams&origin=GLOBAL_SEARCH_HEADER
Ep.43 Tim Riley "there's nothing like farmers to understand the nature of how humans interact"
59 min
In conversation with Tim Riley, a regenerative farmer basedin the Calder Valley who not only manages c.40 hectares of pasture but who has also held a number of prominent positions across a career spanning public health and food standards. We talk about soil health, science, rewilding, food standardsand much more. https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-riley-frase-6430852/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BhwpABC7PRZGUdBqYFhlOpw%3D%3D
Ep.42 Sam Colebatch "I'm doing my dream job"
52 min
Join me as I talk to Sam Colebatch of Russells. Russells has been serving the Yorkshire farming community since 1849 when George Russell the son of a blacksmith began designing and manufacturing horse drawn ploughs, harrows, and seed drills at premises in the Village of Great Edstone. Sam takes me through his experience in machinery sales and explains to me why he wouldn’t want to do anything else. www.russells.uk.com
EP. 41 David Wheatley "I was 100% sure we were going bankrupt"
1 hr 4 min
Social Media is transforming the relationship the public haswith growers & producers across the world and, from his own little corner of Cambridgeshire, David Wheatley is reaching millions with his unscripted, heart warming snippets of farm life. In our conversation, he explains the ups & downs of ‘goingviral’ and what it has all meant for the farm business. You can find his content across the following channels andhis website at: www.petitepeonys.co.uk YouTube @davidwheatley3938 Instagram @petitepeonys Facebook @David Wheatley
Ep.40 Sarah Morris "...we basically exist to amplify rural voices."
45 min
In a world where data is king and government policy is very often informed by what we think and do as citizens, making sure all views from all backgrounds and localities are represented is vital. This is particularly true in rural communities when it can sometimes feel as though each and every decision is only shaped around the needs of towns & cities. Sarah Morris co-founded Fieldmouse Research Agency to shift the conversation, creating a team dedicated to finding those previously untapped views from those living and working in the countryside. You can find out more about how they are ensuring rural voices are heard by checking out thewebsite www.fmresearch.co.uk
Ep.39 Robin Asquith "Ey up Roland"
35 min
A walk round Camphill Village Trust in Botton Village, North Yorkshire with Robin Asquith, Head of the Natural Environment at Botton. This unique village exists to meet a very specific purpose and I was delighted to meet many residents and workers on the farm during my visit, not to mention its stunning location and a taste of some award winning cheeses!Please do visit their website to see the incredible work they do.https://www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/
Ep.38 Richard Negus "We are conservationists as hedge layers. That is our job"
1 hr 7 min
Today’s chat is with hedge layer and author Richard Negus. Richard’s no nonsense approach typifies many who work the land and it’s perhaps this honesty that makes his book ‘Words from the Hedge’ such a good read. If you have an interest in conservation, it’s an important view literally from the ground up.
Hannah Clarke & Emily Ball Special Edition with TwoCan Mentor
37 min
Hannah Clarke is lead Red Meat Market Analyst at AHDB and is alsoco-host of AHDB’s very own podcast, The Ag Show. Emily Ball is Senior Account director at Twig Strategic Communications working on many cross industry campaigns and solutions. This fun pairing came together 18 months ago and it’s fair to say they were impressed by the matching accuracy of the TwoCan process, despite coming from two very different sectors of the industry. The working relationship has also solidified into a friendship that continuestoday.
EP.37 Pasture Bedtime summer break & some reading recommendations
7 min
Taking a short break but leaving you with a few books to read. Don't forget to follow to be ready for season two, I'll be back on air 30th August.
John Pawsey & Max Randall Special Edition with TwoCan Mentor
31 min
My guests today are Max Randall, Group Technical & Sustainability Manager for BerryWorld and John Pawsey, organic mixed arable & sheep farmer who continues to hold many interesting consultative positions in the agriculturalsector alongside running his farm in Suffolk. Max & John catch up with me and explain what it is about mentoring that helped both of them take away learnings that continue to apply long after the time their 6 month programme.
Ep.36 Dr Louise Manning "...sawdust in bread"
48 min
Dr. Louise Manning returns for a second chat this time on the subject of food safety. Whether it's food fraud, allergens, imports, food standards, labelling, product recalls, or considerations for planning to sell direct, it's all here. If you haven't heard our previous conversation in episode 19, do go back and listen when you have the time.
Ep.35 Louise Day revisited - Transforming the farm and some dodgy sheep
49 min
First aired on 7th December 2025, in this episode I speak to Louise Day of Sheepfold Farm Ingleby Greenhow. In it, Louise talks about the many decisions and considerations necessary to transform an established dairy farm into a thriving beef & sheep system promoting rare breeds and in keeping with its protected landscape status. Check out the farm at www.newsheepfoldfarm.co.uk as wellas across various social media platforms.
Elaine McGladdery & Stasha Napior-Kowska Special Edition with TwoCan Mentor
33 min
In this additional series I talk to Elaine & Stasha from AHDB about integrating TwoCan Mentoring in to the Learning & Development strategy. Follow this mini-series every fortnight as we hear how getting the right support can transform careers.
Ep.34 Fred Allen “We’re in a sausage machine“
48 min
Pig Farmer Fred Allen gives me a masterclass in pig rearing and some eye opening facts about the state of pig farming in the UK. The succession of heatwaves brings its own specificchallenges when it comes to the welfare of the animals and so after a busy few weeks, I was delighted to catch him in a rare moment of cool quiet.
EP.33 Amy Hughes "I start by helping people have those conversations"
35 min
Farmer's daughter Amy Hughes explains how she came to set up her own business helping farming families tackle the difficult conversations that can often make the difference as to the survival of the business. Find out more about Amy's services at www.empowerag.co.uk
Miranda Poulson - Special Edition with TwoCan Mentor
36 min
In this additional series, I talk to Miranda Poulson from AHDB about how her initial dream of being a vet would ultimately set her on a different career path. Follow this mini-series every fortnight as we hear how getting the right support can transform careers. Find out more at TwoCanMentor.co.uk
EP.32 Dan Kittredge "Soil health is what connects in the nutrient variation"
37 min
My guest today grew up on a beautiful farm in the lush, fertile state of Massachusetts, USA. Dan Kittredge would work on the family’s organic farm, as a boy and then as a young man, simply not wishing to do anything else. But, as he said, ultimately he was on a ‘quest’…to find some purpose and meaning to his life, one that would ensure he could remain on the farm but that would also earn him and his young wife a living. Hear how that quest would result in understandingthe unique role that soil health plays in nutrient density. Learn more at www.bionutrient.org
Ep. 31 Eden Hill "we were earning £1.14 an hour selling to supermarkets"
58 min
In this episode, I talk to 1st generation farmer Eden Hill who, when all seemed lost, used social media to promote a side hustle that would go on to save the farm. Purchase all your beef, lamb, mutton & pork requirements from a pack of mince to half a cow at meatboxfamily.co.uk. Check out their regular raffles and follow ‘the meat box family’ on all the usual socials.
Beth Proctor & John Bates Special Edition with TwoCan Mentor
49 min
In this episode I talk to John Bates & Beth Proctor from TwoCan Mentorship about their mentoring journey. Follow this mini series every fortnight as we hear how impactful support can transform careers and provide professional bonds of friendship for years to come.
Ep.30 Martin Williams "I'm still farming...I've still got that identity"
43 min
Herefordshire farmer turned industry advocate Martin Williams, discusses what it means to support the industry and still retain your identity. How a life changing conversation with a fellow farmer and good friend would set him on a different path.
Ep.29 Charlie Whitehouse "It was all I wanted to do"
54 min
On today's episode I'm joined by 4th generation farmer Charlie Whitehouse who farms a mixed system in the beautiful Herefordshire/Gloucestershire borders. Listen in as we talk about how grateful Charlie is to be doing a job he loves and how he sees the future.
Abby Cook & Ben Williams Special Edition with TwoCan Mentor
42 min
In this additional series, I talk to mentors and their mentees from TwoCan Mentorship about their mentoring journey. Follow this mini series every fortnight as we hear how impactful support can transform careers and provide professional bonds of friendship for years to come.
Ep.28 Ally Mitchell "Mud in my blood"
47 min
On the show today I speak to Ally Mitchell who provides marketing & operational support for rural businesses up & down the country. To find out more about the support she offers, you can find her here at AllyMitchell | LinkedIn or by visiting the website www.smartwavesupport.co.uk
Ep.27 Will Sanders "We're very lucky to do what we do"
53 min
Meet Will Sanders, a Dairy Farm Manager with his feet firmly on the ground and a keen sense of what's most important infarm management - it's the "human skills". Originally destined for the fire service, Will found a love for farming and a respect for everyone in it, starting with the people that work alongside him. He's now developed a sidebusiness coaching others in farming. You can find all the details on his website www.agricoach.uk
Emma Smith & Sophie Smith Special Edition with TwoCan Mentor
35 min
In this additional series, I talk to mentors & their mentees from TwoCan Mentorship about their mentoring journey. Follow this mini series every fortnight as we hear how impactfulsupport can transform careers and provide professional bonds of friendship for years to come.
Ep. 26 Tom Fairfax "my ground is a little bit like a bossy aunt."
1 hr 1 min
Tom Fairfax has transitioned his 1,200 acre mixed farm in Northumberland to operate under organic & regenerativeprinciples. Passionate about measuring the impacts of change, his farm is frequently used for educational visits sharing best practice around agroecological farming. Find out more about visits to the farm at www.mindrumestate.com
Ep. 25 Iain McDonnell "when we look back, there will be lessons learned"
47 min
On today's episode, I chat with Iain McDonnell, Senior Environment Officer with the Environment Agency. Iain's experience in farming encompassed travels to Australia & America where he learned how to be a 'Jackaroo' as well ascombining stretches of crops measuring 3 miles wide. Today he advises on many aspects of farming best practice as well as overseeing grant applications awarded under the Farming in a Protected Landscape scheme. If you thought civil servants never get their hands dirty, think again.
Ep.24 Helen Wyman "talking to somebody outside of your current situation...it's very powerful"
42 min
Join me as I chat to Helen about her experience of growing up on the farm and working in the agricultural sector. Helen explains how returning to work after maternity leave left her feeling a bit lost so she pursued a Nuffield Scholarship to create a mentoring support network for the industry, supporting hundreds of people on their own career path. Find out more about TwoCan Mentor at www.twocanmentor.co.uk or on YouTube @TwoCan_Mentor Learn more about the Nuffield Scholarship at www.nuffieldscholar.org or on YouTube @NuffieldFarming
Ep.23 Joe Stanley "There's no shortage of opportunities within the industry"
53 min
My guest today is Joe Stanley, columnist, author and Head of Sustainable Farming at The Allerton Project. A recognised voice in the farming community as an advocate for stainability in farming, Joe wasn’t always a fully paid up member of the natural capital society. But in our conversation he shares his journey in and out of farming, and his sympathetic views on how we have reached a tipping point in the industry. You can find a link to his book “Farm to Fork; The Challenge of Sustainable Farming in 21st Century Britain” here: https://amzn.eu/d/09IKnkWI Find out more about the work of The Allerton Project here: The Allerton Project | Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
Ep.22 David Christensen "Frankly it's a bonkers way to make a living."
46 min
Meet David Christensen, a dairy farmer with a passion for farming in all its guises. In this episode we discuss not only dairy but many of the challenges facing the agricultural sector as a whole. Representing farmers on various bodies, David's collaborative and practical approach comes as standard and here he explains some of his background and thoughts on farming in a changing landscape.
Ep.21 Laura Awdry "...you have to be really creative with what you've got"
41 min
This week, I’m talking to Dairy Beef farmer and NuffieldScholar Laura Awdry. Laura’s paper entitled ‘Every calf has a value, but is every calf equal?’ is summarised in her presentation to the Nuffield Conference in December 2025. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/jz4rdHE8l4c?si=hDeZyBqd3waOxmHT
Ep.20 Paul Christian "a golden thread that ties us together"
44 min
In this conversation with Paul Christian, Managing Director at Sentry Ltd, Paul explains what it means to face adversity with innovation and keep a steady hand on the tiller during turbulent times. Learn more about the work that Sentry do at www.Sentry.co.uk
Ep. 19 Dr Louise Manning PhD "Wouldn't it be wonderful..."
47 min
Author of the Oxford Farming Conference 2026 paper 'UK Farming; grasping the opportunities', Dr Louise Manning PhD joins me to dissect her research and put forward her ideas on how to find solutions to some of the challenges faced by British farmers today. You can watch Louise's presentation of the paper on YouTube at https://youtu.be/AdzoYNcvas0?si=5T5VvX5SR2k8TMiP
Ep.18 Michael Owen "Onions from New Zealand, garlic from China"
51 min
Join me as I hear from IT specialist turned regenerative agriculture enthusiast Michael Owen about farm life inNorway. Listen out for details of the festival he and and a dedicated team are putting together this August, you can find all the details at jordfestival.com
Ep.17 Ben Taylor "Not bad for a harvest boy"
41 min
Ben Taylor oversees the Iford Estate,3,000 acres of sublime farmland nestled in the South Downs National Park. Among his many responsibilities is the setting aside of land for the creation of UK biodiversity. Aiming to become an exemplar landscape restoration project, creating new habitat. and space for nature, allowing our diversity of species to expand over the whole estate, whilst still retaining food production over the most fertile land. Learn more about the project at ifordbiodiversityproject.co.uk or the estate main site at ifordestate.com
Ep.16 Harriet Bunning "...academic's imaginary idea of what a beef farmer is"
40 min
Harriet Bunning is a Beef Cattle Geneticist with a real passion and skill for using the data to find real world solutions and innovative ways of applying the science. Taking the opportunity to seek out and quiz a revered author in the field of livestock breeding, would lead Harriet to apply for and realise her PhD dream at SRUC. You can find Harriet on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-bunning-777a3148/
Ep.15 Ben Aveling "I effectively spend two months wearing sheep as gloves"
50 min
Welcome to the 'funny farm' where Ben takes a light hearted view of farming but with a serious message about our foodsystem and the choices consumers have ...or don't have. You can find Ben on YouTube @radmorefarm or on Facebook& Instagram using the same handle. Also, check out @MeetTheFarmersPodcast episode 328 for a different interview with Ben by my good friend Ben Eagle. You can never have too many Bens.
Ep. 14 Rodrigo & Kirsten Navarro "Nothing really ruffles your feathers"
54 min
Hear how Rodrigo & Kirsten Navarro left London life to run an organic poultry farm producing pasture raised eggsfor direct sale. Find out more about their business and life with 500 chickens by clicking the links below: www.wanderingfeathers.co.uk @wanderingfeathersltd
Ep. 13 - David Hoyles "Just by chance while I was on a farming trip in Italy"
38 min
Lincolnshire arable farmer David Hoyles talks about his foray into olive growing that has earned the accolade of being the most northerly olive grove in the world. Learn more about his Mediterranean adventure as well as the successful family farm at these websites: https://www.englisholive.co.uk/ https://www.ghhoyles.co.uk/
Ep. 12 Sophie Gregory "I just love milking the cows"
44 min
Dairy farmer Sophie Gregory talks about her journey in farming and what the ups & downs in the price for milk meansfor her & husband Tom.
Ep.11 Neil Darwent "Winning farmers the recognition & reward they deserve"
55 min
Today's episode is sponsored by Produce & Provide. I talk to founder Neil Darwent about his career in farming and where it has taken him. Check out www.produceandprovide.co.uk to see how they are supporting British Farmers who are selling direct to consumers by giving us the consumers, the tools to find them.
Ep 10. Clare Otridge "What an amazing bunch of people farmers are"
45 min
Today, food, farming & the environment are moreintertwined than ever before. With an increased awareness from the general public about the state of farming, consumers are demanding more transparency and clearer information about the food supply chain. On top of this, businesses, regulators and government bodies must all find ways of tapping into consumer buying behaviours as well as finding workable solutions to move the sector forward in today’s globally competitive economy. Today’s guest Clare Otridge. Director of Grounded Researchoutlines the importance of ensuring farmers have a say in the direction of travel, and in contributing to the discussions, are paid for their subject matter expertise. To find out more about the work of Grounded Research visitgroundedresearch.co.uk
Ep.9 James Peck "I try not to think about Rachel Reeves"
42 min
If you know arable, you'll know James Peck, Managing Director of PX Farms Ltd. Join me as he gives his views on the current state of farming, and the art of running at tight ship down on th farm. Follow him on here under P.X.Farms Podcast or YouTube @P.X. Farms Ltd
Ep.8 Stephen McCulloch "They are essentially like mini woodlands"
1 hr 3 min
Join me as The Devon Hedge Layer Steven McCulloch explains where hedge laying fits in to the rural landscape, creatingfield boundaries and wildlife corridors using techniques and traditions that go back centuries. Check out his website www.devonhedgelayer.co.uk or follow him on Instagram @devon_hedge_layer to see this beautiful craft in action.
Ep.7 "Go for it"
22 min
2025 was a pivotal year for me and in today's episode, it's me on the end of the questioning. At what point did things change for me.For anyone considering a career move, my advice is "go for it!" With the new year often being that time when we consider life changes, I hope you enjoy hearing how and why I made the change. Happy new year to you all.
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