R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Well today we welcome Claudia to the R2Kast 🎙️ Someone who has lived and breathed chickens since she was six years old, turning her sister’s unwanted hens into a full blown breeding hobby, a little business and eventually an educational platform followed by thousands. 🌾

We talked about how she became overstocked at eight years old, selling chicks from rabbit hutches, learning through trial and error, reading Practical Poultry and building a client base before most kids knew their times tables. Her stories of juggling colours, managing the pecking order and keeping hundreds of birds as pets were...

Well today we welcome George to the R2Kast 🎙️ Someone who has spent nearly 30 years leading the Tenant Farmers Association and has seen more policy cycles, governments and tenancy changes than most of us could list. 🌾

We talked about his journey from Belfast to agricultural economics, joining the old Ministry of Agriculture, and eventually stepping into the TFA at a time when the whole tenancy landscape was shifting. His stories about navigating succession rules, short term agreements, landlord relationships and the fight to protect tenant rights were fascinating. 🍎

One of my favourite parts was hearing...

Thank you for supporting for 400 episodes! What a ride it’s been! Here’s to 500 🎉

Well today we welcome Cameron to the R2Kast 🎙️ A young arable farmer who somehow found himself swapping the grain store for the Big Brother house and ended up becoming one of the standout voices of the whole series. 🌾

We talked about life on the family farm, his unusual school where you could be learning maths one minute and milking cows the next, and how a news interview at a farming protest planted the first spark that maybe he belonged on...

Well today we welcome Leah to the R2Kast 🎙️ Someone whose story moves quickly, from Welsh speaking smallholding life to dropping out of uni on her birthday and walking straight into agricultural marketing. 🌾

We chatted about how she messaged Andy at Hillsgreen on a whim, turned a week of work experience into 15 months, and found out she preferred real world creativity over lectures. Her honesty about wanting pace, purpose and practical learning made a lot of sense. 🍎

One of my favourite parts was hearing about her role with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. From the ma...

Well today we welcome Katelyn to the R2Kast 🎙️ Someone whose early career has moved quickly, from Harper Adams to placements, into food marketing, and now into a role working with sustainable ingredients made from broccoli stems. 🌾

We spoke about how she nearly studied law before a last minute spark pushed her into agri food marketing. Her time at Harper was full of funny moments, including turning up to crop class in sparkly wellies and confidently identifying a blade of grass as green. During her placement year she found herself learning everything from finance to branding to facto...

Well today we welcome Bill to the R2Kast 🎙️ Someone many folk in Scottish farming will know well. We started with his journey from Belfast to St Andrews, studying medicine before realising it wasn’t the right path, and how that eventually led him into agriculture through rugby clubs, mentors and a real love of working on the land. 🌾

We spoke about his thirty years at Rosemains, running a mixed arable estate, the changes he’s overseen, the monitor farm years, and the diversification that’s brought new life into the place. His honesty about learning on the job and...

Well today we welcome Ally to the R2Kast 🎙️ Someone many of you will know from the telly, from farming, or now from podcasting as the co host of Meet the Farmers The Big Debate. We kicked off chatting about how that show began, how he ended up working alongside Sophie and Ben, and the challenge of debating topics when everyone secretly agrees. 🌾

We got into the farm at Weir End, how he took over the tenancy, the move into diversification, his ongoing hunt for the perfect legume crop and the reality of trying peas, beans and soya...

Well today we welcome me again, this time to look back over the last two years and what they’ve really been like 🎙️ From Rwanda and Tanzania, to Ukraine, America, Japan, New Zealand, China and everywhere in between, it’s been a wild mix of travel, learning, worry, joy and a lot of growing up. 🌾

I spoke about the early trips with SAYFC, meeting people who changed the way I see the world, and then heading to Ukraine to deliver a pickup in a war zone and realising how lucky we are at home. From there it rolled st...

Well today we welcome Daniel to the R2Kast 🎙️ A brilliant chat with someone who has lived a life full of stories long before becoming a medical student. From being born on a farm to cycling thousands of miles through places like Syria, Sudan and Pakistan, his tales of hospitality, fear, humour and pure naivety were unreal. 🌾

We spoke about the moments that shaped him most, from strangers handing him fruit in the middle of nowhere to months spent helping in refugee camps across France and Greece. His passion for people and that sense of humanity came thr...

Well today we welcome me to talk all things China on the people in food and farming series of the R2Kast 🎙️ A slightly different one this time as I dove into my own story, chatting about six weeks living and teaching in Qingdao and what life was really like on the other side of the world. 🌾

We got into how the opportunity came about, from a chance conversation at RAU to a whirlwind of visas, last minute passport chaos and hopping across continents to land in a country where nothing was familiar and everything was new. I s...

Today on the All In series of the R2Kast I was joined by Nicholas Duffy 🎙️ The series where we share the stories of people with no ties to food or farming but who still have something powerful to say about life, ambition and what drives them 🌍

Nick, who goes by the pen name Nicholas the Poodle, is an author, traveller and teacher from Massachusetts now living and working in Qingdao, China. We spoke about how the name came about, the meaning behind it, and how it’s helped him grow as a writer 📚

We chatted...

Today we welcome Annie Landless onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Annie works on a 600 acre organic mixed farm in the Cotswolds where she manages everything from veg boxes to beef cattle and pigs. Her passion for regenerative systems shines through as she talks about herbal lays, mob grazing, and the importance of soil health. 🌱🐄🐝

We explore Annie’s journey from a family farm with a reputation for organic beef to her current role at Harnhill. She shares how bread and sourdough brought her back into farming and how her interest in good food links directly with the way she now grow...

Today’s guest is Alex Gray! 🎙️ A lecturer in agriculture, countryside management, and horticulture, Alex is passionate about breaking down the silos in rural education. 🌳📚

We talk about his background in ecology and farming, and how those two worlds—often seen as opposites—can come together through regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. Alex shares how he is rolling out new systems at Brooksby College that get agriculture students, ecologists, and horticulture students working on the same land. 🌱👨‍🏫

Our conversation explores the need for holistic land stewardship education, how New Zealand provides inspiration, and why young people should learn ab...

Today I welcome Bryce Cunningham onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ An organic dairy farmer from Ayrshire, Bryce is flying the flag for Ayrshire cows and sustainable systems. 🐄🥛

At Mossgiel Organic Farm, Bryce has built a cow-with-calf system that keeps mothers and calves together for up to eight months. He also runs a dairy business delivering across Scotland, works with other organic farms, and has even added a bakery and coffee shop with no ultra-processed ingredients. 🍞☕

We talk about history too—how Robert Burns once farmed on the same land and how Ayrshire cows connect past and present...

Today we welcome Tom Newbury onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A new entrant farmer, butcher, and tree surgeon, Tom embodies the many routes into agriculture. 🌳🥩

Tom shares how a childhood love of farming never left him, even though his family had no farming background. From early days “helping” on local smallholdings to finding his way through butchery and beyond, his path shows the grit and passion needed to carve out a future in food and farming. 💪🌾

We talk about his journey into land, the challenges of getting started, and how resilience and adaptability shape every step. It is the...

Today’s guest is Tom Martin! 🎙️ Known for vibrant shirts and even brighter ideas, Tom joins me to talk about his decade in farming and the unexpected paths that led him here. 👕🌾

Farming is Tom’s fourth career, and he reflects on how much has changed in just ten years. Practices once seen as “howling at the moon” are now mainstream, and he asks what today’s wild ideas will look normal a decade from now. 🌙➡️☀️

We talk about identity in farming, how a farm can reflect the personality of the farmer, and why curiosity matters. Along the...

Today I sit down with Iain Riddell! 🎙️ After nearly 45 years with SRUC, Iain reflects on a career that saw him advise farmers through countless reforms, challenges, and opportunities. 👨‍🌾📖

We talk about how consultancy has evolved—from free advisory services in the early days to today’s scheme-driven pressures—and the constant truth that farming is never without challenge. Iain shares stories of Elgin, Stonehaven, and St Boswell’s, and how Scottish agriculture has changed through decades of policy shifts. 🇬🇧🌾

Now semi-retired, Iain has turned his attention to hemp, exploring new uses and opportunities in a crop that just keeps surpris...

Today I welcome Tim May onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A fourth-generation farmer from Hampshire, Tim has transformed Kingsclere Estate into something far beyond a traditional farm. 🌾

We hear how his Nuffield Scholarship inspired him to shift from 100 percent arable into a mixed regenerative system, bringing livestock back and building a network of partners rather than employees. Tim shares his vision of farming as a platform for multiple businesses—from roaming dairies and hens to rental units and food ventures. 🐄🐓

Our conversation dives into PitchUp, his innovative way of inviting entrepreneurs onto the farm to co-create cir...

Today we welcome Lee-Anne Oliver onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A farm vet based near Hexham, Lee-Anne has built her own practise while balancing the pressures and joys of working with livestock and rural communities. 🐄🐑

We hear how she graduated in 2007, worked across farm animal practice, and eventually took the leap to run her own business. Lee-Anne speaks honestly about the realities of being a farm vet, from calving cows at two in the morning to supporting families as much as animals. She reflects on generational change, community bonds, and why resilience is as much about people as it is ab...

Today I welcome Glen Barclay onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A journalist with The Scottish Farmer and vice chair of SAYFC communications, Glen has a story that blends timber contracting, football sidelines, and rural journalism in a way few could imagine. 🌲⚽

We hear how growing up in a timber family gave him a grounding in rural life before he found himself sitting on the bench as a substitute goalkeeper with a notebook, writing match reports. That passion for words eventually took him to Australia, where he worked with the Central Coast Mariners during the time Usain Bolt tried his...

Today we welcome Niels Corfield onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A consultant, educator, and soil enthusiast, Niels has become one of the leading voices in regenerative agriculture across the UK. 🌱🌍

We hear how he grew up in a scientific household, moved through IT and tech work, then found his way back to land through plant nurseries and adult education. That shift led him to become a trainer in soil health, running field sessions where farmers literally put spades in the ground to understand structure, rooting depth, and infiltration. 🪱🌿

Niels speaks with me about beating the weather, why...

Today’s episode is a special one as I bring the full Scottish Rally team onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Jillian, Joanne, Angela, Kelly and I came together to share our experience of this summer’s Rural Youth Europe rally in Slovenia. 🇸🇮🌍

We talk about what Rally actually is, the theme of planting ideas and cultivating the future, and how rural youth can shape policy and create opportunities across Europe. From committee work to travel stories, the five of us reflect on learning, laughter, and the challenges that come with such an international gathering. 🌱🤝

Jillian and Joanne share...

Today we welcome Rodrigo Navarro onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Rodrigo’s story takes us from a South African restaurant in London where he worked as a head chef, all the way to Hampshire where he now runs an organic pastured egg business. 🍳🌿

Rodrigo shares how he and his wife decided to leave the city behind and chase a dream of rural living, influenced by their family histories in Chile and Ireland. What began with cooking meat over fire has transformed into caring for 600 hens in mobile sheds that follow organic dairy cows across herbal leys, creating a near circul...

Today we welcome Tom Ware onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A 22 year old farmer from Nottinghamshire, Tom has carved a unique path across contracting, drone photography, gin making, and social media, while also becoming a strong voice for mental health in agriculture. 🚜📸

We talk about his adventures in Australia, from 60,000 acre farms and endless combine hours to the simplicity of just posting on Facebook and landing a job. Tom shares the beauty and challenge of farming at that scale, and how those experiences shaped his outlook back home. 🌏🌾

At home, Tom’s story takes another turn as he...

Today we welcome Michaela Scott onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ At only 19, Michaela is already shaping the political conversation in Scotland. A student of Criminology and Politics at Stirling, she is passionate about ensuring young people in rural areas have a real say in decisions that shape their lives. 🗳️🌱

We dive into how criminology and politics overlap, from injustices in the justice system to policy making, and how Michaela has used this mix to strengthen her voice. She shares openly about speaking in the Scottish Parliament, shadowing MSPs, and even turning down an offer to run for election whil...

Today on the R2Kast I sit down with one of the true pioneers of regenerative agriculture, Gabe Brown! 🎙️ From four years of crop failure and 1.5 million dollars in debt to becoming a global leader in soil health, Gabe’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. 🌱

We talk about his switch to no till, integrating livestock, and embracing biodiversity to rebuild his land and his business. Gabe explains why profit comes from working with nature, not fighting it, and how food grown in healthy soil can truly become medicine. 🍎💪

From being introduced by Prince William a...

Today we welcome Ketrin Kastehein onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Ketrin is the chairperson of Rural Youth Europe and brings a fascinating perspective from Estonia where youth work is not just a passion but a recognised profession. 🇪🇪✨

We hear how she grew up between city and rural life, at once a capital girl and a countryside girl, before finding her place through dance, rhythmic gymnastics, and youth activism. From joining 4H at eight years old to studying a degree in youth work, her story shows the power of grassroots youth groups to shape leaders. 💃🌿

Ketrin shares her e...

Today we welcome Sally Crowe onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Sally is well known to many from This Farming Life and has built a life she truly calls living the dream up in Caithness. 🐑 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

We hear how her journey has taken her across the world, from the shearing sheds of Western Australia to the global stage of the Golden Shears in New Zealand. Sally tells me about the buzz of being part of the Scottish shearing team, the skill behind wool handling, and the intricacies of presenting a fleece to perfection. ✂️🌏

Our conversation also takes in life on the croft, travelli...

Today we welcome Tracey and Tom Davey onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Tracey is from the same village on Arran as me and over the past year has gone through a huge transformation, both physically and mentally. From realising she was unhappy at 90 kilos to now preparing for her first bodybuilding show, her story is one of resilience and change. 💪✨

Tracey opens up about the moment that pushed her to act, sparked by a school photo with her daughter, and how she has since lost over 30 kilos, found confidence, and discovered a passion for bodybuilding she never expected...

Today we welcome James Nixey onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ James is the National Chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, leading one of the UK’s largest rural youth movements. 🌱👩‍🌾👨‍🌾 He is also the Club Leader for Princes Risborough YFC, a club he first joined back in 2008, and his journey from there has carried him all the way to the national stage. ⭐

James and I reflect on our shared time in Slovenia at the European Rural Youth Parliament, where rural youth from 22 countries came together to learn, share, and shape a better future. 🇸🇮🌍 We talk about the atmosphere of those ev...

Today we welcome David Tennant onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ David is the Head of the Royal Highland Show, and his journey is a brilliant example of how someone not from a farming background can come to lead one of the most iconic events in agriculture. 🦌🎪

We hear how David first encountered the Highland Show and the impact it had on him, before stepping into the role where he now oversees everything from livestock lines to innovation halls. He talks openly about the challenges of delivering a world-class event and how the Show continues to balance its proud tradi...

Today I welcome Peter Eccles onto the R2Kast 🎙️ Peter is a farmer entrepreneur and former Farmers Weekly Farm Manager of the Year who runs a 200 acre family farm near Tranent where Herefords meet a gym called the Fitness Farmyard 🐂💪

We talk about how Peter built a pedigree herd of docile forage efficient Herefords launched meat boxes during COVID and combined this with his diversification into farm based fitness classes. From flipping tyres in the yard to welcoming PTs and locals into a rustic training space Peter has turned farming into a real community hub 🌾🏋️‍♂️

Peter opens up abou...

Today I welcome Jess Stokes onto the R2Kast 🎙️ Jess is an insect scientist with a PhD in veterinary parasitology who has spent years studying midges Schmallenberg virus and the unpredictable way new diseases emerge 🦟🔬

We chat about how growing up in rural Gloucestershire during the foot and mouth outbreak sparked her fascination with disease spread. That journey took her through Swansea Bristol and Liverpool before leading her into high containment labs at the Pirbright Institute. Jess shares how every time she studies a virus it seems to vanish earning her the reputation of being a curse in en...

🎙️ Featuring: Hannah Fraser, James Thompson, David Coop, Dan Smith, Rob Ward, and Hannah Thorogood

Back at NuffFest, this second Food for Health panel dives deeper into the crucial question of how farming systems—and especially soil health—shape the nutritional composition of our food. 🌱🥕

👩‍⚕️ Dr Hannah Fraser shares her perspective as both a doctor and farmer, arguing for better medical education on nutrition and stronger recognition of how soil health impacts food quality.

🛒 James Thompson draws on his retail background to reveal the challenges of consumer demand, supermarket incentives, and how buzzwords like “organic” an...

Today we welcome Shabawn Farrall to the R2Kast! 🎙️

A year ago to the day this episode goes out, I headed to Cheshire for what turned into a two-hour interview at Hills Green Marketing — with no idea where Cheshire even was. One of the people I met that day was Shabawn, and over the past 14 months she’s become a good friend.

Her journey is a masterclass in following opportunities wherever they lead. From her first day in a livestock market as a teenager, to supporting farmers through the foot and mouth crisis, to retrai...

Today we welcome Kit Franklin to the R2Kast! 🎙️

From Harper Adams student to the world’s first autonomous farmer, Kit’s story blends big ideas with bigger fields. As co-creator of the Hands Free Hectare and Hands Free Farm projects, he’s shown that automation in agriculture isn’t decades away – it’s already here. 🤖🌾

A lecturer, public speaker, and president-elect of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Kit is passionate about bringing young people into ag engineering and building networks that last. We talk about his Brash Ag podcast, the importance of collaboration, and how professional accred...

Today we welcome Sharon May to the R2Kast! 🎙️

From sports injuries to the deep work of counselling, Sharon’s journey is one of following the thread of what truly matters.

After retraining while raising a young family (not something she recommends lightly!), she’s built a thriving network of therapists from her organic mixed farm. 🌾💬

A Nuffield scholar’s wife and a farmer herself, Sharon talks openly about moving from physical to mental health, the values that guide her, and the challenges of running a practice that meets people wher...

Today I welcome two Australian Nuffield Scholars to the R2Kast 🎙️ Thanh Truong better known as the Fruit Nerd and aquaculture expert Connor Wass joined me at my kitchen table on Arran to talk all things food farming and the oceans that connect them 🍑🐟 Filmed on Arran after a weekend showing them my home the chat was full of warmth insight and a fair bit of fun

Thanh shared his journey from growing up in his family’s business Aus Asia Produce one of Australia’s largest fruit and veg exporters to becoming a TV host author and soci...

🎙️ Featuring: Tom Pearson, David Walker, Chris Manley, Kate Arthur, and Mark Warner

This episode is a bit different – recorded live from the first ever NuffFest, a summer gathering of Nuffield scholars with a focus on a crucial question: is your food healing or harming you? 🥦🧠

Led by Wallace and David Rose, the session explores how farming practices directly impact nutrition and public health. From childhood obesity to chronic disease, the panel dives into why a stronger bridge between agriculture and medicine is urgently needed.

🩺 Dr Tom Pearson – a GP and farmer – shares in...

Today we welcome Peter Craven onto the R2Kast! 🎙️

From Lincolnshire spuds to Natural England strategy, Peter’s story is one of stepping up, stepping back, and then stepping in to shape real change. 🥔➡️🌿

A Nuffield scholar, policy influencer and potato expert, Peter shares how one course jolted him awake to the huge shifts facing UK farming. Since then, he’s gone from perfect Instagram potatoes to shaping policy for farming with nature at its heart. 🧠🌱

We chat leadership, missed smells of the soil (yes, really!), and the importance of not staying still when th...

Today’s guest is someone I’ve followed for years – the incredible Laura Young! 🌍🎙️

From leading the charge to ban disposable vapes across the UK 🚭 to studying climate resilience as part of her PhD, Laura’s life is packed with purpose. She’s part scientist, part activist, and all-in when it comes to protecting people and planet. 💥📚

We talk flooding, fire risks, fashion footprints, and how campaigning isn’t just shouting – it’s educating, empowering, and staying persistent. Oh, and Troon’s now her home, so she gets to stare at Arran every day – lucky thing! 🏖️🏔️

A...

Today we welcome Mairi Gougeon to the R2Kast! 🎙️

From local politics in Brechin to becoming Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi’s journey has been anything but typical! Starting out straight from uni into council work (accidentally elected! 😂), her political roots go deep – her first campaign stint was at just 14 years old! 💪

We chat about that surreal moment of walking into Holyrood, why representation matters, and how her belief in independence and community empowerment drives her work. Mairi brings honesty, humour, and a real human touch to a world that’s of...

Today we welcome Ruth Vichos onto the R2Kast! 🎙️

From Shetland to SRUC to TV screens across Scotland, Ruth is a horticulture lecturer with a heart for education and a passion for plants! Now a senior lecturer, Ruth didn’t begin in horticulture (it actually started with nursing!) but soon found her calling in plant science after a family nudge. Her journey includes food security research in Tanzania, working with Guernsey-based charities, and now presenting on Beechgrove Garden. 🌍🌱

She shares how careers advice can sometimes miss the mark and why more students need to know plant...

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Rob Ward — entrepreneur, innovator, and agri-tech visionary.

Rob’s story begins on a tenanted family farm in Shropshire where early lessons in strawberries and supermarket selling taught him resilience and strategy. From handing out pick-your-own baskets to selling tech globally, Rob’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. 🍓📈

He shares how family values shaped his business ethic, what it took to buy their farm from Prudential, and how shifting from direct selli...

Today we welcome Derrick Josi onto the R2Kast! 🎙️

Better known online as The Honest Farmer, Derrick brings 1 million+ followers into the realities of US dairy life — and he’s not holding back! From Oregon’s lush Tillamook to a 450-acre Jersey dairy, Derrick shares his family legacy (started in 1918) and how the farm evolved from 60 cows to nearly 1000. He chats co-op models, cheese markets, mental health, family dynamics, and the not-so-glamorous side of influencer life. 🧀📉

We dive into the generational shift in work mentality (130 hours a week isn’t the flex it used to be) and how...

Today we welcome Rhona Forbes onto the R2Kast! 🎙️

From biology teacher to TikTok star, Rhona is bringing fresh energy to the Scottish Young Farmers scene! Based in Edinburgh, she’s not only part of Ed Jack (Edinburgh JAC) but the brains behind what might just be the most entertaining young farmers account in Scotland. Rhona tells us how she’s used social media to break stereotypes, boost membership, and make young farming look cool (and chaotic!) 🎬✨

We also dive into her journey into teaching, navigating professionalism while keeping the “blue hair” identity alive (and why the...

Today we welcome Elspeth Hay onto the R2Kast! 🎙️

From Maine to Cape Cod, Elspeth’s journey took a nutty turn when she discovered you can eat acorns… and never looked back! Originally a food and environment journalist, Elspeth now champions the cultural and nutritional value of tree nuts, especially acorns. Her fascination led to a new book and a whole radio show dedicated to local food stories on the Cape. 🧠🎙️

We talk ancient human-forest relationships, the joy of hyperlocal food, and how falling down an oak-scented rabbit hole can reshape your entire career. Her passi...

Today we welcome Helen Brookes onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ With roots in rural Essex, Helen blends a childhood on chicken farms with a career in science and leadership — now playing a key role at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. 🐄🔬

Helen’s journey spans animal science at Rittle College to cutting her teeth in sheep genetics with Innovis and developing sector-wide change through AHDB. She opens up about why pure research wasn’t for her and how she found purpose in making science work for people. 🧬🌿

We explore her passion for livestock, from cattle to poultry, and her talent...

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Jo Franklin and Rob Hodgkins — sheep farmers, Nuffield Scholars, and the founders of Cabrito in Hertfordshire. 🐑🌍

Jo and Rob take us through their journey into sheep farming, from working family farms in Hertfordshire and Sussex to launching a 2,000-acre diversified business with 2,500 ewes, including a sheep dairy unit. Their story began with a Nuffield meeting — and hasn’t stopped growing since! 🌾📈

They dive into the realities of regenerative grazing in a non-traditional...

Today we welcome Hannah Lloyd onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A podcast host, rural advocate, and property professional, Hannah brings passion and insight to her journey from urban Edinburgh to championing women across Scotland’s rural sector. 🏡🎧

We learn how a gap year in South Africa teaching vulnerable children shaped her path, alongside a career twist from teaching to property to business development. Hannah shares why she co-founded the Women and Wellies podcast and how it’s helping amplify unheard rural voices. 🌍💪

From childhood summers near the Pentlands to managing events for Scottish Land and Estates, Hannah’s...

Today we welcome Alison Milne onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A powerful voice in Scottish agriculture, Alison shares how her journey from NFUS to the SRU board reflects her deep love for rural life — even if she was never quite a natural with a baler! 🚜💼

We dive into her career, from studying psychology and management to holding director-level roles at NFU Scotland. Alison explains how her passion for future-proofing the industry led to founding the NextGen programme — boosting succession and developing young rural leaders. 🌱👩‍🌾

Alison reflects on growing up on a mixed arable and sheep farm, and how enthus...

Today we welcome Susan Poizner onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A fruit tree expert, author, and podcast host, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge about sustainable horticulture and the unexpected turns that led her from journalism at the BBC to growing urban orchards. 🌳📚

We hear how a backyard gardening project—sparked by her husband—blossomed into a lifelong passion for tree care, community orchards, and education. Susan shares how she learned the hard way that fruit trees aren’t like zucchini, and how this led her to write books and teach online to empower others. 🍎🌿

Susan speaks with Wal...

Today we welcome ourselves—Wallace and Ed—onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ For this special 350th episode, we take a step back from interviews to chat candidly about health, mindset, and the path from 139kg to 114kg in just 8 weeks. 🏋️‍♂️💬

We reflect on why weight gain happens so easily in desk jobs, the mental shift it took to start losing it, and the balance between accountability and kindness. From raw milk debates to diet changes, it’s an open, honest look at personal health journeys. 🥩⚖️

Ed brings insight from his active lifestyle and audible habit, while Wallace shares what...

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Gavin Lane — a soon-to-be CLA President, passionate property investor, and longstanding advocate for British agriculture. 🇬🇧🌱

Gavin shares his incredible story of returning to farming under a contract agreement with his father, growing his own operation through grit and diversification. From contract farming to tenancy, he reflects on the differences, the hardships of the early 2000s, and what kept him grounded through volatile markets. 🚜📉

We dive into his experiences with property — from rural cottages...

Today we welcome Jerry Andrada onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A self-proclaimed “pretend” farmer and forester, Jerry brings honesty and humour to a deep discussion about what modern land stewardship truly means. 🌲🚜

We explore Jerry’s path from amenity tree work to forestry and suckler cows, and why he questions the need for a quarter-million-pound tractor to be considered “real.” He shares why Devon’s lanes don’t suit scale—and why the system shouldn’t demand it. 🌿🚧

Jerry dives into his values around environmental consciousness, his frustrations with industry contracts, and how farming doesn’t need to be intensive to be...

Today we welcome Sammi Rogers onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From greasy spoon cafes and fashion design for royalty to opening her own ice cream empire in Bala, Sammi’s journey is as wild as it is wonderful. Her story captures the spirit of risk-taking, reinvention, and resilience. 🍦👗

We explore Sammi’s unexpected move from climbing clothing design and couture internships to rural entrepreneurship, restoring vintage Maseratis with her husband and opening not one but two ice cream shops! 🚙🍨

Sammi reflects on the challenges of working in care, freelancing, and running a business with no experience—all whi...

Today we welcome Ben Briggs onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From Editor at Farmers Guardian to Head of Marketing and Comms at the UK AgriTech Centre, Ben’s journey through agricultural journalism and strategy is full of purpose. But it’s not just media—Ben is also a Wainwright finisher and passionate fellwalker. 🏞️

We explore Ben’s love for the Lake District, where walking helped him process work stress and stay grounded. He shares how it all started with his gran dragging him up Parlick at age three, and how he now walks with his sons, passing on that love for t...

Today we welcome Arthur Parkinson onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Arthur is a passionate gardener, illustrator, writer, and poultry enthusiast who brings creativity and honesty to rural life. With five published books—including one on rare-breed chickens—and a loyal Instagram following, Arthur’s story is one of beauty, care, and bold expression. 🌸

We dive into his experiences at the Chelsea Flower Show, both as a worker and now as an invited guest. From luxury press days to the reality of garden building, Arthur’s insight into the evolving educational potential of Chelsea is refreshing and reflective. 🌼🛠️

A true advocate...

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome David Miller—pioneer of regenerative direct drilling and a respected voice in the future of sustainable arable farming. 🌾🌍

With roots on a 400-acre Essex farm and decades of real-world experience, David shares his path from grammar school dropout to thought leader in low-disturbance farming. His honesty about imposter syndrome is both grounding and inspiring. 🚜💡

David reflects on his Nuffield journey, his work with David Rose, and why soil health must underpin produ...

Today we welcome Lucy Fabbri onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A nurse with a twist, Lucy balances trauma care at weekends with a weekday focus on the carnivore lifestyle. Her story blends science, introspection, and unconventional health choices—delivered with wit, warmth, and honesty. 🥩🩺

After nearly studying philosophy and theology, Lucy’s life took a surprise turn into nursing thanks to her sister’s quick thinking. Now working in orthopaedic trauma, she brings a deep and philosophical perspective to patient care and human connection. 📚❤️

We dive into her transition to the carnivore diet—why she did it, how it works f...

Today we welcome Ross Robertson onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A bearded Scotsman, farmer, and fellow UK AgriTech Centre colleague, Ross blends traditional lambing life with cutting-edge innovation. From Brechin to Brazil, his journey is as much about mud as it is about modernisation. 🌍🐑

We explore Ross’s farming roots in Angus, his passion for livestock, and how dry summers can spell trouble when you need grass to grow. He brings us right into the post-lambing realities, show season prep, and the ever-Scottish obsession with the weather! ☀️🌧️

Ross also dives into his work with the Falkland Islands D...

Today we welcome Rachel Draper onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Rachel’s journey spans the rural traditions of livestock auctioneering and the world of field sports to founding her own countryside-focused social media app. With a young family and a background shaped by ponies and lambs, she’s channelled her knowledge into innovation. 🐑📱

After years in the shooting industry—supporting gunmakers, running clay grounds, and managing retail—Rachel stepped back when her daughters were born. But stepping back didn’t mean slowing down. It led her to build ‘Stile Country,’ a platform giving space to outdoor pursuits often sidelined on mainst...

R2Kast 340 - Sarah Rankin on MasterChef, Seasonal Food and Cooking with Connection

Today we welcome Sarah Rankin onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ After reaching the final four on BBC’s MasterChef, Sarah transformed her passion for seasonal Scottish cooking into a full-time career—hosting supper clubs, cooking classes, and featuring regularly on BBC Radio. A true advocate for real food and real connection. 🥄📻

Sarah talks through her journey from marketing consultant to MasterChef finalist, the intense filming process, and how lockdown sparked a new lease on life. Her time on the show shaped her belief in a...

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Neil McGowan of Incheoch Farm— a stalwart of Highland livestock farming and a voice of reason in the future of rural leadership. From Perthshire glens to global insights, Neil’s journey is steeped in tradition, challenge, and thoughtful evolution. 🌍

With a Nuffield focus on succession planning and knowledge exchange, Neil shares his passion for encouraging farmers to reflect, plan, and communicate. He emphasises the importance of working off-farm, seeing other systems, and returning to agri...

Today we welcome Holly Moscrop onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Holly’s story is one of strength and adaptability—after becoming chronically ill at 16, she found new ways to stay rooted in the farming life she loves. From running admin for her family’s farm to managing their beef suckler herd, her passion remains undiminished. 🌾🐂

Despite being mostly housebound for years due to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Holly now gets out daily using a powered wheelchair—her story is a powerful reminder that farming has room for everyone. With her eye on launching meat boxe...

Today we welcome James Standen onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ With no inherited land but a deep-rooted love for agriculture, James shares his remarkable journey from farm consultancy to managing estates and now running both a tenanted farm and Newcastle University’s agricultural operations. 🌾🐑

James takes us through his journey into tenancy, explaining how a chance meeting led to his family securing their North Yorkshire farm. With sheep, stewardship, fishing lakes, and environmental diversification at the heart of their operation, it’s a story of resilience and reinvention. 🏞️🛶

We dive into James’s Nuffield Scholarship and how it’s...

Today we welcome Amy Stewart onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A farmer’s daughter and soon-to-be qualified veterinary nurse, Amy brings heartfelt honesty as she shares her dual world of livestock and labs. From early pig-handling memories to family debates over sheep bandages, it’s a tale of passion and practicality. 🐷🐑

Amy opens up about her experience in vet nursing — from OSCE assessments to emotional moments with clients — while reflecting on the value of empathy, community, and support among friends in agriculture. Her perspective offers a refreshing take on resilience in animal care. 🩺❤️

We explore Amy’s social media...

Today we welcome Penny Montgomorie, Sheena Munro and Alec Allison onto the R2Kast to talk all things Big Build! 🏗️ This heartfelt episode dives deep into the past, present, and future of the SAYFC Centre—Young Farmers’ spiritual home—and the enormous challenge ahead to raise £1 million for its redevelopment. 🏡✨

From early involvement in speech-making and travel exchanges to national leadership roles, Sheena and Alec reflect on how SAYFC shaped their personal and professional lives. Their stories offer a sense of tradition, legacy, and a reminder of how impactful rural youth networks can be. 🌍👫

Penny shares her jour...

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Heather Wildman — an unstoppable force in UK agriculture, leadership development, and communication training. From a Cumbrian hill farm to global influence, Heather’s story is packed with grit, growth, and generosity. 🌍

Heather takes us from New Zealand’s dairy scene to cowboying in Montana, to learning about second chances in a Canadian high-security prison. Her Nuffield journey on “communication and motivating change” gave her a new lens — one that still shapes her work mentoring the n...

Today we welcome George Lyon onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A seventh-generation tenant farmer from the Isle of Bute, George shares his journey from milking cows to shaping Scottish agricultural policy. With roots in beef, sheep, and dairy farming, his early life was grounded in the rhythms of island agriculture. 🐄🌿

George reflects on his transition into politics and how representing his community became central to his mission. From leading through industry protests to restructuring key organisations during crisis, he speaks candidly about the challenges of balancing leadership, advocacy, and loyalty. 🚜📢

We explore his political rise—from becomin...

Today we welcome Ffinlo Costain onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Known for founding the Farmgate Podcast and 8.9ha media platform, Ffinlo is a leading voice in agroecology and regenerative agriculture. He opens up about his journey from the Isle of Man NFU to running one of the UK’s most thoughtful agri-podcasts, championing land use reform through science-led storytelling. 🌾🎧

We dive into his early media work and his goal of changing the farming narrative from criticism to positivity. Ffinlo reveals how Farmgate evolved into a global platform for regenerative ideas, and why 8.9ha was born to unite food, fibre...

Today we welcome William Murray onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A sheep and beef farmer with a thriving equine livery in Scotland, Will shares his insights on the daily chaos of lambing, the tough choices farms face when diversifying, and the emotional toll of working in an industry that too often leaves its people behind. 🐑🚜

We talk about the shift from indoor to outdoor lambing, and how weather can make or break the lambing season. Will also opens up about the changes happening on his farm and why, despite the romanticism of rural life, diversification is becoming essential f...

Today we welcome James Kennedy onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A mixed farmer from East Lothian, James shares his journey from Northern Ireland to building a 650-hectare beef and arable operation in Scotland. With a strong focus on efficient systems and full traceability, James opens up about balancing crop rotations, clubroot issues, and trialling new break crops like winter beans. 🚜🌾

We dive into the evolution of East Lothian Young Farmers under James’ leadership. Starting with just six members, he played a key role in rebuilding the club to nearly 30, highlighting the power of perseverance, personal touches, and meaningful ev...

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni we welcome Jenna Ross. 🌍 With her OBE, international research, and deep love for agriculture, Jenna’s story is one of purpose, innovation, and global impact. ✨

Jenna discusses her journey from a family farm in Aberdeenshire to becoming one of the youngest women to receive an OBE for services to agriculture and science. 🚜 Her Nuffield journey focused on future slug control solutions at a time of regulatory change, ultimately inspiring AI-powered research tools like SlugBot and Slimers. 🐌...

Today we welcome Kyle Esplin onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Known globally as a high-energy pianist and performer, Kyle shares his powerful journey from international stages to being bedbound by a devastating post-viral fatigue syndrome. What followed was a long recovery that reshaped his life and introduced him to the world of hemp. 🎹✈️

After traditional medicine failed him, Kyle discovered the benefits of hemp extract and CBD—years before it entered the UK mainstream. His recovery sparked a new mission: founding Holistic Highland Hemp and co-creating a documentary titled Hemp: Eat Build Heal. His efforts also helped establish the...

Today we welcome David Wheatley onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From a shy farmer’s son with no set direction to a social media standout and peony pioneer, David’s story is one of remarkable resilience. Starting with 30 rented acres and a bumper crop of potatoes, he built his farm up to 450 acres—all while overcoming asthma, inheritance barriers, and a brutal fire that wiped out nearly everything. 🚜🌾

David takes us through his journey from arable and pigs to flowers and diversification, reflecting on how disaster and debt nearly broke him. He opens up about mental health, loss, and the she...

Today we welcome Liam Davies-Jones onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From law courts to livestock sheds, Liam’s journey is one of shifting careers and finding purpose in the fields of West Wales. Once a solicitor juggling conveyancing and probate, he now manages a suckler herd alongside his fiancée Sandy, all while moonlighting as a fencing contractor and content creator! ⚖️🚜

We explore his transition from legal partner to full-time farmer, driven by his connection to the family farm and a desire for a more fulfilling life. Liam’s insights on data-driven stabiliser cattle versus traditional limousins show a farmer det...

Today we welcome Kirsty McInnes onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From a childhood phobia of slugs to earning her PhD in plant molecular genetics, Kirsty’s story is a brilliant blend of curiosity, courage, and crawling critters. Her fascination with slugs started with fear, but evolved into a passion that now sees her advocating for integrated land management and slug appreciation alike! 🐌🔬

We dive into Kirsty’s groundbreaking research on UVB light’s effect on oilseed rape, slugs, and insects, exploring how GM and gene editing could lead to resilient crops. Her insights into biological pest control, sacrificial crops...

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series, we welcome James Peck, a forward-thinking Cambridgeshire farmer whose story spans generations, industries, and continents. From humble beginnings and a family steeped in transport and medicine, James carved a unique path into large-scale arable farming and agribusiness diversification. 🌾

James founded PX Farms at 26, building a business model rooted in contract farming. Through bold moves, calculated risk, and relentless scale, he expanded operations to 12,500 acres, employing 51 people, owning 19 houses, running 12 lorries, and managing extensive grain storage and commercial letting enterprises. 🚜

We explore how Nuffie...

Today we welcome Charleigh Arnold onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From theatre studies and retail to full-time dairy farming and professional dog training, Charleigh’s journey is a masterclass in embracing change and following passion. With a background far from agriculture, she’s now thriving in the field—literally—with cows by day and gundogs by weekend! 🐄🐶

We chat about her leap from managing River Island to walking dogs, training them, and eventually working with shooting dogs on the field. Her deep love for her spaniel Summer led her to train dogs not just to behave, but to work. Her insigh...

Today we welcome Michael Rolfe onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Known to many as Mikey, Michael is a proud Lanarkshire lad with a passion for agricultural engineering. From helping his dad in the workshop to leading at the West Region level of SAYFC, Mikey’s journey is one of dedication, pride in workmanship, and lifelong learning. 🔧🌾

We delve into Mikey’s route into ag engineering, from a school work experience placement to an apprenticeship that’s taken him to France and back. Now a key technician at Hamilton Ross Group, Mikey shares his expertise in precision agriculture, GPS, and the grow...

Today we welcome Jack Bradley onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Jack’s journey into agriculture didn’t begin in a field, but on a beach in Kavos! A holiday romance introduced him to milking cows and kicked off an unexpected but passionate career in dairy farming. 🌾💬

Having long dreamed of a life in the military, Jack’s path was repeatedly interrupted by injury and medical discharge. After years of fighting to stay in, he eventually stepped away—and fate led him to the fields of New Zealand, where dairy farming offered a new purpose. 🪖🐄

Jack shares how he narrow...

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 passion 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 hel...

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), funde...

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 passionate 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...

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 de...

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 operatio...

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, passion, 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. 🌍...

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 trell...

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...

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 passion in water security and rural research. Her story highlights the importance of adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities. 🚜✨

As a leading voice in water manage...

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 passion 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 travel...

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. 🌾🧑‍🌾

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 passion for balancing productivity with environmental stewardship is evident in his approach. 🚜🌿

Liz Bowles, CEO of Farm Carbon Toolkit 🌾, reflects on her experience as a Nuffie...

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 crea...

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 passion 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 worki...

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 passion 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. To...

Today we welcome Ben Andrews back onto the R2Kast! 🌱 Ben, an organic farmer from North Herefordshire, joins 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 passion 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 maj...

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 ad...

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...