Meet the Farmers

In this episode, Ben Eagle visits Thomas Gent, a fourth-generation farmer from the Lincolnshire-Cambridgeshire border. Thomas, his father and grandfather have transitioned the family farm to regenerative agriculture methods since 2008. Thomas is also the founder of Gentle Farming. The conversation covers Thomas' personal journey into farming, the transition to regenerative practices, the role of innovation and technology, and his views on the future of agriculture in the UK.🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmersTo join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form.  Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle speaks with Bronagh Dempster, a passionate new entrant from Northern Ireland. Bronagh shares her journey into farming, her education at Queen's University Belfast, and her experiences working on a dairy farm. She discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the dairy industry, her involvement in the Nuffield Next Gen scholarship, and her aspirations to start her own small-scale beef operation. Bronagh emphasizes the importance of attitude in agriculture, the value of sports in her life, and offers advice for newcomers to the industry. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of farming and the excitement for the future of agriculture.Timecodes:00:00 Introduction to Bronagh Dempster02:46 Bronagh's Journey into Farming10:15 The Dairy Industry Landscape14:27 Nuffield NextGen Scholarship Experience19:21 Starting Her Own Cattle Venture24:16 Balancing Farming and Processing Work26:35 The Importance of Sport in Life28:24 Future of Dairy and Farming29:46 Advice for New Entrants in Agriculture31:48 Messages to the Public and Farmers 🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmersTo join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form.  Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here 

Ben is sent on farm harvest reviews from a number of UK farmers who are also former guests of the show. To say harvest 2025 was disappointing for many UK farmers is an understatement for many. We'd love to hear or read your experiences of harvest this year wherever you are in the world - please add your thoughts in the comments. Huge thanks to all our farmer contributors - Richard Heady, Rebecca Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Charles Anyan, John Pawsey and Andrew Court. 🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmersTo join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form.  Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here 

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle speaks with Miranda Webster from Webster's Rural about the challenges and opportunities in recruitment within the professional and farm manager side of the agricultural and rural sectors. They discuss the evolving landscape post-Brexit and post-pandemic, the importance of attracting and retaining talent, and the skills that are currently in demand. Miranda shares insights on how rural businesses can make themselves more appealing to potential employees and the differences in recruitment strategies for small versus large organizations. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in recruitment and the importance of maintaining a human touch in the hiring process. 🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmersTo join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form.  Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here About The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast [promo] The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast is the first and only dedicated podcast for the UK fruit and veg sector, with news, views and the insider detail behind the top stories affecting the trade, hosted by journalist Nina Pullman. The Fresh Produce Journal is the UK’s longest running trade magazine and has been covering the global fruit and veg business, from retail to marketing, seed breeding, growing and wholesaling, since 1895. The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast is a Fruitnet Media International production, connecting the global fresh produce trade through magazines, events and content at Fruitnet.com. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or listen via the FPJ app. 

In episode 307 of Meet the Farmers, Ben travels (virtually) to western Victoria, Australia to talk with Tara, a third-generation sheep and mixed crop farmer working alongside her family. Tara runs Australian White and Primeline sheep, and is passionate about balancing productivity with long-term sustainability. She shares how responsibilities are divided on the farm, the role of technology in their management, and the opportunities and challenges facing Australian agriculture today — especially climate variability. Beyond the farm gate, Tara has built a strong following on Instagram and YouTube, where she shares the real ups and downs of farm life, helping bridge the gap between farmers and the wider public. This conversation covers her farming journey, the evolution of her family’s land, and her ambitions for the future.🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmers To join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form.  Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle speaks with beef and sheep farmer James Warwick from north Cornwall about how he moved to Cornwall from Cambridgeshire to live with his grandparents and learn to farm. He now farms South Devon cattle and 350–400 ewes. James shares his passion for farming, financial challenges of farming and the mental strain it can sometimes bring. We talk about:The story of how James moved to Cornwall to farm with his grandparentsLife on the farm today and the balance between sheep and cattle.His apprenticeship on another farm and what he learnedBeing open about the mental strain farming can bring.The financial pressures of farming and how he tackles cashflow uncertaintyHis vision for the future of the farm over the next decadeJames offers a heartfelt and honest perspective on the rewards and realities of farming, blending tradition with a willingness to speak openly about issues that matter to farmers everywhere.Photo credit: James Warwick🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmersTo join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form.  Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this week’s episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle is joined by Shane and Val Wallis, who run a family farm in Indiana in the United States raising Shorthorn cattle alongside corn, beans, and hay. Shane and Val share insights into their day-to-day operation, why Shorthorns are important for them and the story of their farm. They reflect on the unique challenges and rewards of farming in their part of Indiana and the pressures facing U.S. farmers today from their perspective. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of their farm and the values that drive their work.Image credit: Shane and Val Wallis🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

To support the project visit reMooable Energy - Our Cow Molly goes electric - a Environment crowdfunding project in Sheffield by sarah.galligan@ecofit.ukFor more info on Our Cow Molly visit - Our Cow Molly – Farm Shop & Ice Cream ParlourEddie last featured on episode 12 of the podcast! 🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode, Ben Eagle is joined by David Exwood, Deputy President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), who farms over 1,200 tenanted hectares just south of Horsham in West Sussex. David shares insights from his multi-enterprise farming business—featuring arable, beef, sheep, and a farm shop—as well as his leadership journey within the NFU.They discuss:David’s farming background and philosophyHis leadership style and priorities at the NFUThe challenges facing UK agriculture, including ELMS, inheritance tax changes etcThe role of politics in shaping farming’s futureOpportunities for younger farmers and the role of innovationWith candid reflections on decision-making, long-term motivation, and what he’d change with a magic wand, this episode offers a deep dive into the person behind the leadership role and the direction of British farming today.Final thoughts include messages for both the public and farmers.Photo credit: Lawrence Looi / NFU.🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle explores how SMART farming is reshaping the UK dairy sector. From herd management to sustainability and automation, Ben is joined by a panel of farmers and agri-tech experts to discuss how digital tools, data, and intelligent systems are helping dairy businesses become more efficient, resilient, and future-ready.Together, the panel examines real-life examples of SMART farming in action, the benefits and barriers of adopting new technologies, and the innovations on the horizon. Whether it's camera technology, AI, slurry monitoring, or pasture measurement, this episode is packed with practical insights into the future of dairy farming.👥 GuestsBen HoggUK & Ireland General Manager, Datamars LivestockBen brings a tech supplier’s perspective, discussing how connected livestock systems and data-driven tools are enabling better decision-making and improving livestock health and productivity.Mike JonesDairy Technical Manager, UK Agritech CentreMike shares a national overview of agri-innovation in the dairy sector, highlighting where adoption is thriving and where farmers still face challenges when integrating new technologies.Patrick Morris-EytonCumbrian Dairy Farmer & Arla District RepresentativePatrick manages a high-input, high-output system with 900 pedigree Holsteins. He reflects on how SMART farming supports consistency, scale, and staff management on a large dairy farm.Adam AtkinsonFarm Manager, Caulston Farm (Carswell Group), South DevonAdam runs a spring block calving system with 600 Kiwicross cows on a grass-based setup. He shares how digital tools like grass measurement and herd monitoring enhance sustainability and performance.📌 Key TopicsSMART farming explainedDigital herd managementSustainability and efficiency through techPractical farm experiences (large-scale vs. pasture-based)Automation, AI, and the future of dairyCultural and financial barriers to tech adoption🔗 Resources & LinksDatamars Livestock – www.datamars.comUK Agritech Centre – www.agritech-centre.co.uk🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode, Ben travels across the pond to Alvin, Texas, to meet Tyler Froberg — a fourth-generation farmer and agri-influencer who is reshaping how people connect with agriculture. Tyler shares the story of his family’s farm, Froberg Farms, which started with just 22 acres of strawberries in 1936 and has now grown into the largest “You-Pick” strawberry farm in Texas.Tyler talks about his path to farming, which wasn’t a straight line. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Washington state. Upon returning to Texas, he worked in the Pearland Parks and Natural Resources Department before ultimately coming back to the farm. He also completed a degree in agriculture from Texas Tech University — all of which contributed to his approach to farming today.During the Covid-19 pandemic, Tyler co-created the Farming for Dummies podcast with Noah Young to help bridge the gap between farmers and the public. He also began sharing his own story online, quickly gaining a loyal following across TikTok and Instagram with his educational and often humorous takes on everyday life on the farm.This conversation covers:The evolution of Froberg Farms over four generationsTyler’s journey through the military and back to agricultureThe challenges and opportunities of direct sales and “You-Pick” operationsUsing social media to connect with non-farming audiencesWhy storytelling is key to the future of agriculture 🔗 Links & ResourcesFroberg Farms – frobergfarm.comFollow Tyler on Instagram – @tylerfrobergFarming for Dummies Podcast – [Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts] 🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Image credit: Tyler FrobergMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

Guests Featured:Emma Burnett – Senior Researcher in Agriculture and Sustainability, Fielden WhiskyØistein Thorsen – CEO, FAI FarmsJulia Kirby Smith – Better Food TradersHannah Gibbs – Programme Manager, SustainLucy Williamson – Registered Nutritionist & Advocate for Soil-to-Gut HealthWhat We Cover in This Episode:What "regenerative" means beyond the farmThe role of consumer-facing brands in regenerative storytellingThe responsibilities and opportunities for retailers—big and smallLinking human health with soil health and biodiversityWhether regeneration will become the norm or a nicheLinks and Resources:Fielden WhiskyFAI FarmsBetter Food TradersSustainLucy Williamson NutritionCall to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts—it really helps us grow the show.🎧 Next episode: Ben speaks with Texas farmer Tyler Froberg.Image credit: Ben EagleMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this milestone 300th episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle sits down with Tim Parton, farm manager of a 300-hectare arable enterprise in Staffordshire and a leading voice in regenerative agriculture. Tim shares his journey from conventional farming to pioneering biological, no-till methods that have dramatically cut synthetic inputs while boosting yields and soil health.We discuss his innovative drill modifications, the importance of cover crops and microbial brews, and the challenges and rewards of shifting to a regenerative system. Tim also opens up about the life-changing accident he suffered in 2024, his remarkable resilience, and how he continues to inspire and consult within the farming community.🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Image credit: Tim PartonMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this big-picture episode, Ben Eagle is joined by two expert voices—Emily Norton and James Bolesworth—to unpack how global forces are shaping the future of UK farming. From the war in Ukraine and climate extremes to trade policy and political unpredictability, we examine how these shocks are influencing prices, planning, and resilience on the ground.🧭 What We Cover:Part 1: Global Forces in Flux – Wars, Trade & Market VolatilityWhich global events are driving the most pressure on UK agricultureHow the war in Ukraine disrupted grain markets and commodity flowsTrade policy shifts post-Brexit and their on-farm implicationsAre UK farmers more exposed to international risk?Part 2: Climate, Weather & Risk – Farming in an Era of ExtremesHow climate volatility is reshaping investment and land useThe financial and production risks of extreme weatherGlobal climate impacts on food security and commodity marketsPart 3: UK Response – Policy, Politics & Farm-Level Strategy Assessing the UK’s agricultural policy response to global pressuresClosing Thoughts – Looking AheadOne global trend UK farmers must pay closer attention to📢 Final Messages:🎧 Next Episode (300!): Join us for a milestone conversation with regenerative farming pioneer Tim Parton.💬 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show or share it with a fellow farmer.📲 Follow us: @meetthefarmerspodcast | www.meetthefarmers.co.uk Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle heads to Stithians in Cornwall to meet Peter Green, a fifth-generation farmer, Nuffield Scholar, and host of Cornish Mutual’s Farming Focus podcast. Peter shares his remarkable journey from studying physics and working as a chartered accountant, to returning home to Cornwall to rebuild the family farm after the tragic loss of his parents in 2007.Now running a grass-fed Stabiliser beef herd, Peter talks about:Transitioning from corporate life back to farmingManaging grief and responsibility following the death of his parents in a car accident. The decision to sell, and then restock, the farm's herd. Building a sustainable, low-input beef business in CornwallSelling direct to customers through beef boxesHis work with the Prince’s Countryside FundCo-hosting the Farming Focus podcast and engaging the South West farming communityBalancing life as a farmer, podcast host, and dad to five-year-old twinsThis episode is a powerful reminder of how purpose, resilience, and people can shape a meaningful farming future.🔗 Links & Mentions:Farming Focus Podcast – Cornish MutualRoyal Countryside Fund – Farm for the Future🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Image credit: Peter GreenMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode, we’re heading to County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland to meet a next-generation voice in farming — Sophie Bell.Sophie is part of a rising wave of young farmers who are not only tackling the day-to-day challenges of running a farm, but also using social media to share their stories, connect with wider audiences, and bring attention to rural issues. From climate resilience to the pressures of food production, Sophie is navigating what it means to farm in the 21st century.In this conversation, Ben and Sophie discuss:Her journey into farming and how she came to take over the family farmThe unique pressures facing young farmers in Ireland today, including access to land, financial sustainability, and changing weather patternsHow Sophie is using platforms like Instagram to engage both farmers and non-farmers, build community, and advocate for the industryHer hopes for the future of farming and what she’d like to see change for the next generationWhether you’re in the field, behind a desk, or just curious about rural life, this episode offers a thoughtful, honest look at modern farming through the eyes of someone living it every day.Follow Sophie Bell:📸 Instagram: @sophie_bell__🎥 TikTok: @sophie_bell__Support the show:If you’re enjoying Meet the Farmers, please consider leaving a review or sharing this episode with someone who’d love it.Image credit: Sophie BellMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, we focus on the inspiring story of Damian Barson — a man who made the life-changing decision to enter the world of sheep farming in his fifties. Formerly a professional dog trainer, Damian took his first steps into agriculture in 2021. Today, he manages a flock of around 150 ewes, including Mules, Swaledales, and other breeds.Damian shares the highs and lows of his journey so far — from venturing into farming to facing the emotional toll of caring for a close friend and coping with the personal isolation that farm life can bring. This episode offers a raw and honest example of when farming life meets the challenges that life can bring in general. 🧠 Topics Discussed:Prices and lambing 2025. Damian’s journey from dog training to sheep farming.Expanding his flock.Mental health and tackling isolation in rural life.Farm safety and the importance of having connections. Dog training tips from Damian. What’s next for Damian?  Image credit: Ryan DayMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle is joined by Will Arden — arable and deer farmer from Lincolnshire, founder of The Farmyard Gym, and head judge of Britain’s Fittest Farmer. With five competitions under his belt and a recent win in the men’s under-40s category, Will shares his passion for fitness, mental health, and how farmers can stay strong in both body and mind, on and off the farm.Apply for Britain's Fittest Farmer 2025 competition here - Farmers Weekly - Britain's Fittest Farmer - About the competitionImage credit: Will ArdenMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle catches up with James and Katie Allen, a dynamic couple whose journey into farming began with conservation grazing and has evolved into something much bigger. Originally featured during the Meet the Farmers on Tour series in 2019, James and Katie return to the podcast with exciting updates from their new 170-acre holding near Swindon.James and Katie have built a thriving, nature-led enterprise focused on native breed cattle and sheep.Recently, their business took a major leap forward with the opening of a new on-farm tannery and classroom, funded by a £254,000 grant. These new facilities are already playing a vital role in their mission to connect farming, sustainability, and education — particularly in the realm of fashion. The Allens now host fashion students and others on the farm, sharing insights into the journey from hide and wool to finished product and their links with farming. We discuss their vision for the future, what the grant has enabled, sustainable leather production, and how they’re bridging the gap between agriculture and fashion. Topics covered:Starting out with conservation grazingMoving to the new farm. Building a sustainable tannery and educational spaceJames's Churchill scholarshipEngaging with the fashion industry and design studentsEngaging with the local communityImage credit: James and Katie AllenMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle is joined by US author and journalist Stephanie Anderson to discuss the transformative role women are playing in regenerative agriculture. Stephanie’s latest book, From the Ground Up: The Women Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture, shines a spotlight on female farmers and changemakers who are rethinking how we grow food in the face of climate change.From battling conventional norms to pioneering new practices rooted in sustainability and equity, these women are proving that leadership in agriculture can be diverse, resilient, and regenerative. Stephanie shares intimate stories, key insights from her research, and her vision for a more just and climate-conscious food system.Guest:👩‍🌾 Stephanie AndersonAuthor of From the Ground Up: The Women Revolutionizing Regenerative AgricultureAuthor of One Size Fits NoneAssistant Professor of Creative Nonfiction at Florida Atlantic UniversityWebsite: stephanieandersonwriter.comTopics Covered:What is regenerative agriculture and why it matters?How women are challenging traditional farming models?The intersection of sustainability, equity, and food justice.Behind-the-scenes stories from From the Ground Up.The role of storytelling in environmental and social change.Stephanie’s personal journey from farm girl to journalist and author.Resources Mentioned:From the Ground UpOne Size Fits NoneImage credit: Stephanie AndersonMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and  RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here