Farming Focus

Host Peter Green is joined by Jack Pierce, an agribusiness consultant with Terrafarmer, and Cornish beef farmer Wendy Nicholas who was named last year’s Farming Champion at the Cornwall Farm Business awards. Together they discuss Baroness Minette Batters' Farm Profitability Review. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

The Oxford Farming Conference took place last week, with many inspiring sessions and a speech from the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds. In this episode host Peter Green is joined by Managing Director of Agricola Growers, Jeremy Oatey, who was at the conference, to review what was said and to look ahead to the rest of 2026. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

Peter looks back on some highlights from this series and is joined by Becki Reay who is Head of UK Corporate at Asterra, the dairy group within AB Agri Ltd. Working with the whole dairy supply chain; processors, retailers and influencers in the UK dairy industry, Becki has broad experience in delivering strategic consultancy, covering insights into UK and global milk market dynamics, milk pricing models and change management.In this episode Peter and Becki explore clips from episodes across the series, from mentoring to technology, climate to agroforestry and regenerative agriculture. Series 6 is coming soon!Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

What simple steps can you take, and how can you make a real difference without it taking over your working day? In this bonus episode, host Peter Green is joined once again by Tom Martin and Louise Penn who offer some quick, practical tips for farmers who’d like to inspire young people and connect them with farming. Make sure you listen to episode 9 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here.

In today’s episode, host Peter Green is turning attention to the topic of how to inspire and engage the next generation with farming. There’s a huge opportunity to connect young people with the land—and perhaps even spark future careers in agriculture. But how best to do this? Can we get more children on to farms and how can we connect children and schools with farms? To discuss this topic he is joined by Cambridgeshire farmer and the founder of Farmer Time Tom Martin and Louise Wallis who is FWAG South West’s Education Officer. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

In this bonus episode, Peter Green continues the conversation with Tim Williams and Louise Penn to look beyond the environmental benefits of regenerative agriculture and ask the big question — does it make business sense? Together they explore how regenerative practices can affect farm finances, from reducing inputs and improving soil health to building resilience in the face of changing markets and weather extremes.Make sure you listen to episode 8 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. 

In this episode, Peter Green talks with Tim Williams and Louise Penn about the rise of regenerative agriculture and whether it is 'here to stay' in the South West. They explore what regenerative farming really means in practice, the mindset and management changes it requires, and how it can benefit both the environment and farm profitability.Topics CoveredWhat “regenerative farming” means in real termsPractical challenges and opportunities for adoptionRisks of “regen” becoming just a buzzwordWhether regenerative farming is a niche trend or the new mainstreamAre there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

Host Peter Green is joined by Tom Kemp from Working Woodlands Cornwall and Harry Studholme from the Perridge Estate in Devon to discuss practical tips for dealing with trees on your farm. Make sure you listen to episode 7 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. 

In this episode of Farming Focus we’re talking about agroforestry and its potential for farming businesses in the south west and further afield. Host Peter Green is joined by 2 guests. Tom Kemp is Director and Head of Forestry at Working Woodlands Cornwall. He has been involved with woodland management for the last fifteen years and he actively manages a number of woods and woodland creation projects in Cornwall. He’s also the lead farmer/agroforester for Four Legs Good : an 8ac agroforestry led pig farm in its early stages.Harry Studholme is a forester and farmer in Devon, based at the Perridge Estate near Exeter. He’s an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters and an Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter. Between January 2013 to February 2020, he was Chairman of the Forestry Commission and he has a lot of other experience in this area. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

In this bonus episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green dives into one of the most important aspects of successful farming—building strong, lasting relationships with buyers. Whether you’re a farmer, butcher, or chef, strong connections can make all the difference in growing a sustainable and profitable business.Peter is joined again by Phillip Warren of Philip Warren Butchers and Matt Chatfield from the Cornwall Project. Together, they share practical advice for farmers on how to create lasting partnerships with butchers, chefs, and other buyers. The conversation covers what buyers look for in a producer, the importance of the story behind your produce, common mistakes farmers make when selling direct, and how to communicate the quality of your products beyond price or specification sheets.Make sure you listen to episode 6 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. 

In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green explores how smaller farms in the South West can take control of their future by focusing on quality over quantity. Market conditions for beef and other produce can fluctuate, but producing high-quality products isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s often essential for survival and growth in today’s competitive agricultural landscape.Peter is joined by Phillip Warren of Philip Warren Butchers, a business with generations of experience sourcing and selling some of the finest meat in the country, and Matt Chatfield from the Cornwall Project, an initiative that promotes Cornish produce and connects local farmers with top restaurants. Together, they discuss what ‘quality’ truly means in farming and meat production, the pros and cons of the EUROP grading system, alternative ways to assess value such as flavour and provenance, and how the South West is ideally placed to fill high-value niche markets.Listeners will gain insights into the challenges smaller farms face when prioritising quality, strategies to overcome them, and what the future may hold for the balance between quality and quantity in British farming.Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

Water is at the heart of farming – but climate change is making it harder than ever to manage. In this bonus episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green is joined once again by Ben Andrews and Guy Singh-Watson to explore how farmers in the South West and beyond can cope with too much or too little water. From drought resilience to drainage, the discussion looks at the practical steps farms can take to prepare for an uncertain future.Make sure you listen to episode 5 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. 

In this episode of Farming Focus, brought to you by Cornish Mutual, we take a deep dive into how climate change is already impacting farming and food production in the South West and beyond. With shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, the reliability of our food supply faces growing uncertainty.Host Peter Green is joined by Herefordshire farmer and Nuffield Scholar Ben Andrews and Devon-based founder of Riverford Organic Farmers Guy Singh-Watson. Together, they explore what climate change means for farmers, which crops and livestock sectors are most vulnerable, and the practical steps the farming community can take to adapt.Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

If you listened to our main episode on technology, data, and online farm management, you’ll know how quickly things are moving in the world of agri-tech. But what if you’re not ready for big investments or complex systems—where do you start?In this bonus episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green is once again joined by:Matt Dobbs from Agsenze.Adam Short, Associate Director in Data Programmes at AHDB, co-founder of MA Systems Ltd and Temple Technologies Ltd, and a farmer in Devon.Together, they share practical advice for farmers who are curious about using digital tools but don’t want to overcomplicate things, including:The first small, low-cost pieces of tech they’d recommend for beginners.Mobile apps and platforms that are under-used but genuinely useful on farm.How to trial or test technology before making a big commitment.What to do if you’ve tried tech before and found it frustrating.The mindset shift that can make technology feel like a tool, not a burden.Whether you’re tech-savvy or a complete beginner, this short episode offers simple, actionable ways to dip your toe into digital farming without breaking the bank—or your patience.Make sure you listen to episode 5 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. 

In this episode of Farming Focus host Peter Green explores how technology and digital tools are transforming farm businesses. From precision livestock monitoring to data-driven decision-making, the pace of change is rapid—but how can farmers decide what’s worth investing in, and where do they start?Joining Peter are two guests:Matt Dobbs – from Agsenze, a tech and data company specialising in the livestock sector.Adam Short – Associate Director in Data Programmes at AHDB, co-founder of MA Systems Ltd and Temple Technologies Ltd, and a Devon farmer himself.Together, they discuss:What technology is currently making a difference for UK livestock and arable farmers.How to cut through the noise of apps, sensors, and software to find tools that are genuinely useful.The role of data in shaping better farm decisions—and common mistakes to avoid.Exciting agri-tech trends on the horizon, including artificial intelligence in the livestock sector.Practical advice for farmers looking to future-proof their businesses with technology.Plus, don’t miss our bonus episode next week, where Matt and Adam share simple, low-cost ways to get started with farm tech, along with mindset shifts to make digital tools less daunting and more rewarding.Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

In this bonus episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green sits down once again with agricultural finance expert Brian Harvey and Devon farmer Andrew Branton to explore one of the trickiest parts of succession planning: starting the conversation. They discuss why many farming families avoid the topic, what can make these discussions so sensitive, and why it’s vital to tackle them early. Andrew shares how his own family approached succession planning and the challenges they faced, while Brian offers advice on how to bring different generations to the table and overcome hesitations. Packed with practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement, this episode is designed to help farming families take that all-important first step towards securing the future of their farm.Make sure you listen to episode 4 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. 

In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green talks to agricultural finance expert Brian Harvey of PKF Francis Chartered Accountants and Devon dairy farmer Andrew Branton about the future of family farms and the impact of inheritance tax (IHT). They discuss why succession planning is so often delayed, what IHT is and how it could affect farming businesses, and the key steps families can take to prepare. Andrew shares his family’s experience of starting the conversation and planning for the next generation, while Brian offers practical advice on where to begin, common mistakes to avoid, and the importance of involving the right people early on. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk 

In this bonus episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green continues the conversation with Andrew Brewer and Nikki Yoxall — this time turning the spotlight on life beyond the farm gate. They discuss the importance of stepping away from the day-to-day pressures of farming, both for personal wellbeing and for the long-term success of the business.Andrew shares how his family’s diversification into running a fish and chip shop has not only provided a new income stream but also changed the way he approaches his dairy operation. Nikki talks about the challenges and rewards of combining grazing with her off-farm work and PhD studies, and how these pursuits broaden her perspective.Together, they reflect on why farmers often feel guilty about taking time away, offer practical advice for overcoming that mindset, and explore how outside experiences can inspire fresh ideas, resilience, and renewed motivation back on the farm.Make sure you listen to episode 2 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. 

In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green is joined by Nikki Yoxall, Technical Director at Pasture for Life and grazier in North East Scotland, and Andrew Brewer, Cornish dairy farmer and 2024 Carbon Farmer of the Year. Together, they explore what “balance” really means in farming — from making decisions under pressure and maintaining work–life harmony, to staying connected with a clear personal mission or “north star.”Nikki shares insights from her work on agroecological transitions and her own farming journey, while Andrew reflects on lessons from running a dairy operation, diversifying with a fish and chip shop, and his experiences as a Nuffield Scholar. The conversation covers practical strategies for creating time away from the business, the importance of purpose in guiding long-term choices, and small steps farmers can take to feel less overwhelmed and more fulfilled.Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk Timestamps00:14 Peter Green introduces the episode02:02 Nikki Yoxall introduces herself. 02:52 What does 'balance' mean for Nikki?04:10 'a statement of purpose'05:34 What does 'balance' mean for Andrew?07:05 How does Andrew approach decision making? - vision statements08:30 Andrew did a 'wealth creation course' which talked about 'where are you now, where do you want to be and what do you need to do to achieve this?'10:20 In holistic management we always want to get everyone round the table when having conversations. 13:25 You don't have to ask everyone to make every decision. You gather information. 15:10 Making space for time away from the business.17:00 Get off farm.19:20 The importance of what we do rather than don't. The challenge of peer pressure. 22:00 'Cow Free Days'23:39 Accountability is key27:13 'We're always looking for opportunities'29:00 Know where you are going.31:30 How much is enough. 34:35 Ask hard questions. 35:49 Do what you're doing so that it aligns with where you want to be. 36:40 Showstoppers 

How could stronger mentorship networks shape the future of farming? Peter Green is joined by Helen Wyman and George Holmes to discuss this. Make sure you listen to episode 1 to get the most from this bonus episode. Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. Timestamps00:17  Peter introduces the episode00:55 If mentoring became widespread what would be the biggest change?02:50 Connecting with others. 04:49 The role of mentorship in supporting mental health and resilience in rural communities. 08:30 Helen's thoughts on George's answer about resilience. 09:50 Chats between peers. How are these conversations best started?12:02 'I don't have time'12:30 The farming community in ten years time - what is the hope for how mentorship will have developed?14:32 Peter wraps up.