Farming Focus (Cornish Mutual)

In this episode Ian Baggs, a Dorset dairy farmer and Nuffield scholar, talks to Peter about his Nuffield scholarship which was entitled:  'Sustainable Forage Cropping for Dairy Cattle in the Face of Climate Change Challenges'. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and Ian Baggs.

00:45 Why did Ian want to apply for a Nuffield scholarship?

06:30 Peter asks Ian to tell him about some specific examples of his Nuffield travels. 

14:25 Jingle

14:29 Peter rounds up

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:15 Peter introduces the bonus. 

00:35 What is the first step with starting a farm cluster?

01:48 Is there an upper limit to an effective cluster group?

03:30 Mix of members to the cluster. 

04:50 Facilitators of farm cluster groups. 

05:40 Stakeholder management. 

06:25 Directions of travel of the cluster. 

07:44 Mel keeps the wheels turning all the time. 

09:10 Meetings are generally informal.

09:20 Access to grants and funding. 

11:05 Having a subscription fee. 

12:15 Do clusters encourage collaboration on a smaller scale?

15:05 Peter rounds up. 

Peter is joined by Nuffield scholar Jim Bliss to learn more about his Nuffield scholarship which was about marginal farming and rewilding. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:15 Peter introduces the bonus. 

00:50 Jim summarises his report. 

01:15 What inspired Jim to do his topic?

02:33 Which country or place left the strongest impression on Jim?

05:50 Jim's Nuffield experience. 

07:30 Resistance and how to engage with this?

10:20 Episode with Anna Jones and Kendra Hall; also mentions Jonny Hanson.

11:20 Message to leave listeners with. 

Today on the show we’re talking about farm sustainability, slurry management and methane capture (and we promise that it won’t be a lot of hot air!). Peter is joined by Cornish dairy farmers Kevin and Katie Hoare to learn about the work they have been doing to use their farm’s captured methane gas as fuel on farm. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Send us an email to podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

00:55 Katie Hoare introduces their farm.

01:50 The investments that have been made since they came to the farm. Kevin Hoare introduces the slurry storage as it was. 

03:12 What was the motivation to look into methane capture?

04:08 Katie talks about the lagoon.

05:34 How the store works in practice. 

7:28 How big is the lagoon?

10:22 Store is anaerobic. 

11:20 The cost is fertiliser saving. 

13:15 Costs of installing methane systems on dairy farms.

14:35 Tiles for existing lagoons. 

17:14 New developments in future. 

17:50 Methane powered tractor from New Holland.

19:50 comparing diesel v methane tractors. 

21:15 What are the advantages to the business of going down the biomethane route?

22:35 The financials.

24:24 The personal piece of the benefits. 

26:10 Farming is circular. 

27:40 Tips to farmers.

28:48 Peter's showstoppers.

30:48 Peter rounds up

In this bonus episode we hear more from last week's guests Pete and Jenny Olds. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and today's guests.

00:40 Pete Olds talks about their Open Farm Sunday event. 

01:43 What are the benefits of hosting Open Farm Sunday for the Olds? 

03:49 There is a huge appetite to learn.

05:27 Other things that the Olds do to engage with people. 

07:35 Jenny's advice to a farmer who is not sure where to start and might be wary of holding an event.

08:55 How to ensure a farm event is successful? Jenny's top tips. 

10:20 What can go wrong with farm events?

12:30 Peter rounds up. 

12:50 Closing message. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus.

00:55 Climate change and the challenges that it brings.

06:57 Regulation - is there too much or is the balance right?

10:06 Water management and its future. 

14:06 What is next for Graham and Chris?

16:20 Peter closes the show. 

For this episode we’re talking about farm clusters, what they are, how they work and the benefits for farmers. We’re also talking about the benefits of collaboration generally. Farm Clusters have become increasingly popular recently with dozens now in existence across the country. 

In short, a farm cluster is a collaborative network of farmers, landowners, and sometimes agricultural stakeholders in a specific geographic area, with members working together to achieve shared goals, often related to conservation, resource management, and sustainable farming practices.

Host Peter Green is joined by Mel Bradley who works with various groups in the regenerative space and has 15 years of experience in bringing people together and building networks, including helping to deliver south west farming event Rootstock; and Ben Mortimer, a Devon farmer and Chair of the Kenn Valley farm cluster group. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:15 Peter introduces the episode.

01:53 Mel introduces herself.

03:22 Ben talks about farm clusters and explains what they are. 

04:17 Kenn Valley - Ben talks more about it and the diversity of farming there.

06:05 Mel has worked with many groups in regenerative farming - what are the benefits of collaborating. 

08:22 Are there particular goals that clusters tend to focus on or is there room for flexibility?

10:00 How long has Kenn Valley been going? - around a year.

10:33 Common barriers to collaboration. 

12:15 How events like Rootstock can be a spark for collaboration?

13:49 What leadership lessons has Ben learned from managing a group of farmers?

15:29 The importance of relationships. 

16:35 The future for farm clusters

18:55 Actions for listeners - how can you get involved or start a cluster? What advice would our guests give?

21:21 Showstoppers

22:42 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode Peter talks to Dorset dairy farmer Ian Baggs and Adele Jones, Executive Director of the Sustainable Food Trust to discuss different ways of farming to adapt to a changing climate. 

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show

00:48 Peter's Future Farm in 60 seconds

02:07 Peter introduces today's guests

02:29 Ian Baggs introduces himself and his family's farm. 

03:30 Adele Jones introduces herself and the Sustainable Food Trust

04:57 What impact has Ian seen on his farm that could signify a more volatile climate?

07:00 Why is it important that all farmers think about preparing their farm for the future in terms of more volatile weather?

08:30 Why should farmers question and challenge what they do?

10:07 Growing the right plant in the right place.

14:30 How can Ian's learnings be applied to other farms?

17:30 The Global Farm Metric

20:50 jingle

20:57 Showstoppers

23:10 Practical tips to farmers

25:25 Words - openness and being vulnerable; resilience; bravery; open to new ways of thinking; be prepared to change; be happy and fulfilled

27:10 Peter wraps up. 

This week we are looking at communication and connecting with the public. How can telling your farming story help not only the reputation and resilience of the farming sector as a whole but also your own farm, influencing how you are perceived in your local community? Why is having positive farming PR important for the overall resilience of the sector? 

Host Peter Green is joined by two seasoned communicators who wear slightly different hats. Firstly Anna Jones who is an experienced radio and television broadcast journalist as well as the founder of Just Farmers, a communications project linking the media and farmers. Also on the podcast is Kendra Hall who, as well as being an account director with rural and agri PR agency Reverberate PR where she helps clients with their communications strategies, undertook a Nuffield Scholarship on the subject of building trust in British farming through increased transparency of on farm livestock production.  

Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

01:37 Anna and Kendra come in.

01:50 Anna's first farming memory.

02:38 Kendra's earliest rural memory. 

04:06 How does Anna help farmers to tell their stories?

05:58 Understanding how to engage more with the end consumer and gain trust - being candid and 'real'.

09:00 Anna explains how so many people don't find it easy to communicate.

11:38 Important to engage with people. 

13:27 Resilience and what it means to Anna

14:35 What is resilience for Kendra?

15:50 Some of the ways that farmers can engage locally.

18:20 Kendra's Nuffield.

21:38 The need to tell that story.

22:15 More about listening than telling. 

25:55 Peter sums up. 

28:00 Cream teas...

29:35 Peter ends the episode.

Simon Haley is a rural business adviser based in the north west of England. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:15 Peter Green introduces the bonus episode. 

00:50 Simon's advice on where to start with seeking funding. 

04:50 Sources of finance.

07:45 The five 's's - security; serviceability; sensitivity; sustainability; sensibility.

10:02 Business plans. - tell the story. 

13:12 Common mistakes with diversification. 

14:46 - The 6 'd's - death, debt, dispute, disolution, disagreement; diversification

17:40 What is Simon's key piece of advice when getting a plan off the ground. 

19:26 Peter Green rounds up. 

In this episode, Peter is joined by Amy Jackson who founded Oxtale Communications. Peter and Amy discuss the topic of communication through the lens of animal health and welfare. 

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show

01:09 Peter's Future Farm in 60 seconds.

02:38 Peter introduces Dr Amy Jackson. 

03:02 Amy introduces herself and her work. 

03:40 Does the UK have the highest welfare standards in the world?

04:28 What's the difference between 'health' and 'welfare'?

07:56 Indoor and outdoor systems. 

09:20 How do farmers communicate to the public when it comes to health and welfare and where does health and welfare rank in terms of importance to the public?

13:05 Some farmers may be apprehensive or defensive about talking about welfare but farmers can accentuate the positives. 

14:24 We don't always get everything right. 

15:08 Own your situation and don't have a victim mindset. 

15:30 Obama podcast. 

18:03 Consumption is still rising for a lot of agricultural products. 

19:39 Social licence to farm.

19:50 How can farmers tell their story?

23:30 A practical tip from Amy - talk to people and listen.

24:45 What 3 skills or attributes will farmers of the future need? - be resilient; be empathetic; have holidays. 

27:31 Showstoppers.

29:45 Peter rounds up the episode. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter introduces the bonus

01:00 Katie explains what happened. 

03:20 Katie talks about the event itself. 

06:18 Many people are involved in agriculture because they love it. 

08:05 A message to young women in agriculture. 

10:02 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode we’re talking about the ‘R’ word, which still raises eyebrows in some circles – ‘rewilding’ – alongside the concept of ‘circular farming’ and we'll ask how they both fit with the sustainable farming incentive? How could you rewild parts of your farm, what does rewilding really mean today and how can the sustainable farming incentive help you to improve nature value on your farm, alongside your bank balance?

Host Peter Green is joined by Jim Bliss who runs a consultancy called ‘Blissfully Wild’, and worked at the Lowther Estate in Cumbria for a number of years. He’s also a 2023 Nuffield scholar and he did his research on the links between rewilding and marginal farming.  Hugo Ellis is also on the panel. Hugo is a regenerative agronomist with regenerative consultancy group Terrafarmer. After studying at Duchy College and working in the dairy industry, Hugo worked as a trials manager for six years across a broad range of crops. He has also lectured in Agronomy and Crop Science and worked as an Assistant Manager on an estate in London.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:14 Peter introduces the episode.

01:41 Jim introduces himself.

02:47 Hugo introduces himself. 

04:06 Jim talks about his own journey with rewilding. 

06:30 Rewilding at Lowther Estate. 

07:48 The power of network and connections. 

08:30 Definitions of rewilding and circular farming.

11:10 Is rewilding 'active' or 'passive'

14:08 Diversification through the environment

14:35 The principles of circular farming.

17:00 Partnerships and joint ventures as part of a circular economy. 

19:47 The transition - are there issues with transitioning from conventional to another model of farming or managing the land?

21:25 Jim's thoughts on the SFI.

25:00 Tapestry/ patchwork of different elements of habitats. 

26:20 Market access to habitat creation. The importance and opportunity of an environmental story. 

27:34 Cornish Mutual is running SFI workshops. 

27:55 Advice for accessing SFI 

30:23 Summing up - how does each guest see the future of land management in the UK evolving and will we see more rewilding on farms in future?

33:46 Showstoppers.

36:06 Peter rounds up the episode. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:15 Peter introduces the bonus. 

00:35 Andrew summarises his Nuffield.

01:06 Why did Andrew decide to look into this subject?

02:22 Travels

04:00 Highlights from the travels.

06:21 Lessons learned

07:55 The most surprising things - challenges. 

09:09 The power of word of mouth.

09:45 How have Andrew's findings changed the way he thinks?

11:00 Peter rounds up. 

Today on the show we take a look back on series 4 and glean any learning points from the episodes. Host Peter Green is joined by Tom Tolputt, founder of TerraFarmer, and Rebecca Tonks, CEO of St Ewe Free Range Eggs. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us by using podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

1:03 Tom Tolputt introduces himself.

1:23 Rebecca Tonks introduces herself. 

1:44 We begin to look back on the series. 

2:10 Chris Berry talks about the farming year 2023-24

2:57 Peter asks Tom about the farming situation at the moment. 

4:55 Rebecca talks about the changes that we are seeing at the moment.

6:19 We look back on episode 4 and the matter of farm incomes. 

6:53 Professor Matt Lobley excerpt. 

7:49 Discussion on farm incomes. What might the impact be if farm incomes continue to fall? 

10:05 Tom Tolputt follows up. 

13:45 We turn to the topic of soil health with Sally Ann Spence.

14:49 Tom talks about the change that has taken place over the past few years with regards to soil health. 

17:47 We talk about careers and the wide variety of careers in the broad ag sectors. Dan Grist talks about the breadth of backgrounds of members of Devon Young Farmers. 

19:34 What skills sets is Rebecca looking for as an employer?

21:44 In episode 8 we were talking about thinking differently - one of the themes was the ways that farmers and food businesses engage with consumers.  Abby Allen elaborates. 

23: 27 Has our food system changed beyond recognition?

26:16 Rebecca - where is the relationship between the consumer and their food?

29:20 Final clip is from episode 9 - Kevin Hoare talks about the methane project taking place on their farm. 

31:22 Rebecca explains how the poultry sector has adapted in previous years. 

35:16 What are Rebecca and Tom excited about in terms of the future of farming in the south west?

38:39 Where can listeners go to find out more?

40:00 Peter rounds up. 

Today on the show, we’re looking at climate resilience and how south west farmers can reduce overall farm emissions.  

Host Peter Green is joined by Becky Willson from the Farm Carbon Toolkit and Mike Roberts, a third generation Cornish beef and mixed crop farmer.

Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:14 Peter Green comes in. 

01:08 Becky Willson introduces herself and the Farm Carbon Tool Kit. 

02:26 Mike Roberts introduces his farm.

03:38 What does resilience mean for Becky?

05:08 Resilience for Mike. 

06:45 Mike has gradually reduced his fertiliser usage. 

07:47 What is happening on farms when it comes to climate resilience?

10:08 Farmers need to provide that climate solution. 

12:06 2040 aim from the NFU to achieve net zero. 

14:32 What to say to farmers who say that there isn't any point...it can't be done? Why should we all care?

17:38 Becky takes us through some of the best practice that she has seen on different farms that listeners could try?

20:03 Cornish Mutual jingle

20:12 Farm Carbon Calculator - Peter has used this himself. Becky provides an insight into the calculator. 

22:30 Showstoppers and key points to take away. 

24:43 Peter rounds up (including cream teas)

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:15 Peter introduces the bonus. 

01:17 Eddie introduces the project. 

04:18 The booklet and the importance of visioning. 

06:38 Understanding where you are going and what it looks like. 

07:25 What are some of the practical steps farmers can take to connect with the nature on their land?

10:20 The importance of convening and engaging.

13:10 Being present in meetings.

14:28 The importance of listening. 

17:40 Sharing knowledge.

20:30 The future of the project. 

21:20 Peter rounds up. 

Today on the show we look at rural crime across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Host Peter Green is joined by rural crime researcher Dr Kate Tudor, PCSO Michael Storey from the Rural Affairs Unit at Avon and Somerset Police and Sergeant Natalie Skinner from Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team to discuss how farmers and rural communities can make their businesses and communities more resilient by preventing and reducing the likelihood of being victims of rural crime in the first place. 

Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:14 Peter Green introduces today's show.

01:20 PCSO Mike Storey gives an overview of rural crime across the south west. 

02:46 Prevention is better than cure.

03:10 Dr Kate Tudor explains the potential rise in rural crime. 

04:27 Natalie Skinner explains there has been a reduction in rural crime of 28% in Dorset this last year.

05:20 What does Natalie attribute this to? Natalie explains there are quite a few crime prevention activities taking place.

06:55 Dr Kate Tudor explains what farmers can do to help prevent rural crime.

08:46 How are forces working across county borders?

10:45 Mike explains the watch schemes. 

12:39 A farmer sprays his fencing unit pink. 

13:26 Dr Kate Tudor explains the impact on victims of rural crime. 

15:10 Natalie explains her personal experience of how victims feel.

16:58 Dr Kate Tudor talks about social media and offenders use it. 

17:58 Criminals' approach and how they use farming magazine and technology, including drones. 

19:12 Equipment Theft Prevention Bill

21:00 Mike talks about follow up work. Lots of people just walk on farm now. 

22:03 What does Natalie see in Dorset?

22:37 Mike talks about a story of a victim who had pockets of scrap metal around his farm. 

23:34 Does rural crime make business sense?

25:30 How do criminals move stolen goods? 

26:28 Resilience and what it means - Kate

28:00 Resilience for Mike.

29:03 Resilience for Natalie. 

30:05 Peter sums up the episode with the showstoppers. 

31:35 Cream teas...cream first or jam first?

32:22 Peter rounds up. 

Today on the show, we’re putting our focus on the new policy landscape across England and asking to what extent can the sustainable farming incentive, and other schemes make your farm business more resilient, economically and environmentally, over the next few years?

Peter is joined by Sabine McEwen who is Farm Environment Advisor and Devon Team Leader for FWAG South West. FWAG provides independent advice to farmers and landowners across the region. Also with him are Dorset sheep farmers David and Carolyn Gill from Upping Down Shetlands, to get their perspective on how the new schemes can help their business. =

Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:06 Intro music.

00:15 Peter Green introduces the episode.

01:27 Sabine's first farming memory.

02:03 David's first farming memory.

02:45 Carolyn's first farming memory.

03:22 David and Carolyn are first generation farmers - how did they get into it? Carolyn explains.

04:45 Cornish Mutual jingle

04:56 What does resilience mean to David and Carolyn?

05:25 Resilience for Sabine.

06:12 Foresight and the long term nature of farming. 

06:32 The Future Farm Resilience Programme.

08:30 What role have environmental schemes played for David and Carolyn?

10:56 Cornish Mutual jingle

11:47 Sabine explains the new schemes including Sustainable Farming Incentive.

15:17 Is there more hassle with these new schemes? Is this a common attitude?

17:23 Assessing success.

17:58 Cornish Mutual jingle

18:13 The difference between SFI and Countryside Stewardship. 

21:00 How does the new system compare for David and Carolyn (SFI Pilot).

21:50 Farm size.

22:30 How has the feedback process been for David and Carolyn with Defra?

24:10 The claim process for David and Carolyn.

24:48 Experience of FWAG team on SFI and Countryside stewardship changes.

26:12 Rolling application window.

27:50 What advice would Sabine give to anyone listening who is sceptical about the new system?

30:30 The new schemes have the potential to make farmers more resilient if they are used part of a bigger system.

32:32 Carolyn explains how SFI encourages you to collect data.

33:14 David talks about baselining.

34:55 Peter rounds up with the cream tea question.

36:18 Peter rounds up with the '3 showstoppers' - SFI can support good practice; don't put your head in the sand; use your network; don't let the tail wag the dog with your business; collect data

Today we’re taking a look at the different directions that people take in the farming sector. Some grow up in farming and choose it as a career, some move into a related or supporting industry, some move away from farming completely and some come into the industry from other backgrounds. Today we’re exploring all of these paths and underlining how important it is to find your own particular route in life. 

Peter is joined by Dan Grist who is the current Chair of Devon Young Farmers and co-host of the It’s In Our Roots Podcast which celebrates people with countryside roots. He is also joined by Emily Peters who grew up on a family dairy farm in Devon before moving away and then returning to run her milk vending machine business The Udder Stuff. Emily won the Rising Star category in this year’s Devon Farm Business Awards. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

01:40 Dan introduces himself. 

03:50 Careers advice into farming. 

04:30 Emily introduces herself. 

07:27 Dan is chair of Devon Young Farmers - what variety of jobs does he see members going into?

10:40 Peter talks about his own experience. 

11:50 Was Emily always thinking of going back to the family farm?

14:40 Emily talks about the growth of her business.

15:40 How many young people who go back to family farms set up their own ventures?

17:40 Advice to others thinking of coming back to the family farm.

19:30 Tips on making a plan.

23:05 Mindset and mental health. 

24:50 What does it mean to have farming roots?

27:13 Showstoppers

29:15 Peter rounds up. 

Linked to episode 2 of the show, this bonus episode features bonus material with Peter Craven, who appeared in episode 2 of the series. 

In the episode Peter explains 'the family charter' .

Link to Peter Craven's Nuffield report - Peter Craven | Nuffield Farming Scholarships (nuffieldscholar.org)

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:15 Peter Green introduces the bonus episode. 

00:42 Peter Craven explains the benefits of the family charter.

01:30 How do you create a family charter?

03:40 The steps involved. 

05:43 Who needs to be involved?

08:38 The issue of decision making breaking down. 

10:00 Peter Green rounds up.

Peter Green is joined for the first episode by Tom Tolputt and Professor Andy Neal to discuss soil health in the South West. What state are the soils of the South West in and what could be done to improve them? How can better soils make your farm more resilient? 

In this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:06 Intro music.

00:15 Peter Green introduces the series.  

01:25  Cornish mutual jingle. 

01:34 Peter introduces today's subject - soil and soil health - and today's guests. 

02:29 Tom and Andy come in.

02:42 Tom talks about how he got into soil and farm consultancy. 

03:21 Andy discusses his background. 

04:17 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

04:24 What does resilience mean for Tom?

05:03 What does resilience mean for Andy?

06:00 A shift towards soil being the most important element - what has caused that shift in focus? Why is it important to discuss soil first when thinking about resilience?

07:52 Tom discusses the importance of soil and building biology within the soil. 

09:05 Grazing is associated with higher organic matter in soil. There are benefits of grazing in rotation for the function of soil. 

09:56 Why did Tom take the decision to go organic?

11:37 What is the state of our soils in the south west?

15:12 Could we be doing more to improve soils in the south west? Andy explains the role of tillage.

16:40 There are instances when ploughing helps. 

18:32 Rothamsted's long term experiments. 

20:20 Cornish Mutual jingle

20:31 Carbon, soils and organic matter - are they the same thing?

23:18 Resilience comes from the driving of microbial processes.

23:43 Carbon credits.

27:33 Understanding where we are at the moment and taking stock - the importance of this. Getting baselines and practical steps to achieve this. 

30:00 Andy's tips for taking soil samples.

31:17 The importance of context. Sandy soils and soil texture. 

33:27 Tom discusses different soil types. 

34:44 What can farmers do more of?

36:05 Andy reiterates that soil is a living system. 

37:55 Peter sums up the podcast. - understanding your farm and your soils; know your context; earning the right to plough, perennial cropping; building organic matter is a slow thing but what we need to do. 

39:09 The cream tea question...

40:22 Peter rounds up. 

Peter is joined by farmer and farm consultant Anna Bowen  and Izak van Heerden from AHDB's Agrileader programme, to discuss advice on farm. 

Make sure you listen to episode 3 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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:15 Peter introduces the bonus. 

00:50 What should farmers be looking for when considering how to receive advice and who to get it from?

03:16 Defra funded advice 

05:52 Experience v new advice

08:05 In the relationship between a farmer and a consultant - what is the dynamic of leadership?

09:42 The dynamic between farmers and consultant - what is Anna's approach?

11:08 How does Anna use the information she receives?

13:00 The importance of listening to what is going on in our own business.

15:00 What can farmers do immediately after the consultant's meeting to get best value from it?

17:35 Not all actions can be actioned immediately - how should someone who is looking at the output of a report prioritise where they start? 

19:28 Peter rounds up. 

In this bonus episode Rachel and Chris Knowles and Tim Fussell speak more about their businesses and about adding value. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and today's guests.

00:42 What does it mean to add value on farm?

04:12 At Trink Dairy, what does adding value look like?

05:10 Taking the leap to add value. 

06:00 How critical is it to get the marketing of a product right at the beginning of its life?

07:20 Welcoming the public on to the farm at Trink Dairy.

08:38 jingle

08:45 Peter rounds up. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter introduces the bonus

00:46 Are young people aware of and sufficiently able to access information on careers in the wider agricultural space?

02:30 Is there any friction on farms? Is there too much pressure placed on young people to take on a family farm?

05:43 Appointing on merit?

08:37 Are we outward looking enough when it comes to attracting new people to the industry from outside farming?

10:55 What are the most common obstacles that face people who want to start farming?

14:45 Dan finishes up. 

16:28 Peter rounds up. 

Farm Safety Week this year is 17th-21st July 2023. In this episode we discuss farm safety in the south west, reviewed by two members of the Cornish Mutual team - Paul Mahon, who is Head of Technical Development, and Nick Lay who is a Chartered Legal Executive and Claims Technician. 

Devon based dairy farmer Fred Collins is also on the show. In February last year Fred was changing a tractor tyre when the jack failed and his arm was trapped and crushed for a considerable amount of time. Surgery took 8 ½ hours to insert a metal plate and 32 screws to his arm. Severe nerve damage left him without any feeling in his hand. His story is certainly one of resilience, both personally and in terms of his business. 

Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:06 Intro music.

00:15 Peter Green introduces the series.  

01:57 Nick Lay recalls his earliest rural/farming memory.

02:45 Paul Mahon recalls his earliest rural/farming memories (including Farmer Fish!)

03:45 Paul gives some information about farm safety in the south west.

04:50 Agriculture employs 1% of the working population in Great Britain but suffers from nearly 20% of accidents. 

05:29 The situation from Cornish Mutual - relayed by Nick. 

06:39 Why is it so important that Farm Safety Week exists?

07:07 Nick talks about farm accidents and how they make him feel.

07:57 Fred Collins section. 

08:46 Fred talks about his accident in February 2022. 

11:52 What makes people and farmers in particular take short cuts? Being busy and the challenge of this. The need to slow down. 

14:50 Fred's main learning points since the accident. 

15:36 Everything was in place already. 

16:33 Back to Nick and Paul.

16:44 Nick shares some of the common farm accidents. 

18:22 What does resilience mean for Paul?

19:00 What is resilience for Nick? How does it link to safety?

19:54 Paul talks about action on farm.

21:10 Not enough hours in the day - how can people be encouraged to slow down?

22:35 Paul explains about action plans and highlighting the things that are the most important. 

23:13 Peter rounds up. 

24:20 Cream tea questions...

25:34 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode host Peter Green speaks to Nuffield scholar Chris Manley (who started the #WalkWithMe campaign) and Linconshire arable farmer (and FCN ambassador) Charles Anyan to discuss physical and mental health. 

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:15 Peter Green introduces the episode. 

00:42 On my farm in 60 seconds.

01:58 Peter introduces today's guests.

03:19 Chris Manley comes in.

05:38 Charles Anyan introduces himself and his story. 

07:20 Charles has lost a considerable amount of weight.

08:04 Jingle

08:13 Why is being in a good headspace so important for running a business?

10:50 Be proactive. Are you ready for the shock of your life?

11:50 What can we do on the farm to move more?

13:50 What can you do to get started? Chris gives some tips? How are you feeling on a scale of 1-10?

17:38 Think about what you enjoy.

17:50 #Whosyourjulie?

21:05 Look out for those around you.

22:20 Make it easier for the listener. 

24:45 We need to have some braver conversations around this. 

25:43 We all need to talk more. 

26:30 Need to break the stigma. 

26:42 Showstoppers.

28:22 What 3 skills or attributes will farmers of the future require to be successful?

29:17 Peter rounds up. 

30:41 First Aid Days notice. 

In this episode we hear from Cornish Mutual's Managing Director as he reflects on Cornish Mutual's past, present and future. We also reflect on why Cornish Mutual is making the Farming Focus podcast.

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

Farming Focus is out every fortnight on Tuesdays. 

Timestamps

00:09 Host Peter Green comes in.

00:29 Peter Beaumont comes in. 

00:46 Cornish Mutual is a trusted partner for farming families in the south west and the wider rural community. 

01:35 Peter Green's grandparents were members of Cornish Mutual and it was always another trusted partner for them. 

04:22 Getting out to the county shows. For Peter Beaumont it's a very important time. 

06:44 New entrants and who are they interacting with. It is those who are reaching out to others and looking to the outside who are making things work. 

08:39 What marks out the businesses that are more successful? Peter Beaumont thinks it is thinking ahead and planning. 

10:11 Cornish Mutual is looking to do more in terms of helping members through the changes that are coming. The communications space is key here. 

11:50 The importance of withstanding shocks. Resilience comes with taking a holistic view at what could happen.

14:58 The importance of getting off the farm now and then. 

16:28 The importance of using your networks. 

19:24 Business is a different journey for everybody.

20:30 What is Peter excited about for the year ahead?

22:05 The killer question...cream teas...

23:30 What is special for Peter about Cornish Mutual.

25:49 Cornish Mutual ad.

25:55 Peter Green rounds up. 

Today on the show we’re talking about mob grazing, what it is, its benefits and how to do it most effectively. 

Peter is joined by Cornish farmer Ben Thomas who farms beef cattle on the edge of Bodmin Moor and Hannah Jones who is a carbon and soils advisor with the Farm Carbon Toolkit. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Send us an email to podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

00:54 Ben introduces himself. 

04:30 What is the lasting impact of 6 Inches of Soil film?

06:30 Hannah Jones introduces herself.

07:53 Mob grazing - what is it and how does it differ from other ways of grazing?

09:30 What does mob grazing look like in practice for Ben?

13:10 Stocking density.

15:25 Follow up with Hannah.

17:20 How quickly can farmers expect to see changes to their soil health when starting with mob grazing?

19:30 Is most of the benefit from reduced compaction and rest or trampling and leaving some plant matter behind?

20:50 Challenges with a mob grazing system. 

24:08 Mob grazing is when we go in with higher levels of cover. What is true mob grazing? How much cover to leave?

25:25 Soil types.

26:11 Practical tips and messages to farmers.

31:12 Showstoppers

33:15 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green interviews two farmers, Graham Eggins and Chris Berry, to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in the Southwest region. Graham farms on the island of Brier in the Isles of Scilly, while Chris farms near Exeter. Graham talks about the logistical challenges of farming on an isolated island, including the transportation of livestock and machinery. He also shares how he diversified his farm by starting a chili operation. Chris discusses the importance of reducing reliance on inputs and the need for adaptability in the face of price volatility and changing labor dynamics. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities facing farmers in the Southwest of the UK. The main challenges discussed include a shortage of people wanting to work in farming, the impact of climate change on water resources, and the burden of regulations. The farmers also discuss the importance of diversification and the need to promote and market their products. The main opportunities highlighted include the use of social media to engage with customers and the potential for direct marketing. The conversation ends with practical tips for farmers, such as pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and improving water management.

Takeaways

• Farming on an isolated island presents unique logistical challenges, including transportation of livestock and machinery.
• Diversification can be a successful strategy for farmers, allowing them to find new markets and increase resilience.
• Reducing reliance on inputs and focusing on self-sufficiency can improve profitability and sustainability.
• Adaptability is crucial in the face of price volatility and changing labor dynamics in the farming industry. There is a shortage of people wanting to work in farming, and farmers need to find ways to attract and retain workers.
• Climate change is impacting water resources, and farmers need to adapt by implementing water management strategies.
• Regulations are a necessary part of farming, but there is a need for support to simplify paperwork and ensure food security.
• Diversification is important for farmers to explore new opportunities and markets.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for farmers to promote their products and engage with customers.
• Improving water management and soil health can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.
• Farmers should push themselves out of their comfort zones and be open to trying new things.
• Direct marketing and engaging with customers can lead to higher profits and customer loyalty.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

00:57 Chris Berry introduces himself. 

01:45 Graham Eggins introduces himself. 

03:08 What brought Graham to Bryher?

06:08 Graham does everything and has to wear many hats. 

06:57 Graham has heavily diversified  - what has influenced this? 

07:45 Graham's chilli business - how did this start?

12.15 Trying different things. Has Graham always been like this? 

14:02 Chris's reaction to Graham's story. 

15:20 Keep things simple.

18:57 Being aware that things need to change - Chris's story and how he is planning for the future. 

20:42 Keep things fun to attract people. 

21:26 'Member Focus'

24:58 The main challenges for agriculture as an industry. [Graham]

27:49 Chris adds his thoughts. 

29:09 Practical tips to farmers. - try things outside of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself.  Split your fields into two. 

30:59 Showstoppers. 

33:29 Peter ends the show. 

Today on the show Peter Green is joined by Cornish Mutual's Chief Executive Officer, Peter Beaumont, to look back on 2024 and reflect on the year for farmers and Cornish Mutual. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

00:55 Peter welcomes Peter.

02:10 Peter Beaumont begins to reflect on the year. 

03:26 How can Cornish Mutual support members?

04:04 The headlines for Cornish Mutual in 2024

07:05 What have been the biggest challenges for members in 2024?

08:30 Farming has the operational side but also administrative side. 

11:17 The aftermath of the budget - succession and planning for it. 

12:20 Mutual v insurance company

14:10 Rising costs - how has Cornish Mutual been reacting?

15:55 Farm walks and supporting members. 

17:27 Health and safety 

20:00 Collaboration.

21:54 Risks and Opportunities for members.

23:13 SFI

24:18 What has been the biggest achievement for Cornish Mutual this year? 

27:25 Peter Green wraps up. 

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?' We're going to reflect on what lies ahead and on some of the exciting solutions being put forward. 

For the opening episode host Peter Green is joined by Helen Browning, a Wiltshire farmer who is also CEO of the Soil Association, and Jake Freestone who manages Overbury Farms in Worcestershire. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:15 Peter Green introduces the episode. 

01:53 'Peter's Future Farm in 60 Seconds'

03:20 Cornish Mutual jingle.

03:28 Peter welcomes Helen and Jake to the podcast.

03:40 Helen introduces her farm.

04:20 Jake introduces Overbury Enterprises.

05:48 What changes is Jake anticipating at Overbury?

06:50 How prepared is UK farming for the future?

08:05 What do farmers need to do to thrive in the future? - Jake offers his thoughts.

10:54 UK food policy - how do farmers balance production and the environment? Helen offers her thoughts.

12:35 Will there be particular types of farm that will struggle? Helen doesn't think so but thinks that it is more about the farmer than the farm.

13:35 Jake on 'survival of the fittest'

14:23 Cornish Mutual jingle

14:32 What are the opportunities for farmers in the south west?

15:42 How might the profile of the agricultural work force change?

17:02 Investment in tech.

18:53 Will small farms benefit from tech and innovation going forwards?

19:57 What is Jake doing now to help his farm thrive going forwards?

20:38 What is Helen doing to help her farm thrive in future?

21:30 Showstoppers - 3 key points to take away. 

23:10 What skill or attribute will farmers need in future - in 3 words.

23:50 Peter concludes the episode. 

In this episode host Peter Green is joined by sheep and beef farmer Phil Heard and sheep farmer Mark Rees to hear about how they have diversified their businesses. Phil farms on Dartmoor and has diversified into cattle driving holidays. Mark farms Gotland sheep and has diversified into gin making. In this episode we hear the ins and outs of their stories and how they have got to where they are today. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

00:56 Phil introduces himself and his farming business.

02:28 Using horses to round up cattle and sheep. 

03:28 How long has Phil's family been on Dartmoor?

05:34 Introducing the cattle driving diversification. 

08:10 Growth of the business.

10:00 The diversification business alongside the farming business.

12:08 Mark Rees comes in and tells his story. 

14:38 How did Mark start? 

17:17 The importance of passion in diversification. 

19:40 Creating the first batches of gin. 

21:06 Challenges of diversification.

24:00 Employment, people and balancing time. 

26:15 Advice to others looking to diversify. 

27:48 Showstoppers. 

30:21 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode George Dunn, Chief Executive of the Tenant Farmers Association speaks more about tenancies and the wider farming industry. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and George Dunn.

00:50 George's key tips for a new entrant's first tenancy application and how they can learn from previous attempts. 

03:38 If a new entrant is approaching a landlord for a share farming scheme or joint venture. 

06:38 Make sure you document everything.

08:06 Share farming, joint ventures and employment - George's mention to younger listeners on building a career. 

10:08 Which demographics are well represented in agriculture and how do we encourage greater diversity?

15:38 Peter Green rounds up. 

Linked to episode 3 of the show, this bonus episode features bonus material with Chris Manley, who appeared in episode 3 of the series. 

In the episode Chris talks about the 'Walk with Me' campaign to help break the stigma of talking about mental health in the farming community. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:15 Peter Green introduces the bonus episode. 

00:52 Peter asks Chris to introduce the #walkwithme campaign.

03:20 Chris writes a poem and it grew from there.

04:10 Charles Anyan comes in. 

05:42 Many testimonies from people about walk with me and the power it has to have conversations. What are the outcomes of the movement?

08:17 Cornish Mutual get involved in the campaign.

09:4 What does success look like?

11:08 Mental health the quiet killer. 

12:02 Britain's Fittest Farmer competition. 

15:00 Gladiators??!

15:50 Peter rounds up the episode. 

Today we’re looking at livestock beneath the soil. Host Peter Green asks his guests to make the case for why we should be thinking about life beneath the soil surface as much as our livestock above the ground. 

He is joined by entomologist and Wiltshire farmer Sally Ann Spence who is a champion for dung beetles and Joel Williams who is a leading independent plant and soil health educator. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

00:57 Sally Ann introduces herself.

01:44 Joel introduces himself. 

02:22 Why should farmers be considering livestock below the soil as well as those above it?

03:00 What about farmers' interest in soil and how attitudes have changed?

04:21 The balance between physics, chemistry and biology. What is soil biota and why is it so crucial for soil health?

07:30 Sally Ann responds

08:45 How can soil health link to the health of livestock?

10:04 The science behind this. 

12:20 Dung beetles and their role.

17:30 Member focus.

20:03 Thinking about soil biodiversity - some practical things that farmers can do. 

22:32 Classic blockers?

24:00 Suggestions from Sally Ann and farm cluster groups

 26:00 Insects as pests

29:00 Where to contact?

29:49 Showstoppers

32:00 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode, Peter is joined by Catherine Mead OBE who is the owner of Lynher Dairies, the home of Cornish Yarg cheese; and David Fursdon who is the Chair of both Dyson Farming and The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture as well as a trustee of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission and the Royal Countryside Fund. David recently joined the board of Cornish Mutual.

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show

01:22 Catherine Mead introduces herself.

01:48 David Fursdon introduces himself. 

02:21 Going back to episode 1 - Jake Freestone talks about the future for his farm in Worcestershire.

03:53 How do we find more certainty in farming?

05:34 Catherine gives her thoughts on the uncertainty of today.

07:34 Peter introduces the episode with Peter Craven in it. 

09:00 How significant an issue is succession for farming families?

11:35 David's thoughts on succession.

12:49 Peter introduces the episode with Chris Manley in episode 3.

14:30 Are we getting better at talking about health and wellbeing?

17:15 Peter introduces episode with Simon Haley. 

18:38 How can farmers balance the main business with diversified income?

22:00 Peter introduces episode with Adele Jones. 

23:20 Net zero - are we moving quickly enough and do we have the resources to do it?

26:16 Catherine's thoughts on the shift towards net zero.

29:55 We have a positive story and we can keep it simple. 

30:35 Peter introduces episode with Amy Jackson on communication and animal welfare.

32:03 Thoughts on what we should be communicating towards 2050?

33:42 The 3 skills or attributes that farmers will need to be successful in the future?

35:40 What does the future of farming look like and what will farming look like in 2050?

38:32 Peter rounds up the episode.

Peter Green is joined for the second episode of this series by Heather Wildman, who is Managing Director of Saviour Associates. Heather did a Nuffield scholarship in 2012 titled ‘’Communication: influencing and motivating change’’ and having been brought up on a sheep and beef farm in the Lake District, she now lives and works in Scotland. 

In this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:06 Intro music.

00:15 Peter Green introduces the series.  

02:03 Heather relates her earliest farming memory.

02:58 Cornish Mutual jingle.

03:11 How often does Heather get down to the south west?

03:44 Heather works all over the country.

05:15 What does resilience mean to Heather? - the art of holding your shape and bouncing back. 

07:16 Perspective - how are people best able to get perspective?

09:29 'Owning' your mistakes and how to do this. 

12:00 Where are you? Where do you want to be? How to get there?

13:26 Write down five things that you have achieved.

15:50 How can you add value? Ignore others and think about what you can do.  What do you want?

16:23 Working with families - why is it important that as farmers we think about mindset in the first place?

18:56 Cornish Mutual jingle.

19:05 To what extent does Heather think that farming as an industry is mentally fit?

21:04 Having time off.

21:20 Thinking about change and dealing with change as a whole. 

23:45 Cornish Mutual jingle.

23:58 Scenario analysis and dealing with figures.

25:35 Sir Tom Hunter says 'don't come to me unless you've failed at least four times'. 

26:38 Making mistakes.

26:54 Cornish Mutual jingle.

27:00 Prince's Countryside Fund course - Peter's memories from this and the importance of learning from your peers

28:45 Heather's Nuffield - take away points. 

29:10 Discussion groups - 'a group without goals is a group that refuses to take responsibility for themselves - information itself does not make things happen - it is the people that make things happen'. 

32:46 Cream tea question...jam first or cream first??

33:24 Cornish Mutual jingle

33:29 What does Heather most enjoy about her job?

33:50 Peter starts to round everything up - taking responsibility for yourself; understanding your own value and learning from your mistakes; how you are away from the business and making space for reflection/taking time off. 

34:56 'Make time for you'.

35:45 Peter starts to round things up. 

37:04 Cornish Mutual jingle.

In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green explores the topic of breeding the perfect cow. He is joined by James Dixon, a farmer who raises stabilizer cattle in Cumbria, and Professor Mike Coffey from SRUC. They discuss the benefits of composite breeds like stabilizers, the history of cattle genetics, and the use of genomics in breeding. They also touch on the importance of feed efficiency and its impact on methane emissions. Overall, the conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to improve cattle genetics and the challenges and opportunities in breeding the ideal cow. The conversation explores the importance of feed efficiency and carbon footprint in cattle farming. It discusses the priorities for genetic improvement, including the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) and visual selection. The conversation also touches on the role of genetics in disease resistance, cost efficiency, and meat quality. It highlights the need for data-driven decision-making and the importance of recording phenotypes. The guests emphasize the goal of breeding animals that are economically viable, low-maintenance, and fit for purpose. We also have a new feature on the show in which we meet Cornish Mutual members. 

Takeaways

• The perfect cow is subjective and varies depending on the farm and its specific needs.
• Composite breeds like stabilizers offer the benefit of hybrid vigor and the ability to introduce new bloodlines.
• Genetic improvement in cattle has come a long way, with a focus on traits like milk yield, fertility, and feed efficiency.
• The use of genomics has revolutionized the breeding process, allowing for more accurate selection at a younger age.
• Feed efficiency is an important trait that can lead to cost savings and reduced methane emissions in cattle farming. Feed efficiency and carbon footprint are important considerations in cattle farming.
• Genetic improvement can be achieved through the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) and visual selection.
• Disease resistance, cost efficiency, and meat quality are key focuses for genetic improvement.
• Data-driven decision-making and recording phenotypes are crucial for genetic progress.
• The goal is to breed animals that are economically viable, low-maintenance, and fit for purpose.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

01:38 James Dixon introduces himself. 

02:45 Looking more at the stablizer breed.

03:58 Jim's switch from dairy to beef.

05:30 Prof Mike Coffey introduces himself.

06:00 How far have we come with genetic improvement?

08:25 Have half an eye on the efficiency of the business when thinking about genetic decisions. 

12:00 How has breeding itself changed and what opportunities does this present?

14:20 Peter summarises the points so far.

16:00 Jim talks about genomics in beef herds.

18:18 Feed efficiency of cattle.

19:29 Member focus feature - Peter goes to Royal Cornwall Show.

21:52 Jim's priorities for genetic improvement. 

23:30 What are the key focuses for genetics at large?

25:22 How much of an issue is it that decisions of beef genetics are being made by dairy farmers? 

26:35 Peter's perfect cow - what would the guests' perfect cow look like?

29:18 Advice to farmers from Mike and Jim. 

30:30 Showstoppers

32:46 Peter rounds up the episode. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter introduces the bonus

00:33 How do we define community and what value does community have for Bertie?

03:30 How have Bertie and Abby used social media to build their communities?

06:45 Create a space where communities feel that they can be open with the business.

08:36 Peter closes the show.

Today on the show we’re talking about ‘thinking differently’, perhaps outside the box, and different ways to connect with consumers and build communities. Host Peter Green is joined by Abby Allen from Pipers Farm in Devon, renowned for its commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices, and Bertie Matthews, Managing Director of Matthews Cotswold Flour based in Oxfordshire, an eighth-generation family business celebrated for having the widest range of specialist flour in the UK from conventional and regenerative farming systems.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Send us an email to podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

01:24 Abby introduces Pipers Farm and explains how they are thinking differently as a business.

05:10 Bertie introduces Matthews Cotswold Flour and again explains how they are thinking differently as a business.

09:42 'Partners' rather than customers and a commitment to stick with it for the long term.

10:14 Advice to south west farmers and businesses who want to take a different approach. 

13:10 Finding what aspect of the business that you enjoy. 

14:00 What 3 things do you really want to get rid of in your job and what three things do you want to do more of. 

14:26 What led to the pivot towards the Baking Club for Bertie?

16:14 How can we think differently about the stories we tell. The importance of storytelling. 

20:03 Bertie's view on storytelling and marketing. 

21:25 Where is the value of working together?

24:00 Showstoppers.

25:47 Peter wraps up the episode. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter introduces the bonus.

00:35 How can invertebrates contribute to soil fertility?

04:08 Ants farming fungi.

05:54 Examples of seeing change from a thriving ecosystem on farms. Where does it work?

08:20 What timeframe can we see change in?

09:08 How can farmers integrate soil health strategies? Future soil health plans?

11:45 Tip for farmers thinking about improving soil. 

14:30 Cornish Mutual jingle

In this episode Peter talks to George Dunn, CEO at the Tenant Farmers Association and Ben and Josh Nicholls, Cornish dairy farmers who won last year's Cornwall Young Farmer of the Year award.  They discuss the future of land access and how new entrants can get on the farming ladder from securing a tenancy to thinking outside the box.  

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:15 Peter Green introduces the episode. 

00:58 Peter's Future Farm in 60 seconds.

02:12 Peter introduces today's guests. 

02:54 Josh Nicholls introduces himself and his family's business.

04:45 Ben Nicholls introduces himself and how he works with Josh. 

07:32 What was it like to win the Young farmer of the year at the Cornwall Farm Business awards?

08:37 George Dunn comments on Josh and Ben's story. 

10:30 How many tenancies are secured by new entrants? 

11:56 Is there a lot of competition from other land uses but also what are the opportunities for new markets?

14:10 Following the Rock Review, how confident should tenant farmers be?

16:04 Ben explains the nature of their tenancy. 

16:54 How do landlords find enthusiastic new tenants?

18:14 What are the barriers for young people getting into farming?

19:36 What help did Josh and Ben get in putting their application together?

20:41 Using your network. 

23:21 What would Josh recommend young farmers do to secure a tenancy?

24:16 Showstoppers

26:14 Practical tips from George, Josh and Ben. 

27:30 3 words to show what attributes farmers of the future will need.

30:15 Peter rounds up. 

We’ve mentioned regenerative agriculture quite a bit so far in this series but this has often been in relation to the soil and farming practices. What, if any, relevance does it have in the marketplace? Could a regenerative brand or set of values work to increase revenue on farms, add value to west country produce and provide opportunity for a more resilient economic future? Or, should regen ag remain a farmer led movement only relevant to farming practices? Well, to debate this subject we are joined by Mark Brooking who is the Sustainability Director at First Milk and Dorset dairy farmer Sophie Gregory who produces organic milk for Arla. 

Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:14 Peter Green introduces today's show.

01:42 How is First Milk working with farmers to encourage regenerative practices?

04:38 Sophie describes her farm and how she is using regenerative practices on her farm.

08:47 There is a demand for doing things differently from consumers, but regenerative agriculture is quite a complicated message to put across, says Mark.

11:52 Sophie explains Arla's frame on regenerative agriculture and how regenerative milk could mean different things to differnet farms. 

14:24 Sophie explains what being an organic farm means and how she has to farm alongside nature. 

15:19 What does resilience mean for Mark?

17:44 Can we be too carbon centric? The need to look at things holistically.

18:03 What does resilience mean for Sophie?

20:00 Adding value in different ways.

20:22 The pros and cons of having a regenerative standard.

22:49 Sophie explains that you don't want to alienate people from regenerative agriculture. 

24:14 Peter sums up today's show. 

26:30 Sophie says that everyone should try something, even if it's on a small area.

27:23 Mark encourages farmers to visit someone who has tried something. 

28:08 Cream tea question. 

29:22 Peter finishes the show. 

Farming Focus will be available from Tuesday 20th June 2023.

The theme for this series is 'resilience' in all its forms. 

Episodes will be released every fortnight on Tuesdays. 

For more information about Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

Today we’re diving into a topic that’s at the heart of productive farming: making the most of muck. From slurry to compost, we’ll explore how to get more from less and maximise the value of organic manures.

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.

Joining Peter today is Andrew Sincock, Managing Director of Agriton UK and Agro-Vital UK, and a 2023 Nuffield Scholar researching organic manures.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:15 Peter introduces the episode.

01:30 Andrew introduces himself. 

3:48 Bokashi

6:30 Rothamsted research study.

8:34 What does soil organic matter do?

11:15 How do farmers value the nutrients on their farm?

13:37 How to analyse a muck heap?

15:24 Get away from calling muck a waste product. 

15:58 What are the common mistakes when it comes to applying muck?

18:00 Costs. 

19:05 Announcements about capital items.

19:30 Grants that people should be looking at?

21:50 incremental changes. 

24:38 Applying ammonium nitrate. 

30:20 C:N ration of muck 

33:50 Showstoppers. 

35:44 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode, Peter is joined by Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries Sourcing at M&S to discuss connecting with the public. What can farmers and retailers learn from each other? In the middle of the show Peter speaks to Cornish farmers Pete and Jenny Olds from Cornhill Farm to discover their secrets of connecting with the public. 

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show

01:07 Peter's Future Farm in 60 seconds.

02:15 Peter introduces Steve McLean, today's guest.

02:28 Steve comes in. 

03:16 The Buy British aisle and how M&S supports UK ag. 

04:14 Valuing UK produce and British sourcing. 

05:49 What do consumers pick up on when it comes to messaging around food?

07:48 What is the role of the farm in marketing messages?

09:00 Who's job is it to engage with customers?

11:43 How can the supply chain work together in future?

13:35 Peter speaks to Pete and Jenny Olds. 

14:02 Pete introduces Cornhill Farm. 

14:42 @cornhillfarm on instagram and Jack Cam.

14:58 Jenny talks about social media and marketing.

17:44 Why is it important for farmers to engage with the public?

19:05 Others in the industry are reliant on agricuilture.

19:42 What 3 skills or attributes will farmers of the future need in order to be successful? - adapt, be good at communicating and be diverse. Reactive; friendly; chatty. 

22:00 Returning to Steve McLean - on engaging with the public. 

23:20 Steve's 3 skills/attributes that farmers of the future will need - communication; be different; open to the next gen. 

24:58 Showstoppers.

27:04 Peter rounds up. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:15 Peter introduces the bonus. 

00:50 Laura talks about peer to peer learning and knowledge exchange. 

03:30 The School of Sustainable Farming

04:47 A broader network. 

05:40 Opportunities according to Rhian and Jack - they mention Farm Cornwall. 

07:35 Coming up with a tenancy application - how to start. 

09:30 Laura's experience. 

11:20 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode Peter talks to Tim Fussell from Fussel's Fine Foods in Somerset and Rachel and Chris Knowles from Trink Dairy in Conrwall about 'adding value' and the journeys that each respective business has been on. 

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show

00:51 Peter's Future Farm in 60 seconds

02:00 Peter introduces today's guests

02:27 Tim Fussell introduces his business

03:41 Rachel Knowles introduces Trink Dairy.

04:22 Chris Knowles talks about the herd.

05:29 Trink Dairy selling direct

06:48 Understanding the pit falls.

08:03 Fussel's Fine Foods - why they started to add value. 

10:57 Be led by people who know better than you.

12:03 Staffing at Trink Dairy.

14:42 Staffing at Fussel's Fine Foods.

18:12 Future of Fussel's Fine Foods. 

20:15 The Future for Trink Dairy.

21:28 The role of adding value in the future of farming.

23:09 Jingle

23:17 Showstoppers

25:31 Messages to take away

26:46 Three words that farmers will need in the future. 

28:04 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode Peter speaks to Dr Amy Jackson, founder and director of Oxtale Communications about animal health and welfare, including the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and Amy Jackson. 

00:38 What is the government's animal health and welfare pathway? 

03:42 The difference between standards and attainment. Vet visits encourage farmers to be more proactive. What is the ceiling from using these visits? 

05:37 Get value for money from your vet. 

06:06 The role of the vet is changing. 

06:48 How can higher welfare add value to an operation?

08:18 Show that the animal takes priority - this carries credibility.

08:36 A benefit to the team dealing with the livestock. 

09:26 Jingle

09:31 Peter rounds up. 

In this episode rural business adviser Simon Haley comes on the show to talk about diversification. 

Peter also speaks to Somerset farmers Rob Addicott and Jeremy Padfield.

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:15 Peter Green introduces the episode. 

01:19 Peter's Future Farm feature. 

02:43 Peter introduces Simon Haley. 

02:59 Simon Haley introduces how he works with farmers in the north west region. 

03:36 What are some of the most popular diversifications on farm?

06:09 How will I diversify my time?

08:26 If we stand still we go backwards. 

10:17 Peter introduces Rob and Jeremy - today's farmer guests. 

11:12 Rob Addicott introduces himself.

13:20 Jeremy Padfield introduces his business.

16:15 How did Rob and Jeremy plan their diversifications?

17:40 Advice to farmers who are looking to diversify?

19:06 What skills or attributes will farmers of the future need to thrive?

20:08 Listeners' questions. 

23:50 Advice to farmers as to next steps...

25:30 Showstoppers.

27:00 One practical tip from Simon. 

28:17 Key attributes. 

30:00 Peter rounds up. 

To kick start the new series, host Peter Green looks back on 2024 with Jeremy Oatey, owner of the mixed farming business, Agricola Growers, and Robin Jackson, Director of the Rural Business School (Duchy College). The conversation also looks ahead to 2025, exploring the latest innovations, sustainable practices, and the evolving landscape of British agriculture.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

For this episode host Peter Green  is joined by three Cornwall based farmers who are going about things a bit differently compared to the traditional farming model.

First up us Laura Awdry who farms in partnership with her husband Sam on a Duchy of Cornwall farm tenancy running beef and arable. She is also a Nuffield scholar and works within the dairy team for AHDB. 

Peter is also joined by Rhian and Jack Marchant who are first generation farmers, farming on a Lord Falmouth estate farm about 10 miles outside of Truro. The couple keep ducks for eggs, zwartble, Devon and Cornish Longwool and Suffolk sheep and water buffalo. Rhian is also a registered vet nurse working mostly in small animal practice and balances this career alongside farming. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:14 Peter introduces the episode.

01:33 Laura introduces herself.

02:40 Rhian introduces herself and her farming journey.

03:16 How did Rhian and Jack start?

03:47 Jack comes in. 

04:45 How has Laura and her husband Sam built their farming business?

07:19 Jack talks about their route into farming and wanting to stand out. 

08:34 How are buffalo different to cattle in terms of husbandry?

09:46 How did Jack know that buffalo would be a good fit for him?

10:50 Balancing working on and off farm. 

14:09 Rhian explains how she and Jack balance working off farm with the farming. 

18:30 The future of balancing working on and off farm

21:10 The benefits of working on and off farm. 

22:10 Words of advice to listeners. 

24:03 Showstoppers.

25:57 Peter rounds up. 

Host Peter Green is joined by two Nuffield scholars: Anna Bowen is a dairy farmer from Ceredigion, the current Dairy Industry Woman of the Year and also works as a farm business consultant and freelance writer. Her Nuffield scholarship was on the subject of cow calf contact in dairy. Izak van Heerden is a Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager at AHDB and heads up their Agrileader Programme. His Nuffield topic explored leadership in agriculture. 

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. 

Things we mention:

The Eisenhower Matrix

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:14 Peter introduces the episode.

01:15 Izak comes in and introduces himself. 

04:25 Anna comes in and introduces herself. 

05:07 Leadership in agriculture - Nuffield strapline is leading for positive change. 

06:07 It is easy to get stuck in the urgent in agricuilture. 

08:12 Running a farm can be 24/7 - how to manage setting aside time for business development. 

11:11 Have multiple people taking notes at a meeting and make sure these are circulated. 

11:45 Tips from Anna.

12:58 Progress not perfection. 

13:18 What makes a good leader?

16:16 Is there anything that it is important to not delegate?

17:05 How important is it for everyone to understand the vision?

18:32 What do the best farms do?

19:20 What questions should listeners ask?

20:55 Some of the most effective processes that farmers can implement to free up time? 

23:38 The importance of regular team check ins. 

25:14 What do you and your staff enjoy and not enjoy?

27:00 Showstoppers

29:27 Peter rounds up. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and Prof Mike Coffey / Jim Dixon.

00:33 What is next for cattle genetics and what breakthroughs do we still want to make?

03:05 How useful is it to reduce breeding values down to a single figure?

05: 57 Lessons from traditional and heritage breeds?

07:51 Comments from Jim on other breeds. 

08:43 Make sure that the animals you have are fit for purpose where you are. 

Probably one of the biggest challenges UK agriculture has faced for several years is TB in cattle and it’s certainly something that tests the resilience of all our beef and dairy farmers here in the South West. From the badger cull to movement restrictions and on-farm testing - much has been tried to prevent the spread of the disease, albeit with very limited results. Today we’re going to ask what role vaccination can play in the TB debate and whether a full vaccination programme could make South West farms more resilient?

Peter is joined by a vet and a farmer. Ralph Drouin is a TB tester with Shepton Vets in Somerset. He worked in a mixed, mainly farm practice in Somerset until dairy quotas arrived in 1984. He then joined MAFF as a Veterinary Officer, dealing with BSE, TB and Foot and Mouth Disease. He’s been with Shepton Vets since 2015. Max Sealy is a fourth-generation dairy farmer from near Chippenham in Wiltshire. He’s also a farm consultant with 25 years of experience in farm management. 

Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:14 Peter Green introduces today's show.

02:32 Ralph takes us through some of his experiences regarding TB in cattle.

03:19 When did TB start becoming a major issue in the south west?

04:07 Max talks about his experience with TB in cattle. 

05:58 How does it feel on TB test day?

07:16 The farming community working and standing together.

08:05 Why is TB such a big challenge?

10:00 What were the impacts of TB on Max of breakdowns? - Loss of income especially.

11:00 What does resilience mean to Max?

12:33 What does a TB resilient farm business look like? 

15:30 How could cattle farmers improve their biosecurity on their farms?

17:15 What does Max feel about this?

20:00 Usefulness of cattle vaccination from Max's point of view.

21:25 What would the logistics be of a farm vaccination programme?

27:02 Vaccination of the wildlife pool.

28:48 Getting on top of the disease.

30:00 Is Max confident that the south west will be TB free in future?

31:25 Showstoppers

34:20 Cream Teas...

35:00 Peter rounds up. 

For more information about Cornish Mutual visit  cornishmutual.co.uk

In this episode host Peter Green speaks to Nuffield scholar Peter Craven about family succession on farms and how to do it well. Listen to next week's bonus episode for more information on the 'family charter' which Peter refers to throughout this episode. 

Peter Green is also joined by Richard Darke, who farms with his sons Matt and Sam in south Devon. 

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:15 Peter Green introduces the episode. 

00:43 'Peter's Future Farm in 60 Seconds'

02:04 Peter introduces Peter Craven. 

03:03 Peter Craven comes in - to what extent are family businesses still the bedrock of farming?

03:33 How did Peter C become interested in succession?

05:17 Why don't we like talking about succession?

05:48 How to make time for talking about succession?

07:04 Introducing the family charter. 

07:50 Cornish Mutual jingle.

08:00 Peter Craven's Nuffield travels. 

10:10 What is the danger if a family gets succession wrong?

11:16 The importance of listening. 

11:44 Peter Green is joined by Richard Darke, who farms with his sons Matt and Sam near Kingsbridge in Devon. 

12:44 Why did the Darke family need to start sorting the succession topic?

14:18 Sorting out succession. 

15:50 What was the risk for the Darke's if they couldn't solve the succession issue?

17:02 Farmers should talk about succession at an early stage, says Richard. 

19:08 What questions should listeners ask themselves about planning for the future?

20:50 Make sure the family feel included.

22:05 Showstoppers.

23:22 Practical tip from Peter Craven. 

24:22 What skills or attributes will farmers of the future need to be successful?

25:25 Peter Green rounds up. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus.

00:40 Farming as a lifestyle and the non cash benefits.

02:20 Response from Matt. 

07:04 Moving away from subsidy - is there a danger that payments to farmers  just prop up loss making farms?

09:33 Should consumers be willing to pay more for food?

11:45 Thinking about wealth distribution - how can farmers get a greater share of the value of produce?

14:08 How can farmers influence policy?

16:28 Engage with others. 

19:40 What does the future look like in terms of the way farming looks?

20:50 Peter rounds up. 

What is the average farm income? Should farmers be receiving some form of basic income or living wage? This is the focus for our discussion today. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

01:08 Matt Lobley summarises the challenges of farmers and the background regarding farm incomes. 

03:08 What is the average wage for a farmer and how does this compare to the living wage?

04:48 Geoff Williams introduces himself. 

07:00 What are the primary factors for Geoff that pressurise farm income?

08:30 How does the concept of a living wage for farmers feed into sustainable agriculture?

09:47 Thinking about sustainability there is a direction of travel with ELMs for example with an emphasis on the environment - is this right?

12:50 To what extent do the public value farmers providing public goods?

17:30 Defra's communications.

18:02 Member focus feature with James and Sarah Richards

20:50 The concept of a universal basic income in relation to farming. 

22:10 What is the path forward to ensure that farmers receive a living wage?

24:10 Lots of different systems and what is happening in countries outside the UK?

25:00 The issue of new entrants.

26:40 Prospects for the future of the industry and barriers to entry. 

27:47 Showstoppers.

30:08 Peter rounds up the episode

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter introduces the bonus

00:38  Peter talks about his experience at Groundswell. 

01:30 Benefits of growing a more diverse sward. 

02:43 The science behind the impact that mob grazing has on the soil. 

04:22 Is there an optimal frequency for grazing or leaving? 

06:05 Using a plate meter

06:45 Ben's rotation.

08:26 What inspired Ben to start mob grazing?

12:35 What has been the impact for Ben?

15:00 Peter starts to round up. 

15:25 Finish.

Throughout this series we have been encouraging farmers across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset to ask how resilient their businesses are going forwards, and see what we can all do to make them more resilient?

From soil health to farm safety and communications to bovine tb, we’ve put a wide variety of topics through the resilience lens. I  this episode we take a step back and review the big picture, asking what resilience really means for farmers in the south west? What can we take from the series? 

Joining host Peter Green is Liz Bowles, CEO at the Farm Carbon Toolkit and James Daniel who is founder of Precision Grazing. 

Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:14 Peter Green introduces the episode.

01:20 Liz Bowles introduces herself.

02:06 James Daniel introduces himself. 

02:37 What does resilience mean to Liz?

03:50 What does resilience mean for James?

05:05 Peter introduces first example - from  Sabine McEwan in episode 4

07:20 Second example with Heather Wildman. 

10:09 Jingle

10:17 Soil Health and Tom Tolputt example from episode 1.

12:40 Climate resilience example from episode 6.

18:40 Episode 5 example from Anna Jones on the importance of communication. 

22:05 Episode 9 TB example.

26:00 Showstoppers and what does resilience mean for Peter?

30:00 We need perspective. 

32:48 The cream tea finale!

34:10 Peter rounds up the episode. 

Today we’re talking about our relationship with the land, communities and nature on our farms. We all know that farms are a place of food production, but they have so many other purposes and potential to meet the varied challenges we face as farmers and as a general population. Host Peter is joined by two farmers who alongside keeping livestock have a particular interest in wellbeing and fostering strong and positive mindsets. 

Eddie Rixon farms sheep and beef on 81 hectares at Lopemede Farm in Buckinghamshire. In 2017 he experienced a series of events on the farm that led to him transforming the way he managed it, with an ambitious plan focused on restoration and leveraging natural capital to bring people onto the land for nature connection, to help address both the biodiversity and mental health crises. From December 2023 to May 2024 the Roots and Rhythms Project, funded by Innovate UK, worked with Eddie to explore farm futures through nature recovery and connection. Today we’ll hear Eddie’s story. 

Peter is also joined by Ellie Sturrock who is a sheep farmer from Dorset and wellbeing coach specialising in resilience and mindfulness. She is also the West Dorset Area Lead for Steps2Wellbeing, a free NHS talking therapies service for anxiety and depression. 

Useful signposting for anyone impacted by this episode. 

Support for farmers - mental health | AHDB

Farm Safety Foundation / Yellow Wellies - YellowWellies.org

farmwell.org.uk/personal-resilience/

Social prescribers at GP surgeries are excellent at signposting to agencies that can help.

Farming Community Network: 03000 111 999 or help@fcn.org.uk

RABI. Particularly good for financial support but also an emphasis on mental health. 0800 188 4444,

MIND 0300 123 3393

Steps 2Wellbeing/S2W: 0800 484 0500, NHS Talking Therapies FREE

Samaritans: 116123 or jo@samaritans.org

Connections 24/7 crisis line: 0800 652 0190

NHS direct: 111

SHOUT. Text service 85258 for mental health crisis

Kooth (kids and young adults, online support. www.kooth.com)

See a GP especially for pain, poor sleep, depression, or long term conditions. GPs now have teams of people called social prescribers who are well networked with local initiatives. They are good signposters. REACH Addiction services 0800 043 4656 www.edp.org.uk

GP for symptoms of trauma, low mood, anxiety or anything that may be indicative of illness. The GP is a good doorway to HELP.

Ellie Sturrock/S2W link person: 07980 089470, ellie.sturrock@nhs.net general advice on where to signpost.

NHS Talking Therapies (NHS TT) are a FREE short term psychological therapies service. Find an NHS talking therapies services - NHS

Typically people can self refer or be referred b any health professional including GPs.

At referral they are offered a comprehensive assessment with a trained psychological therapist which can be face to face, by phone or by video call. It is around a 45 minute session at the end of which most people will be offered a talking treatment that is based on NICE guidelined therapies.

Our treatments usually last for 4-max 20 sessions and if a person is not anxious, stressed or depressed or does not want to receive an offered treatment then we signpost to other agencies best suited to need.

Therapists are trained, supervised and registered with recognised professional groups such as the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapist (BABCP) or British Association of Counselling Psychotherapists (BACP).

Treatments are offered for depression, anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia, post traumatic stress disorder, difficult grief reactions, mental distress connected with long term health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, fatigue, long covid, pain etc

NHS TT are largely counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy based but also use mindfulness, interpersonal therapy, EMDR (a strategy for treating trauma). Most teams have developed course based treatments in order to maximise efficiencies and move into a range of more contemporary ways of delivering recovery based treatments at scale. This is a move away from couches to courses reflecting the benefits of a more modern and efficient yet efficacious way to treat people psychologically. Feedback from courses is excellent and some courses offer better recovery than 1:1 delivery. Some work is done individually especially trauma focused treatment.

NHS TT services do not treat everyone and do not offer fully comprehensive therapy for more severe, enduring or acute mental illness. For more information look here NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression - NHS and each geographical area will have its own ways of delivering that may vary from above. Find your local service using this link Find an NHS talking therapies services - NHS

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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk

Timestamps

00:14 Peter introduces the episode.

02:07 Ellie introduces herself.

02:57 Eddie Rixon introduces his farm and himself. 

04:54 In 2017 Eddie experienced a series of events that led to Eddie making changes.

06:28 Two weeks after the breakdown other things happened.

07:56 Ellie comes in.

10:20 What resources are available for farmers to speak to?

12:05 Eddie explains how his farm changed after the incidents.

16:14 How can nature help our wellbeing?

18:30 Forest bathing.

19:00 Eddie's learning points from his projects. 

21:05 Pocket guide - search for it on the Rots to Rhythms substack. 

21:24 What else can support our mental health?

26:00 Connection with nature. 

28:19 'Get on our land'

29:03 Final thoughts from Ellie.

30:55 Showstoppers.

33:36 Peter rounds up. 

Make sure you listen to episode 3 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.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus.

00:43 The importance of market trends for Mark and Phil. 

04:34 What impact has the diversified business had on the overall farm business?

06:50 Has the diversified business made life easier or harder for Phil and Mark?

10:10 Peter rounds up.