In this episode of The Farmers Guide Podcast, machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and deputy editor Sarah Kidby launch the first instalment of our new Farmers’ Voices series – one-to-one conversations with key figures shaping British agriculture.

Their guest is Bex Tonks, CEO of St Ewe Free Range Eggs, whose business has grown from a family farm with 14,000 hens to a nationally recognised brand supplying major retailers and Michelin-starred restaurants – and recently secured a place on the Sunday Times 100 fastest-growing private companies list.

Bex talks openly about her journey back to the family farm after a decade away, the lessons she’s learned building a business from the ground up, and the pivotal role of people, resilience, and gut instinct in shaping her company’s success.

She also discusses challenges facing British farming today – from government policy to public perceptions – and why sustainability must start with farmer wellbeing as well as animal welfare and the environment. With characteristic humour and honesty, Bex shares the highs and lows of running a rapidly growing business, the importance of valuing your time, and why mistakes should be treated as lessons, not failures.

Finally, she reflects on the opportunities ahead for British agriculture – from premium egg products to innovative processing facilities – and leaves a powerful message about the role farmers play as custodians of the land and the nation’s food supply.

Packed with insight, inspiration, and candid reflections, this episode offers something for farmers, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about the future of British food.

Sponsored by Larking Gowen.