Welcome to Shed Talks

In the third episode of the NFU’s podcast Shed Talks, the final pair of our presenting trio, Mike Greenwood-Wilkins and Jacks Weaver, take a deep dive into tenant farming, exploring opportunities for growth, policy insights, and global food security.

Fun fact - Mike previously appeared on The Great British Bake Off, proving he can handle both the kitchen and the farm!

Our main feature was recorded fresh from the NFU’s Tenant Farmers’ Conference panel, where the theme was Room to Grow: Opportunities for Growth in Tenant

Farming. The episode features conversations with tenant farmers about how they are adapting, diversifying, and finding opportunities to grow their businesses, alongside discussions about tenancy agreements, landlord relationships, and the practical realities of farming under tenancy.

In the Westminster segment, there are two highlights. First, Ruairi Hodges speaks with Alan Laidlaw, the first-ever UK Commissioner for Tenant Farming, addressing questions submitted by NFU members on key issues affecting tenant farmers. Then, Neeve McGinty and Ruairi explore the Farming and Food Fellowship (FaFF): why it was created, its impact on building cross-party understanding of rural issues, and plans for the next cohort of fellows. To get in touch regarding

The episode closes with a World Ag perspective (WAG): Mike and Jacks speak with Miika Ilomäki, Chief Preparedness Specialist at Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency, about how Finland has built one of the world’s most resilient food systems. From high levels of self-sufficiency and strategic reserves to strong public-private cooperation, Finland’s approach demonstrates the value of planning for food security at every level.

Key themes and takeaways:

• Tenant farmers are central to food production, landscape management, and sustainable agriculture
• Main feature recorded fresh from the NFU’s Tenant Farmers’ Conference panel
• Farmers share experiences on business diversification, tenancy agreements, and opportunities for growth
• Alan Laidlaw is the first UK Commissioner for Tenant Farming and responds to NFU members’ submitted questions
• The Farming and Food Fellowship strengthens MPs’ understanding of rural and tenant farming issues
• Finland’s approach highlights the importance of preparedness, strategic reserves, and collaboration
• Strong planning and cooperation across government, industry, and households builds resilience

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Welcome to Shed Talks

In this episode hosts Naomi Williams-Roberts and Josh Redford explore how farmers are managing livestock nutrition after a dry summer, what support is available, and how the NFU is helping members plan for the season ahead. Naomi shares what it’s like to open her on-farm pumpkin patch for the season, while Josh reflects on preparing for the NFU’s upcoming annual general meetings.

They are joined by James Daniel from Precision Grazing and NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton, who offer practical tips on making the most of limited forage, the value of early planning, and how to stay flexible in a changing climate. Read more on the NFU's sustainable protein action plan: https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/sustainable-protein-action-plan/

In our Westminster segment, Olivia Phoenix is joined by Scott Pepe to look ahead to a busy autumn of political lobbying. They discuss the NFU’s strong presence at this year’s party conferences, where the team engaged with over 600 politicians and hosted key discussions on the future of food and farming.

Finally, we hear from Professor Nigel Mason at the University of Kent about his team’s remarkable work growing tea in simulated moon soil — and how this space science might have lessons for agriculture back on Earth.

Key themes and takeaways:

• Drought has long-term impacts on grazing and winter feed
• Early planning and advice are vital for livestock resilience
• Mob grazing and rotational grazing can help maximise grass use
• The NFU provides ongoing support for members through seasonal challenges
• Political engagement is essential for shaping farming policy
• Strong representation at party conferences keeps farming on the national agenda
• Space science can offer new ideas for managing poor soils
• Research into lunar agriculture has lessons for food security on Earth

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Shed Talks

In this first episode of the NFU’s new podcast Shed Talks, hosts Bizza Walters and Luke Cox explore what resilience really looks like in British farming today – from daily pressures to long-term planning, mental health, and the challenges farmers face both at home and abroad.

They are joined by two farmers: Hannah Jackson, known to many as The Red Shepherdess, who farms sheep and cattle in the Yorkshire Dales, and Oliver Collingham, who works on a mixed arable and livestock farm in Lincolnshire.

Together, they share honest reflections on the realities of farming life, how they stay resilient, and why support networks and open conversations matter.

Also in this episode, our Westminster segment features NFU External Affairs team members Olivia Phoenix and Ruairi Hodges, who discuss the new Defra top team and explain why it is vital for the NFU to maintain a presence at party political conferences every year.

The episode ends with a powerful story from Mary Rickert, a cattle rancher in California whose community has been left devastated by attacks from wild wolves and mountain lions. Hear how ACDC music has helped!

Listener warning: This interview includes graphic descriptions of livestock attacks and may be distressing for some listeners.

• Key themes and takeaways:
• A positive mindset can set the tone for the day
• Imposter syndrome is more common than you think
• Succession planning is essential for future resilience
• Diversifying income streams supports long-term stability
• Open conversations around mental health make a difference
• Wild predator reintroductions have serious consequences for farmers
• The NFU plays a vital role in giving farmers a voice in politics
• Community, connection and shared experience help build resilience

To find out more about your hosts and todays guests head to the below links:

Bizza Walters - @bizza.walters

Hannah Jackson - @redshepherdess

To find out more about NFU, head to www.nfuonline.com/

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