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.

In this episode of The Farmers Guide Podcast, machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and deputy editor Sarah Kidby turn their attention to the 2025 harvest - one of the earliest and most unpredictable in recent memory.

With regional variation, heavy rain, and tight margins dominating the season, the team speaks with a range of guests to unpack the challenges and surprises facing arable farmers.

First up, Sarah catches up with farmer and YouTuber Olly Harrison, who began combining barley in late June - the earliest start he's ever had. Olly reflects on crop performance, unpredictable weather, and the knock-on effects on yield.

Next, AHDB senior analyst Olivia Bonser offers technical insights from the early official harvest report. She discusses how different soil types are affecting outcomes, explains grain quality so farm and offers advice for marketing and storage during such a variable season.

Finally, they're joined by arable farmer and Hectare co-founder Andrew Huxham. Combining real-world farm experience with a commercial outlook, Andrew explores how digital grain marketing is helping farmers navigate a volatile season - and why smart, flexible selling strategies are more important than ever.

Whether you're just starting harvest or already deep into it, this episode is packed with timely information, expert opinion, and grounded perspectives from the field.

Sponsored by Larking Gowen.

In the debut episode of The Farmers Guide Podcast, machinery reporter Daniel Hodge and deputy editor Sarah Kidby explore the increasingly vital topic of farm diversification. As traditional incomes come under pressure from fluctuating prices, policy changes and volatile weather, more farmers are looking beyond the usual crops and livestock.

Daniel speaks with Mark Owen-Lloyd of Photovolt Development Partners about the controversial Botley West solar project, which is said to aim to balance energy generation with continued farming. Next, Martin Fletcher of Kuboid shares how disused barns can be transformed into profitable self-storage units. Finally, farmer Ben Aveling offers a candid look at his personal journey into glamping, farm retail, and running an online meat business.

The episode wraps with expert advice from Bruce Masson of Larking Gowen on planning, funding, and preparing for a successful diversification venture. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already diversifying, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and inform.

Sponsored by Larking Gowen.