R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Today we welcome Tom Turner onto the R2Kast! From using TikTok as a tool to gain clients in a previous role to now working with KWS, Tom’s journey is one full of adaptability and strategic moves! 📱🌱We chat about his transition from an agricultural consultancy role into agronomy, his experience in business development, and his passion for crop management. Tom shares how he has navigated challenges and embraced opportunities in the industry! 🚜📊We also dive into the power of digital content creation, discussing how social media has transformed communication in farming and beyond. Tom gives insight into how KWS operates and his role within the company, making an impact on the seed and crop sector! 🌾💡We also cover our favourite Call of Duty’s because that the real important stuff! 🎮Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#Agriculture #Farming #Agronomy #CropScience #FarmBusiness #KWS #SocialMediaMarketing #DigitalFarming #PrecisionAg #FarmerLife #SustainableFarming #SeedIndustry #SoilHealth #FarmInnovation #RegenerativeAg #UKFarming #RuralLife #AgTech #YoungFarmers #FarmEducation #Podcast #FarmingPodcast #R2Kast

Today we welcome Ben Andrews back onto the R2Kast! 🌱 Ben, an organic farmer from North Herefordshire, joins us once again to chat about his farming journey, biodiversity, and how his Nuffield research is shaping his views on agriculture.We dive into Ben’s passion for biodiversity and how organic farming has evolved on his family farm over the past two decades. 🦉 He shares how his land management decisions have encouraged more wildlife, including rare birds and insects, and how this has strengthened his belief in balancing food production with environmental sustainability.Flooding is a major challenge for Ben’s farm, with extreme weather events causing six months of standing water in some fields. 🌊 We discuss how this impacts productivity, the struggles of working with floodplain restoration, and the ongoing battle to make land more resilient in a changing climate.Finally, we touch on Ben’s Nuffield Scholarship, where he’s exploring ways to integrate better land management practices to improve biodiversity while maintaining farm profitability. 🏆 His journey highlights the challenges and rewards of farming in a way that prioritises both nature and production.Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#OrganicFarming #Biodiversity #SustainableAgriculture #Flooding #ClimateResilience #RegenerativeFarming #SoilHealth #WildlifeConservation #NatureFriendlyFarming #FarmLife #Birdwatching #EnvironmentalSustainability #NuffieldScholar #Agroecology #FarmerStories #ClimateChange #SoilRegeneration #Agriculture #UKFarming #FarmResilience #Podcast #Farming #RuralLife

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series, we chat to Simon Beckett, a third-generation farmer from a family with a deep-rooted Nuffield legacy. His father, Alan Beckett, was a Nuffield Scholar in 1957, and Simon continued the tradition in 1987 with a study on motivation in middle management.  Even Simons daughter Holly has done Nuffield, making it three generations of Beckett scholars! 🌾Simon shares the incredible journey of their business—from dairy to poultry and then expanding into retail and farm diversification. His experience in strategic planning and leadership offers valuable insights into evolving and adapting in the farming world. 🚜We also explore the challenges of stepping back from leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the lasting impact of Nuffield on his career. Simon reflects on how the Beckett Scholarship has helped support many entrepreneurial scholars, reinforcing the strong network within the Nuffield community. 🌍His passion for business, personal development, and supporting the next generation shines through in this episode. A conversation full of wisdom, history, and plenty of laughs along the way! 🎙️Enjoy!Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.The views in this podcast are those of the participants and not the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#R2Kast #NuffieldScholar #SimonBeckett #FarmLeadership #Agriculture #Motivation #BusinessGrowth #RuralInnovation #FarmDiversification #SuccessionPlanning #StrategicFarming #RetailFarming #FarmBusiness #FarmingLegacy #LeadershipInAgriculture #NuffieldFarming #GlobalAgriculture #EntrepreneurialFarming #FarmManagement #SustainableFarming #AgricultureLeadership

Today we welcome Tom McVeigh onto the R2Kast! 🚜 Tom has been making big changes on his farm, transitioning away from traditional methods and diving into nut farming, a less common but increasingly valuable crop in the UK.We explore how he’s reshaping his farm, the challenges of introducing nut trees into British agriculture, and the long-term vision for this shift. Tom shares the lessons he’s learned, from soil management to market demand, and the unexpected hurdles along the way. 🌰🌳Beyond nut farming, we discuss how agriculture is evolving, the importance of trial and error, and how technology and innovation can help farmers adapt to changing markets and climates. His forward-thinking approach offers valuable insight for anyone considering diversification. 🌱Tom’s journey is a fascinating look at how farms can pivot, adapt, and thrive with new ideas and sustainable practices. If you’re interested in future-proofing your farm, this episode is one you won’t want to miss! 🚀Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#R2Kast #TomMcVeigh #NutFarming #FarmTransformation #SustainableFarming #AgInnovation #Diversification #SoilHealth #FutureOfFarming #ClimateResilience #RegenerativeAgriculture #FarmDiversification #AgriTech #AgriLeadership #FarmingInnovation #UKFarming #AgriBusiness #Horticulture #NewCrops #FarmingCommunity #SustainableAg #AgTech

Today we welcome Will Blake onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ With so much of this series focusing on farming, it’s important we also bring in more voices from the food industry—and Will is the perfect guest to do just that! 🍽️Will has spent years working in hospitality across both the UK and Oman, gaining experience in high-pressure kitchens and learning what makes a truly great food experience. Now, he’s the owner of Troff on the Go, a street food business that has built a strong following for its bold flavours and top-tier dishes. 🌯🔥We also chat about consumer trends, the growing demand for authenticity in food, and how small businesses can compete in a world dominated by big chains. Will’s insights into customer expectations and adapting to the fast-paced nature of hospitality make for a fascinating discussion. 🌍To top it all off, he shares a fun story involving a former US president—a moment that perfectly sums up the unpredictability of working in hospitality! His experience in hospitality, customer service, and building a successful food brand makes this an episode packed with knowledge and inspiration for anyone in food and farming. 🏆Enjoy!Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#R2Kast #WillBlake #TroffOnTheGo #FoodIndustry #Hospitality #StreetFood #ConsumerTrends #FarmToFork #FoodBusiness #QualityIngredients #IndependentBusiness #FoodCulture #RestaurantLife #ChefLife #UKFood #SupportingLocal #CulinaryInnovation #FarmingAndFood #HowdenRural

Today we welcome Oli Fletcher onto the R2Kast! 🎥 From growing up on a small dairy farm to studying history at Oxford, Oli has taken a unique route into the world of agricultural advocacy. His YouTube channel, Farming Explained, dives deep into complex debates surrounding food production, sustainability, and rural life. 🚜Oli doesn’t shy away from controversy—his content tackles everything from veganism to food security, breaking down the nuances of modern farming in a way that’s both accessible and thought-provoking. His goal? To bridge the gap between farmers and consumers through informed discussion. 🌍📢We also delve into farming history, uncovering some hidden truths about agriculture’s past and how they still shape the industry today. From overlooked innovations to long-standing misconceptions, this episode offers a fascinating look at the evolution of farming. 📜🌾We also chat about the pressures of putting yourself out there online. As much as social media allows farmers to share their stories, it also invites criticism. Oli shares his experiences of navigating this space, handling backlash, and staying true to his mission of educating the public. 💻💬Enjoy! 😊Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#Farming #Agriculture #RuralLife #FoodProduction #YouTube #SocialMedia #FarmingExplained #OxfordUniversity #FoodSecurity #SustainableFarming #ConsumerEducation #FarmToFork #FarmingDebates #RegenerativeAg #FarmerInfluencer #AgriculturalAdvocacy #LivestockFarming #FarmingHistory #HiddenTruths #DigitalFarming #UKAgriculture

🎉 Episode 300! A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the R2Kast journey over the past four years—your engagement has made this possible! Here’s to the next 300! 🎧Today, we welcome Megan Rowland, a passionate advocate for sustainable land management, deer management, and crofting in Scotland. Growing up on a croft in Orkney, Megan’s journey took her from vegetarianism to a deep appreciation for responsible meat production. She shares how hands-on experience changed her perspective on food sustainability and land use. 🌱We delve into her career in deer management, where she works with NatureScot and voluntary deer management groups to balance conservation, biodiversity, and the realities of managing Scotland’s red deer population. Megan also shares her insights on crofting, fencing challenges, and her goal of producing more of her own food. 🦌A well-deserved recipient of the Ineos Countryside Champion award, Megan discusses her advocacy for responsible land stewardship and demystifying game management. Her story highlights the complexities of sustainability, food production, and rural life. 🏆This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in conservation, sustainable food systems, and the realities of working with Scotland’s natural landscapes. Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support! 🙌Enjoy!#R2Kast #MeganRowland #DeerManagement #Crofting #Sustainability #LandStewardship #Conservation #NatureScot #ScotlandFarming #WildlifeManagement #RuralLife #GameManagement #ScottishAgriculture #FoodProduction #FencingChallenges #RegenerativeFarming #CountrysideChampion #SustainableFoodSystems #HowdenRural #Episode300 #ThankYou

Today, we chat to Roisin Taylor, a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems and a 2023 Nuffield Scholar. Roisin’s journey into agriculture is anything but conventional—growing up in rural County Durham, she spent a decade working on farms before diving into academia, where her interests in anthropology and social structures led her back to the land. 🌱Her Nuffield Scholarship focuses on the British cut flower industry, exploring its sustainability, the challenges it faces, and how it can reduce reliance on imports. She’s passionate about supporting UK growers and ensuring that flowers are produced in an environmentally responsible way. 💐Roisin shares candid insights into the highs and lows of her journey, from her early days on a sheep farm to working with UK Youth for Nature and her experiences in advocacy. She also discusses the emotional challenges of land loss and the resilience needed to navigate setbacks in farming. 💪We also speak about inclusivity in agriculture and how initiatives like AgDiversity by Nuffield will play a crucial role in making the industry more accessible and welcoming to people from all backgrounds. 🌍Enjoy!Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.The views in this podcast are those of the participants and not the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#R2Kast #NuffieldScholar #BritishCutFlowers #FlowerFarming #SustainableAgriculture #UKFarming #RegenerativeFarming #EnvironmentalSustainability #HowdenRural #FloralIndustry #FlowerGrowers #FarmingCommunity #FarmingResilience #AgriLeadership #NuffieldFarming #LocalFlowers #Horticulture #AgricultureInnovation #FutureOfFarming #SustainableFloralDesign #AgDiversity #InclusiveAgriculture

Today we welcome Alex Crawley onto the R2Kast! A former Gurkha officer, Alex’s journey has taken him from military service to counterterrorism work in the Middle East. Despite these extreme careers, he now faces his biggest challenge yet—farming. 🌍Even while working abroad, he found ways to connect with food—growing olives on a rooftop in the Middle East and even rearing quail on a third-floor balcony. Now back in the UK, he’s building a farm from scratch, taking on a whole new battlefield. 🚜With a focus on conservation grazing, Alex is blending traditional farming with environmental restoration, proving that food production and sustainability can work hand in hand. His approach highlights the importance of livestock in regenerative agriculture and restoring natural landscapes. 🌱His transition from such a high-pressure career into farming brings a fascinating perspective on resilience, land management, and learning from the ground up. A truly insightful conversation about dedication, adaptability, and following your passion. 🐄 Enjoy!Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.#R2Kast #AlexCrawley #MilitaryToFarming #Gurkha #RegenerativeAgriculture #ConservationGrazing #UKFarming #SustainableFarming #Farmlife #SheepFarming #BritishFarming #FarmingUK #Environment #FoodSecurity #LivestockFarming #BritishSheep #FarmersOfInstagram #SupportBritishFarming #Farm365 #Nature #PastureManagement #LandRestoration