R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast, which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Tom Rawson. At the time of this episode’s release, Tom is stepping into the role of Chair of Nuffield UK—a testament to his dedication and leadership within the agricultural community. 🌟Tom shares his journey as a dairy farmer and the valuable insights he has gained through his Nuffield Scholarship. With a focus on global agricultural practices, he highlights how his travels have influenced his approach to farming back home. 🐄Tom delves into his commitment to sustainable dairy farming, discussing the innovations he has implemented to improve animal welfare and farm efficiency. His dedication to adopting best practices from around the world has been instrumental in shaping his progressive approach to dairy management. 🌍He also shares his experiences in leadership within the Nuffield community, explaining how the scholarship has allowed him to build connections with other agricultural leaders. Tom reflects on the importance of knowledge exchange and the impact it has had on his professional growth and perspective on farming. 🤝Finally, Tom talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing the demands of dairy farming with the ongoing pursuit of learning. His story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a passion for making a meaningful impact in agriculture. 🌾Enjoy!Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#NuffieldScholar #DairyFarming #TomRawson #R2Kast #HowdenRural #SustainableAgriculture #AnimalWelfare #GlobalFarming #LeadershipInAgriculture #KnowledgeExchange #FarmingInnovation #AgricultureCommunity #ProgressiveFarming #DairyManagement #FarmingChallenges #ResilientAgriculture #NuffieldUKChair

Today we welcome Charlotte Cole onto the R2Kast. Charlotte shares her journey as a poultry vet, a career that has taken her across the UK, working with various farms and producers to ensure the health and welfare of poultry flocks. She discusses the unique challenges faced in the poultry industry, from disease prevention to biosecurity measures, and how her work has evolved over the years. 🐓Charlotte reflects on the rewarding yet demanding aspects of veterinary work, emphasising the importance of building relationships with farmers and understanding the intricacies of poultry farming. Her dedication to improving flock health and productivity showcases the vital role vets play in the agricultural supply chain. 🏥She also opens up about some of the personal and professional challenges she has faced, sharing how perseverance and a supportive network have helped her grow in her career. Charlotte’s story is one of resilience, driven by a passion for animal health and agriculture. 🌱Looking ahead, Charlotte shares her excitement about embarking on her Nuffield Scholarship. She outlines her aspirations to explore innovative practices and research that can benefit the poultry sector, both in the UK and globally. Her enthusiasm for continuous learning and development shines through as she prepares for this next chapter. 🌍Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#PoultryVet #AnimalWelfare #CharlotteCole #R2Kast #HowdenRural #VeterinaryMedicine #FlockHealth #Biosecurity #PoultryFarming #Agriculture #NuffieldScholar #FarmingChallenges #DiseasePrevention #AnimalHealth #UKFarming #SustainableAgriculture #VeterinaryCareer #FarmingSupport #AgriculturalInnovation #PoultryIndustry #NuffieldAmbitions

Today we welcome Awal Fuseini onto the R2Kast. Awal, a recognised expert on Halal practices and animal welfare, sheds light on the often misunderstood aspects of Halal food production. He provides a comprehensive overview of what Halal truly entails, dispelling common myths and explaining how ethical animal treatment is central to the process. 🐑I openly admit that I have previously criticised Halal practices without having spoken to an expert. This episode serves as an eye-opener, and I encourage anyone who consumes lamb, beef, or chicken to listen and gain an informed perspective. Awal’s insights help bridge cultural gaps and promote a better understanding of Halal’s significance in the agricultural sector. 🌍Awal delves into the rigorous standards and welfare considerations involved in Halal slaughter. He discusses the importance of religious guidelines in ensuring animal welfare, the challenges of public misconceptions, and the efforts made to align Halal practices with industry-wide welfare standards. His expertise offers a unique view into how religious and cultural practices intersect with modern agriculture. 🌱He also shares his work with farmers and processors to improve transparency and welfare practices in the supply chain. Awal emphasises the value of open dialogue between communities, aiming to promote respect and collaboration across the agricultural industry. In an exciting development, Awal is about to embark on his Nuffield Scholarship, where he will continue to explore ways to improve understanding and practices in the industry. 🤝Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#HalalPractices #AnimalWelfare #AwalFuseini #R2Kast #HowdenRural #CulturalUnderstanding #FarmingCommunity #SustainableAgriculture #HalalFood #EthicalFarming #ReligiousPractices #BeefProduction #LambProduction #ChickenConsumers #AnimalEthics #FarmingTransparency #AgriculturalEducation #BridgingGaps #FoodProduction #CulturalDialogue #NuffieldScholarship #ResponsibleFarming

Today we welcome Rosie Jack onto the R2Kast. Rosie discusses her work at Balcaskie Estate, a forward-thinking estate in Fife known for its commitment to regenerative farming and sustainable land management. She shares how the estate has become a model for balancing traditional farming practices with innovative approaches to land stewardship. 🌱Rosie explains her role in managing and promoting Pitch Up, an initiative at Balcaskie Estate that encourages community events, farm-to-fork dining experiences, and outdoor activities. The goal is to engage both locals and visitors, showcasing the estate's dedication to local food production and sustainable tourism. 🌾Before her work in agriculture, Rosie had a vibrant career in textiles, which she fondly remembers as a fun and creative chapter of her life. Her experiences in the textile industry not only honed her eye for detail but also contributed to her ability to bring innovative and engaging ideas to the rural community projects she now leads. 🧵She highlights the importance of connecting people to where their food comes from and how initiatives like Pitch Up help bridge the gap between consumers and producers. By offering unique experiences, the estate not only promotes local food but also supports the rural economy and fosters a sense of community. 🍽️Rosie also shares her personal journey, including her passion for supporting rural enterprise and the challenges of managing events in a rural setting. She reflects on the joy of seeing people connect with the land, the food, and each other, creating lasting memories that inspire a deeper appreciation for sustainable living. 🌍Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#BalcaskieEstate #PitchUp #RegenerativeFarming #SustainableTourism #RosieJack #R2Kast #HowdenRural #CommunityEvents #FarmToFork #LocalFood #RuralEnterprise #SustainableLiving #FifeScotland #LandStewardship #TextileIndustry #FoodProduction #RuralCommunity #Agriculture #FarmingInnovation #LocalEconomy #ConnectingPeopleToLand

Today we welcome James Herrick onto the R2Kast. James shares his experiences as a beef farmer, managing the daily challenges and joys of running a farm while balancing family life. He discusses the importance of involving his children in farm activities, teaching them the value of hard work and responsibility, and how the family’s bond is strengthened through shared agricultural experiences. 🐄James delves into the strategies he employs to make his farm more sustainable. From rotational grazing to improving soil health, he explains how small changes have led to significant long-term benefits for his livestock and the environment. His commitment to sustainability is driven by a desire to leave the farm in better shape for future generations. 🌱He also talks about the evolving role of technology in farming. James provides insight into how modern advancements, such as GPS mapping and data analysis, have transformed the efficiency and productivity of his farm. Yet, he remains grounded in traditional methods, combining new techniques with time-tested practices. 📊In addition to his impressive farming methods, James was nominated for two awards at the British Farming Awards, where he proudly took home the title of Beef Farmer of the Year. He reflects on the recognition and what it means for him and his family. 🏆Lastly, James shares some heartwarming stories from his years on the farm, including the lessons learned from unpredictable weather, memorable experiences with livestock, and the enduring support of his local rural community. His reflections offer a genuine look at the resilience and adaptability required in farming today. 🌾Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#BeefFarming #SustainableAgriculture #FamilyFarm #JamesHerrick #R2Kast #HowdenRural #FarmLife #AgriculturalCommunity #SoilHealth #RotationalGrazing #FarmTechnology #LivestockManagement #CommunitySupport #ModernFarming #RuralLiving #TraditionAndInnovation #FarmStories #FarmingFuture #ResilientAgriculture #BritishFarmingAwards #BeefFarmerOfTheYear

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast, which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Dudley Smith and Tom Pearson. Dudley shares his diverse farming journey, from his early years in Australia and America, where he experienced life as a cowboy, to his time working in India and his extensive travels as part of his Nuffield Scholarship. 🌍Dudley reflects on the evolution of agriculture over the decades, highlighting the shift from small-scale local farming to larger cooperative systems. He discusses the challenges that British vegetable growers faced and the eventual migration of production to other regions like Lincolnshire. His personal experiences offer insights into the impact of changing markets and climate on farming practices. 🌱Tom Pearson, a recent Nuffield Scholar, shares his experiences of balancing his career in medicine with his passion for farming. He explains how his Nuffield research has focused on the intersection between health and agriculture, looking at how healthy diets and food systems can play a role in improving public health outcomes. Tom’s story illustrates the unique perspective that professionals outside of traditional agriculture can bring to the sector. 🏥The conversation touches on Dudley’s community efforts, such as his recent project to deliver generators to Ukraine to support civilians affected by the war. His dedication to helping communities and his reflective storytelling reveal the broader impact that Nuffield Scholars can have, both within and outside agriculture. 🗣️Enjoy!Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#NuffieldScholar #AgriculturalInnovation #GlobalFarming #DudleySmith #TomPearson #R2Kast #HowdenRural #CommunitySupport #FarmingEvolution #HealthcareAndAgriculture #FarmingJourneys #AgricultureAndHealth #CowboyLife #BritishFarming #ClimateImpact #CommunityEngagement #TalesOfANuffieldScholar #SustainableAgriculture #FarmersOfTheWorld #FarmingLife #AgriculturalChange

Today we welcome Silas Hedley-Lawrence onto the R2Kast. Silas shares his experiences of farming in New Zealand, highlighting his journey from the UK to the Southern Hemisphere and the lessons he has learned about different agricultural practices. With a passion for working with livestock and an eye on sustainability, Silas provides insights into the differences between farming systems in the UK and New Zealand. 🐑Silas delves into the importance of regenerative agriculture, discussing how it plays a key role in maintaining the health of the land and livestock. He explains the practical applications of regenerative practices, particularly in grazing management, and how they contribute to the long-term sustainability of farming operations. 🌱Social media has also been a big part of Silas’s work. Through his Instagram account, grassfed_farmer, he connects with other farmers, shares knowledge, and promotes the positive side of farming. Silas uses his platform to educate others on regenerative agriculture and its benefits, reaching a global audience of farmers and consumers alike. 📲Finally, Silas shares some personal stories about adapting to life in New Zealand, balancing farm work with family life, and his passion for making a difference in the agricultural community. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication to improving farming practices. 🌍Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#NewZealandFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #SilasHedleyLawrence #GrassfedFarmer #R2Kast #HowdenRural #SustainableFarming #GrazingManagement #LivestockFarming #FarmLife #SocialMediaInAgriculture #FarmingInnovation #FarmToTable #AgriculturalCommunity #FarmEducation #EnvironmentalStewardship #GlobalFarming #FarmingChallenges #FarmerStories #FarmSustainability

Today we welcome Josh Donaldson onto the R2Kast. Josh shares his experiences with mental health and how the issue of littering and fly-tipping in rural Scotland has driven him to take action. Under his social media alias, EarthDr0p, Josh has successfully raised awareness about the environmental impact of littering and how it affects the beauty and health of rural areas. 🌱Josh delves into how his passion for outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing, helped him cope with his mental health challenges. These activities inspired him to launch EarthDr0p, a social media initiative focused on litter picking across Scotland, where he encourages communities to join in cleaning up rural spaces. His work has not gone unnoticed, as he was recently recognised at the Scottish Land and Estates Awards. 🏆In addition to his mental health advocacy, Josh has gained a significant following on social media for his litter-picking campaigns. He uses EarthDr0p to connect with others, raise awareness about environmental issues, and inspire conversations about the importance of keeping rural Scotland clean and safe. 📲Josh also discusses the importance of engaging young people in litter-picking initiatives and environmental stewardship. His efforts demonstrate the power of community action in addressing both environmental and mental health challenges in rural areas. 💬Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#MentalHealth #LitterPicking #FlyTipping #JoshDonaldson #EarthDr0p #R2Kast #HowdenRural #RuralScotland #SocialMediaInfluence #EnvironmentalStewardship #Wellbeing #YoungPeopleSupport #CommunityMentorship #WorkLifeBalance #Hiking #Fishing #RuralIssues #MentalHealthAwareness #RuralScotlandCleanup #SupportCommunities #CleanUpScotland #ScottishLandAndEstatesAwards

Today we welcome Iona Smith onto the R2Kast. Iona shares her experiences as a beef and sheep farmer in Scotland, discussing the challenges and rewards of working in the agricultural sector. With a deep-rooted passion for livestock farming, she offers insights into managing both cattle and sheep while juggling the demands of running a farm. 🐑Iona also talks about her career in the offshore wind industry, balancing her work in renewable energy with her responsibilities on the farm. She explains how working in offshore wind complements her passion for sustainability, allowing her to contribute both to agriculture and to the environmental sector. 🌊As the Vice Chair of Scottish Women in Agriculture and its youngest member, Iona proudly highlights the growing presence of women in the sector. She shares how organisations like Scottish Women in Agriculture are empowering and supporting women to take on leadership roles. Iona is enthusiastic about the future, seeing more women involved and shaping the direction of farming. 👩‍🌾In addition to her farming life, Iona is involved in mentorship programs for young farmers, helping guide the next generation of agriculturalists. She speaks about the importance of providing young farmers with opportunities to learn practical skills while fostering a sense of community and resilience in the face of challenges. 🌾Iona also delves into the role of sustainability in modern farming practices, explaining how the industry is adapting to be more environmentally conscious. Her approach to sustainable livestock farming highlights the need to balance productivity with care for the land. 🌱She also shares some big news—listen to find out! 🗣️Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#BeefFarming #SheepFarming #WomenInAgriculture #IonaSmith #R2Kast #HowdenRural #LivestockFarming #OffshoreWind #RenewableEnergy #YoungFarmers #AgricultureMentorship #SustainableFarming #FarmingChallenges #ScotlandFarming #FarmLife #CommunitySupport #FarmingFuture #EnvironmentalFarming #FarmToTable #FarmingPassion #ResilientAgriculture #SheepAndCattle