R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Today we welcome Ben Taylor-Davies onto the R2Kast. Known widely as RegenBen, Ben brings a refreshing perspective to regenerative agriculture, defining it as “replacing death with life.” This philosophy underpins his approach to farming and land management, where the focus is on reviving ecosystems and creating a balance between productivity and sustainability. 🌱Ben shares his five pillars of regenerative agriculture, which serve as a foundation for his work: no disturbance, living roots, soil armour, diversity, and the introduction of livestock. He explains how implementing these principles helps improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and create resilient agricultural systems that benefit both farmers and the environment. 🐄His work extends far beyond the UK, as Ben has played a significant role in regenerative farming projects across the globe. From consulting on soil health in Africa to promoting biodiversity in Europe and beyond, his global perspective enriches his approach and highlights the universal importance of sustainable agriculture. 🌍In addition to his innovative farming practices, Ben delves into how his ADHD has shaped his approach to life and work. He describes it as his “superpower,” enabling him to think outside the box and find creative solutions to complex challenges in agriculture. His openness about mental health provides valuable insight and inspiration for others in the farming community. 🧠Ben also reflects on the importance of reconnecting people with the land and promoting sustainable practices that ensure the long-term health of both farms and communities. His passion for educating others and advocating for change shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of farming. 🌍Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#BenTaylorDavies #RegenBen #RegenerativeAgriculture #R2Kast #HowdenRural #SustainableFarming #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #ADHDSuperpower #MentalHealthAwareness #LivestockIntegration #DiverseFarming #AgricultureInnovation #FarmToFork #ResilientFarming #EnvironmentalStewardship #FarmingCommunity #RegenerativePrinciples #GlobalAgriculture #SustainablePractices #FutureOfFarming #ConnectingWithLand

Today, we delve into the tales of two remarkable Nuffield scholars, Aled Davies and Lorna Davis. Both share their unique perspectives, shaped by years of farming experience and transformative Nuffield journeys. 🌎Aled takes us through his background as a farmer's son from rural West Wales, where his passion for marketing and problem-solving took root. His career spans roles in animal health and feed, all while championing sustainable practices and innovative solutions in agriculture. 🌱Lorna introduces us to SuDSPlanter, an innovative solution for water management that integrates sustainable urban drainage systems with green infrastructure. She shares how this system is transforming the way communities approach water retention and management, improving water quality while addressing environmental challenges. 💧The pair also discuss their involvement in the Greener Future Award, an initiative recognising and celebrating efforts to make agriculture more environmentally sustainable. They highlight the importance of showcasing innovation and inspiring others in the industry to adopt greener practices, driving meaningful change for the future. 🌍Enjoy!Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.The views in this podcast are those of the participants and not of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.#NuffieldScholarship #AledDavies #LornaDavis #Agriculture #WaterManagement #SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #WelshFarming #GlobalFarming #SuDSPlanter #GreenerFutureAward #FoodAndFarming #HowdenRural #NuffieldAdventures #FarmersVoice #RuralInnovation #WaterQuality #FarmingChallenges #CollaborationInFarming #FutureOfFarming #AgricultureAndClimate

Today we welcome Pete Russell onto the R2Kast. Pete is the founder of Ooooby (Out of Our Own Backyards), a revolutionary platform that connects consumers with local food producers. He shares the journey behind Ooooby, highlighting how the platform supports small-scale farmers and promotes sustainable, community-driven food systems. 🥦Ooooby provides a digital marketplace where customers can order fresh, locally grown produce, reducing the carbon footprint of their food while supporting their local economy. Pete explains how the platform bridges the gap between consumers and producers, ensuring farmers get a fair share of the profits while customers receive high-quality, seasonal produce. 🌱Pete delves into the challenges and successes of building a platform like Ooooby, from the initial idea to its global impact. He reflects on how digital tools can empower local food networks and why decentralising food systems is essential for a sustainable future. His vision is a world where local food networks thrive, fostering resilience and reducing dependency on industrial-scale farming. 🌍He also shares the personal motivations that drive him, including his passion for environmental stewardship and the importance of reconnecting people with where their food comes from. Pete’s story is one of innovation, determination, and a commitment to transforming the way we think about food. 🍎Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#PeteRussell #Ooooby #R2Kast #HowdenRural #LocalFoodSystems #SustainableAgriculture #FarmToFork #SupportLocalFarmers #FoodInnovation #CommunityDrivenFarming #DigitalFoodMarketplaces #EnvironmentalStewardship #FreshProduce #SustainableLiving #LocalEconomy #DecentralisedFood #FarmingFuture #AgriculturalInnovation #FoodSystemsChange #EatLocal #ConnectingProducersAndConsumers

Today we welcome Jaz Williams onto the R2Kast. Jaz shares her unique journey in agriculture, from her roots in a dairy farming family to her global adventures as a contract shepherd and wool handler. Her passion for livestock and dedication to learning have taken her from lambing sheds in the UK to remote farms in Shetland, the Falklands, and Australia. 🌍Just two hours before this episode was recorded, Jaz celebrated a major milestone: the release of her first children’s book, The Tale of Timothy TwigPig. She talks about the inspiration behind the story and how it reflects her love for farming and storytelling, blending her experiences with a creative outlet to connect with younger audiences. 📚Jaz also discusses the challenges of stepping into the farming world without formal agricultural education. Her resilience and hands-on experiences demonstrate that determination and a willingness to learn can break barriers. Whether it’s contract lambing or tackling roles in calf rearing, her story inspires those looking to join the industry without a traditional background. 💪Social media plays a significant role in Jaz’s life, connecting her to a vibrant community of farmers worldwide. She shares how Instagram has become a platform for celebrating wins, sharing challenges, and building friendships with like-minded individuals. Her openness and authenticity have created a network of support and collaboration across the sector. 📲Beyond farming, Jaz reflects on the value of independence, finding her own space in life, and building a balance between her personal and professional goals. Her journey is one of courage, adaptability, and embracing opportunities wherever they arise. 🌱Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#JazWilliams #R2Kast #GlobalFarming #HowdenRural #LivestockFarming #ContractShepherding #SheepFarming #SocialMediaInFarming #AgricultureCommunity #LambingSeason #SustainableFarming #FarmLife #WomenInAgriculture #TravelAndFarming #GlobalAgriculture #FarmingChallenges #YoungFarmers #BuildingNetworks #AgricultureStories #ModernFarming #FarmAdventures #TheTaleOfTimothyTwigPig #ChildrenBooksAndFarming

Today we welcome Alice Grammer onto the R2Kast. Alice, known on Instagram as alice.farms, shares her inspiring journey as a sixth-generation farmer. From working with 279 beef cattle to managing 30 acres of arable land, Alice is hands-on in every aspect of her family farm. Her passion for agriculture is evident in her dedication to the animals and her innovative approach to modern farming. 🌾Alice also talks about her leap into social media, where she chronicles her daily life on the farm. Her platform, which has grown to an impressive 90,000 followers in under a year, has become a hub for showcasing the realities of farming while connecting with a diverse audience. Her ability to balance tradition with technology has made her a relatable figure in the agricultural community. 📲One of the most touching parts of Alice’s story is her own little herd, gifted by her father for her 21st birthday. Her cows, including the beloved Dave and Jerry, are more than just livestock—they represent her personal connection to farming and the joy she finds in nurturing her animals. Alice’s authenticity shines through as she shares these moments. 🐄Alice reflects on the challenges of growing confidence in a male-dominated industry and encourages others not to let self-doubt hold them back. Her advice for aspiring farmers? “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.” Her determination and passion are inspiring for anyone considering a future in agriculture. 💪Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#AliceGrammer #SixthGenerationFarmer #R2Kast #HowdenRural #FarmLife #WomenInFarming #SocialMediaAndFarming #GenerationalLegacy #ModernFarming #BeefCattle #SustainableAgriculture #FarmToFork #AgricultureCommunity #FamilyFarming #DailyFarmLife #CattleCare #FarmingInnovation #RuralLife #FarmingChallenges #AgriculturalInfluence

Today we welcome Izak van Heerden onto the R2Kast. Izak, a true polyglot, impresses with his fluency in multiple languages, adding depth to his international work in agriculture. His ability to connect with people across linguistic boundaries has allowed him to build strong relationships and gain insights from diverse agricultural communities around the world. 🌍Izak shares his journey as a Nuffield Scholar, discussing the invaluable experiences and knowledge he gained through the program. He explains how the scholarship broadened his perspective on agriculture, from innovative practices to sustainable approaches, and how it shaped his vision for the future of the sector. 🌱In addition to his work in agriculture, Izak talks about his leadership role with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and his involvement in the “circle” — a supportive community focused on shared learning and collaborative growth within the industry. Through these roles, he reflects on the importance of empowering others, supporting young farmers, and fostering a community that values shared experiences and mentorship. His dedication to inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders is evident in his words and actions. 🌾Izak also opens up about the cultural experiences that have enriched his career, recounting stories of his travels and the connections he’s made. His respect for different traditions and openness to new ideas highlight the value of cultural exchange in fostering a global agricultural community. 🌐Enjoy! 🇬🇧Geniet! 🇿🇦Geniet! 🇳🇱🇧🇪Siyatjhaba! 🇿🇦Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#IzakVanHeerden #PolyglotFarmer #NuffieldScholar #R2Kast #HowdenRural #AgriculturalLeadership #SustainableFarming #GlobalAgriculture #YoungFarmers #AgricultureCommunity #MultilingualSkills #CulturalExchange #MentorshipInFarming #FarmingInnovation #NuffieldInsights #EmpoweringFarmers #ConnectingThroughLanguage #AgricultureEducation #FarmToTable #InternationalAgriculture

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast, which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Gary Spence and Lucy McLennan. Gary and Lucy share their unique experiences within the agriculture sector, highlighting their journeys and the impact of the Nuffield Scholarship on their professional growth. 🌾Gary, a dedicated farmer and expert with Forage Tec, reflects on his work in agricultural technology, discussing how advancements have revolutionised farming practices. He explains how his Nuffield research has focused on implementing precision technology to improve productivity and sustainability, sharing insights gained from his travels and the global farming community. 📊Lucy, who works with agroecology and the Organic Research Centre, delves into her passion for promoting sustainable and organic farming practices. She shares how her Nuffield Scholarship allowed her to explore innovative models that inspire environmentally friendly approaches in agriculture. Lucy’s work emphasises the importance of research and education in driving forward sustainable farming systems. 🌱Both Gary and Lucy recount the unexpected challenges they faced when COVID-19 hit during their Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) in Australia. They discuss how the sudden global pandemic altered their plans and the resilience they had to show as scholars navigating unprecedented obstacles far from home. 🦠Together, Gary and Lucy talk about the collaborative spirit of the Nuffield community and the lifelong connections they’ve built with scholars from around the world. They emphasise the transformative experience of the scholarship, both personally and professionally, and the shared goal of making a meaningful impact on the agricultural landscape. 🌍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 #Agroecology #OrganicResearch #GarySpence #LucyMcLennan #R2Kast #HowdenRural #SustainableFarming #ForageTec #FarmingInnovation #PrecisionAgriculture #YouthInAgriculture #CommunityEngagement #GlobalFarming #EducationInAgriculture #AgricultureResearch #FarmingFuture #NuffieldCommunity #AgricultureCareers #ImpactfulResearch #AgriculturalLeadership #COVIDChallenges #CSCJourney

Today we welcome Emily Drinkall onto the R2Kast. At just 22, Emily has gained attention for her erratic, high-energy approach to creating short-form content that captures the wild and unfiltered side of farm life. Her style is bold and engaging, but what impressed me even more was her deep respect for previous generations and the strong moral values she carries. 🌾Emily discusses how her family’s farming legacy has shaped her, sharing stories of the influence her parents and grandparents have had on her perspective. Despite her modern approach to content creation, she values the traditions and hard work that underpin the agricultural sector. Her ability to balance fresh, dynamic content with a genuine appreciation for her roots is inspiring. 🌱She also shares the challenges and rewards of connecting with a diverse audience on social media. From showcasing the day-to-day tasks on the farm to engaging with young people who may not know much about agriculture, Emily has managed to build a following that spans both urban and rural viewers. 📲Emily reflects on the responsibility she feels in representing farming authentically. Her goal is to entertain while also educating viewers about the realities of farming. Through her platform, she strives to promote a positive image of agriculture, breaking stereotypes and building bridges between farmers and consumers. 🌍What’s your favourite Red Bull flavour?! 🥤Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#EmilyDrinkall #YoungFarmers #HighEnergyContent #R2Kast #HowdenRural #FarmLife #GenerationalValues #AgriculturalCommunity #SocialMediaInfluence #RespectForTradition #FamilyFarming #AgricultureEducation #FarmToTable #DynamicContent #FarmingValues #ConnectingGenerations #RuralLegacy #FarmRepresentation #FarmingChallenges #BuildingBridges