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 Liz Bowles and Jim Baird. 🌍✨Jim Baird, a dairy farmer from Lanark 🐄, shares his journey from studying entrepreneurship through Nuffield to becoming vice-chair of Nuffield UK. He discusses his focus on regenerative agriculture 🌱, rotational grazing, reducing chemical inputs, and his work with First Milk’s sustainability initiatives. His passion for balancing productivity with environmental stewardship is evident in his approach. 🚜🌿Liz Bowles, CEO of Farm Carbon Toolkit 🌾, reflects on her experience as a Nuffield Scholar studying collaboration in the red meat sector. She discusses her dedication to regenerative agriculture, the importance of soil health 🌍, and the evolution of carbon footprinting in farming. Her work focuses on helping farmers reduce emissions while improving profitability and biodiversity. 🌱💡The conversation explores key sustainability themes, including the role of dung beetles 🪲, the challenges of multi-species swards, and the opportunities in regenerative agriculture. Both guests highlight the importance of adaptability, data-driven decision-making 📊, and supporting farmers through collaboration and knowledge exchange. 🌾🗣️Jim and Liz also reflect on their Nuffield journeys ✈️, sharing how the scholarship opened doors to global learning and shaped their careers. They emphasise the need for continuous learning, networking, and innovation in agriculture to build resilient and sustainable farming systems. 🌍🤝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.#SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #CarbonFootprinting #NuffieldScholar #DairyFarming #LivestockManagement #FarmResilience #Agroecology #RuralInnovation #ClimateSmartFarming #CarbonSequestration #Biodiversity #FirstMilk #FarmCarbonToolkit #GrasslandManagement #DungBeetles #AgriTech #FarmerCollaboration #AgEducation #Agriculture #Farming #Sustainability #RuralLife #Innovation

Today we welcome Craig Davison and Jeff Miller onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ This episode dives into agricultural education, a topic that’s booming in the UK but has been well-established in the US for years. 🌾📚 With Craig’s experience in Scotland and Jeff’s academic leadership in Arkansas, we explore the contrasts and opportunities in ag education between the two nations.Craig shares his journey from Scotland to the US, where he immersed himself in high school agriculture programs, FFA, and hands-on learning that shaped his career. 🐄🌱 His insights into education pathways and how early exposure to agriculture can create future industry leaders are fascinating!Jeff brings the American perspective, highlighting the vast range of study options in the US, from ag communications to leadership and policy. 📢💡 He discusses how FFA and 4-H play a massive role in recruitment for the industry, and how the UK could benefit from a similar model to bring in more young talent.We also touch on new micro-credential courses launching in the UK, designed to boost skills in agricultural communications, marketing, and journalism. 🎓📈 If you’re keen to see ag education expand here, this one’s for you!Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#Agriculture #Education #Farming #AgEd #FFA #YoungFarmers #AgCommunications #FutureOfFarming #Leadership #RuralDevelopment #FoodSystems #AgTech #RegenerativeAg #Marketing #Policy #Sustainability #Livestock #FarmLife #Innovation #CareersInAg #FutureFarmers #Podcast #FarmingPodcast #UKFarming #USAg #SocialMediaMarketing #AgPolicy #AgStudents #FoodSecurity #AgCareer

Today we welcome Ben Williams onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Ben has had a fascinating career spanning education, sustainability, and now as one of the directors of the Oxford Farming Conference. His journey has been anything but straightforward, moving from teaching to working in agriculture and sustainability, always driven by a passion for making things better. 🌍✨Ben shares his experiences of working in education, particularly with special educational needs students, and how that shaped his perspective on learning and development. He talks about his time setting up a school farm and how hands-on experiences transformed students’ engagement. 🏫🐷Now working in sustainability, Ben discusses his work ensuring that major food production systems meet environmental and ethical standards. He delves into the challenges and opportunities in making agriculture more sustainable, while keeping it financially viable for farmers and businesses. ♻️🚜We also hear about Ben’s new role with the Oxford Farming Conference and his thoughts on the future of UK agriculture. His journey proves that careers don’t always follow a straight path – sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected places! 🌱🎓Enjoy!Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.#Sustainability #Education #OxfordFarmingConference #Agriculture #FoodProduction #FarmToFork #AgriLeadership #ClimateSmartFarming #FutureOfFarming #FoodSecurity #RegenerativeFarming #CarbonFarming #YoungFarmers #AgriTech #FoodInnovation #RuralDevelopment #FarmEducation #GreenFarming #SustainableFood #AgriCareers #SoilHealth #Podcast #Farming #Agriculture #UKFarming #FarmLife #FoodIndustry

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