Cows On Tour!

In this episode of CMC Talks, Will and Karen travelled to the @carewinn near Tenby in Wales to speak to @abireader, mixed farmer and NFU Cymru President. An inspirational, thought-provoking and honest chat through Abi's life and achievements so far. Abi has an incredible way of encouraging and bringing everyone along with her to undertake unique initiatives to connect young people and the general public to farming. 'Cows on Tour' features some funny stories, some hard-hitting stories and you cannot fail to be uplifted and motivated by Abi's passion and determination to get farmers voices heard by those that need to hear it most.

We so appreciate Abi giving up her precious time to be with us and wish her every success with the farm and her Presidency, we cannot wait to see what the future holds!

Four Decades, One Workplace – The One and Only Trevor Bedford

Join our one and only Trevor Bedford and Mark Gulley for an entertaining and uplifting episode to kick off the New Year discussing the changes Trev has seen in his extensive and varied career and lifelong friendships with the amazing CMC team.

We discuss the secrets behind Trev’s success, his youthful appearance, infectiously cheery disposition along with some of the standout memories and events.

There’s something for everyone in this episode, a lot of laughs and some serious messaging around what makes a successful career – a love of the job and the company, a strong work ethic, the importance of a smart appearance and ALWAYS being on time.

We look forward to many more years of our energetic, fun and fabulous Trev at CMC and hope that this chat brings a smile to your face!

Episode 18 – All Creatures Great and Small

In this episode of CMC Talks, we’re joined by Stuart Young, retired farm vet and rugby fan for an open and honest discussion about farm life, the changes seen in the veterinary world over recent times and the need to encourage and support hands-on training & young entrant development.

Stuart has spent decades improving poultry health and farm knowledge across the South West, former West Country Layers Association (WCLA) Chairman and is an avid Cullompton RFC supporter and volunteer.

We explore:

• How Stuart developed a lifelong interest for farming and how he progressed through his career as a farm vet
• The need for a positive mentor to develop and guide new entrants
• The importance of a supportive and understanding partner
• The benefits of a work hard/play hard mantra in life

A gentle walk through a successful and lengthy career offering valuable snippets to challenge us to take a risk and make the most of our opportunities.

Common Sense - It's Not So Common

In this engaging and down-to-earth episode of CMC Talks, we’re joined by Roy and Troy Stuart, Directors of Stuarts, a father-and-son duo with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and plenty of stories to share.

Together, they reflect on their journeys, how they developed and grown their business to where it is today, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Roy and Troy discuss:

-The importance of letting people think, and learn, for themselves

-The importance of handing over the reigns at an early age to grow and drive the business forward (accepting that there may be a few mistakes along the way)

-Pivotal events that shaped their lives and careers and the key people involved

A candid conversation celebrating real-life lessons, practical common sense sound bytes, the importance of family, and the kind of wisdom you can only gain through years served in a business.

Episode 16 – A Change is as Good as a Rest.

In this episode of CMC Talks, we’re joined by Stuart Gough and Dr. Huw McConochie for an open and insightful discussion about change, growth, and finding balance in both work and life.

Stuart Gough, who joined the CMC Technical Team in March 2025, brings over 30 years of experience as a farm-focused veterinary surgeon. His deep understanding of livestock health and farming life shapes his practical, hands-on approach to supporting producers across the South West.

Dr. Huw McConochie began his career working on a dairy farm before going on to complete a PhD in lactation physiology at Aberystwyth University. Now working for Zinpro, he conducts research and provides dairy technical services to customers globally.

Together, they explore:

🔹 The major changes that shaped their careers

🔹 How they started out and their visions for the future

🔹 Using AI wisely within agriculture

🔹 How career changes can impact family life

An inspiring episode about embracing change, and continuing to grow in an ever-evolving industry.

In this episode of CMC Talks, we’re joined by Bev Brown, Farmwise Events Manager, alongside Mark Davis, Director at Rivermead Dairy and Kivells.

Bev shares her journey from growing up on a hill farm on Dartmoor to returning home after a career in Kent. Her connection to the countryside now fuels her work with Farmwise, she discusses the joy of seeing children experience livestock up close for the first time and how hands-on learning builds real connections to farming and food.

His parents started out as first-generation farmers on a small County Council tenancy, building Rivermead Dairy into a thriving, respected business, Mark talks about his own path into auctioneering and his continued commitment to supporting farmers and rural communities.

Together, they remind us of the value of education, and passing on a love for the land to future generations.

Episode 14 of CMC Talks takes us to the Costa del Cornwall with husband and wife team Ian and Helen Davey.

In this warm and insightful conversation, we explore:

🔹 The history of their family farm

🔹 Getting advice from those working in the industry

🔹 What it’s really like to work side by side while being married

🔹 Balancing family life with the demands of farming

An honest, down-to-earth episode about farming, family, and finding joy in working together.

CMC Talks – Episode 13 “I love my cows”

James Yeatman, third generation dairy farmer from Dorset and Managing Director of Cow Recovery™ System joined us for our latest episode. We discussed why, as farmers, we should strive to look after our animals to the very best of our abilities and prioritise staff safety.

We talked about the idea and innovation of the of Cow Recovery™ System developed by James in collaboration with Synergy Farm Health and how R&D plays a vital role in the sustainability and progression of our valuable industry.

We also discussed the importance of allowing yourself time away from the farm and the benefits of sea swimming with family to create time to think!

Will and Karen were delighted to be joined by fourth generation beef and sheep farmers Richard and Laura Stanbury.

Keen to maximise their farm by utilising soil health, exploring different beef and sheep breeds and practising regenerative agriculture practices, this dynamic couple, along with their family are open minded, travel the country and the world exploring new ideas and the latest advancements in farming to drive their business forward.

Whilst moving stock together can test their resolve, they appreciate and respect the differing strengths they can bring to the business.

This latest CMC Talks episode is full of great nuggets to challenge the listener to think openly, embrace new concepts and seek out the best system/systems to suit your farm.

Join us for a special edition of CMC Talks as we celebrate one year of the podcast with a focused conversation on all things poultry.

We are joined by two respected voices in the industry: Colin Gravatt, Poultry Specialist at Crediton Milling Company, and Tim Gelfs, Poultry Farmer, County Chair of Dorset NFU, and Chair of the West Country Layer Association.

In this anniversary episode, the discussion covers the continued success of eggs in the UK market, the role of AI in agriculture, and whether human expertise remains essential in a changing industry. The guests also share unique personal insights, reflect on the mentality of today’s farmer, and explore current challenges and opportunities in the free-range sector.

With expert insights, industry reflections, and a few unexpected facts from the guests, this episode offers a thoughtful and timely look at where the poultry sector stands—and where it’s headed.