In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green interviews two farmers, Graham Eggins and Chris Berry, to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in the Southwest region. Graham farms on the island of Brier in the Isles of Scilly, while Chris farms near Exeter. Graham talks about the logistical challenges of farming on an isolated island, including the transportation of livestock and machinery. He also shares how he diversified his farm by starting a chili operation. Chris discusses the importance of reducing reliance on inputs and the need for adaptability in the face of price volatility and changing labor dynamics. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities facing farmers in the Southwest of the UK. The main challenges discussed include a shortage of people wanting to work in farming, the impact of climate change on water resources, and the burden of regulations. The farmers also discuss the importance of diversification and the need to promote and market their products. The main opportunities highlighted include the use of social media to engage with customers and the potential for direct marketing. The conversation ends with practical tips for farmers, such as pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and improving water management.

Takeaways

• Farming on an isolated island presents unique logistical challenges, including transportation of livestock and machinery.
• Diversification can be a successful strategy for farmers, allowing them to find new markets and increase resilience.
• Reducing reliance on inputs and focusing on self-sufficiency can improve profitability and sustainability.
• Adaptability is crucial in the face of price volatility and changing labor dynamics in the farming industry. There is a shortage of people wanting to work in farming, and farmers need to find ways to attract and retain workers.
• Climate change is impacting water resources, and farmers need to adapt by implementing water management strategies.
• Regulations are a necessary part of farming, but there is a need for support to simplify paperwork and ensure food security.
• Diversification is important for farmers to explore new opportunities and markets.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for farmers to promote their products and engage with customers.
• Improving water management and soil health can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.
• Farmers should push themselves out of their comfort zones and be open to trying new things.
• Direct marketing and engaging with customers can lead to higher profits and customer loyalty.

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

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Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

00:57 Chris Berry introduces himself. 

01:45 Graham Eggins introduces himself. 

03:08 What brought Graham to Bryher?

06:08 Graham does everything and has to wear many hats. 

06:57 Graham has heavily diversified  - what has influenced this? 

07:45 Graham's chilli business - how did this start?

12.15 Trying different things. Has Graham always been like this? 

14:02 Chris's reaction to Graham's story. 

15:20 Keep things simple.

18:57 Being aware that things need to change - Chris's story and how he is planning for the future. 

20:42 Keep things fun to attract people. 

21:26 'Member Focus'

24:58 The main challenges for agriculture as an industry. [Graham]

27:49 Chris adds his thoughts. 

29:09 Practical tips to farmers. - try things outside of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself.  Split your fields into two. 

30:59 Showstoppers. 

33:29 Peter ends the show.