Today we’re in Cumbria to meet farmer and entrepreneur Chris Dickinson. Chris is involved with a number of different businesses, with a particular emphasis on the poultry industry but by no means exclusively. For example, one of his businesses is a goat meat business based on his family’s farm. Chris is a board member of the Wagyu Breeders Association; he’s a member of the Yorkshire Future Farmers Association, The Tesco Future Farm Foundation and has been a scholar with the Henry Plumb Foundation. 

About Ben

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk 

If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. 

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A-Plan Rural Insurance

This episode is sponsored by our primary sponsor A Plan Rural. 

Show References

Image credit: Chris Dickinson

Timestamps

00:27 Ben introduces the show.

01:25 Chris comes in.

01:50 Chris balances many hats - how does he manage this?

04:22 Chris's upbringing. 

05:00 Newcastle.

06:10 Chris's enjoyment and interest in poultry. 

07:23 Chris's time at the NFU.

10:09 Chris's entrepreneurial side - key figures who have inspired him - turkey farmer Derek Kelly especially. 

12:43 Sponsor message for A Plan Rural Insurance.

13:28 Chris's family farm and the context behind it. 

16:38 Goats.

20:22 The goat meat market and where Chris's meat is going. 

22:04 Message from RuralPod Media.

22:54 Chris's wider business hat and his involvement with other businesses. 

25:36 Chris's future and what he wants to do next. 

27:36 Broader farming issues - challenges currently. 

29:32 Egg crisis

30:45 Optimistic for the future?

33:39 'Farmers need to be nicer to each other'.  

35:04 New podcast - Three Pronged. 

37:00 Ben rounds up.