Farming Focus

Host Peter Green discusses the practical realities of farm biosecurity with Synergy Farm Health vet Esme Moffett and Devon sheep farmer Peter Delbridge. The episode highlights how building awareness and regularly reviewing risk can improve long-term animal health. Covering the major disease risks facing South West farms, from TB and sheep scab to bluetongue, they look at why simple habits still matter and suggest practical steps to protect livestock health. 

Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at [email protected] 

Peter Green is re-joined by solicitor Tom Mottram from Porter Dodson and Devon farmer Jilly Greed in this bonus episode of Farming Focus™ to explore the role of gifting within farm succession planning. They discuss tax implications, affordability and the importance of professional advice, alongside Jilly’s first-hand experience of transferring assets. They advise being informed is a strength, highlighting how careful planning is essential to protect both your family and your farm business.

Make sure you listen to episode 8 to get the most from this bonus episode. 

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here.

This episode explores farm succession planning in light of recent changes to agricultural property relief. Host Peter Green is joined by solicitor Tom Mottram from Porter Dodson and fourth-generation Devon farmer Jilly Greed to discuss tax implications, family conversations and practical steps. From partnership agreements to professional advice, they share honest insight and experience, strongly recommending early planning helps secure a farm’s future.

Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at [email protected] 

In this bonus episode, Peter Green is joined once again by AHDB’s Dr Laura Underdown and farmer Jonathan Chapman to consider how environmental schemes can support farm businesses. They discuss matching schemes with farm goals, making the most of different land types and the importance of learning from other farmers. As Jonathan Chapman says, “you've got to make a profit”, with the focus on building resilience, improving the environment and making practical, business-minded decisions.

Make sure you listen to episode 7 to get the most from this bonus episode. 

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here.

This episode of Farming Focus™ looks at natural capital, what it is and what it means for farm businesses in a changing policy and market landscape. AHDB’s Dr Laura Underdown explains it as “putting a pound sign on nature”, while farmer Jonathan Chapman shares how he’s been making the most of his natural capital by building soil health and increasing biodiversity. The discussion covers risk, income opportunities and why investing in nature is vital for resilient food production. It encourages farmers to think long term but act now.

Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at [email protected] 

Building on last week’s episode of Farming Focus™, we look at how data and technology can support more resilient farming in the face of changing weather. From soil monitoring to variety selection, Met Office science lead Professor Pete Falloon and Riviera Produce farm and sustainability manager David Thomas share practical examples of using information to guide decisions. Hear how tracking performance, using local data and working with research can help farmers adapt, improve and plan with greater confidence.

Make sure you listen to episode 6 to get the most from this bonus episode. 

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here.

In this episode of Farming Focus™, we explore how South West farmers can stay resilient as weather patterns become more unpredictable. From wetter winters to hotter, drier summers, Met Office science lead Professor Pete Falloon and Riviera Produce farm and sustainability manager David Thomas share practical insights on adapting day-to-day operations. Hear how improving soil health, using data and being open to change can help futureproof your farm in an increasingly volatile climate.

Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at [email protected] 

Current milk price volatility is seeing dairy farmers “juggling more money faster than they've ever juggled before” according to Chris Walkland on this week’s Farming Focus™, with additional pressure now coming from rocketing fuel prices.

So, what can farmers do? 

Control the controllable in your situation and look ahead is the advice of award-winning Devon farmers Christopher and George Courtier. 

And don’t overlook the value of talking to others – “every little thing you can pick up is always worth listening to.”  

Make sure you listen to episode 5 to get the most from this bonus episode. 

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here.

All the ducks are in a row for good milk production according to Chris Walkland, speaking on this week’s Farming Focus™. Having seen the biggest drop in milk prices, how does the well-known independent dairy commentator see the markets playing out? 

Alongside him, Devon’s 2025 Dairy Farmers of the Year Christopher and George Coutier describe how they’ve managed the risks proactively and are now navigating the escalating fuel prices.

Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at [email protected] 

Farmer Jane Gurney and Cornish Mutual’s Dominic Jones join host Peter Green to talk about shifting the culture when it comes to safety on farm. 

Make sure you listen to episode 4 to get the most from this bonus episode. 

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. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here.