Farming Focus

In this episode of Farming Focus host Peter Green explores how technology and digital tools are transforming farm businesses. From precision livestock monitoring to data-driven decision-making, the pace of change is rapid—but how can farmers decide what’s worth investing in, and where do they start?

Joining Peter are two guests:

Matt Dobbs – from Agsenze, a tech and data company specialising in the livestock sector.

Adam Short – Associate Director in Data Programmes at AHDB, co-founder of MA Systems Ltd and Temple Technologies Ltd, and a Devon farmer himself.

Together, they discuss:

What technology is currently making a difference for UK livestock and arable farmers.

How to cut through the noise of apps, sensors, and software to find tools that are genuinely useful.

The role of data in shaping better farm decisions—and common mistakes to avoid.

Exciting agri-tech trends on the horizon, including artificial intelligence in the livestock sector.

Practical advice for farmers looking to future-proof their businesses with technology.

Plus, don’t miss our bonus episode next week, where Matt and Adam share simple, low-cost ways to get started with farm tech, along with mindset shifts to make digital tools less daunting and more rewarding.

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 of Farming Focus, host Peter Green sits down once again with agricultural finance expert Brian Harvey and Devon farmer Andrew Branton to explore one of the trickiest parts of succession planning: starting the conversation. They discuss why many farming families avoid the topic, what can make these discussions so sensitive, and why it’s vital to tackle them early. Andrew shares how his own family approached succession planning and the challenges they faced, while Brian offers advice on how to bring different generations to the table and overcome hesitations. Packed with practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement, this episode is designed to help farming families take that all-important first step towards securing the future of their 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. 

In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green talks to agricultural finance expert Brian Harvey of PKF Francis Chartered Accountants and Devon dairy farmer Andrew Branton about the future of family farms and the impact of inheritance tax (IHT). They discuss why succession planning is so often delayed, what IHT is and how it could affect farming businesses, and the key steps families can take to prepare. Andrew shares his family’s experience of starting the conversation and planning for the next generation, while Brian offers practical advice on where to begin, common mistakes to avoid, and the importance of involving the right people early on. 

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 of Farming Focus, host Peter Green continues the conversation with Andrew Brewer and Nikki Yoxall — this time turning the spotlight on life beyond the farm gate. They discuss the importance of stepping away from the day-to-day pressures of farming, both for personal wellbeing and for the long-term success of the business.

Andrew shares how his family’s diversification into running a fish and chip shop has not only provided a new income stream but also changed the way he approaches his dairy operation. Nikki talks about the challenges and rewards of combining grazing with her off-farm work and PhD studies, and how these pursuits broaden her perspective.

Together, they reflect on why farmers often feel guilty about taking time away, offer practical advice for overcoming that mindset, and explore how outside experiences can inspire fresh ideas, resilience, and renewed motivation back on the farm.

Make sure you listen to episode 2 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, host Peter Green is joined by Nikki Yoxall, Technical Director at Pasture for Life and grazier in North East Scotland, and Andrew Brewer, Cornish dairy farmer and 2024 Carbon Farmer of the Year. Together, they explore what “balance” really means in farming — from making decisions under pressure and maintaining work–life harmony, to staying connected with a clear personal mission or “north star.”

Nikki shares insights from her work on agroecological transitions and her own farming journey, while Andrew reflects on lessons from running a dairy operation, diversifying with a fish and chip shop, and his experiences as a Nuffield Scholar. The conversation covers practical strategies for creating time away from the business, the importance of purpose in guiding long-term choices, and small steps farmers can take to feel less overwhelmed and more fulfilled.

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] 

Timestamps

00:14 Peter Green introduces the episode

02:02 Nikki Yoxall introduces herself. 

02:52 What does 'balance' mean for Nikki?

04:10 'a statement of purpose'

05:34 What does 'balance' mean for Andrew?

07:05 How does Andrew approach decision making? - vision statements

08:30 Andrew did a 'wealth creation course' which talked about 'where are you now, where do you want to be and what do you need to do to achieve this?'

10:20 In holistic management we always want to get everyone round the table when having conversations. 

13:25 You don't have to ask everyone to make every decision. You gather information. 

15:10 Making space for time away from the business.

17:00 Get off farm.

19:20 The importance of what we do rather than don't. The challenge of peer pressure. 

22:00 'Cow Free Days'

23:39 Accountability is key

27:13 'We're always looking for opportunities'

29:00 Know where you are going.

31:30 How much is enough. 

34:35 Ask hard questions. 

35:49 Do what you're doing so that it aligns with where you want to be. 

36:40 Showstoppers

How could stronger mentorship networks shape the future of farming? Peter Green is joined by Helen Wyman and George Holmes to discuss this. 

Make sure you listen to episode 1 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. 

Timestamps

00:17  Peter introduces the episode

00:55 If mentoring became widespread what would be the biggest change?

02:50 Connecting with others. 

04:49 The role of mentorship in supporting mental health and resilience in rural communities. 

08:30 Helen's thoughts on George's answer about resilience. 

09:50 Chats between peers. How are these conversations best started?

12:02 'I don't have time'

12:30 The farming community in ten years time - what is the hope for how mentorship will have developed?

14:32 Peter wraps up. 

In this episode, we explore the role of mentorship in farming. Host Peter Green is joined by Helen Wyman, founder of TwoCan Mentor, and George Holmes, a Dorset dairy farmer, to discuss how mentoring can support farmers at every stage of their careers.

• Why mentorship is a valuable – and often underused – tool in agriculture
• George’s research into why dairy farmers are leaving the industry
• How mentorship could improve resilience, and confidence
• Tips for building effective mentoring relationships
• Where and how farmers can find or become mentors
• The future potential of mentoring in shaping a more sustainable and connected farming community

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] 

Timestamps

00:14 Peter Green introduces the episode

01:59 Helen Wyman introduces herself

02:19 George Holmes introduces himself

03:08 What inspired Helen to start Twocan mentor?

05:12 George's experience of mentoring

07:25 Traditional mentorship is 'a traditional view'. 

08:37 George describes how a key skill is asking questions and listening. 

09:45 Some examples

12:14 George's research into why dairy farmers might be leaving the industry?

14:20 How was the study done?

16:12 Why isn't mentorship more common in farming or is it more common than we think?

18:47 'The most successful relationships have always needed a high degree of trust'. Tips to make a mentoring relationship work. 

20:24 One piece of advice to a farmer about the power of mentorship

21:44 Who is the biggest winner from mentoring in farming?

24:25 Showstoppers

26:19 Peter wraps up

In this episode we rerun series 1 episode 3 to profile farm safety in the south west, reviewed by two members of the Cornish Mutual team - Paul Mahon, Head of Technical Development, and Nick Lay, a Chartered Legal Executive and Claims Technician. 

Devon based dairy farmer Fred Collins was also on this episode. In February 2022 Fred was changing a tractor tyre when the jack failed and his arm was trapped and crushed for a considerable amount of time. Surgery took 8 ½ hours to insert a metal plate and 32 screws to his arm. Severe nerve damage left him without any feeling in his hand. His story is certainly one of resilience, both personally and in terms of his business. 

The figures quoted in the episode are from 2023. Here are the updated figures:

• HSE 2024/25 RIDDOR report 23 (18.5%) of total (124) work related fatalities were from Agriculture, forestry and fishing.
• Regionally, the South West is the second highest region in England after the North West with 16 of total work-related injuries.
• Most common cause : Falls from a height, struck by moving object and trapped by something collapsing/overturning

For more info visit: Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain, 2025

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] 

This is a special live-recorded episode of Farming Focus. Recorded at the Devon County Show in the Farmers’ Hub, this episode dives into one of the most important themes for farming today: Building and Maintaining a Resilient Farm Business in 2025.

Host Peter Green is joined by a diverse panel of guests, each bringing a fresh and practical perspective on what it takes to future-proof your farm in an increasingly volatile world.

💬 We explore resilience across three key areas:

Finance and business 

Personal wellbeing and community networks

Industry change

Featuring:

🧠 Chris Clark – Farmer, Partner at Nethergill Associates & author of The Profitable Farm

🥛 Niall Tewson – Devon Dairy farmer & 2025 Best farmer in Devon at the Devon Farm Business Awards.

🌱 Amelia Greenway – Organic tenant farmer and 2023 Tenant Farmer of the Year at 2023 South West Farmer awards. 

🥚 Rebecca Tonks – CEO of St Ewe Free Range Eggs. 

🎙️ Topics include:

What resilience really means for farms today

Profitability on farm. 

How to stay mentally strong in challenging times

Why community and collaboration matter more than ever

Plus – audience Q&A and real-world advice you can take back to your own farm.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Farming Focus for more episodes like this – available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms.

Today, we’re taking a look back at some of the key moments and themes from series 4, exploring what we’ve learned and what it all means for the future of farming. Joining Peter is Emily Norton, a farmer and independent strategic adviser based in Norfolk. Emily works with farmers, investors, politicians and businesses on rural policy and emerging trends, with expertise in natural capital influences on land, food and farming. She writes a regular opinion column in Farmers Weekly and holds non-executive board positions at various organisations including the Duchy of Cornwall. 

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] 

Timestamps

00:15 Peter introduces the episode.

01:25 Emily introduces herself. 

02:55 CLIP 1 Izak van Heerden talks about working on the business. 

04:13 Emily reflects on the key challenges that prevent farmers from working on the business rather than being 'in' it all the time. 

07:07 CLIP 2 on rewilding with Jim Bliss

08:01 Emily reflects on nature recovery and the future of nature in the UK.

15:46 Working off the farm CLIP 3 with Rhian Marchant.

16:36 Emily reflects on the definition of what it means to be a farmer today. 

20:46 CLIP 4 with Ben Mortimer talking about farm clusters. 

21:30 Emily reflects on collaboration and clusters. How can we encourage more collaboration in future?

25:40 Beaver anecdotes from Peter.

27:00 'Educating' people

28:54 CLIP 5 with John Gilliland looking at farm data and baselining projects in Northern Ireland. 

31:02 Emily reflects on the importance of baselining when it comes to influencing policy and investment. Are we doing enough to make this data useful and accessible for farmers?

38:11 Where do the opportunities sit for farmers right now?

41:54 Peter closes the episode and the series.