In this episode, Ben Eagle is joined by David Exwood, Deputy President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), who farms over 1,200 tenanted hectares just south of Horsham in West Sussex. David shares insights from his multi-enterprise farming business—featuring arable, beef, sheep, and a farm shop—as well as his leadership journey within the NFU.

They discuss:

• David’s farming background and philosophy
• His leadership style and priorities at the NFU
• The challenges facing UK agriculture, including ELMS, inheritance tax changes etc
• The role of politics in shaping farming’s future
• Opportunities for younger farmers and the role of innovation
• With candid reflections on decision-making, long-term motivation, and what he’d change with a magic wand, this episode offers a deep dive into the person behind the leadership role and the direction of British farming today.

Final thoughts include messages for both the public and farmers.

Photo credit: Lawrence Looi / NFU.

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About Ben and  RuralPod Media

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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