In this big-picture episode, Ben Eagle is joined by two expert voices—Emily Norton and James Bolesworth—to unpack how global forces are shaping the future of UK farming. From the war in Ukraine and climate extremes to trade policy and political unpredictability, we examine how these shocks are influencing prices, planning, and resilience on the ground.

🧭 What We Cover:

Part 1: Global Forces in Flux – Wars, Trade & Market Volatility

Which global events are driving the most pressure on UK agriculture

How the war in Ukraine disrupted grain markets and commodity flows

Trade policy shifts post-Brexit and their on-farm implications

Are UK farmers more exposed to international risk?

Part 2: Climate, Weather & Risk – Farming in an Era of Extremes

How climate volatility is reshaping investment and land use

The financial and production risks of extreme weather

Global climate impacts on food security and commodity markets

Part 3: UK Response – Policy, Politics & Farm-Level Strategy 

Assessing the UK’s agricultural policy response to global pressures

Closing Thoughts – Looking Ahead

One global trend UK farmers must pay closer attention to

📢 Final Messages:

🎧 Next Episode (300!): Join us for a milestone conversation with regenerative farming pioneer Tim Parton.

💬 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show or share it with a fellow farmer.

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Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. 

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

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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