Baroness Minette Batters DL is arguably one of the most influential voices in British agriculture in a generation. In 6 years as President of the NFU she worked with four Prime Ministers and six Secretaries of State at Defra. She faced Brexit, Covid, the War in Ukraine and many other challenges. But what was it really like to lead the NFU, especially as the first woman to be President? How did she get there and what's the future?

Farming has never been more complex. More decisions, more data and less time. Ally Hunter Blair headed to Cereals 2026 to ask farmers a simple question: what does smarter farming actually mean for you?

In the latest Big Debate episode Sophie and Ally discuss the recent Milburn report into young people and work. With over a million 16-24 year olds not in employment, education or training, could farming be part of the answer?

Ben is joined by arable farmer Tom Hawthorne who farms in the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire borderlands.

Ben speaks to Cambridgeshire arable farmer Michael Sly, who has been holding an Open Farm Sunday on his event since the start in 2006.

Big Debate hosts Ally Hunter Blair and Sophie Gregory cover a lot of news stories and big picture pieces this week from fuel prices to trade deals, golden eagles to chicken campaigns and agricultural shows to Tractor Ted.

Ben speaks to Joe Howard who is responsible for the carrot and beef enterprises on a mixed farm business in Nottinghamshire.

Ben heads to New Zealand this week to speak to dairy farmer George Dodson who in 2024 was named the FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

This week's Big Debate topic is 'does farming in Wales have a bright future?' Hosts Ally Hunter Blair and Sophie Gregory also discuss wool prices, stolen egg stands and much more.

Ben is joined by Brussels based agri-food journalist Natasha Foote to discuss the future for the Common Agricultural Policy and the big picture for farming in the EU.