In this bonus of Meet the Farmers: The Big Debate, host Ally Hunter Blair puts listeners' questions to legal experts Chris Coupland and Annabelle Rout from Birketts LLP to discuss critical topics surrounding inheritance tax, succession planning, and land sales. The conversation emphasizes the importance of wills, lasting powers of attorney, and trusts, while also addressing the complexities of fair inheritance among family members. They provide insights into the impact of development on agricultural land value and the challenges of land valuation in the context of inheritance tax. Throughout the discussion, the significance of communication within families is highlighted as a key factor in successful succession planning. 

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @MTF_podcast 

Meet the Farmers: The Big Debate is produced by RuralPod Media. 

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

With thanks to our podcast partners: 

Headline Partner: Virgin Money 

Virgin Money is proud to support the launch of The Big Debate with Rural Pod Media, a timely initiative for British agriculture. Virgin Money is a trading name of Clydesdale Bank PLC.  To discover more about Virgin Money visit Agriculture | Business | Virgin Money UK

Associate Partner: TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods 

Explore smarter farming tools from TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods: Telus.com/BigDebate

Associate Partner: Birketts 

You can find out more about Birketts and their leading agriculture team by heading to their website: Agricultural Lawyers | Agricultural Law Solicitors — Birketts

Podcast Disclaimer 

Disclaimer 

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that RuralPod Media Limited and its contributors make no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general informational purposes only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, RuralPod Media Limited does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of RuralPod Media Limited. RuralPod Media Limited and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, RuralPod Media Limited makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. The views of the hosts and guests are personal and RuralPod Media Limited or its sponsors, affiliates, employees or contractors, does not take any responsibility for these views. Such views are not the views of RuralPod Media Limited or any of its sponsors, affiliates, employees or contractors. RuralPod Media Limited does not verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, and RuralPod Media Limited takes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the podcast. The information contained on the podcast is provided on an ‘’as is’’ basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Any action you take based on the information contained in the podcast is strictly at your own risk, and RuralPod Media Limited and its contributors will not be liable for any losses of damages in connection with the use of the podcast. None of the hosts, guests or contributors to the podcast will be responsible for your use of the information contained therein. The inclusion of third-party advertisements does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, warranty, or recommendation of, and the author makes no representations and/or warranties about, any product or service contained therein. Under no circumstances will RuralPod Media Limited or their affiliates, partners, suppliers, licensors or guests appearing on the podcast be liable any losses (whether direct, indirect or consequential) suffered as a result of your doing (or not doing) anything as a result of listening or viewing (or inability to access) the podcast. Neither RuralPod Media Limited nor any of its hosts or guests appearing on the podcast shall at any time be liable for any content covered causing offence, distress or any other unforeseeable reaction suffered as a result of listening or viewing (or inability to access) the podcast. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of RuralPod Media Limited. 

Contact Please email us at [email protected] to contact us about any issues.

In this episode Big Debate hosts Ally and Sophie discuss various topics related to farming, including their personal journeys in agriculture. They also share insights from their recent trip to Scotland and engage with listener feedback, highlighting the importance of community in the agricultural sector. They discuss various aspects of farming, including the challenges and opportunities faced by young farmers, the differences between tenancy agreements, and the impact of technology on agricultural practices. They explore the balance between risk aversion and innovation, the importance of family life in farming, and the future of farming in relation to organic and conventional practices. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of agriculture and the need for adaptability in a changing landscape.

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @MTF_podcast 

Meet the Farmers: The Big Debate is produced by RuralPod Media. 

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

With thanks to our podcast partners: 

Headline Partner: Virgin Money 

Virgin Money is proud to support the launch of The Big Debate with Rural Pod Media, a timely initiative for British agriculture. Virgin Money is a trading name of Clydesdale Bank PLC.  To discover more about Virgin Money visit Agriculture | Business | Virgin Money UK

Associate Partner: TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods 

Explore smarter farming tools from TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods: Telus.com/BigDebate

Associate Partner: Birketts 

You can find out more about Birketts and their leading agriculture team by heading to their website: Agricultural Lawyers | Agricultural Law Solicitors — Birketts

Podcast Disclaimer 

Disclaimer 

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that RuralPod Media Limited makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general informational purposes only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, RuralPod Media Limited does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of RuralPod Media Limited. RuralPod Media Limited assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, RuralPod Media Limited makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. The views of the hosts and guests are personal and RuralPod Media Limited or its sponsors, affiliates, employees or contractors, does not take any responsibility for these views. Such views are not the views of RuralPod Media Limited or any of its sponsors, affiliates, employees or contractors. RuralPod Media Limited does not verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, and RuralPod Media Limited takes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the podcast. The information contained on the podcast is provided on an ‘’as is’’ basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Any action you take based on the information contained in the podcast is strictly at your own risk, and RuralPod Media Limited will not be liable for any losses of damages in connection with the use of the podcast. None of the hosts, guests or contributors to the podcast will be responsible for your use of the information contained therein. The inclusion of third-party advertisements does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, warranty, or recommendation of, and the author makes no representations and/or warranties about, any product or service contained therein. Under no circumstances will RuralPod Media Limited or their affiliates, partners, suppliers, licensors or guests appearing on the podcast be liable any losses (whether direct, indirect or consequential) suffered as a result of your doing (or not doing) anything as a result of listening or viewing (or inability to access) the podcast. Neither RuralPod Media Limited nor any of its hosts or guests appearing on the podcast shall at any time be liable for any content covered causing offence, distress or any other unforeseeable reaction suffered as a result of listening or viewing (or inability to access) the podcast. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of RuralPod Media Limited. 

Contact Please email us at [email protected] to contact us about any issues.

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle speaks with Sarah and Georgia Weatherlake, who manage a 500-acre farm in Exmoor National Park. 

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content. 

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 at ruralpodmedia.co.uk. 

About Ben and RuralPod Media 

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.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. 

Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. 

Follow us on social media Instagram @mtf_podcast Twitter @mtf_podcast Watch us on Youtube here

Ben Aveling, known as Radmore Farm on social media, reveals all about his farming and diversification journey over the past few years, as well as his entry into social media. 

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content. 

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 at ruralpodmedia.co.uk. 

About Ben and RuralPod Media 

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.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. 

Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. 

Follow us on social media Instagram @mtf_podcast Twitter @mtf_podcast Watch us on Youtube here

In this episode Baroness Minette Batters comes on the show to discuss her Farm Profitability Review and consider what might be next for the report? She also reflects on the elements of Secretary of State for the Environment Emma Reynolds' Oxford Farming Conference speech that nodded to the review. 

Ally and Sophie also discuss farming conferences and events including Oxford Farming Conference, Oxford Real Farming Conference, LAMMA and Positive Farmers Conference in Ireland. 

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @MTF_podcast 

Meet the Farmers: The Big Debate is produced by RuralPod Media. 

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

With thanks to our podcast partners: 

Headline Partner: Virgin Money 

Virgin Money is proud to support the launch of The Big Debate with Rural Pod Media, a timely initiative for British agriculture. Virgin Money is a trading name of Clydesdale Bank PLC.  To discover more about Virgin Money visit Agriculture | Business | Virgin Money UK

Associate Partner: TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods 

Explore smarter farming tools from TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods: Telus.com/BigDebate

Associate Partner: Birketts 

You can find out more about Birketts and their leading agriculture team by heading to their website: Agricultural Lawyers | Agricultural Law Solicitors — Birketts

Podcast Disclaimer 

Disclaimer 

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that RuralPod Media Limited makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general informational purposes only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, RuralPod Media Limited does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of RuralPod Media Limited. RuralPod Media Limited assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, RuralPod Media Limited makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. The views of the hosts and guests are personal and RuralPod Media Limited or its sponsors, affiliates, employees or contractors, does not take any responsibility for these views. Such views are not the views of RuralPod Media Limited or any of its sponsors, affiliates, employees or contractors. RuralPod Media Limited does not verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, and RuralPod Media Limited takes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the podcast. The information contained on the podcast is provided on an ‘’as is’’ basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Any action you take based on the information contained in the podcast is strictly at your own risk, and RuralPod Media Limited will not be liable for any losses of damages in connection with the use of the podcast. None of the hosts, guests or contributors to the podcast will be responsible for your use of the information contained therein. The inclusion of third-party advertisements does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, warranty, or recommendation of, and the author makes no representations and/or warranties about, any product or service contained therein. Under no circumstances will RuralPod Media Limited or their affiliates, partners, suppliers, licensors or guests appearing on the podcast be liable any losses (whether direct, indirect or consequential) suffered as a result of your doing (or not doing) anything as a result of listening or viewing (or inability to access) the podcast. Neither RuralPod Media Limited nor any of its hosts or guests appearing on the podcast shall at any time be liable for any content covered causing offence, distress or any other unforeseeable reaction suffered as a result of listening or viewing (or inability to access) the podcast. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of RuralPod Media Limited. 

Contact Please email us at [email protected] to contact us about any issues.

With thanks to our guests: Charlotte Allender (Head of UK Vegetable Genebank at the University of Warwick); Elaine Bradley (Exec Director of the Irish Seed Savers Association) and Catrina Fenton (Head of Garden Organic's Heritage Seed Library). 

Photo credit: Hugh Warwick

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content. 

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 at ruralpodmedia.co.uk. 

About Ben and RuralPod Media 

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.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. 

Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. 

Follow us on social media Instagram @mtf_podcast Twitter @mtf_podcast Watch us on Youtube here

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle engages with Kayleigh Robb and Tim Scott, two tenant farmers who share the same landlord - the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT). They share their unique journeys in agriculture, discussing the challenges and opportunities they face in modern farming. The conversation delves into the importance of wildlife-friendly practices, the dynamics of landlord-tenant relationships, and the evolving landscape of farming amidst climate change. Kerriann McLackland, head of estates at CRT, provides insights into the trust's mission and the support it offers to its tenants. The episode concludes with messages for farmers and the public, emphasizing adaptability, learning, and the importance of local connections in agriculture.

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content. 

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 at ruralpodmedia.co.uk. 

About Ben and RuralPod Media 

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.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. 

Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. 

Follow us on social media Instagram @mtf_podcast Twitter @mtf_podcast Watch us on Youtube here

Downlands was purchased by the Gilboy family in the summer of 2023. In this episode we take a look behind the scenes at their farming journey so far. 

With thanks to Becca Smith for guest producing this episode. 

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content. 

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 at ruralpodmedia.co.uk. 

About Ben and RuralPod Media 

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.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. 

Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. 

Follow us on social media Instagram @mtf_podcast Twitter @mtf_podcast Watch us on Youtube here

In this episode of the Meet the Farmers podcast, host Ben Eagle leads a lively quiz featuring a panel of guests reflecting on the year 2025 in farming. 

Huge thanks to Ben Briggs, Bronagh Dempster, Sophie Gregory and Ally Hunter Blair for taking part. 

The conversation covers the challenges faced by farmers, the impact of market trends and political decisions, and the resilience of the agricultural community. As the quiz unfolds, participants share their insights and experiences, highlighting both the difficulties and the glimmers of hope within the industry. The episode concludes with a look ahead to 2026, emphasizing optimism and the importance of adaptability in farming. Panelists navigate through a series of quiz questions that test their knowledge on various topics, including 2025, culture, podcasts, and farming.

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content. 

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 at ruralpodmedia.co.uk. 

About Ben and RuralPod Media 

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. 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. 

Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. 

Follow us on social media Instagram @mtf_podcast Twitter @mtf_podcast Watch us on Youtube here

For this week's Big Debate Ally and Sophie explore the future of traditional livestock markets in the UK, featuring insights from Dan Luff, co-founder of Sell My Livestock, and Scott Donaldson, a seasoned auctioneer and Group Director of H&H Group. The discussion covers the evolution of livestock trading, the impact of online platforms, the social aspects of markets, and predictions for the future of livestock sales. Both guests emphasize the importance of adaptability in the industry and the potential for a hybrid model combining traditional and online methods.

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @MTF_podcast 

Meet the Farmers: The Big Debate is produced by RuralPod Media. 

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

With thanks to our podcast partners: 

Headline Partner: Virgin Money 

Virgin Money is proud to support the launch of The Big Debate with Rural Pod Media, a timely initiative for British agriculture. Virgin Money is a trading name of Clydesdale Bank PLC.  To discover more about Virgin Money visit Agriculture | Business | Virgin Money UK

Associate Partner: TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods 

Explore smarter farming tools from TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods: Telus.com/BigDebate

Associate Partner: Birketts 

You can find out more about Birketts and their leading agriculture team by heading to their website: Agricultural Lawyers | Agricultural Law Solicitors — Birketts

Podcast Disclaimer 

Disclaimer 

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that RuralPod Media Limited makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general informational purposes only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, RuralPod Media Limited does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of RuralPod Media Limited. RuralPod Media Limited assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, RuralPod Media Limited makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. The views of the hosts and guests are personal and RuralPod Media Limited or its sponsors, affiliates, employees or contractors, does not take any responsibility for these views. Such views are not the views of RuralPod Media Limited or any of its sponsors, affiliates, employees or contractors. RuralPod Media Limited does not verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, and RuralPod Media Limited takes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the podcast. The information contained on the podcast is provided on an ‘’as is’’ basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Any action you take based on the information contained in the podcast is strictly at your own risk, and RuralPod Media Limited will not be liable for any losses of damages in connection with the use of the podcast. None of the hosts, guests or contributors to the podcast will be responsible for your use of the information contained therein. The inclusion of third-party advertisements does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, warranty, or recommendation of, and the author makes no representations and/or warranties about, any product or service contained therein. Under no circumstances will RuralPod Media Limited or their affiliates, partners, suppliers, licensors or guests appearing on the podcast be liable any losses (whether direct, indirect or consequential) suffered as a result of your doing (or not doing) anything as a result of listening or viewing (or inability to access) the podcast. Neither RuralPod Media Limited nor any of its hosts or guests appearing on the podcast shall at any time be liable for any content covered causing offence, distress or any other unforeseeable reaction suffered as a result of listening or viewing (or inability to access) the podcast. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of RuralPod Media Limited. 

Contact Please email us at [email protected] to contact us about any issues.