In this heartfelt episode, Michael Kavanagh shares his journey of grief following the tragic loss of his daughter Eleanor in January 2025. He discusses the challenges faced by his family, the importance of community support, and the promise he made to Eleanor to live a life well lived. 

On Sunday 26th January 2025, 2 year old, Eleanor and her big sister Fiona, went to bed like any other night. Their parents Di and Michael played with them, read them stories, tucked them in and sang a lullaby. Both children went to sleep happy and loved. The following morning, Monday 27th January, Di went into the girls’ room to discover the unthinkable had happened. Eleanor had passed away in her sleep. Having had no signs of a worrying illness, and the brightest, happiest, healthiest little girl they had absolutely no warning there was anything to be concerned about. The postmortem would come back some 12 weeks later showing she had viral pneumonia. 

In this episode which some viewers may find difficult, Michael Kavanagh describes his and Di's experience this year, grief, counselling and undertaking immense challenges in memory of Eleanor. Di has already completed her cycle from London to Paris in extreme conditions. Michael will be leaving their new home in Oxfordshire on Saturday 25th October, and within 24 hours he will run (and walk) to Eleanor’s grave 80 miles away in Shropshire. Three marathons, back-to-back. Off road. Through the night. 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT MICHAEL AND ELEANOR PLEASE VISIT The Eleanor Challenge - GiveWheel

Chapters 

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:47 The Tragic Loss of Eleanor
• 05:56 Life After Loss: The Kavanagh Family's Journey
• 08:57 Michael's New Farming Challenge
• 11:51 Eleanor's Memory and the Promise of a Life Well Lived
• 14:53 Community Support and Resilience
• 17:42 Finding Joy Amidst Grief
• 26:25 Navigating Grief: Personal Insights
• 30:28 The Importance of Counseling and Support
• 35:29 Channeling Grief into Action: The Challenges Ahead
• 44:36 Charity and Community: Honoring Eleanor's Memory
• 51:02 Messages of Hope and Resilience

🎧 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

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle speaks with Ian Pullen, a beef farmer from Wotton Under Edge, Gloucestershire. Ian shares his journey into farming, the challenges he faces with TB in cattle, and how he has successfully integrated YouTube into his farming business. He discusses the importance of diversification, the direct sales model for his beef, and the future of farming amidst changing policies and market demands. Ian emphasizes the need for farmers to adapt and find new income streams while maintaining a connection with their customers.

Takeaways

• Ian Pullen took over the family farm in 1993 and has been farming for generations.
• He transitioned from sheep farming to cattle due to the challenges of sheep management.
• TB in cattle is a significant concern, affecting farm operations and income.
• YouTube has become a lucrative side business for Ian, sometimes earning more than farming.
• Ian emphasizes the importance of being authentic and having thick skin when sharing farming experiences online.
• The tree surgery business has been crucial in supporting the farm financially.
• Direct sales of beef have created a loyal customer base, with people traveling long distances to buy from Ian.
• Future plans include diversifying the farm's income through potential tourism and local sales.
• Ian's daughter is showing interest in taking over the farm, which brings hope for the future.
• The farming community needs to adapt to changing policies and find innovative ways to sustain their livelihoods.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Ian Pullen and His Farm
• 02:56 The Journey into Farming: From Sheep to Cattle
• 06:01 Navigating the Challenges of TB in Cattle Farming
• 08:59 The Rise of YouTube: A New Income Stream
• 11:54 Balancing Farming and Tree Surgery
• 14:52 The Future of Farming: Diversification and Sustainability
• 17:48 Direct Sales: Building a Customer Base for Beef
• 20:50 Planning for the Future: Challenges and Opportunities
• 23:44 Messages for the Public and Fellow Farmers

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

If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers 

OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmers

To join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form. 

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. 

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, Ben Eagle visits Thomas Gent, a fourth-generation farmer from the Lincolnshire-Cambridgeshire border. Thomas, his father and grandfather have transitioned the family farm to regenerative agriculture methods since 2008. Thomas is also the founder of Gentle Farming. The conversation covers Thomas' personal journey into farming, the transition to regenerative practices, the role of innovation and technology, and his views on the future of agriculture in the UK.

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

If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers 

OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmers

To join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form. 

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. 

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 speaks with Bronagh Dempster, a passionate new entrant from Northern Ireland. Bronagh shares her journey into farming, her education at Queen's University Belfast, and her experiences working on a dairy farm. She discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the dairy industry, her involvement in the Nuffield Next Gen scholarship, and her aspirations to start her own small-scale beef operation. Bronagh emphasizes the importance of attitude in agriculture, the value of sports in her life, and offers advice for newcomers to the industry. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of farming and the excitement for the future of agriculture.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction to Bronagh Dempster

02:46 Bronagh's Journey into Farming

10:15 The Dairy Industry Landscape

14:27 Nuffield NextGen Scholarship Experience

19:21 Starting Her Own Cattle Venture

24:16 Balancing Farming and Processing Work

26:35 The Importance of Sport in Life

28:24 Future of Dairy and Farming

29:46 Advice for New Entrants in Agriculture

31:48 Messages to the Public and Farmers

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

If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers 

OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmers

To join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form. 

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. 

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 is sent on farm harvest reviews from a number of UK farmers who are also former guests of the show. To say harvest 2025 was disappointing for many UK farmers is an understatement for many. 

We'd love to hear or read your experiences of harvest this year wherever you are in the world - please add your thoughts in the comments. 

Huge thanks to all our farmer contributors - Richard Heady, Rebecca Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Charles Anyan, John Pawsey and Andrew Court. 

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

If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers 

OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmers

To join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form. 

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. 

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 speaks with Miranda Webster from Webster's Rural about the challenges and opportunities in recruitment within the professional and farm manager side of the agricultural and rural sectors. They discuss the evolving landscape post-Brexit and post-pandemic, the importance of attracting and retaining talent, and the skills that are currently in demand. Miranda shares insights on how rural businesses can make themselves more appealing to potential employees and the differences in recruitment strategies for small versus large organizations. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in recruitment and the importance of maintaining a human touch in the hiring process. 

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

If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers 

OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmers

To join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form. 

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. 

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

About The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast [promo] The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast is the first and only dedicated podcast for the UK fruit and veg sector, with news, views and the insider detail behind the top stories affecting the trade, hosted by journalist Nina Pullman. The Fresh Produce Journal is the UK’s longest running trade magazine and has been covering the global fruit and veg business, from retail to marketing, seed breeding, growing and wholesaling, since 1895. The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast is a Fruitnet Media International production, connecting the global fresh produce trade through magazines, events and content at Fruitnet.com. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or listen via the FPJ app. 

In episode 307 of Meet the Farmers, Ben travels (virtually) to western Victoria, Australia to talk with Tara, a third-generation sheep and mixed crop farmer working alongside her family. Tara runs Australian White and Primeline sheep, and is passionate about balancing productivity with long-term sustainability. She shares how responsibilities are divided on the farm, the role of technology in their management, and the opportunities and challenges facing Australian agriculture today — especially climate variability. Beyond the farm gate, Tara has built a strong following on Instagram and YouTube, where she shares the real ups and downs of farm life, helping bridge the gap between farmers and the wider public. This conversation covers her farming journey, the evolution of her family’s land, and her ambitions for the future.

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

If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers 

OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmers 

To join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form. 

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. 

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, Ben Eagle speaks with beef and sheep farmer James Warwick from north Cornwall about how he moved to Cornwall from Cambridgeshire to live with his grandparents and learn to farm. He now farms South Devon cattle and 350–400 ewes. James shares his passion for farming, financial challenges of farming and the mental strain it can sometimes bring. 

We talk about:

• The story of how James moved to Cornwall to farm with his grandparents
• Life on the farm today and the balance between sheep and cattle.
• His apprenticeship on another farm and what he learned
• Being open about the mental strain farming can bring.
• The financial pressures of farming and how he tackles cashflow uncertainty
• His vision for the future of the farm over the next decade

James offers a heartfelt and honest perspective on the rewards and realities of farming, blending tradition with a willingness to speak openly about issues that matter to farmers everywhere.

Photo credit: James 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.

If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers 

OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmers

To join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form. 

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. 

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 week’s episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle is joined by Shane and Val Wallis, who run a family farm in Indiana in the United States raising Shorthorn cattle alongside corn, beans, and hay. Shane and Val share insights into their day-to-day operation, why Shorthorns are important for them and the story of their farm. They reflect on the unique challenges and rewards of farming in their part of Indiana and the pressures facing U.S. farmers today from their perspective. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of their farm and the values that drive their work.

Image credit: Shane and Val Wallis

🎧 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 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. 

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

To support the project visit reMooable Energy - Our Cow Molly goes electric - a Environment crowdfunding project in Sheffield by [email protected]

For more info on Our Cow Molly visit - Our Cow Molly – Farm Shop & Ice Cream Parlour

Eddie last featured on episode 12 of the podcast!

🎧 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 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. 

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