R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Today we welcome Rosie Jack onto the R2Kast. Rosie discusses her work at Balcaskie Estate, a forward-thinking estate in Fife known for its commitment to regenerative farming and sustainable land management. She shares how the estate has become a model for balancing traditional farming practices with innovative approaches to land stewardship. 🌱

Rosie explains her role in managing and promoting Pitch Up, an initiative at Balcaskie Estate that encourages community events, farm-to-fork dining experiences, and outdoor activities. The goal is to engage both locals and visitors, showcasing the estate's dedication to local food production and sustainable tourism. 🌾

Before her work in agriculture, Rosie had a vibrant career in textiles, which she fondly remembers as a fun and creative chapter of her life. Her experiences in the textile industry not only honed her eye for detail but also contributed to her ability to bring innovative and engaging ideas to the rural community projects she now leads. 🧵

She highlights the importance of connecting people to where their food comes from and how initiatives like Pitch Up help bridge the gap between consumers and producers. By offering unique experiences, the estate not only promotes local food but also supports the rural economy and fosters a sense of community. 🍽️

Rosie also shares her personal journey, including her passion for supporting rural enterprise and the challenges of managing events in a rural setting. She reflects on the joy of seeing people connect with the land, the food, and each other, creating lasting memories that inspire a deeper appreciation for sustainable living. 🌍

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#BalcaskieEstate #PitchUp #RegenerativeFarming #SustainableTourism #RosieJack #R2Kast #HowdenRural #CommunityEvents #FarmToFork #LocalFood #RuralEnterprise #SustainableLiving #FifeScotland #LandStewardship #TextileIndustry #FoodProduction #RuralCommunity #Agriculture #FarmingInnovation #LocalEconomy #ConnectingPeopleToLand

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Today we welcome James Herrick onto the R2Kast. James shares his experiences as a beef farmer, managing the daily challenges and joys of running a farm while balancing family life. He discusses the importance of involving his children in farm activities, teaching them the value of hard work and responsibility, and how the family’s bond is strengthened through shared agricultural experiences. 🐄

James delves into the strategies he employs to make his farm more sustainable. From rotational grazing to improving soil health, he explains how small changes have led to significant long-term benefits for his livestock and the environment. His commitment to sustainability is driven by a desire to leave the farm in better shape for future generations. 🌱

He also talks about the evolving role of technology in farming. James provides insight into how modern advancements, such as GPS mapping and data analysis, have transformed the efficiency and productivity of his farm. Yet, he remains grounded in traditional methods, combining new techniques with time-tested practices. 📊

In addition to his impressive farming methods, James was nominated for two awards at the British Farming Awards, where he proudly took home the title of Beef Farmer of the Year. He reflects on the recognition and what it means for him and his family. 🏆

Lastly, James shares some heartwarming stories from his years on the farm, including the lessons learned from unpredictable weather, memorable experiences with livestock, and the enduring support of his local rural community. His reflections offer a genuine look at the resilience and adaptability required in farming today. 🌾

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#BeefFarming #SustainableAgriculture #FamilyFarm #JamesHerrick #R2Kast #HowdenRural #FarmLife #AgriculturalCommunity #SoilHealth #RotationalGrazing #FarmTechnology #LivestockManagement #CommunitySupport #ModernFarming #RuralLiving #TraditionAndInnovation #FarmStories #FarmingFuture #ResilientAgriculture #BritishFarmingAwards #BeefFarmerOfTheYear

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Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast, which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Dudley Smith and Tom Pearson. Dudley shares his diverse farming journey, from his early years in Australia and America, where he experienced life as a cowboy, to his time working in India and his extensive travels as part of his Nuffield Scholarship. 🌍

Dudley reflects on the evolution of agriculture over the decades, highlighting the shift from small-scale local farming to larger cooperative systems. He discusses the challenges that British vegetable growers faced and the eventual migration of production to other regions like Lincolnshire. His personal experiences offer insights into the impact of changing markets and climate on farming practices. 🌱

Tom Pearson, a recent Nuffield Scholar, shares his experiences of balancing his career in medicine with his passion for farming. He explains how his Nuffield research has focused on the intersection between health and agriculture, looking at how healthy diets and food systems can play a role in improving public health outcomes. Tom’s story illustrates the unique perspective that professionals outside of traditional agriculture can bring to the sector. 🏥

The conversation touches on Dudley’s community efforts, such as his recent project to deliver generators to Ukraine to support civilians affected by the war. His dedication to helping communities and his reflective storytelling reveal the broader impact that Nuffield Scholars can have, both within and outside agriculture. 🗣️

Enjoy!

Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.

The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

#NuffieldScholar #AgriculturalInnovation #GlobalFarming #DudleySmith #TomPearson #R2Kast #HowdenRural #CommunitySupport #FarmingEvolution #HealthcareAndAgriculture #FarmingJourneys #AgricultureAndHealth #CowboyLife #BritishFarming #ClimateImpact #CommunityEngagement #TalesOfANuffieldScholar #SustainableAgriculture #FarmersOfTheWorld #FarmingLife #AgriculturalChange

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Today we welcome Silas Hedley-Lawrence onto the R2Kast. Silas shares his experiences of farming in New Zealand, highlighting his journey from the UK to the Southern Hemisphere and the lessons he has learned about different agricultural practices. With a passion for working with livestock and an eye on sustainability, Silas provides insights into the differences between farming systems in the UK and New Zealand. 🐑

Silas delves into the importance of regenerative agriculture, discussing how it plays a key role in maintaining the health of the land and livestock. He explains the practical applications of regenerative practices, particularly in grazing management, and how they contribute to the long-term sustainability of farming operations. 🌱

Social media has also been a big part of Silas’s work. Through his Instagram account, grassfed_farmer, he connects with other farmers, shares knowledge, and promotes the positive side of farming. Silas uses his platform to educate others on regenerative agriculture and its benefits, reaching a global audience of farmers and consumers alike. 📲

Finally, Silas shares some personal stories about adapting to life in New Zealand, balancing farm work with family life, and his passion for making a difference in the agricultural community. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication to improving farming practices. 🌍

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#NewZealandFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #SilasHedleyLawrence #GrassfedFarmer #R2Kast #HowdenRural #SustainableFarming #GrazingManagement #LivestockFarming #FarmLife #SocialMediaInAgriculture #FarmingInnovation #FarmToTable #AgriculturalCommunity #FarmEducation #EnvironmentalStewardship #GlobalFarming #FarmingChallenges #FarmerStories #FarmSustainability

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Today we welcome Josh Donaldson onto the R2Kast. Josh shares his experiences with mental health and how the issue of littering and fly-tipping in rural Scotland has driven him to take action. Under his social media alias, EarthDr0p, Josh has successfully raised awareness about the environmental impact of littering and how it affects the beauty and health of rural areas. 🌱

Josh delves into how his passion for outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing, helped him cope with his mental health challenges. These activities inspired him to launch EarthDr0p, a social media initiative focused on litter picking across Scotland, where he encourages communities to join in cleaning up rural spaces. His work has not gone unnoticed, as he was recently recognised at the Scottish Land and Estates Awards. 🏆

In addition to his mental health advocacy, Josh has gained a significant following on social media for his litter-picking campaigns. He uses EarthDr0p to connect with others, raise awareness about environmental issues, and inspire conversations about the importance of keeping rural Scotland clean and safe. 📲

Josh also discusses the importance of engaging young people in litter-picking initiatives and environmental stewardship. His efforts demonstrate the power of community action in addressing both environmental and mental health challenges in rural areas. 💬

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#MentalHealth #LitterPicking #FlyTipping #JoshDonaldson #EarthDr0p #R2Kast #HowdenRural #RuralScotland #SocialMediaInfluence #EnvironmentalStewardship #Wellbeing #YoungPeopleSupport #CommunityMentorship #WorkLifeBalance #Hiking #Fishing #RuralIssues #MentalHealthAwareness #RuralScotlandCleanup #SupportCommunities #CleanUpScotland #ScottishLandAndEstatesAwards

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Today we welcome Iona Smith onto the R2Kast. Iona shares her experiences as a beef and sheep farmer in Scotland, discussing the challenges and rewards of working in the agricultural sector. With a deep-rooted passion for livestock farming, she offers insights into managing both cattle and sheep while juggling the demands of running a farm. 🐑

Iona also talks about her career in the offshore wind industry, balancing her work in renewable energy with her responsibilities on the farm. She explains how working in offshore wind complements her passion for sustainability, allowing her to contribute both to agriculture and to the environmental sector. 🌊

As the Vice Chair of Scottish Women in Agriculture and its youngest member, Iona proudly highlights the growing presence of women in the sector. She shares how organisations like Scottish Women in Agriculture are empowering and supporting women to take on leadership roles. Iona is enthusiastic about the future, seeing more women involved and shaping the direction of farming. 👩‍🌾

In addition to her farming life, Iona is involved in mentorship programs for young farmers, helping guide the next generation of agriculturalists. She speaks about the importance of providing young farmers with opportunities to learn practical skills while fostering a sense of community and resilience in the face of challenges. 🌾

Iona also delves into the role of sustainability in modern farming practices, explaining how the industry is adapting to be more environmentally conscious. Her approach to sustainable livestock farming highlights the need to balance productivity with care for the land. 🌱

She also shares some big news—listen to find out! 🗣️

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#BeefFarming #SheepFarming #WomenInAgriculture #IonaSmith #R2Kast #HowdenRural #LivestockFarming #OffshoreWind #RenewableEnergy #YoungFarmers #AgricultureMentorship #SustainableFarming #FarmingChallenges #ScotlandFarming #FarmLife #CommunitySupport #FarmingFuture #EnvironmentalFarming #FarmToTable #FarmingPassion #ResilientAgriculture #SheepAndCattle

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Today we welcome Liz Cresswell onto the R2Kast. Liz shares her journey of transitioning from a degree in Zoology to becoming a farm vet. Growing up in rural Essex, she initially didn’t have the confidence to pursue veterinary school but eventually found her way back to it as a second degree. Her passion for livestock health led her to specialise in farm practice, despite having no farming background. 🩺

Liz reflects on the challenges of veterinary school and her experiences working as a farm vet, including the difficulties of dealing with demanding on-call work and unpredictable farm conditions. She shares how her time at Nottingham’s vet school, with its practical, hands-on approach from day one, shaped her understanding of the veterinary profession. 🐄

Liz delves into her Nuffield Scholarship journey, where she explored preventative cattle health schemes globally. She discusses her travels, which included Zimbabwe and Europe, and the lessons learned about animal health practices in different farming systems. Her insights highlight the value of collaborative disease control schemes and how they can be adapted to various contexts. 🌍

Liz also shares her journey of moving to Australia, working predominantly with dairy cows, and how it helped her solidify her practical skills and knowledge. Through the Nuffield Scholarship, she’s been able to bridge her experiences and contribute meaningful research to the agricultural community. 💼

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#VeterinaryMedicine #CattleHealth #PreventativeCare #NuffieldScholar #LizCresswell #R2Kast #HowdenRural #AnimalHealth #FarmVetting #DairyFarming #AgriculturalResearch #FarmLife #FarmingCommunity #BritishFarming #FarmPractice #NuffieldJourney #GlobalFarming #FarmExperience #FarmVet #LivestockHealth #ZoologyToVet

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Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast, which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Matthew Naylor. Matthew delves into his journey of running a successful flower farming business in South Lincolnshire. Starting with just 120 acres of mixed crops, he describes how he expanded into growing 700 acres of cut flowers, working with major retailers such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and the Co-op. 🌻

Matthew discusses the challenges and strategies involved in flower farming, from managing the risks of outdoor production to diversifying income streams with solar energy and other ventures. He also touches on the importance of sustainable practices and the complexities of maintaining profitability in an industry facing rising costs and environmental concerns. 🌱

Matthew reflects on his personal experiences, including his struggle with self-identity during his school years. He shares how these formative years shaped his perspective on life and business. He opens up about the importance of self-awareness and authenticity, especially in a sector where challenges often go beyond just farming. 🌍

In addition to his farming journey, Matthew talks about the value of mentorship. He explores how mentoring has impacted his life and business, offering insights into how accountability and guidance play a crucial role in personal and professional development. 🤝

Enjoy!

Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.

The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

#FlowerFarming #SustainableAgriculture #NuffieldScholar #Mentorship #MatthewNaylor #CutFlowers #FarmDiversification #PersonalGrowth #BritishFarming #Sustainability #NaylorFlowers #FarmingChallenges #Accountability #FarmingCommunity #Agribusiness #RenewableEnergy #NuffieldUK #AgricultureInnovation #FarmingLife #HowdenRural

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Today we welcome Cheryl Reeves and Emma Lee onto the R2Kast. Cheryl and Emma share their journey in "Agrication," a project aimed at bridging the gap between urban and rural lifestyles. Cheryl, coming from a non-agricultural background, explains how she transitioned from a career in pharmaceuticals to managing a successful beef enterprise alongside her husband, highlighting the challenges and rewards of farming. 🌱

They delve into their efforts to connect with the community, focusing on educating children and the unemployed about farming life. The initiative started in 2020, with school groups visiting their farm to learn about agriculture and nature. Their work also extends to helping the unemployed gain skills and qualifications, offering hands-on experiences and courses in agriculture and construction. 🌾

Cheryl and Emma discuss the importance of providing a supportive environment for learning. They have developed sensory areas and outdoor spaces on their farm, incorporating various elements like an orchard, a wildlife pond, and a facility for outdoor yoga. They aim to create a space where visitors can engage with nature, learn about sustainable practices, and appreciate the complexities of farming. 🐮

The conversation also touches on their recent nomination for the British Farming Awards. Cheryl reflects on their journey over the past four years, from starting the farm project just before the COVID-19 pandemic to being recognised for their efforts. They express gratitude for the support they've received and hope to continue growing their community-led organisation. 🏆

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#Agrication #CommunityFarming #EducationalFarming #SustainableAgriculture #CherylReeves #EmmaLee #R2Kast #HowdenRural #UrbanRuralConnection #FarmEducation #BeefFarming #SensoryGardens #OutdoorLearning #FarmingLife #BritishFarmingAwards #FarmToTable #NatureConservation #YouthEngagement #HandsOnLearning #AgriculturalEducation #FarmDiversity

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Today we welcome Rebecca and Duncan McEwen onto the R2Kast. Rebecca and Duncan share the journey of their family farm in Stirling, Scotland, where they have become well-known for their pumpkin patch. Starting ten years ago, they grew from planting just 300 seeds to managing 15-16 acres of pumpkins, becoming one of the go-to names in pumpkin farming. 🎃

They discuss the origins of their pumpkin venture, inspired by a need to diversify the farm. With a split between a busy road and a small village, they saw the potential for passing trade. Over the years, they’ve implemented more automation and mechanisation to keep up with growing demand, moving from purely manual labour to a well-structured planting process. 🚜

Rebecca and Duncan talk about the community aspect of their farm, including the importance of family involvement. They hire local high school students to help during the pumpkin season, providing many with their first job experience. The couple also shares how their farm has become a destination for families, hosting events like late-night pumpkin picking and themed activities to create a festival-like atmosphere. 🌱

They touch on the challenges of managing the pumpkin business alongside their other farming activities, like sheep and barley farming. With initiatives such as the swimming pool and glamping pods, they've diversified their income streams while providing unique experiences for visitors. Through trial and innovation, they continue to grow their farm, focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and offering an authentic farming experience. 👪

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#PumpkinFarming #FarmDiversification #CommunityFarming #ScottishFarming #RebeccaAndDuncanMcEwen #R2Kast #HowdenRural #FamilyFarm #Agritourism #FarmLife #HarvestSeason #SustainableFarming #FarmToTable #StirlingFarm #LocalProduce #FarmingInnovation #SheepFarming #BarleyFarming #Glamping #FarmFestivities #Agriculture

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