R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Today as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Gavin Lane — a soon-to-be CLA President, passionate property investor, and longstanding advocate for British agriculture. 🇬🇧🌱

Gavin shares his incredible story of returning to farming under a contract agreement with his father, growing his own operation through grit and diversification. From contract farming to tenancy, he reflects on the differences, the hardships of the early 2000s, and what kept him grounded through volatile markets. 🚜📉

We dive into his experiences with property — from rural cottages to international ventures in Poland — and his views on managing risk, seizing opportunity, and maintaining joy in the process (yes, even when the Polish flat floods!). 🏘️🍺

Finally, Gavin shares his Nuffield journey in farm shop retailing, his involvement with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, and his leadership in the CLA. His honest insights on imposter syndrome and sector advocacy make this an essential listen for those shaping UK agriculture’s future. 🗣️📖

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.

#GavinLane #NuffieldScholar #ContractFarming #TenancyVsOwnership #FarmingResilience #CLA #LeadershipInAg #WorshipfulCompanyOfFarmers #FarmDiversification #UKAgriculture #FarmShopRetail #FarmlandAccess #AgriPolicy #RuralBusiness #RegenerativeFarming #PropertyInvestment #AgriLeadership #NuffieldFarming #HowdenRural #TalesofaNuffieldScholar #R2Kast #AgriVoices

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Today we welcome Jerry Andrada onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A self-proclaimed “pretend” farmer and forester, Jerry brings honesty and humour to a deep discussion about what modern land stewardship truly means. 🌲🚜

We explore Jerry’s path from amenity tree work to forestry and suckler cows, and why he questions the need for a quarter-million-pound tractor to be considered “real.” He shares why Devon’s lanes don’t suit scale—and why the system shouldn’t demand it. 🌿🚧

Jerry dives into his values around environmental consciousness, his frustrations with industry contracts, and how farming doesn’t need to be intensive to be impactful. Wallace also discusses his fascination with “Maximising Sustainable Output,” a topic sparking real traction in agriculture. 📈🌍

A refreshing take on what it means to work the land in a way that prioritises balance over output. It’s a frank, thoughtful episode on sustainability, identity, and forestry’s role in the future of farming. 🌱🗣️

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#JerryAndrada #ForestryUK #SmallScaleFarming #SustainableFarming #MSO #ChrisClarke #PretendFarmer #SucklerHerd #AgriVoices #DevonFarming #TreeSurgery #NatureBasedSolutions #EnvironmentalEthics #RuralWork #FarmEquipmentDebate #FarmingSustainably #PodcastChat #ForestryWork #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #ModernAgriVoices #RegenForestry

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Today we welcome Sammi Rogers onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From greasy spoon cafes and fashion design for royalty to opening her own ice cream empire in Bala, Sammi’s journey is as wild as it is wonderful. Her story captures the spirit of risk-taking, reinvention, and resilience. 🍦👗

We explore Sammi’s unexpected move from climbing clothing design and couture internships to rural entrepreneurship, restoring vintage Maseratis with her husband and opening not one but two ice cream shops! 🚙🍨

Sammi reflects on the challenges of working in care, freelancing, and running a business with no experience—all while putting community, local sourcing, and her own wellbeing front and centre. Her passion is contagious! 💼🌱

From hand-beading £20,000 gowns to making sorbet in Snowdonia, this episode is a reminder that your path doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else—as long as it excites you! 🧭💬

We even planned a trip to Italy! 🇮🇹 🍨 🍕

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#SammiRogers #IceCreamWales #SmallBusiness #FoodStory #DairyGoodness #Entrepreneurship #FashionToFood #WomenInAg #LocalProduce #NorthWalesBusiness #MountainLife #RockClimbingFashion #GreasySpoonToCEO #RuralInnovation #MaseratiRestoration #FarmRetail #AgriEntrepreneurs #CommunityBusiness #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #AgriVoices #FoodFounders #WalesFoodScene #WomenInBusiness

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Today we welcome Ben Briggs onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ From Editor at Farmers Guardian to Head of Marketing and Comms at the UK AgriTech Centre, Ben’s journey through agricultural journalism and strategy is full of purpose. But it’s not just media—Ben is also a Wainwright finisher and passionate fellwalker. 🏞️

We explore Ben’s love for the Lake District, where walking helped him process work stress and stay grounded. He shares how it all started with his gran dragging him up Parlick at age three, and how he now walks with his sons, passing on that love for the outdoors. 👨‍👦‍👦⛰️

Ben also reflects on his rural upbringing—his parents ran a milk round in Blackburn—and his pride in the town’s moment of football glory in 1995. A Blackburn Rovers fan for life, his story intertwines sport, identity, and place. ⚽🥛

This episode blends personal stories with big-picture reflections on leadership, rural storytelling, and giving back to the sector. A thoughtful, energising listen! 📢💬

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#BenBriggs #Wainwright214 #FellWalking #UKAgriTechCentre #FarmersGuardian #RuralMedia #AgriLeadership #BlackburnRovers #FarmLife #MilkRound #RuralCommunities #AgriJournalism #NatureTherapy #FamilyTime #CountrysideStories #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #OutdoorLife #RuralRoots #FarmComms #AgriVoices

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Today we welcome Arthur Parkinson onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Arthur is a passionate gardener, illustrator, writer, and poultry enthusiast who brings creativity and honesty to rural life. With five published books—including one on rare-breed chickens—and a loyal Instagram following, Arthur’s story is one of beauty, care, and bold expression. 🌸

We dive into his experiences at the Chelsea Flower Show, both as a worker and now as an invited guest. From luxury press days to the reality of garden building, Arthur’s insight into the evolving educational potential of Chelsea is refreshing and reflective. 🌼🛠️

A true advocate for authenticity, Arthur shares his journey through floristry, content creation, and calling out injustices in large-scale animal systems. He blends art, advocacy, and agriculture in a way that invites all to engage. 🐓✍️

Arthur’s honesty and humility shine throughout, reminding us that there’s strength in vulnerability, and that growing, drawing, and sharing rural life can be deeply powerful. A tender, artistic episode you won’t forget! ❤️🌿

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#ArthurParkinson #RareBreedChickens #ChelseaFlowerShow #FloristLife #PoultryPassion #Gardening #CountryCreatives #BritishFarming #RuralArts #FarmingVoices #ChickensAndCrops #FarmToSketchbook #IllustratorLife #AuthenticFarming #FarmCreativity #AnimalWelfare #FlowerFarming #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #FarmWithHeart #AgriInfluencer #RuralHonesty

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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 David Miller—pioneer of regenerative direct drilling and a respected voice in the future of sustainable arable farming. 🌾🌍

With roots on a 400-acre Essex farm and decades of real-world experience, David shares his path from grammar school dropout to thought leader in low-disturbance farming. His honesty about imposter syndrome is both grounding and inspiring. 🚜💡

David reflects on his Nuffield journey, his work with David Rose, and why soil health must underpin productivity. He champions systems that nurture biodiversity, manage inputs wisely, and build long-term resilience. 🌱🪱

A powerful episode with reflections on humility, sustainability, and reimagining what good looks like in UK agriculture. Essential listening for anyone exploring regen ag or farmer-led change. 🐞📖

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.

#DavidMiller #NuffieldScholar #RegenAg #DirectDrilling #ArableFarming #SoilHealth #FarmerVoices #SustainableAg #NuffieldFarming #AgriInnovation #FieldToFork #AgTech #AgriChangeMakers #FarmerLedResearch #KnowledgeExchange #SoilMatters #ResilientFarming #FarmingFutures #AgriLeadership #HowdenRural #TalesofaNuffieldScholar #R2Kast #AgriVoices

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Today we welcome Lucy Fabbri onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A nurse with a twist, Lucy balances trauma care at weekends with a weekday focus on the carnivore lifestyle. Her story blends science, introspection, and unconventional health choices—delivered with wit, warmth, and honesty. 🥩🩺

After nearly studying philosophy and theology, Lucy’s life took a surprise turn into nursing thanks to her sister’s quick thinking. Now working in orthopaedic trauma, she brings a deep and philosophical perspective to patient care and human connection. 📚❤️

We dive into her transition to the carnivore diet—why she did it, how it works for her, and the unexpected benefits she’s seen. From beef to lamb to eggs, she shares how this change reshaped her energy, wellbeing, and sense of control. 🥚🍖

Lucy is proof that career paths don’t need to be linear and that personal health can take many forms. A truly insightful episode about instinct, care, and questioning the norm! 🧠✨

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#LucyFabbri #CarnivoreNurse #OrthopaedicTrauma #MeatBasedLiving #PhilosophyInPractice #WomenInHealth #HealthcareVoices #BeefAndBrains #LambAndLogic #PatientCare #RuralNursing #CarnivoreLife #FoodForFuel #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #HealthChoices #NursingJourney #SisterSupport #HowdenRural #UnconventionalWellness #DeepThinkers #MedicalMinds #EatToThrive

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Today we welcome Ross Robertson onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ A bearded Scotsman, farmer, and fellow UK AgriTech Centre colleague, Ross blends traditional lambing life with cutting-edge innovation. From Brechin to Brazil, his journey is as much about mud as it is about modernisation. 🌍🐑

We explore Ross’s farming roots in Angus, his passion for livestock, and how dry summers can spell trouble when you need grass to grow. He brings us right into the post-lambing realities, show season prep, and the ever-Scottish obsession with the weather! ☀️🌧️

Ross also dives into his work with the Falkland Islands Development Corporation and his eye-opening experiences in Brazil. From high-end steak dinners to scorching 41°C days, his tales of agritech collaboration and international travel highlight the sector’s global scope. ✈️🥩

Ross is real, relatable, and razor-sharp—a man with one foot in the soil and the other in the future of farming. A brilliant conversation full of insight, humour, and serious agritech energy! 🚜💡

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#RossRobertson #LambingLife #UKAgriTechCentre #FarmingInnovation #BrazilAgTech #ScotlandToSaoPaulo #FarmWeatherWatch #RuralReality #LivestockLife #GrassGrowth #AgriLeadership #GlobalFarming #FalklandIslandsAg #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #FarmTech #InternationalAg #AgricultureAndTech #AngusFarming #RuralVoices #AgriAdventures

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Today we welcome Rachel Draper onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ Rachel’s journey spans the rural traditions of livestock auctioneering and the world of field sports to founding her own countryside-focused social media app. With a young family and a background shaped by ponies and lambs, she’s channelled her knowledge into innovation. 🐑📱

After years in the shooting industry—supporting gunmakers, running clay grounds, and managing retail—Rachel stepped back when her daughters were born. But stepping back didn’t mean slowing down. It led her to build ‘Stile Country,’ a platform giving space to outdoor pursuits often sidelined on mainstream social media. 🎯✨

We discuss motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a love for the outdoors. Rachel shares how growing up with a livestock auctioneer dad and a horse-loving mum gave her the foundations for the world she now works in. 🐎👩‍👧‍👧

Her story is one of community, creativity, and carving out a digital space for rural voices to flourish. A brilliant episode about representation, resilience, and rural life! 🌿❤️

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#StyleCountry #WomenInAg #FieldSports #Gunmakers #LivestockAuction #RuralMum #CountryLife #RuralInnovation #AgriTech #ShootingIndustry #OutdoorApp #RuralCommunity #EquestrianLife #RuralStartups #ShetlandPonies #CountrysideVoices #BritishFarming #FarmLife #HowdenRural #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #DigitalFarming #RuralTech #Entrepreneurship

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R2Kast 340 - Sarah Rankin on MasterChef, Seasonal Food and Cooking with Connection

Today we welcome Sarah Rankin onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ After reaching the final four on BBC’s MasterChef, Sarah transformed her passion for seasonal Scottish cooking into a full-time career—hosting supper clubs, cooking classes, and featuring regularly on BBC Radio. A true advocate for real food and real connection. 🥄📻

Sarah talks through her journey from marketing consultant to MasterChef finalist, the intense filming process, and how lockdown sparked a new lease on life. Her time on the show shaped her belief in accessible, sustainable food and the power of authenticity in the kitchen. 🔥📺

We explore her two cookbooks—including Kith, which champions Scottish seasonality—and her views on what’s broken in the food system. From promoting local produce to addressing policy imbalances, she’s a powerful voice for better food futures. 🍓🥕

With hands-on cooking classes and locally-sourced supper clubs in Kinross, Sarah celebrates food that brings people together. Whether on radio, on stage, or at the table, she’s creating a community where everyone belongs. A deliciously inspiring conversation! 🧑‍🍳❤️

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#SarahRankin #MasterChefUK #ScottishCooking #LocalFood #SustainableEating #SeasonalCooking #KithCookbook #CookingClasses #FoodSystemChange #BBCFood #WomenInFood #FarmToFork #FoodPolicy #CommunityCooking #FoodStorytelling #RealFood #FoodEducation #R2Kast #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #HowdenRural #UKAgVoices

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