R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

In this episode of the "Tales of a Nuffield Scholar" series, we chat to Hannah Batty, Hannah Fraser, and Tom Pearson, who share their unique insights and experiences from their Nuffield journeys. 🌍

Hannah Batty

A vet and Clinical Director, Hannah’s Nuffield study focuses on creating better team management on UK dairy farms to enhance animal welfare and profitability. 🐄

Hannah Fraser

A medical doctor and organic farmer, Hannah explores how farmers can promote nutrient-dense food production to tackle chronic disease. 🌾

Tom Pearson

An arable farmer and public health advocate, Tom’s study focuses on how farmers can positively impact community health through nutrition and education. 🌱

Together, they discuss their global Nuffield experiences, the Contemporary Scholars Conference, and how being in the same cohort highlights the social and support benefits of the Nuffield journey. If you’re considering a Nuffield, this episode showcases how it can foster incredible connections alongside personal and professional growth. ✈️

Enjoy!

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

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

#R2Kast #NuffieldScholar #AgricultureInnovation #DairyFarming #NutrientDensity #RegenerativeAgriculture #PublicHealth #FarmingCommunity #HowdenRural #GlobalAgriculture #SustainableFarming #FoodProduction #HealthAndAgriculture #NuffieldFarming #ScholarshipJourney #FarmManagement #OrganicFarming #CommunityHealth #EquitableAccess #NutritiousFood #AgriLeadership

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Ben Lowe’s journey into agriculture is nothing short of inspiring. From having no farming background to managing a diverse enterprise in Aberdeenshire, Ben has proved that determination and innovation can lead to incredible success. 🌱

Starting with a passion for farming fostered by visits to his grandad, Ben’s early career saw him working on farms, building a sheep flock, and even gaining equity in a farm shop. But it was his time at Edinburgh’s SRUC, studying agriculture, that laid the groundwork for his innovative approach to farming. 🐑

Now, Ben is managing a successful joint-venture farm in Aberdeenshire, selling approximately 300 pigs a week directly to the processor. The farm is a mix of pigs, arable crops, and environmental schemes. His focus on sustainability and creating a self-sufficient system exemplifies his forward-thinking ethos. He’s even coined the term “Five-Mile Pig” for his ambition to produce pork using resources sourced entirely within five miles of his farm. 🐖

As Ben embarks on his Nuffield Scholarship, his project—“Closing the Loop in Pig Production”—aims to integrate energy efficiency, alternative protein sources, and waste management. His plans include exploring global practices in countries like Japan, New Zealand, and the USA to ensure the long-term sustainability of his farm. 🌎

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for their support.

#R2Kast #BenLowe #FiveMilePig #SustainableFarming #NuffieldScholar #FutureOfFarming #PigProduction #CircularEconomy #EnvironmentalFarming #AberdeenshireFarming #HowdenRural #FarmingInnovation #ArableFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #YoungFarmers #FarmSustainability #GlobalAgriculture #FarmingJourney #FoodProduction #AgricultureLeadership

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Today’s guest is Sioned Davies, a true powerhouse balancing her role on the family farm, her career as a barrister, and her involvement with Nuffield. 🌍

Sioned shares her journey growing up on a mixed livestock and arable farm in Mid Wales, where she developed a deep connection to the land. Alongside her family, she’s involved in diverse farm enterprises, including a broiler chicken unit and a beef finishing operation. 🚜

As a barrister specialising in planning and environmental law, Sioned’s expertise uniquely intersects with agriculture, allowing her to tackle issues like farm diversification and environmental policy. Her insights reveal how these worlds often overlap in surprising and impactful ways. ⚖️

Sioned’s Nuffield Scholarship focuses on the role of insects in sustainable agriculture. She explores their potential as a protein source and their impact on reducing waste streams and improving soil health. Her research takes her around the world, learning from innovators who are harnessing insects to address key challenges in farming. 🦗

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#R2Kast #SionedDavies #HomeFarm #BarristerLife #NuffieldScholar #InsectFarming #SustainableAgriculture #FarmDiversification #EnvironmentalLaw #FamilyFarm #YoungFarmers #RuralLeadership #HowdenRural #WelshFarming #FarmInnovations #WomenInFarming #PlanningLaw #AgricultureJourney #FarmLife #FutureOfFarming

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Today’s guest is Peter Green, a Cornish farmer, finance expert, and space science enthusiast. This is the second episode of Series 5 and the first food and farming episode of the season! 🌱

Peter shares his incredible journey, from growing up on a sixth-generation farm in Cornwall to earning a Master’s in Space Science and eventually returning to the family farm after tragedy struck. His passion for sustainable farming and innovation shines through as he talks about transforming the farm into a thriving diversified business. 🚜

We also dive into Peter’s fascinating take on satellite technology in agriculture and how advancements in other industries can influence farming practices. His unique combination of farming heritage and modern finance skills has allowed him to create a sustainable, forward-thinking farm. 🌍

Peter’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a drive to ensure the longevity of his family’s farming legacy. From solar panels to stabiliser cattle, he’s a prime example of adapting to change while keeping tradition alive.

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#R2Kast #PeterGreen #FarmingInnovation #CornishFarming #SustainableFarming #Diversification #FamilyFarms #SpaceScience #StabiliserCattle #FutureFarming #Agriculture #HowdenRural #UKFarming #FarmInnovation #SolarFarming #GrassFed #FarmResilience #ClimateSolutions #RuralBusiness #AgricultureJourney #FarmSustainability

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Today we’re diving into the second episode of Series 5 of the R2Kast, but this is the first Food and Farming episode of the series! Mathilda Allison and Laura Sutton are here to get us started with a bang, sharing their passion for farming, building communities, and their podcast, Behind the Barn Door. 🌾

Mathilda’s got this incredible ability to connect with people and make farming feel relatable and fun. Laura’s right there alongside her, bringing creativity and energy into conversations about the future of food and farming. Together, they’ve built something special, using Behind the Barn Door to break down barriers and spark meaningful discussions. 🎙️

We didn’t just stick to farming, though—oh no. We managed to cover just about every topic under the sun, including a chat on the correct way to drink a Capri Sun. From the serious to the silly, and even potentially offensive at times, this episode’s got it all. 🌱

If you’re into farming, food, or just seeing people do amazing things together, this is one you don’t want to miss. Let’s get Series 5 rolling properly with these two incredible guests!

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#MathildaAllison #LauraSutton #R2Kast #Series5 #HowdenRural #CommunityBuilding #BehindTheBarnDoor #PodcastingInAgriculture #LocalFoodSystems #GrassrootsFarming #SustainableFarming #ConnectingCommunities #FutureOfFarming #BreakingBarriers #FarmToFork #FarmingTogether #AgricultureInnovation #FoodForThought #TeamworkInFarming #FarmingCommunity #SupportLocal #FoodAndFarming

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Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series, we chat to Nic and George Snell, brothers who bring entrepreneurial spirit and innovation to farming. From their shared roots on the family farm to global insights gained through their Nuffield journeys, they’ve cultivated a wealth of knowledge in agriculture.

Nic and George take us through their experiences growing up on the family farm, navigating its transformations, and how their father’s entrepreneurial mindset influenced their ventures. With a focus on adding value, they share their journey in establishing the pioneering Certainly Wood brand, which brought kiln-dried firewood to the UK market.

Both Nic and George also reflect on their individual Nuffield Scholarship topics. Nic’s research centred on forestry and woodland, while George explored marketing opportunities in agriculture. Their global travels for Nuffield highlighted the importance of adaptability and innovation in farming practices, which they’ve implemented back home.

Recently, they’ve been involved in sustainable initiatives, including forestry projects and alternative markets, showcasing how their dedication to progression continues to shape their vision for the future of farming.

Enjoy!

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

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

#R2Kast #NuffieldScholar #AgricultureInnovation #CertainlyWood #KilnDriedFirewood #Forestry #SustainableFarming #FarmEntrepreneurship #AgriLeadership #FarmToForestry #NuffieldFarming #HowdenRural #GlobalAgriculture #FamilyFarming #AgriBusiness #FarmInnovation #Sustainability #AgriResearch #AgricultureFuture #AgriLife #FarmLeadership

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Today we welcome Claire MacKenzie onto the R2Kast. Claire, alongside Olivia Shave and me, is championing the embedding of rural education into the UK curriculum. We are driving forward a petition to make this a reality, which you can find and sign here: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700029. 📜

Claire shares her fascinating journey, starting in politics and media before transitioning to rural advocacy. As the co-creator of Six Inches of Soil, a documentary exploring regenerative farming and the importance of healthy soil, she brings powerful insights into the interconnectedness of food production, sustainability, and education. 🎥

Her work with Six Inches of Soil is deeply tied to grassroots movements, engaging communities to support local farmers and sustainable food systems. Claire’s passion for change, coupled with her ability to communicate complex issues, has made her a driving force in rural education advocacy. 🌱

Claire’s involvement in our petition reflects her unwavering belief that understanding food systems is essential. By embedding these lessons into the curriculum, we aim to empower future generations to value and engage with the food and farming sector from an early age. Together, we’re paving the way for a more connected and informed society. 🌍

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#ClaireMacKenzie #R2Kast #SixInchesOfSoil #HowdenRural #RuralEducation #RegenerativeFarming #FoodAdvocacy #SustainableFarming #FarmingFuture #SoilHealth #LocalFoodSystems #CommunityAdvocacy #GrassrootsMovements #EducationReform #FoodAndFarming #RuralAdvocacy #SustainablePractices #EmpoweringFutureGenerations #FoodSystemsChange #FarmingAwareness

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Today we welcome Natasha Edwards onto the R2Kast. Hailing from the Isle of Wight, Natasha brings her wealth of experience as a Nuffield Scholar and garlic farmer to the table. She shares her unique journey, starting with a family farming business that has become a national brand. The Garlic Farm now welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually, showcasing innovation and sustainability in rural business. 🧄

Natasha discusses her Nuffield Scholarship topic, which focuses on farm certification and how it can enhance profitability and promote agroecological practices. Her approach aims to correct market failures by creating transparency in food production, enabling consumers to understand the environmental and health benefits of their choices. 🌱

Her story is one of resilience, detailing how her family rebuilt their business from scratch after financial challenges. From farmers’ markets to a thriving tourist destination, Natasha’s work highlights the power of direct consumer relationships and sustainable business practices. 🏡

Natasha also dives into her global travels, from the UK to Africa and Europe, and shares plans to explore innovative certification schemes in New Zealand, California, and Estonia. Her passion for education and connecting consumers with the origins of their food shines through every step of her journey. 🌍

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#NatashaEdwards #R2Kast #TheGarlicFarm #HowdenRural #NuffieldScholar #SustainableFarming #GarlicProduction #FarmToFork #AgroecologicalPractices #FarmCertification #EnvironmentalStewardship #TourismAndFarming #GarlicTips #LocalFoodSystems #SustainableLiving #WomenInFarming #FarmingResilience #GlobalAgriculture #ConnectingConsumers #BuildingBrands

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Today’s episode of the R2Kast is a bit of a twist! Ed takes over the host’s chair for this Christmas Special, diving into a year in the life of Wallace Currie. 🎄

Wallace reflects on a whirlwind 2024, covering everything from Nuffield travels to exciting developments in education and podcasting. The conversation takes us behind the scenes of his adventures, offering a unique perspective on the ups and downs of an incredible year. 🌍

Ed and Wallace also touch on Wallace’s efforts in promoting rural education, his time with Young Farmers, and some personal milestones that shaped the year. It’s a mix of reflection, celebration, and plenty of laughs along the way. 🎙️

Wrapping up, Wallace hints at something big he’s targeting for 2025—you’ll have to listen to hear what! 🌟

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#R2Kast #ChristmasSpecial #WallaceCurrie #EdInterviewsWallace #NuffieldScholarship #YoungFarmers #RuralEducation #Podcasting #Farming2024 #Reflections #FoodAndFarming #HowdenRural #BehindTheScenes #AgricultureInnovation #UKFarming #FarmersVoice #RuralScotland #DynamicFarming #FutureOfFarming #AgricultureJourney

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Today we welcome Ben Taylor-Davies onto the R2Kast. Known widely as RegenBen, Ben brings a refreshing perspective to regenerative agriculture, defining it as “replacing death with life.” This philosophy underpins his approach to farming and land management, where the focus is on reviving ecosystems and creating a balance between productivity and sustainability. 🌱

Ben shares his five pillars of regenerative agriculture, which serve as a foundation for his work: no disturbance, living roots, soil armour, diversity, and the introduction of livestock. He explains how implementing these principles helps improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and create resilient agricultural systems that benefit both farmers and the environment. 🐄

His work extends far beyond the UK, as Ben has played a significant role in regenerative farming projects across the globe. From consulting on soil health in Africa to promoting biodiversity in Europe and beyond, his global perspective enriches his approach and highlights the universal importance of sustainable agriculture. 🌍

In addition to his innovative farming practices, Ben delves into how his ADHD has shaped his approach to life and work. He describes it as his “superpower,” enabling him to think outside the box and find creative solutions to complex challenges in agriculture. His openness about mental health provides valuable insight and inspiration for others in the farming community. 🧠

Ben also reflects on the importance of reconnecting people with the land and promoting sustainable practices that ensure the long-term health of both farms and communities. His passion for educating others and advocating for change shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of farming. 🌍

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#BenTaylorDavies #RegenBen #RegenerativeAgriculture #R2Kast #HowdenRural #SustainableFarming #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #ADHDSuperpower #MentalHealthAwareness #LivestockIntegration #DiverseFarming #AgricultureInnovation #FarmToFork #ResilientFarming #EnvironmentalStewardship #FarmingCommunity #RegenerativePrinciples #GlobalAgriculture #SustainablePractices #FutureOfFarming #ConnectingWithLand

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