In this conversation, Ben Hunt, a sustainability consultant, discusses the complexities of carbon markets, particularly focusing on the role of farmers in carbon sequestration. He explains the differences between regulated and voluntary carbon markets, the importance of additionality in carbon credits, and the challenges farmers face in navigating this evolving landscape. The discussion highlights the potential benefits of carbon markets for farmers while also addressing the risks and moral implications involved.

In this conversation, Jake Freestone, Farm Manager at Overbury Farms, discusses the multifaceted approach to modern farming, emphasising the importance of regenerative agriculture, resilience in the face of climate change, and the role of organisations like LEAF. He shares insights on the challenges of improving wheat yields, the necessity of long-term thinking in farming practices, and the importance of risk management and innovation. Additionally, Jake highlights the work of the Green Farm Collective in promoting sustainable farming practices and engaging with consumers to build trust in regenerative agriculture.

In this conversation, Tim Stephens discusses the intersection of water management and farming, emphasising the importance of collaboration between farmers and water companies to improve water quality. He outlines the challenges faced in maintaining water standards, the investments made to support farmers, and the various strategies employed to engage with them. The discussion also covers the need for holistic water management approaches, the physical changes farmers can implement, the significance of training, and the global perspectives on water management. Tim highlights the technological innovations in nutrient management and concludes with actionable steps for farmers to enhance their water management practices.

In this conversation, Jade Prince, head of soils at Hutchinson's, discusses the critical role of soil health in agriculture, the importance of knowledge exchange among farmers, and the innovative research and technologies being developed to enhance soil management practices. Jade shares insights from her upcoming Nuffield research on soil biological analysis and emphasizes the need for collaboration between researchers and farmers to effectively implement scientific findings in practical farming.

In this conversation, Charlie Steer, an arable manager at Grosvenor Farms, discusses the principles and practices of circular farming systems. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture, nutrient management, and the integration of biodiversity and water management. Charlie shares insights on the evolution of farming practices, the economic viability of circular systems, and the significance of soil health. He also highlights the mindset shift occurring in agriculture towards more resource-efficient practices and offers advice for farmers looking to implement circular systems.

In this conversation, Toby Simpson discusses his experiences and insights on cover cropping in agriculture, focusing on its benefits for soil health, resilience, and biodiversity. He shares his journey from traditional farming practices to adopting cover crops and no-till systems, highlighting the importance of experimentation and learning from global practices. The discussion also touches on community engagement, innovative practices, and the need for policy support to encourage sustainable farming methods.

For this episode we’re looking back upon series two of RASE Farm of the Future Podcast. Host Iory is joined by series producer Natasha Smith for a reflection upon some of the key takeaways from the series. They share their thoughts on recruitment in the farming industry today, their learnings from Iory’s conversations with guests throughout the series and the concepts and ideas where they see real potential for change.

RASE Farm of the Future Podcast will return for a third series. If there are any particular topics you’d like to hear explored on the podcast, please do let us know by sending a message to any of RASE’s socials.

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For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.

For this episode we’re joined by Paul Harris, founder and MD of Real Success Ltd. which offers recruitment consultancy, HR advice, succession planning and leadership training. Paul shares his ten foundation stones that underpin the recruitment process basics and outlines what farm businesses can do to ensure they’re hiring the very best people.

Paul speaks at a wide variety of major farming industry events, writes for Farmers Weekly and Farmers Guardian, and his latest book Happy Team, Happy Farm was a finalist in the Business Book of The Year 2024 Awards.

For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website

For this episode we are joined by Peter Craven, Head of Agriculture at Natural England, to focus on running a family business.

Peter, who has focused his career on helping others to succeed, provides simple and universal advice for navigating the complexities of running a family business, from family charters, crucial questions at the core of the business, to management, leadership, and succession.

Peter completed a Nuffield on how to turn a family farming business and from his findings is able to simplify an often intimidating topic that is close to home for many businesses in agriculture.

For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.

For this episode we’re joined by Richard Hooper, director of The Future Farm at Harper Adams University, which provides teaching and research of mixed farming operations across arable, pigs, sheep, poultry, beef and dairy over its 493 hectares, whilst operating as a commercial farm.

Richard is also an agricultural management specialist with over three decades of experience. He’s a Nuffield scholar and has proven track record in improving all aspects of unit production. In this episode Richard shares his views on ways in which an agricultural business can be a great employer.

For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.