In this episode, Peter is joined by Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries Sourcing at M&S to discuss connecting with the public. What can farmers and retailers learn from each other? In the middle of the show Peter speaks to Cornish farmers Pete and Jenny Olds from Cornhill Farm to discover their secrets of connecting with the public. 

In this second series of Farming Focus we're asking the question 'does my farm have a future?'.

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show

01:07 Peter's Future Farm in 60 seconds.

02:15 Peter introduces Steve McLean, today's guest.

02:28 Steve comes in. 

03:16 The Buy British aisle and how M&S supports UK ag. 

04:14 Valuing UK produce and British sourcing. 

05:49 What do consumers pick up on when it comes to messaging around food?

07:48 What is the role of the farm in marketing messages?

09:00 Who's job is it to engage with customers?

11:43 How can the supply chain work together in future?

13:35 Peter speaks to Pete and Jenny Olds. 

14:02 Pete introduces Cornhill Farm. 

14:42 @cornhillfarm on instagram and Jack Cam.

14:58 Jenny talks about social media and marketing.

17:44 Why is it important for farmers to engage with the public?

19:05 Others in the industry are reliant on agricuilture.

19:42 What 3 skills or attributes will farmers of the future need in order to be successful? - adapt, be good at communicating and be diverse. Reactive; friendly; chatty. 

22:00 Returning to Steve McLean - on engaging with the public. 

23:20 Steve's 3 skills/attributes that farmers of the future will need - communication; be different; open to the next gen. 

24:58 Showstoppers.

27:04 Peter rounds up.