FG’s deputy editor Olivia Midgley speaks to Knight Frank's Mark Topcliff and NFU Energy's Jon Swain for their top tips on how farmers can save money on their energy bills. From something as simple as cleaning out your buildings' fans to make them more efficient, to which renewable energy technology is the best fit for your business. Plus, with planning barriers expected to be relaxed to help the country meet its net zero targets, it might be the perfect time to look at installing a wind turbine. We also bring you the latest on the solar energy market, an update on batter storage and advice on renegotiating your energy tariff.

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Dog attacks on livestock take their toll on everybody involved and sadly it is an issue that continues to plight the countryside.

In this episode Hannah Park speaks to Wales rural and wildlife police crime co-ordinator Rob Taylor who outlines what new laws could mean for those affected. He explains how these would give police more powers when it comes to dealing with dog owners who repeatedly allow their dogs to chase livestock, including tougher penalties and putting restrictions on dog ownership.

We were also joined by Nicola Noble at the National Sheep Association, a body that continues to bang the drum for change through evidence gathering and lobbying for a change to the law.

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British farmers work to some of the highest standards in the world. But media reports and activists can paint farmers in a negative light, holding them accountable for global issues and at times representing them unfairly.

New research by the Farming Community Network has shown how a lack of public understanding and appreciation for farming can contribute to mental ill-health.

This session will debunk some of the popular myths that surround farming, giving farmers the opportunity to highlight the many ways there protecting the environment and the enormous work that goes into providing high-quality animal welfare. It will also showcase how agriculture is an industry that welcomes people from different backgrounds, including those taking their first steps into this challenging, but immensely rewarding way of life. This talked is chaired by Farming Community Network's Alex Phillimore, Addington Fund's Annie Winn and the guest speakers are Andrew Ward, Anna Longthorpe and Will Roobottom

Farming Help

https://www.farminghelp.co.uk/

Farming Community Network

https://fcn.org.uk/

Addington Fund

https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/

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In this month's At Home With episode, Farmers Guardian features editor Emily Ashworth speaks with Beth Withers - or as everyone may know here, the force behind popular Instagram blog Tractors and Tweed. With three young children, Beth documents what daily life is like running a farm and bringing up three young boys. Here Here she talks all things motherhood, life on farm and the the delicate balance of it all.

Watch the video on youtube: https://youtu.be/ahRrElX5Yws

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Alex Black spoke to Farming Minister Mark Spencer about the latest changes to the Environmental Land Management scheme and his role being the voice of the farmer within Defra

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Hannah Park and Emily Ashworth shine a light on some of the fantastic support networks and initiatives in the rural sector which are available to people should they need it with. Join them as they welcome guests Alex Phillimore at the Farming Community Network, a charity at the heart of the rural community providing support in many forms and Sheena Horna, one of the founders of #Run1000 – an initiative set up three years ago to inspire people to get moving and experience the benefits this can have on mental wellbeing in January while raising money for worthy rural charities.

Farming Community Network

https://fcn.org.uk/

#Run1000

https://www.run1000.org/

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Alex Black remembers the key events of 2022 with NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw and takes a look at the farmland market and the trends for the year ahead with Savills' Charlie Paton.

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The next episode in our 'At Home With' series is all about art, country life, women and business with Lucy Gray AKA Doodling Lucy. With over 15,000 followers on Instagram, Lucy has seen her rural based art business blossom, especially after deciding to dedicate herself to it throughout Lockdown. But this is much more than just art, because Lucy is using her platform to highlight mental health, sustainability and champion farming and the rural community.

You can see what Lucy gets up to on her instagram @doodlinglucy5 or visit her website to find out more https://doodlinglucy.com/

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FG editor Ben Briggs reflects on November’s Nuffield Farming Conference, which FG was media partners for. He speaks to former Nuffield scholars, current scholars and organisers of the amazing event in Cardiff and ask them what Nuffield means to them, why people should apply and what makes a good presentation.

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