Jeff and Katie Aiken join Farmers Guardian’s Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder for the latest episode of For Flock’s Sake.

Known throughout the sheep world for their success with the renowned Procters Texel flock, the Aiken family have experienced both the highs of pedigree sheep breeding and the challenge of starting again.

In this episode, Jeff and Katie discuss growing up in livestock, life on the show circuit, the family dynamic behind their success and rebuilding at Ainstable Hall with the Coniston flock following the dispersal of Procters.

For Flock’s Sake is Farmers Guardian’s monthly special podcast series shining a spotlight on young farmers, new entrants and showcasing real farming stories to inspire the next generation of British agriculture.

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For years, many growers questioned whether oilseed rape still had a future in UK arable rotations. Pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle, difficult establishment seasons and rising input costs pushed confidence in the crop to some of its lowest levels in decades.

But after two stronger seasons, sentiment is beginning to shift.

So why is oilseed rape making a comeback on some farms? What are successful growers doing differently? And can OSR once again become a reliable and profitable break crop in modern arable rotations?

In this episode, we’re joined by Nigel Padbury from Premium Crops and Dorset farm manager Tom Baker to discuss the latest thinking around OSR establishment, varietal choice, cabbage stem flea beetle management, crop nutrition and rotational strategy.

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The Farmers' Choir stormed through Britain's Got Talent semi-finals at weekend, soaring in to the final as possible winners.

With the whole of the UK's farming community behind them, the choir hope to spotlight some of the main issues facing agriculture, such as mental health and isolation. The choir was originally set up by Jeremy Clarkson to promote his Hawkstone beer and cider business, but its members found it was a way to get people off the farm.

In this special podcast, Katie Fallon speaks to Katryna and Ben from the choir to find out more.

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In the wake of the elections in Wales and Scotland, and the uncertainty over the future of Sir Keir Starmer, Alex Black and Jane Thynne discuss the latest changes in politics and what it means for the agriculture sector.

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What does a career in agriculture look like in 2026? On this episode of the Farmers Guardian podcast, students and staff from Myerscough College discuss modern farming careers, college life, the changes in the industry over the recent decades and the opportunities available across the agricultural sector.

A massive thanks to David, Rachael, Molly and Josh for their time and to Myerscough College for hosting us

To learn more about the college, and the courses they offer, visit https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/

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Livestock auction marts are a vital cog in keeping the rural community turning, with around 130 active auction marts scattered across the UK. Nowhere is this more evident than in Northumberland, the least densely populated county in England. 

 In this episode of For Flock’s Sake, the Farmers Guardian podcast championing young voices in farming, hosts Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder sit down with auctioneers Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood from Hexham and Northern Marts in Northumberland. 

From breaking into the auctioneering world to building trust and transparency in the ring, Drew and Harrison share their journeys and insights into the job and discuss how marts are evolving, reinvesting, diversifying, and adapting to secure their future, much like the farming businesses they serve.

 Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at [email protected] 

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Join us for our second arable special where Farmers Guardian head of arable, Ash Ellwood, visits Duchy of Cornwall's Focus Farmers, Heather and Paul Gorringe. Together, they explore the Gorringes' journey from a conventionally plough-based system to a biologically focused, regenerative system - and lessons they are learning along the way through the Focus Farmer programme.
 
The Duchy of Cornwall’s regenerative ambitions are brought to life through its seven ‘Focus Farms’, each representing a different landscape and farming system across the estate. The initiative is designed to fast-track progress towards net zero while building a more nature-rich farming future, by trialling innovative practices and technologies.
 
At Lower Blakemere Farm, the Gorringes are putting these ideas into action - experimenting with biological inputs, composting systems, nutrient-rich brews, and adapting small-scale regenerative principles for large-scale arable production.
 
From Stabiliser cattle and mini trucks to bokashi composting, this episode is packed with practical insights and ideas for every kind of farmer.
 
Find out more:
https://www.lowerblakemerefarm.co.uk
https://www.ukminitrucks.co.uk
https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk

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In this week's Farmers Guardian podcast, we take a look at the wool industry, touching on its diversity and the problems faced within the industry. We are joined with Harriet Fletcher Gilhuys, textiles researcher at Fashion Roundtable who will talk about the Great British Wool Revival and its support for the farm to fabric journey.  

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War in the Middle East is placing a heavy toll on UK farmers. Coverage in Farmers Guardian in recent weeks has revealed the extent and impact of skyrocketing prices to red diesel, heating oil and fertiliser since the Middle East crisis escalated on February 28. The crisis has placed an additional £25,000 on fuel bills for some farm businesses, and others have claimed the UK is lurching into a food security crisis if the Government does not act immediately to support domestic food production. In response to claims that the UK Government is preparing a ‘worst case scenario’ for the possibility of food shortages, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said it is ‘not a concern’ for the UK economy at present. But if war in Iran continues beyond the summer, it could place even greater pressure on planting decisions, affordability and the availability of resources. Is the UK really prepared for food shortages? Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said de-escalating the crisis and reopening the Strait of Hormuz is the only way to stop the price volatility experienced by farmers. But as each day passes, and with no signs of a peace deal in sight, the question is how long can farmers withstand pressures on their businesses? And is protesting an appropriate form of action?

Farmers For Action co-ordinator William Taylor joins us on the podcast to discuss the impact of the war on UK food producers, the impact of Inheritance Tax on farm profitability, if UK farmers will hold protests, the influence of the fuel strikes of 2000, and the importance of UK Government passing a Farm Welfare Bill to bring about fairness in the food supply chain.

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In partnership with the Cultivate ‘Leading Through Change’ Conference, Farmers Guardian editorial director Olivia Midgley speaks to chair of Noble Foods, Sarah Dean and fifth generation cider-maker Eleanor Thatcher of Thatchers Cider, about what good leadership looks like in family businesses, the opportunities and threats on the horizon and why weight loss jabs and artificial intelligence should be embraced in food and farming. 

We also catch up with Andy Venable, CEO and founder of Hillsgreen, who started the Cultivate conference back in 2020

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