This week’s podcast is a very special insight into diversity and inclusivity in farming from the Oxford Farming Conference. News reporter Chris Brayford sat down with Inclusive Farm co-founder Mike Duxbury and dairy farmer Rory Christie from Dumfries during the conference to discuss the issues surrounding diversity in farming and the positive inroads being made to do even more. Mike, who was registered blind at the age of six-years-old, provided an inspirational key-note speech at the Oxford Farming Conference to showcase how anything can be achieved regardless of your background through hard-work, dedication and support in an industry we call our own. He challenged the industry to do even in an industry where people should be recognised for their commitment, rather than by what they cannot do. The team from Farmers Guardian - including Chris, chief reporter Rachael Brown and editor Olivia Midgley - were all at the conference last week to listen to a jam-packed programme on the power of diversity. We gained reaction and thoughts from farmers and industry leaders who participated in some thought-provoking and challenging debate around the issues impacting diversity in farming. There are still many challenges the industry faces in becoming more diverse - not just its people, but in its thoughts and actions. But we cannot forget the positive steps the farming profession has made in becoming one of the most welcoming and adaptable professions in the world. We should be proud of this industry and the in-roads it is making to learn, adapt and overcome the barriers to farming. We really hope you enjoy this week’s podcast.

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