Toplines and Tales

One of the most successful Angus and Hereford breeders in Ireland, Mathew Goulding talks through his journey with both breeds. Mathew attributes his initial success by applying principles in female families that he learned through growing up on a dairy farm. With wise words such as ‘every cow has to be a machine in your factory’ and ‘idle cows are a drain on resources, adding to carbon footprint’, you soon get an understanding why Mathew has become one of the highest regarded cattle breeders in Europe.

From a top stockman to one of the most successful breed CEO’s, David Benson has been involved in Charolais cattle, both man and boy. We have a chat about his early years with the breed as well as his reflection on what he and the breed has achieved during his 29 years at the helm of such a great society.   

Top auctioneer from North East England, Drew Patrick, speaks to me about the essential role of the livestock auction market in UK as well as the state of play with the industry, before delving into some more controversial subjects in current livestock business.

Gavin Douglas was a highly respected sheep breeder in the Scottish Borders who sadly died earlier this year. I chat to his neighbour and friend Derek Redpath about the prowess of Gavin and how his South Country Cheviot flock has been consistently at the top of the breed, as well as his depth of knowledge across the sheep industry.

Phil Stocker has been CEO for the National Sheep Association for 12 years and he gives us an insight into what the NSA provide for the UK sheep industry. We discuss animal welfare, general sheep statistics and the prospect of the live export trade re-opening for breeding animals, among a host of other interesting sheep facts including carbon responsibility and what NSA are doing to encourage youngsters into the industry.

An entertaining episode when I chat with fellow podcaster, Noel Clancy, based in southern Ireland who runs the highly successful ‘Out the Gap’ podcast. His monthly podcast speaks to folks in live rural locations and he compares the difference and tribulations with live recording versus studio. We also kick some conversation about the price of food, some ribbing about the rugby and few other interesting subjects.

Hill farmer and social influencer Gareth talks candidly through how we must work harder to try and resolve the disconnect between agriculture and the general public. Through his high-profile media presence, he also speaks about how we all need to pull together as well, as issues of mental health and protecting the environment.

Film producer Gareth Fielding divulges a fascinating look into what happens behind the scenes filming the popular series This Farming Life which airs on BBC TV shortly. From choosing the farmers, filming from the shadows and the hours of recording that need to be edited into 12 hours of viewing, this really is a fascinating insight into how mainstream media works from the programme’s producer.                                                   

This week one of UK’s leading breeders and stockmen, Ali Jackson, speaks to us about his many successes as well as an insight into some of his feeding regimes. We are also joined by Jordan Aitken, local representative from Harbro about how their feed helps customers such as Ali towards producing their stock in such top condition.

Another well known face around the cattle lines across Scotland, Bob McWalter shares some of his life and stories with Toplines and Tales from a long, fun-filled and able career in the business.