Wilson & Ashley

Put your thoughts into the mix

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has been calling on the fashion industry to ditch wool, with protesters even crashing New York Fashion Week. But is wool inherently cruel, or is there a difference between animal abuse and sheep being shorn for their fleece?

PETA has released footage of sheep being mistreated during shearing, but we hear from contributors from England Shearing and the National Sheep Association who describe the skill and training involved in shearing and the commitment to animal welfare. 

Can certification schemes hold shearers to account? What would happen to sheep if we stopped using wool? Are alternatives to wool really any better for the environment? Plus, are Easycare sheep like those seen on Clarkson's Farm the answer?

The Jury's Out details Charlotte's obsession with neighbours (the farming ones, not the TV show!)

As always, let us know what you think, and a big thank you to our sponsors, Kirkby Tyres and BKT, for supporting the Wilson & Ashley Podcast.

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

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Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

Before we get onto this week's episode, Charlotte has been creating the most amazing pieces of wool artwork! The two unique pieces will be auctioned off at the upcoming British Farming Awards to raise money for the Farming Community Network. So, if you’re heading to the awards, make sure you’ve got your pennies ready!

Now, onto the SFI debacle. The application window opened suddenly and the funding which helps farmers deliver good environmental outcomes was gone in a matter of hours. Add in the IT issues, helpline problems and farmers who weren’t even aware the window had opened, and it’s fair to say it was a bit of a shambles.

What actually happened, was there ever enough money available in the first place, and what on earth farmers are supposed to do now?

We talk about the first-come, first-served approach to government funding, whether farming should be treated differently to other industries, and why there seems to be so much judgement from people who think farmers should just get on with it without any support.

We touch on the familiar accusation that this Labour Government is anti-farming - is this the case, or is farming being pushed to change in ways that farmers aren’t necessarily happy with? 

The Jury's Out shares a song we are completely OBSESSED with!

A big thank you to our sponsors, Kirkby Tyres and BKT, for supporting the Wilson & Ashley Podcast.

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

M&S is bringing artificial intelligence onto British dairy farms, using cameras and algorithms to monitor the health, behaviour and comfort of cows across all 46 farms in its Milk Pool.

The technology is designed to spot changes earlier and give farmers more detailed information about individual cows — but does more technology automatically mean better animal welfare?

We look at how M&S is using AI, what it could mean for the future of dairy farming, and whether consumers are willing to pay more for higher welfare and new technology. 

Plus, The Jury’s Out, and this week Rebecca has a problem with TikTok’s automatic send button.

Thank you as always, to BKT and Kirkby Tyres.

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

Following last week’s episode about the Animal Rising farrowing crate protest, this week on The Wilson & Ashley Podcast we’re taking a closer look at factory farming and mega farms.

We start by looking at how Animal Rising defines a “factory farm” — and why their definition is based on the production system and conditions rather than simply the number of animals.

That leads us into the wider debate around large-scale farming in Britain. We look at the growth of larger beef and dairy farms, indoor housing, animal welfare, efficiency and economies of scale.

Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean worse welfare, and we discuss whether larger farms can actually have advantages when it comes to investment in infrastructure, staff, health and nutrition. We also look at the challenges facing smaller family farms and whether scale is becoming an inevitable part of the future of British agriculture.

Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, as one of our listeners from the US reveals what they’re completely over!

Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast.

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

There’s a woman in a farrowing crate in Trafalgar Square — but what exactly is Animal Rising trying to tell us about pig farming?

In this episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast, we’re looking at the protest involving Michelle, the Animal Rising activist who put herself inside a farrowing crate as part of their campaign to end factory farming in Britain by 2040.

The campaign centres around Luna, a sow filmed by Animal Rising during a month-long investigation at a pig farm. We look at the footage, the way it is presented, and some of the farming practices highlighted in the video.

But how much context is missing?

We discuss what farrowing crates are, why they are used, the welfare arguments for and against them, and what UK law actually says. We also look at the challenges of moving towards crate-free systems, including cost, infrastructure, labour, piglet mortality and the potential impact on British pork production - thank you to pig farmer Anna Longthorp for her contribution. 

And then there’s Michelle in the crate. Is comparing a human to a sow an effective way of communicating the welfare issue — or does it simply provoke an emotional reaction?

Is the protest presenting a powerful image and what do we really think about farrowing crates. 

Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, with Charlotte revealing what she’s completely over this week.

Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast.

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

Can we restore nature while still producing enough food? And which Derek has the better argument?

In this episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast, we’re talking about Derek vs Derek, the new documentary putting two very different visions of the British countryside head-to-head.

We’ve seen the film ahead of its official UK release, so we’re giving you our thoughts after our trip to London!

On one side is Derek Banbury, an intensive dairy farmer who sees food production and caring for the countryside as entirely compatible. On the other is Derek Gow, a former sheep farmer who has moved into rewilding, creating habitat and bringing species such as beavers and wild boar back to his land.

We discuss the film’s central question: can we restore nature and biodiversity while still producing enough food?

Did the trailer give us the wrong impression? Is the film anti-farming, a defence of farmers, or a genuinely balanced look at the debate? We also discuss Britain's nature-depletion narrative, and what we actually see on farmland — from swallows and insects to soils, watercourses and wildlife.

And, most importantly… which Derek was more persuasive?

Plus, The Jury’s Out returns, with Rebecca revealing her latest obsession.

Watch the Derek vs Derek trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeZbO-t3rlA

Thank you as always to BKT and Kirkby Tyres for supporting the podcast.

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

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Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

We're taking a closer look at misinformation in the countryside, how quickly assumptions about farming can spread online, and why sometimes what you think you’re seeing isn’t necessarily what’s happening.

In this episode:

• Why do people so often form opinions about farming without knowing the full story?
• The assumptions people make about pesticides and plant protection products
• How many misunderstandings about farming could be cleared up with a simple conversation with a farmer?
• Do farmers need to be more accountable and open to questions from consumers?
• Is misinformation deliberately created to generate engagement and feed the social media algorithm?
• Do farmers sometimes contribute to the problem through out-of-context posts and deliberately provocative content?
• Are farmers too defensive or dismissive when people ask questions?
• How can farmers and the public have better conversations about agriculture?

We discuss where legitimate questions end and misinformation begins — and whether farmers themselves need to do more to challenge misconceptions about modern farming.

Thank you to Kirkby Tyres and BKT Tyres for keeping the wheels of farming turning. 

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

Farmers are notoriously good at saying “I’ll be fine” — but when it comes to serious injuries and accidents on farms, waiting for it to get better isn’t always an option.

In this episode, we talk about farming accidents, farm safety and why farmers can be so reluctant to seek medical help, before taking a look at the new RABI Farmers Aid app, designed to help in the crucial minutes after an accident while you’re waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

In this episode:

• Why farmers are often reluctant to call 999 or go to A&E
• The culture of self-reliance and “just get on with it”
• Why accidents can be particularly difficult to deal with on remote farms
• RABI's research into farmers' health and wellbeing
• The shocking statistics around agricultural fatalities in the UK
• The new RABI Farmers Aid app and how it can help in an emergency
• The importance of the “platinum ten minutes” after a serious injury
• Using What3Words to help emergency services find you

And Charlotte reveals something she is currently obsessed with…

Download the RABI Farmers Aid app and make sure you have it before you need it: https://rabi.org.uk/rabi-officially-launches-farmersaid-app-to-support-response-to-critical-on-farm-accidents/ 

Thank you to Kirkby Tyres and BKT Tyres for keeping the wheels of farming turning. 

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

Almost three quarters of England is in drought at the time of recording— so what does that actually mean for farmers, food production and the price of our food?

We’re talking about what we’re seeing on our own farms, from crop yields and forage to water availability, boreholes and the risk of fires, as well as some of the less obvious consequences of a dry summer, including livestock disease.

But there’s a bigger question too: when there isn’t enough water, who should get it?

Should farmers be allowed to abstract more water to protect crops and livestock? What about rivers, wildlife and drinking water? And why does water abstraction become such a contentious issue whenever we have a dry summer?

We’re also talking about why drought is suddenly getting so much attention in the mainstream media, whether FarmTok is helping consumers understand what’s happening on farms, and what farmers actually need from Government.

So… are farmers justified in complaining about the weather, or do we just need to get on with it?

Plus, after last week’s verdict, The Jury’s Out returns — and Rebecca has found something she is absolutely obsessed with. Hint: it involves guinea pigs and tapirs!

Thank you to BKT Tyres and Kirkby Tyres for sponsoring this podcast and keeping the wheels of farming turning.

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice. 

Put your thoughts into the mix

We’re back! And after a VERY busy summer, we’ve got a lot to catch you up on.

It’s been a while… and when we looked at our diaries, we genuinely don’t know how we were supposed to fit recording a podcast in as well!

From weddings, Cereals at Diddly Squat Farm and Zach Bryan, to the Great Yorkshire Show, The Game Fair, Farm 24 and Meat Up — we’ve basically been here, there and everywhere.

Then we’re introducing something new…

The Jury’s Out.

A new segment where we decide whether something is something we’re completely obsessed with or something we are absolutely, categorically over. And no, it probably won't have anything to do with farming.

This week, Rebecca has had enough of those very noisy close-up eating videos on TikTok. You know the ones. 

And finally, we’ve got an announcement that we know you’re going to be pretty pleased about…

We’re going weekly!

You asked for more episodes, so from now on you’ll be getting Wilson & Ashley every Tuesday. 

It’s very good to be back.

Thank you to BKT Tyres and Kirkby Tyres for sponsoring this podcast and keeping the wheels of farming turning.

Join our Listener Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110531760649475/

If you’ve got a story, an opinion, or an idea for an episode… Send us a DM or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation. 

Subscribe now and let’s get into it!

@wilsonandashley

@rebeccawilsonfarming

@charlotteashleyfarm

Powered by Ridgeline Clothing

Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.