Wilson & Ashley

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We're starting this week's episode with animal welfare and the UK Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy for England, which aims to cover farmed animals, pets and wildlife under one policy framework. With proposed changes ranging from livestock production systems to dog breeding and wildlife management, we ask whether one strategy can realistically work for such different animals — and whether farming continues to carry a disproportionate share of the welfare spotlight.

We discuss the role of the supply chain, the risk of UK farmers being undercut by imports produced to lower standards, and whether higher welfare actually leads to better profitability, or if price still dominates consumer choice. 

In the second half, we turn to life online and what it really means to “go offline”. For farmers and rural businesses, social media has become a diary, a marketing tool and a community for support and knowledge transfer — but stepping back could mean both relief and financial risk. We talk about mental wellbeing and whether going offline is even realistic for businesses that rely on digital platforms to survive.

Before we go, we’re delighted to announce BKT and Kirkby Tyres as headline sponsors for our next series, and we’re excited to see the partnership grow.

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@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

Welcome back to Episode 19 of the Wilson & Ashley Podcast — our final episode before Christmas! Somehow, despite an entire year to prepare, we’ve managed to finish on Episode 19 instead of 20 (sorry to those of you who like your round numbers!) A festive combination of poor planning, questionable maths, and general disorganisation. Should we record a bonus episode to fix it? Maybe. Probably. (Almost definitely not.)

Before we fully embrace the Christmas spirit, we tackle a serious and increasingly important issue following an Irish Farmers Journal undercover investigation: the use of antibiotics in livestock production in Brazil, how it links directly to the Mercosur trade deal, and why it matters for the UK and global food systems. We explore what this could mean for animal welfare standards, farming competitiveness, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance against the backdrop of international trade agreements and substandard agricultural imports.

It’s a a serious conversation, but one we felt needed discussion as tensions around the Mercosur trade deal continue and concerns grow about how imported food is produced compared to UK farming standards.

As ever, the episode doesn’t stay entirely on track. Along the way we reflect on how we’ve somehow become serious adults, momentarily forget who Fleetwood Mac are (a low point), debate whether our microphones were actually worth the money, and discover that not everyone knows who Mr Beast is — despite him having hundreds of millions of YouTube subscribers.

The episode wraps up with a Christmas-themed second half, as we touch on the potential of a turkey shortage before the big day and how one journalist decided to take matters into her own hands...

Join us for episode 19 before we attempt to redeem ourselves in the new year… when we may have a big surprise waiting.

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

In this episode, we’re tackling the controversy around the recent Budget Day farmer protest in London — what was meant to be a well-planned, low-disruption demonstration against the proposed “family farm tax” turned chaotic after the Met Police reversed permissions less than 24 hours before farmers arrived. Tractors were banned from Whitehall, some still made it into central London, a few were seized, and several farmers were arrested simply for bringing their vehicles. We chat through why this happened, the questions Victoria Atkins has now put to the Met, and whether farmers are right to feel they’re experiencing “two-tier policing.” 

We then switch gears to the biodegrading wool video that’s gone viral on social media. One comment really stuck with us: “Every polyester shirt ever produced is still here.” 

With Charlotte’s background in wool processing, we talk through why we shear sheep, UK wool quality, and the realities of the wool market — including our own worked example of just how little profit a 200-ewe flock can make once shearing and labour are accounted for.

We also highlight the real strengths of wool: its ability to absorb moisture, its low environmental footprint, and the fact it naturally locks away carbon — a stark contrast to synthetics.

We also share insights from the British Wool event at St Martins University in London, covering farmer-to-fashion storytelling, consumer perceptions, and the high standards of British sheep farming.

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

In this episode of Wilson & Ashley, we unpack two big, and sometimes controversial, topics shaping the future of food and farming: Cambridge University’s move towards a 100% plant-based menu and the fast-growing interest in regenerative agriculture across the UK.

We begin with Cambridge University’s 2023 vote supporting fully plant-based catering across its services — a decision driven by sustainability arguments and student-led climate activism. But has the plan actually become reality? And what would large-scale plant-based menus mean for British livestock farmers, nutrition, food culture and student choice? We look at the latest updates, and why food can become politicised. 

Then we turn to regenerative farming: the buzzword everyone’s using, but which is also drawing criticism for its potential to be polarising. We break down some of the principles of regenerative agriculture and explain why regen systems are being championed particularly in the supply chain by companies including Waitrose, Arla, McCain, Nestlé and more. We also explore the realities for farmers: yield dips during transition, changing skillsets, expectations, and the debate around regen premiums.

This episode really digs into the future of how food is grown, sold and served.

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

In this episode of the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we explore two major stories shaping farming and rural life. First, it's the rise of female ranchers in the US, sparked by a recent US Guardian article. We're lucky enough to hear in detail from a real life cowgirl, Faith from Little Jennie Ranch.

 With women now making up more than 36% of agricultural producers in America—compared to just 16% of principal farmers in England—we discuss why this shift is happening, how ranching culture is changing, and what life is really like for these working women. From the influence of Yellowstone and country music to the realities of mental health, community, and the stereotypes still facing women in agriculture, we unpack the gap between the romantic image of ranching and the hard graft behind it.

We then turn to a story which has been bubbling in UK headlines for a year: inheritance tax. Many listeners will have seen the viral Countryfile clip of farmer Tom Rees talking about the emotional impact of the proposed IHT changes. We break down what the reforms actually mean—from the new £1 million cap on full agricultural and business property relief to why so many farms, being asset rich and cash poor, will struggle to pay. With government claiming small family farms will be protected and farming bodies warning that thousands could be exposed every year, we look at the reality behind the headlines. We also discuss the human cost, the threat to family farms and food security, and what listeners can do to support the industry and stay informed.

A powerful episode covering women in agriculture, ranching culture, inheritance tax, and the future of family farms.

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

First up, we’re heading to Australia to ask: do they do it better when it comes to farm employment and training? From government-backed gap year schemes like AgCareerStart to hands-on training farms for short-term workers, we explore how the Aussies attract and upskill new people into agriculture — and whether the UK could learn a thing or two.  But is the cost really worth it and we can't help but touch on the weather in Aus versus the UK!

Then we turn to your social media feeds. How many of the people you follow buy engagement and followers or pay for promotions. What's the real value of viral videos and is it ever worth faking it online, or does authenticity always win in the end?

This episode was inspired by content from Gabby and Charlie Travels  and The Social Farmhouse

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

Is there any hope for farmers when it comes to political decision-making? We're fresh back from the Conservative Party Conference, invited by Victoria Atkins, Conservative MP and Shadow Environment Secretary, where it really did feel like farming took centre stage.

In this episode, we talk more about Victoria's declaration of the "food and farming emergency” that we're facing and what this really means for farmers, family businesses, and consumers. From scrapping the Family Farm Tax to putting food production back at the heart of policy, are we seeing genuine support for rural communities, or just political posturing?

Then, we turn to The Guardian’s recent piece on changes to Skilled Worker Visas threatening the future of UK farm labour. With many farms unable to recruit locally, could tightening visa rules cripple production — or is it time to rethink training, pay, and working conditions?

Featuring insights from Amy (@thedairydaughter), and your listener questions on how Westminster misunderstands farming, this episode brings politics and real farming life together in typical Wilson & Ashley style.

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

Schooling. It’s something we’ve both talked about a lot beyond the podcast—mainly because our own experiences couldn’t have been more different. In this episode, we tackle the big question of: to school or not to school?

Prompted by a viral Stacey Dooley reel and plenty of conversations in our own new Podcast Community on Facebook, we explore the rise of home schooling in the UK, the realities of state vs. private education, and how farming children fit into the picture.

From resilience and life skills, to whether schools prepare kids for the real world—or whether that’s down to parents—we share our thoughts, your comments, and some surprising stats. We also get into whether rural kids are at a disadvantage, and why having farming families in school can shape more than just the rural community.

So whether you’re a parent weighing up the options, a farmer who’s been there, or just curious about how education fits into life on and off the farm, this episode’s for you.

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

In this episode, we're talking about the Love Island star, Farmer Will, and his new business venture.  It promises a behind-the-scenes look at British farming, exclusive workshops, and early access to new products. We explore whether this approach bridges the gap between farmers and consumers or oversimplifies the realities of farming life. We reflect on privilege and accessibility, asking: who really gets to have an opinion on how food is grown and sold? We also look at how Farmer Will compares to other initiatives, including Riverford, and discuss the complexities of transparency, sourcing, and pricing in modern British food boxes.

In the second section, we tackle cyberbullying in farming communities. What does it actually look like online, and why do anonymous platforms bring out harsher behaviour? We explore the online disinhibition effect, the role of group admins, and the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with accountability in the digital worlds. Plus, we share real messages and experiences from farmers navigating these tricky online dynamics.

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

If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs 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

This week, we're talking about the first ever and compeltely unique Borderline Challenge, being undertaken by Cumbrian brother-and-sister duo Hugh and Alex Addision. It's all in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and with a £10,000 fundraising target already smashed, their incredible journey not only pushes physical limits but also shines a spotlight on the growing mental health crisis in farming communities.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-borderline-challenge

RABI - https://rabi.org.uk/ or call 0800 188 4444 24 hours a day

We also tackle the wildfire raging across Langdale Moor in the North York Moors — 2,000 acres destroyed, critical habitats lost, and questions over why these fires are becoming more frequent. From controlled burning to the role of farmers on the frontlines, and from politics to public support, we ask: what does this mean for our countryside and for the people who live and work in it?

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.