Best Arable Podcasts (2025)

1
Healing the Soul: On Depression, Anxiety, and Waking Up with Craig Westhoff 33:50

3d ago33:50

33:50

Welcome to the Arable Leader podcast. In this episode, Karl Martin sits down with Craig Westoff for an honest, deeply reflective conversation about authentic leadership and living from the soul. Together, they explore the importance of true, brave, kind, and curious character, revealing how life’s wounds—when faced and healed—can become profound st…

1
Natural capital and the markets 26:39

2d ago26:39

26:39

David delves into the world of natural capital to understand the potential ways farmers could get a financial return on their stock of natural resources such as trees, water, biodiversity, and soils. AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke is also on hand to run through the latest trends in some of the markets. Plus, find out who is a fan of The Cure. More on n…

1
Farmers Weekly Question Time: Tenant Farmers Conference 2025 - Farmers Weekly Question Time 1:00:07

2d ago1:00:07

1:00:07

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Question Time Podcast examines a ground-breaking new farm tenancy agreement. Developed by the Crown Estate and the Tenant Farmers Association, the agreements are called Environmental Farm Business Tenancies (eFBTs). EFBTs are 15-year-long tenancy agreements which encourage tenant farmers to diversify in a way whic…

1
Hottest May Day – crops swelter as temperatures soar, ground-breaking farm tenancies, Rothamsted redundancies, & food security – could rationing return? 48:24

6d ago48:24

48:24

Record-breaking temperatures see crops sweltering in the spring sunshine. A worry or just another challenge for arable growers? UK former home secretary James Cleverly and Save British Farming campaigners say the government must take food security more seriously. As the UK commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and the end of World …

1
UK pork industry post-Brexit 23:49

9d ago23:49

23:49

When exploring the impact of Brexit on the UK pork industry, it's important to understand that there have been multiple compounding factors at play. AHDB analysts Charlotte Forkes-Rees, Hannah Clarke, and Tom Spencer take the reins in order to go through the finer details. Plus, what were you doing five years ago? The Agonomics team reveal how the …

1
The Power of Long-Term Thinking in Leadership and Life 15:22

10d ago15:22

15:22

Welcome to the Arable Leader podcast. In this episode, Karl Martin uses a humorous personal story about dressing "cowboy chic" to explore the deeper meaning of investments in our lives—far beyond financial ones. He unpacks the concept of the Five Capitals: financial, intellectual, physical, relational, and spiritual, urging us to invest not just fo…

1
Blackgrass Battles: How One Idea Sparked a Major Field Trial 20:00

10d ago20:00

20:00

Today we are joined by Agrii's Jamie Lyttle, agronomist, and Greg Taylor, area business manager and agronomist. Our focus is tackling a real challenge - black-grass - and how, through identifying the problem, field-scale trials were able to find real solutions. Let’s hear from the agronomist on that farm about how possible solutions were identified…

1
Will your children sink the family farm? Inheritance tax and succession planning, dairy farms dump milk after processing breakdown, & why climate-friendly farmers are turned off by Net Zero 47:39

14d ago47:39

47:39

In this episode, one in three farmers fear their children will sink the farm business when it's handed on to the next generation. Why farming families are walking a tightrope between succession and inheritance tax. Dairy producers are forced to dump thousands of litres of milk after a breakdown at a key processing plant in Lancashire. We've all the…

1
Agricultural Education is Creating Tomorrow's Farmers Today 33:48

15d ago33:48

33:48

Have you ever wondered if you could thrive in agriculture without growing up on a farm? Paul Flynn's journey proves it's not only possible but potentially transformative for the industry. As Director of Agriculture at East Durham College, Paul entered farming without any agricultural connections, driven purely by his passion for biology and food pr…

1
Trade, tariffs and Trump 31:12

16d ago31:12

31:12

David's joined by AHDB's Head of Economic Analysis, Sarah Baker, to help farmers understand the impact recent tariffs US President Donald Trump introduced could have on UK and global agricultural markets. The pair strip it down to the basics of supply and demand to help make sense of the current uncertainty. Plus, did you spot a mystery Easter bunn…

1
Spiritual Capital: Leading from Soul in a Chaotic World 47:54

17d ago47:54

47:54

In this episode of the Arable Leader podcast, host Karl Martin and JP dive into the nature of spiritual capital—how it shapes both our inner lives and leadership in the modern world. Karl challenges the idea that spirituality is confined to religion, advocating for curiosity, wonder, and connection as inherent in human nature and vital to human flo…

1
Endangered hedges, bonanza beef vision, grant fund to ADOPT innovation, foot-and-mouth meat and dairy import ban, & sweary singing farmers 46:41

22d ago46:41

46:41

In this episode, we get to grips government grants to fund on-farm innovation and technology to improve productivity. With British Beef Week around the corner (23-30 April), we run the rule over the NFU's 10-year vision for the UK's beef industry. We look at why farm hedges could be the latest victim of the government's decision to close the Sustai…

1
Consumer cooking and food trends 24:38

23d ago24:38

24:38

It’s all about food trends as David's joined by analyst Hannah McLoughlin to look at how meat and dairy outperformed alternatives at the start of the year as well as discovering why healthy and convenient meals are on the rise. Apparently, sandwiches reign supreme at lunch although we do like to eat Italian food, pies and pasties whatever the hour.…

1
Leadership is Spiritual: Embracing Deeper Conversations and Their Impact on Leadership 15:35

24d ago15:35

15:35

In this episode, host Karl Martin delves into the challenging and deeply personal conversation about spirituality. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our spiritual nature, asserting that neglecting spiritual capital can undermine other aspects of life. While he is a man of faith, this conversation is not about pushing his beliefs. He ins…

1
Minette's farm profitability review, should farmers really diversify? Resistant wheat shows signs of yellow rust, local food plan report, & auctioneer's giant red fibre glass cow goes missing 55:36

27d ago55:36

55:36

In this episode, the government appoints former NFU president Minette Batters to lead a Defra review to solve farming's 'profitability problem'. Her appointment – by Defra secretary Steve Reed – aims to help growers and livestock producers increase their profit and financial resilience. We ask three experts what Baroness Batters should really be lo…

1
Planting and variety survey opens 24:49

1M ago24:49

24:49

As the annual Planting and Variety Survey opens, David's joined by his AHDB colleague Helen Plant to understand how UK farmers can get involved to help produce an early estimate for crop areas. The pair also look at a recent report on crop conditions. Plus, find out if David's use of sun cream improved since last summer. More on the Planting and Va…

1
Building a Leadership Library: Reading for Growth as Leaders 28:22

1M ago28:22

28:22

Welcome to the Arable Leader podcast. Hosted by Karl Martin, listeners are invited to explore transformative books that have shaped the leadership journeys of guests Emma Wilson, Emily Sanders, and Jonathan Hewitt. Discussions delve into reading habits, the impact of the physical book versus audio formats, and the importance of diverse reading to c…

1
Seed Success: Understanding Treatments, Science & Innovation 30:00

1M ago30:00

30:00

Today we are joined by Agrii’s David Leaper, seed technical specialist, and Poppy Bunting, crop inputs specialist. In this episode, we are taking a technical dive into seed treatments. Exploring traditional seed treatments and their viability alongside the new biological offerings, understanding soil borne pathogens, seed borne insects, diseases an…

1
Bread strike & hot cross buns, Trump & tariffs, animal disease & border controls, AHDB levy board future, & Sustainable Farming Incentive latest 52:46

1M ago52:46

52:46

In this episode, livestock industry leaders warn of a devastating animal disease outbreak unless the government tightens border controls. MPs quiz. Defra minister Daniel Zeichner as cereal growers 'go on strike' in protest at government policies affecting UK farming. Will there really be no hot cross buns at Easter? We've the latest on the Sustaina…

1
Battle bluetongue and cost calculator 24:14

1M ago24:14

24:14

David turns his attention to the bluetongue virus which poses a big threat to the beef, lamb and dairy sectors. He's joined by AHDB colleagues to learn more about the Battle Bluetongue campaign as well as a vaccine finance calculator that can help farmers work out what they'll spend or save defending their stock. Plus, there's a discussion around (…

1
Intellectual Capital: Distinguishing Knowledge from Wisdom 35:02

1M ago35:02

35:02

In this week's episode of the Arable Leader podcast, host Karl Martin and guest Jonathan Hewitt explore the nuances between accumulating knowledge and cultivating true wisdom. They delve into the importance of intellectual humility, lifelong learning, and the relational aspect of wisdom. The discussion touches on the differentiation between thinkin…

1
Red Tractor pledges smarter farm audits, action plan to reduce pesticide usage, & vigilance needed after bird flu confirmed in sheep 53:09

1M ago53:09

53:09

In this episode, the Red Tractor assurance scheme responds to criticism by pledging to make farm audits easier for farmers. We speak to the Red Tractor interim chairman Alistair Mackintosh and operations director Philippa Wiltshire. Also in this episode – the government unveils long awaited plans to reduce pesticide usage by 10% within five years. …

1
Milk forecasting forum 25:20

1M ago25:20

25:20

David's back in the company of AHDB's lead dairy analyst, Susie Stannard, to talk about the recent Milk Forecasting Forum and pick out some of the main points of conversation. From herd size and milk yields to the availability of replacement heifers, there’s plenty for the pair to look at. Plus find out who's been doing some upcycling. More from th…

1
Growth Through Discomfort: Dane Sanders on Physical Health and Leadership 31:55

1M ago31:55

31:55

Welcome to the Arable Leader podcast. Today, Karl Martin engages in a vibrant discussion with Dane Sanders, Vice President of Employee Development and Performance at Common Thread Collective. Their dialogue centers around the concept of doing hard things, exploring how physicality serves as a gateway to personal growth across five capitals: finance…

1
How to rescue the Sustainable Farming Incentive, farmers ramp up food production, pressure on spring seed and fertiliser, red diesel rumours, & why big business wants to invest in your farm 52:42

2M ago52:42

52:42

In this episode, farmers ramp up food production following the closure of the government's flagship environmental scheme. Arable growers who were preparing Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications are now drilling spring crops instead – with strong demand for spring seed and fertiliser. Natural England former head of agriculture Geoff Sanso…

1
Farm inputs 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

David is joined by analyst and podcast newcomer George Craddock to discuss inputs this week. They cover hay, straw and fertiliser to name a few. Plus, listen out for a very special guest presenter. More on farm inputs: Farm Inputs Overview | AHDB Cost of production | AHDB If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@…

1
Soul Care and Leadership: The Intersection of Physical and Spiritual Wellness 43:11

2M ago43:11

43:11

Welcome to the Arable Leader podcast, Karl Martin and Emily Sanders delve into the concept of physical capital and its vital role in holistic well-being and effective leadership. Karl emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual health, suggesting that caring for one's physical body is akin to soul care and foundational for …

1
The Reality of SFI: Part 2 - The What, Where and How? 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

Today we are joined by Agrii’s Adam Simper, national grass, roots and environmental seeds manager and Simon Hobbs, national cover crop, environmental and wildflower seeds technical manager. In this episode our focus is SFI. Is it much more than simply taking the payment? How can SFI also benefit the farm business in terms of both productivity and f…

1
Options for farmers locked out of Sustainable Farming Incentive, food security report, & is there a future for lab-grown meat? 50:34

2M ago50:34

50:34

Just why did the government close its flagship agri-environment scheme without warning? We examine the options for farmers unable to join Defra's Sustainable Farming Incentive. A new study says the government must take food security and sustainable farming much more seriously. Published by the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission, the report is c…

1
Food security 21:05

2M ago21:05

21:05

The subject of food security and what the term actually means comes under the spotlight as David's joined by colleague Jess Corsair. They look at what external factors can have an impact, what’s important to farmers, and what AHDB's doing in this area. Plus does David really look like an Olympic champion sprinter when he's out running? More on food…

1
Emergency Podcast: Defra pulls plug on Sustainable Farming Incentive 28:55

2M ago28:55

28:55

In this emergency episode, we examine the implications of Defra's decision to stop accepting applications for its flagship agri-environment scheme. The shock announcement to draw a line under the Sustainable Farming Incentive was announced at 6pm Tuesday, 11 March. Defra gave farmers no notice of the decision, which came into effect with immediate …

1
Transformative Leadership with Nebraska Head Coach, Matt Rhule 34:16

2M ago34:16

34:16

In this episode of the Arable Leader podcast, Karl Martin hosts Nebraska Cornhuskers' head coach, Matt Rheul, who dives into the heart of exceptional leadership. The discussion explores building cohesive teams from talented individuals, with a focus on love, toughness, and accountability. Matt highlights the importance of true connection and shared…

1
The Business of Farming Goes Beyond Adding Value to Creating Lasting Wealth 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

The endless hamster wheel of modern farming leaves many UK producers feeling exhausted and financially drained despite sitting on valuable land assets. In this revealing episode, farm business consultant James from Siggs & Co. shares hard-won wisdom from his three decades of international agricultural experience to show how farmers can transform th…

1
Rebel Labour MPs back farmers on inheritance tax, Pancake Day Rally, livestock mart hits out at 'keyboard warriors', climate change adaptation, & 'green' farmland market 47:11

2M ago47:11

47:11

In this episode, a growing number of 'rebel' Labour MPs are supporting farmers against the government on inheritance tax. We have an exclusive interview with Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid- and South Pembrokeshire, who is calling for a government amnesty on the issue. A warm start to spring sees UK temperatures warmer than Madrid and Barcelona – …

1
Arable business groups 25:36

2M ago25:36

25:36

David hears first hand from farmers Gary Willoughby and Elaine Booth about the benefits of being involved with AHDB’s Arable Business Groups and Farmbench tool. It’s all about peer-to-peer learning with the aim of improving efficiency and increasing profits. Plus there’s an update on David’s kitchen renovation. More on the ABG and Farmbench tool: h…

1
From Resistance to Routine: Leadership and Physical Fitness with Karl Martin 11:12

2M ago11:12

11:12

In this episode of the Arable Leader podcast, host Karl Martin embarks on a personal journey towards improved fitness, intertwining his self-motivation with lessons in leadership. Realizing that physical health is a critical component of effective leadership, Karl reflects on the significance of living out the principles he teaches. With statistics…

1
Why Disabilities Shouldn’t Hold You Back From a Career in Agriculture & Farming 29:46

2M ago29:46

29:46

Discover the transformative journey of Mike Duxbury, one of the UK’s few blind farmers, in this insightful episode that challenges the stereotypes surrounding disability in agriculture. Join us as Mike shares his incredible experiences and lessons learned while navigating a career in farming, defying preconceived notions about what someone with a d…

1
Defra's not-so-new farm policies, Pancake Day Rally against inheritance tax, NFU conference 2025 special, & how to succeed at succession planning 53:42

2M ago53:42

53:42

In this episode, we examine Defra's latest raft of new policies to boost farm profitability. Just exactly how new are they? We scrutinise the keynote speech delivered by Defra secretary Steve Reed at the NFU's annual conference in London. We preview the Pancake Day Rally against government plans to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth mo…

1
Market outlooks (pork, cereals & oilseeds) 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

David goes over the recently published Pork and Cereals & Oilseeds outlooks, with the help of analysts Freya Shuttleworth and Millie Askew. They give their expert thoughts on production, costs, and what the future holds for these sectors over the next year. And find out why David's voicing his concerns about the state of British baking. If you’d li…

1
Relational Capital: How Personalized Attention Enhances Workplace Culture | Part 2 30:46

2M ago30:46

30:46

Welcome to part two of our discussion on Relational Capital with Michael Larson. Karl and Michale explore the concept of "unreasonable hospitality" as a vital competitive advantage in leadership and workplace culture. They delve into the importance of personalized attention and care, urging leaders to move beyond superficial gestures and genuinely …

1
Scottish Farming in Focus: Seasonal Advice from Bee Edge Farm 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

Today we are talking with Annabel Hamilton from Bee Edge farm in the Scottish borders and Greig Baird head of agronomy teams in Scotland for Agrii. In this episode we are checking in with Bee Edge farm which is also an Agrii iFarm, to see how the season is faring so far, what can be learnt from the previous harvest year and what are the top tips as…

1
Smart Nutrition: Maximising ROI on Phosphate, Potash & Nitrogen 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

Today we are talking with Tom Land, national fertiliser manager at Agrii and Peter Scott technical director at Origin Soil Nutrition. The focus for this episode is crop nutrition with a particular focus on phosphate and potash usage, how to optimise the ROI and ensure that the crop can fully utilise nitrogen efficiently as well as other important n…

1
Farmers Weekly Question Time: Plumpton College - Farmers Weekly Question Time 1:18:03

3M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at Plumpton College in East Sussex Recorded in front of a live audience on Thursday, 20 February 2025, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: - James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat M…

1
Environment, retail markets, and imports 27:10

3M ago27:10

27:10

David explores the link between retailers and the environment to find out how much of a bearing it has on imports, specifically beef and lamb. It follows on from work AHDB did last year comparing beef and lamb farm assurance schemes around the world, with David focussing on schemes that include environmental standards in Ireland, New Zealand and Au…

1
Relational Capital: Embracing Holistic Leadership for Greater Impact | Part 1 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

Welcome to the Arable Leader podcast, host Karl Martin engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Michael Larson on the significance of relational capital and leadership. They explore the essence of being a relational leader—one who nurtures authentic connections and possesses the ability to foster creativity, empathy, and collaboration. The co…

1
Chink of light on inheritance tax, farming's 'pecking order', Scotland's new farm leader, oilseed rape challenges, & why farming is harder than rocket science 47:32

3M ago47:32

47:32

In this episode, we discuss the possible outcomes after government finally agrees to talks with farm leaders on inheritance tax. Have things gone too far? Were farming protestors right to force Keir Starmer to cut short a prime ministerial visit to Milton Keynes? And should farming be higher or lower on the government's pecking order? We speak to A…

1
Market outlooks (dairy, beef & lamb) 31:02

3M ago31:02

31:02

It's AHDB’s agri-market outlook season and David's joined by his colleagues to do some future gazing in both the dairy and the beef and lamb sectors. Could there be positive news for farmers working in these fields in 2025? Plus find out who's trying their best to distract David and his guests this week? Back to the outlooks: Dairy market outlook |…

1
The Future of UK Farming with Nuffield Scholar Dan Smith - 'Generation Regeneration' and Engaging Youth in Agriculture 36:06

3M ago36:06

36:06

What happens when a passionate farmer and a forward-thinking scholar meet? Today, Dan Smith from the Wye Valley joins us to explore the future of agriculture in the UK. As a current Nuffield Scholar, Dan takes us through his unique journey into farming, the sense of community it brings, and the rewarding task of producing quality food and public go…

1
How to improve farm assurance, LEAF conference, colder weather on the way, upbeat DairyTech event, & Big Farmland Bird Count 46:56

3M ago46:56

46:56

In this episode, we look at the LEAF Marque - the farm assurance scheme that delivers benefits for consumers and the environment – as well as for farmers. We find out what makes it work, why it is becoming so popular – and why supermarkets are so keen to work alongside LEAF food producers. We speak to Oxbury Bank – the latest lender offering a spec…

1
C&O January balance sheets 23:58

3M ago23:58

23:58

The UK supply and demand estimates for cereals and oilseeds are up for discussion as David's joined by AHDB senior analyst Olivia Bonser. As usual, our one-stop shop for all things farming and finances includes the latest market update from one of AHDB's sectors. Plus, who's been tinkering with David's pipes? More on C&O: Market analysis - cereals …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Arable Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen