Defra Farming Podcast

In episode 21, Chris Lyons from Innovate UK speaks to two successful recipients of government innovation funding to find out how it has helped them test new ideas, reduce risk and deliver results on-farm.

Dominic Swan from Catalyst Farming explains how four Norfolk farming businesses used a Research Starter project to explore computer crop modelling to improve nitrogen-use efficiency. The work has now secured further support through ADOPT to scale up trials across more farms, soil types and machinery.

David Prior Hope from Fibe shares how a feasibility project led to the development of the world's first potato stem harvester. Working with growers, researchers and industry partners, the project is creating a potential new income stream for potato producers by collecting stems that would otherwise be discarded. David explains how the technology is now being tested through ADOPT to compare it with conventional flailing and better understand impacts on soils, nutrients and crop health.

Together, they discuss the importance of collaboration, working with researchers and facilitators, overcoming barriers to innovation and sharing results so others can learn from both successes and setbacks.

Whether you're a farmer with a practical problem you'd like to solve, a business developing new technologies or a researcher looking to work more closely with industry, this episode offers practical insights into how innovation funding can help turn ideas into on-farm results.

ADOPT Support Hub
https://www.farmpep.net/adopt/enquire

Farming Innovation Programme
https://farminginnovation.ukri.org

Find an ADOPT facilitator
https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/adopt-project-facilitators/directory-of-facilitators

Fibe
https://fibe.uk

Catalyst Farming
https://catalystfarming.co.uk

For more updates
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk

In episode 20 of the Defra Farming podcast, guest host Hannah Barrett—a Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser in the East of England—speaks with Norfolk farmer Charlie Ennals and Cambridgeshire farmer Thomas Gent.

Together, they explore how working with nature can help farms become more resilient in the face of changing weather patterns, rising costs and increasing uncertainty.

Charlie shares how gradual changes—such as cover cropping, introducing livestock and improving soil organic matter—have helped her farm retain moisture in dry springs while maintaining productivity. Thomas reflects on nearly two decades of no-till farming, highlighting the role of soil structure, drainage and machinery decisions in reducing costs and improving performance.

They discuss the realities behind these systems, including what hasn’t worked, the importance of patience during transition, and how collaboration—whether sharing machinery or working with neighbours—can help spread risk and reduce costs.

The conversation focuses on practical steps farmers can take, from improving water infiltration and reducing inputs to using data and precision farming tools to make better business decisions.

🔗 Useful links mentioned in this episode:

• Catchment Sensitive Farming: https://www.farmingadviceservice.org.uk/csf/get-in-touch
  
  
• Farming for the Future: https://farming.campaign.gov.uk
  
  
• Defra Farming blog: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk

The government’s Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Fund helps farmers access funding to test practical ideas on their own farms, from new crops and soil systems to technology and collaborative trials.

It is part of the Farming Innovation Programme delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

In episode 19 of the Defra Farming Podcast, we’re joined by two farmers with live ADOPT projects to explore what practical innovation looks like on-farm.

Bryony Graham, an arable farmer in Essex, shares how she’s trialling willow as a high-carbon crop and testing compost mixes as a potential peat-free growing medium. Peter Southwell, an arable farmer in East Yorkshire, explains how the Yorkshire Nutrition Club is bringing farmers together to benchmark crop nutrition and test new technologies.

Guest host Thomas Slattery, from UK Agri-Tech Centre, also explains how the ADOPT fund works, how farmers can access support through the ADOPT Support Hub, and why farmer-led experimentation is at the heart of the scheme.

If you’ve got an idea you’ve been mulling over, this episode explores how ADOPT can help you test it in real farming conditions.

ADOPT innovation fund: how it works and how to apply
https://farminginnovation.ukri.org/adopt

ADOPT Support Hub
https://www.farmpep.net/adopt/enquire

Directory of ADOPT facilitators
https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/adopt-project-facilitators/directory-of-facilitators

Defra Farming blog
ADOPT: first projects selected as next round opens
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/15/adopt-first-projects-selected-as-next-round-opens

Live ADOPT projects
https://farmpep.net/adopt/live-projects

Episode 18 of the Defra Farming podcast is hosted by Richard Thompson, the UK’s first Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA). He is joined by Paul Tompkins, NFU Dairy Board Chair, and Michael Masters Head of Milk Supply & Operations at Barber’s Cheesemakers.

Richard explains his role in enforcing the Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 (FDOM24) and how he can support farmers improve transparency and contractual fairness. Together, they discuss how the new regulations are reshaping dairy supply chains. They share insights on pricing mechanisms, producer organisations, and how farmer–processor collaboration can help manage volatility.

The conversation highlights a shared message: fairness and transparency, and early communication are key to building resilient farmer–processor relationships.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Email the ASCA team in confidence at [email protected]

The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA): rules and guidance

Guidance on dairy and milk production

ASCA – First annual report – 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025

Defra Farming blog

In episode 17 of the Defra Farming podcast, host Neil Pickard—a farming adviser with more than 45 years’ experience in livestock and mixed farming—speaks with Soil Farmer of the Year 2023, Stuart Johnson, and Understanding Ag farming adviser, Kyle Richardville.

Stuart, a tenant farmer in Northumberland, explains how he has shifted his family’s mixed sheep and cattle farm away from conventional high-input practices towards a system focused on soil health. Kyle brings the scientific perspective, drawing on his research into soil microbial populations and his work supporting farmers across the US and UK.

Together, they discuss how improving soil health can help reduce reliance on expensive inputs, build resilience, and improve business efficiency. The conversation covers practical steps for mixed and arable farms as well as the specific challenges of all-grassland systems in both upland and lowland situations.

🔗 Useful links mentioned in this episode:

• Defra Farming blog
  
  
• Stuart Johnson bio
  
  
• Kyle Richardville bio
  
  
• Understanding Ag
  
  
• Grounded – The Regenerative Farming Podcast
  
  
• Soil Farmer of the Year competition

Episode 16 – How IPM works for us: a farmer and agronomist’s perspective

In this episode of the Defra Farming Podcast, guest host Tom Allen-Stevens—an arable farmer in Oxfordshire and founder of the British On Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN)—is joined by Cambridgeshire farmer Martin Lines and agronomist Ed Schofield.

Martin and Ed share with Tom how they are applying integrated pest management (IPM) on-farm to reduce reliance on chemical inputs while maintaining productivity and supporting biodiversity. The conversation covers practical approaches to IPM planning, monitoring and evaluation, habitat management for beneficial insects, the role of resistant crop varieties, and the importance of effective collaboration between farmers and agronomists.

The episode also highlights the launch of the UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025 and how farmers can get involved in research and innovation through initiatives like the ADOPT fund and IPM NET.

🔗 Useful links mentioned in this episode:

• UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025
• IPM NET
• Defra Farming blog - ADOPT Fund: guidance now available for innovation funding
• Innovate UK – ADOPT: How it works
• British On Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN)
• ASSIST Project
• The Voluntary Initiative
• Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO)

Defra Animal Health and Welfare lead Martin Jenkins talks to North West dairy farmer Karen Halton and vet James Russell about the support that is available from government to help livestock farmers drive down disease and improve animal health and welfare on their farms.

Guidance for farmers and apply now - Guidance for farmers - Annual health and welfare review of livestock (defra.gov.uk)

AHDB material for vets - What is the Annual Health and Welfare Review? | AHDB

In episode 14 of the Defra Farming podcast, Michael Sturla talks to Robin and Christopher Milton, a father and son team farming beef and sheep on the Exmoor uplands, who have recently signed up to SFI.

Robin and Christopher share how they found the SFI application process and the SFI actions they have signed up to that suit their farming system, including clover and herbal leys, hedgerows, nutrient management, integrated pest management and vet visits.

Find out more about how to apply for SFI https://farming.campaign.gov.uk

Read more on the latest SFI announcement from Defra https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2024/01/04/environmental-land-management-in-2024-details-of-actions-and-payments

In episode 13 of the Defra Farming Podcast, Defra Productivity and Innovation Lead Andrew Powley spoke to Richard Wordsworth, NFU Senior Adviser (Support Schemes), and North Yorkshire beef and sheep farmer Richard Findlay.

The group's in-depth conversation covers everything you need to know as a farmer to access business support through the government's Farming Resilience Fund.

Find out more on GOV.UK about how to get free business advice for your farm through the Defra Farming Resilience Fund.

You can read Andrew's blog posts on the Resilience Fund on the Defra farming blog and you can also subscribe to the Defra Farming blog to stay up to date on all the latest news on government funding for farming in England.

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) pays farmers for actions that support food production, farm productivity and resilience, whilst protecting and enhancing the environment.

In 2023, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will be bigger and more flexible with 23 pick and mix actions for farmers to choose from, including on soil health, moorland, hedgerows, integrated pest management, farmland wildlife, buffer strips, and low input grassland.

For episode 12 of the Defra Farming Podcast, we brought together Claire Robinson, Senior Countryside Adviser at the National Farmers Union, and Defra Sustainable Farming Incentive lead Jonathan Marsden to talk about what farmers can do to get ready to apply for SFI in 2023.

If you are a farmer or land manager and you'd like to apply for SFI this year, please fill out this online form.

Find out more about how to get ready for SFI.

In episode 11 of the Defra Farming podcast, Defra payments lead Lisa Warne talks to father and son John and Charlie Renner, who farm on the border of the Northumberland National Park between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnwick.

Lisa gave an update about what's happening next in the growth and rollout of our environmental land management schemes. John and Charlie talked about how the new farming payments will fit in with the management of their farm and had plenty of questions about the new grants and actions from the farmer's point of view.

For more information on how the Renners farm, see the LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) website.

There’s something for everyone in Defra's schemes and grants. We’ve made them much more straightforward, flexible and workable, so if you haven’t yet looked, now is the time. Find out what you can get paid for on the Defra Farming blog.

In episode 10 of the Future Farming podcast, to celebrate National Young Farmers' Week 2022, Matt McGuire welcomes 3 up-and-coming young people in farming to the podcast. Charlie Beaty, Ed Dungait and Charlotte Garbutt discuss how to get started in farming, the importance of education and the range of roles in agriculture. They also discuss the benefits new talent can bring to the sector.
#YoungFarmersWeek

Charlotte @ThisIsGarbs works in agronomy and sales for an agri-chemical company and is YFC Agri Chair @LincsYFC.

Charlie @MeridenFarm is a mixed beef-sheep and arable farmer from Warwickshire and WFYFC County Chair.

Ed is an arable farmer from Northumberland and Chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs.

Subscribe to the Defra Future Farming blog

In episode 9 of the Future Farming podcast, Defra farming strategy lead Briony Turner talks to CLA (Country Land and Business Association) land use advisor Harry Greenfield and TFA (Tenant Farmers Association) farm advisor Lynette Steel about new public and private sector environmental schemes.

CLA and TFA have been working together to produce a set of guidelines to support tenants and landlords in applying for the schemes. Harry and Lynette explain the thinking behind the collaboration, and how tenants and landlords can get the best out of the new environmental schemes by working together and starting conversations early.

Find out more about the CLA and TFA joint guidance for environmental schemes

Read the joint CLA/TFA guidance for environmental schemes in full

Subscribe to the Defra Future Farming blog

The Sustainable Farming Incentive is now open for applications. Through SFI, farmers will be paid for looking after the natural environment while they're farming. This year, we’ll start paying farmers for taking care of their soil or assessing the condition of moorland. From next year, we’ll be expanding the range of SFI actions farmers can get paid for.

For episode 8 of the Future Farming Podcast, we brought together Cambridgeshire farmer Martin Lines and Defra Sustainable Farming Incentive lead Jonathan Marsden to talk about all things SFI and land management. Jonathan explains about the SFI funding that farmers can apply for now, and the new funding that will be available to farmers for environmental land management in the next few years.

Find out how to apply for SFI.

In the seventh episode of the Future Farming podcast, Tim Mordan, Defra’s Head of Farming Innovation, Productivity and Science talks to Rui Andrês, CEO of Fieldwork Robotics, about their innovative raspberry robot picker.

Listen to find out how the project was developed, initially at Plymouth University, and then with the help of government innovation funding to bring it to market.

Find out more about government innovation funding for farming:

How we're encouraging innovation in farming

UKRI: find out about farming innovation funding

In the fifth episode of the Future Farming podcast, Defra Future Farming and Countryside Programme Director Janet Hughes talks to policy lead for the Farming Investment Fund Sarah Evered.

Listen to find out how the team designed the fund, what we've learned from launching it and what's coming next.

In the sixth episode of the Future Farming podcast, Janet talks with British Farming Awards Arable Innovator of the Year Tim Parton.

Tim is Farm Manager at Brewood Park Farm, Staffordshire, where he manages 300 hectares using regenerative agriculture methods. Listen in to find out how Tim has moved to no-till, reduced insecticide and fungicide use and brewed his own nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Follow Tim @parker419 and Janet @JanetHughes on Twitter.

In September 2021 the Farming Forum held a two-part Q&A session with Janet Hughes, Defra’s Future Farming and Countryside Programme Director. Farmers were invited to submit their questions about the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Clive Bailye, Director of the Farming Forum, put the most-asked questions to Janet.

The original videos can be watched here and here. We are making this version available as slightly abridged highlights version on the podcast.

In our third Future Farming podcast, Janet Hughes talks to Gabe Brown.

Gabe has been named one of the twenty-five most influential agricultural leaders in the United States. He is one of the pioneers of the soil health movement and author of the book, “Dirt to Soil, One Family’s Journey Into Regenerative Agriculture.”

He farms at Brown’s Ranch, a diversified 5,000 acre farm and ranch in North Dakota, with his wife Shelly and son Paul.

Gabe is a partner in the regenerative farming consultancy Understanding Ag and an instructor for the Soil Health Academy, which teaches the power and importance of healthy functioning ecosystems.

You can read more about the six principles of soil health here.

In our second Future Farming podcast, Janet Hughes talks to Nic Renison.

Nic farms with her husband Paul on the edge of the North Pennines in Cumbria, where they produce cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens. They are part of a growing movement towards regenerative farming that has been picking up pace since 2014.

Nic is on the steering group for the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) and is part of the Carbon Calling @carboncallfarm regenerative conference organising team.

In this podcast, Nic shares her approach to farming and her views on the future of the industry and the English countryside. Janet and Nic also discuss farm life in the North Pennines and the Renisons’ homemade version of the eggmobile!

You can follow Nic on Instagram @renisons_farm and Twitter @NRenison

In our first ever Future Farming podcast, Janet Hughes talks to Neil Heseltine.

Neil is a farmer and the Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. He works with The Pasture-Fed Livestock Association (PFLA), The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) and Land Workers Alliance.

Janet and Neil discuss how working with nature can not only safeguard it but can be more profitable.

Neil was born and grew up on Hill Top Farm at Malham in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. He runs the farm with his partner Leigh Weston.

You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter @hilltopfarmgirl