AgriCulture Live

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 goods. Learn how the Nuffield Scholarship fosters global research and networking, and dive deep into Dan's focus topic, "Generation Regeneration," which underscores the urgent need for youth and diversity in farming.
Is there a growing disconnect between children and agriculture? Our conversation uncovers the challenges of incorporating farming education into schools and making the industry appealing to the younger generation. Modern advancements in agriculture are often overshadowed by outdated perceptions, but Dan stresses the importance of showcasing these innovations to ignite interest. From improving health and safety standards to bettering the earnings and opportunities in farming, we discuss strategies to bridge the generational gap in farming knowledge and make agriculture a compelling career choice.
Technology's role in agriculture is expanding rapidly, but how can we ensure it benefits farmers and attracts new talent? We discuss precision farming, tech innovations, and the critical role of social media in inspiring the next generation of farmers. With insights on government policies, apprenticeships and the impact of popular media like "Clarkson's Farm," Dan outlines the complex, yet necessary, efforts needed to reframe the agricultural industry. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that promises to offer a comprehensive look at the future of farming and the multifaceted approaches required to sustain it.

AgriCulture Live Episode 8 with guest Jack Potter from Wild Capital - "Biodiversity, Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality"
Embark on an enlightening journey with Jack Potter from Wild Capital, where we navigate the verdant pathways of biodiversity, net gain, and nutrient neutrality. Jack's transition from his roots in farming to a beacon of conservation in the private sector illuminates a fascinating narrative that is both personal and profound. Our conversation stands as a testament to Wild Capital's innovative land acquisition strategies and unyielding dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage. It's a riveting tale that underscores the critical need for a steadfast commitment to environmental preservation, offering a glimpse into how they're pioneering the charge towards a sustainable future.
The world of biodiversity conservation is not just a treasure trove of natural wonders—it's also brimming with career opportunities for those eager to make a difference. We showcase the intersection of nature's intrinsic value with its growing economic recognition, painting a vivid picture of how services like pollination and water purification are finally getting their due. Jack and I dissect the plethora of career trajectories available within this expanding sphere, from accessible entry points to niche expertise roles that are in high demand. Listeners poised at the cusp of their professional lives will find pearls of wisdom here, along with actionable guidance to springboard into impactful careers in conservation.
Finally, we scrutinize the intricate balance of environmental conservation against the backdrop of urban development. By deciphering the complexities of biodiversity metrics and nutrient neutrality, we illuminate the strategies that reconcile progress with the planet's well-being. We confront the challenges of offsetting environmental impacts and the ephemeral nature of current nutrient neutrality measures, while also anticipating a promising future where urban planning harmonizes with environmental integrity. This episode is a deep dive into the future of conservation, agriculture, and the burgeoning role of private investment in fostering a greener tomorrow.

Venture into the dynamic world of agri-food markets with the guidance of John Giles, a seasoned expert at Promar International. Our latest episode brings to light the transformative shifts in UK agriculture through John's lens, as he draws upon his rich experiences across 60 nations and deep involvement in agricultural commodities. From the omnipresent specter of climate change to the burgeoning realm of sustainable and low-carbon practices, we navigate the intricate pathways that are redefining the essence of farming and food production not only within the British Isles but on a global scale.
The second segment of our conversation pivots to the gritty realities of supply chain management – a veritable battlefield where businesses wage war against inflation, soaring labour costs, and the capricious tide of global logistics. But it's not just about survival; it's a nuanced debate over the equity of food pricing. Listen closely as we dissect the seismic impact that supermarket giants and discount retailers are having on the industry, altering consumer expectations and revolutionizing the market before our very eyes. John's expertise illuminates the myriad of strategies companies deploy to stay afloat amidst the challenges of an ever-changing economic landscape.
As we cast our gaze toward the horizon, the future of the agri-food workforce unfurls with promise and potential. The episode's closing act scrutinizes how the current geopolitical maelstrom and climate quandaries are not merely hurdles but spurs to innovation and change, reshaping not just the supply chain but the very careers within it. The expanding mosaic of talent and expertise required in this sector spotlights the emergence of diverse roles, from sustainability directors to tech-savvy farmers. For those ignited by this dialogue, we open the doors to continued discourse and networking, beckoning our audience to join the critical exchange on the trajectory of agri-food markets.

Dan Boatright-Greene, the Liberal Democrat candidate for West Worcestershire, takes us on a remarkable journey from his roots in archaeology and geology to his current political ambitions. Inspired by his military family background and a deep commitment to community service, Dan shares his story of overcoming challenges to make a real impact as both a district and county councillor. Discover how collaborative policy-making within the Liberal Democrats has equipped him to address pressing issues in agriculture and farming.
Education is a cornerstone of Dan's vision, particularly when it comes to integrating farming and agriculture into school curriculum and career guidance. Dan highlights the passionate advocacy of figures like Tim Farron and Sarah Dyke, we delve into the necessity of presenting agriculture as a viable career path for the youth. Dan discusses the broader societal benefits of connecting food production with health and environmental goals, offering a fresh perspective on the future of farming.
Mental health in the farming community emerges as a critical topic, with Dan highlighting the Liberal Democrats' initiatives such as the Mind Your Head campaign. He underscores the importance of mental health support and community cohesion, particularly in isolated rural areas. From the "Buy British" stance to overcoming Brexit-related trade barriers, Dan presents a compelling argument for why the farming industry needs to be more attractive to job seekers. Personal anecdotes and hands-on experiences reveal the potential for farming to captivate and engage the next generation. Tune in to hear how Dan's unique journey and insights could reshape the agricultural landscape and the future policies of the Liberal Democrats in agriculture & farming.

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 their operations from merely adding value to genuinely creating wealth.
"Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, cash flow is reality," James reminds us, cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters - sustainable, positive cash flow that builds genuine prosperity. While UK farmers might appear wealthy on paper through appreciating land values, many struggle with tight margins and negative cash flow across most agricultural sectors. By examining global farming models from Brazilian soybean operations to Eastern European mega-farms, we uncover the competitive pressures facing British agriculture and the strategic shifts needed to thrive.
The wealth-creation journey begins with a fundamental reassessment of farm resources - land, sunlight, water, carbon, and human ingenuity. Rather than defaulting to high-input conventional approaches, forward-thinking farmers first ask what their land can produce naturally with minimal external inputs. This regenerative mindset, focused on soil biology and diversity, breaks the dependency cycle on expensive fertilizers and chemicals while building resilience against market volatility and climate disruption.
From supporting part-time farmers as legitimate industry participants to embracing diversification that aligns with personal strengths, this episode offers practical pathways toward agricultural prosperity. Whatever your farm size or enterprise mix, you'll discover how to escape the production treadmill and build a business that generates wealth, not just appreciating assets. Listen now to transform your farming future from survival to thriving prosperity.