As the first farmer to appear on The Great British Bake Off, Mike Greenwood-Wilkins managed to bring farming to the masses. In this special, Mike talks about his family arable farm and getting funding for a new farm shop which will be his legacy, Government support - or lack of - and, of course, shouting about farming on the nation’s favourite baking programme.

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For Flock’s Sake is Farmers Guardian’s new podcast series giving young farmers a voice on the issues shaping the future of British agriculture.

Hosted by Farmers Guardian’s Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder, both young farmers themselves, the podcast explores the challenges, opportunities and realities facing the next generation, from policy and funding to food production and rural life.

In this first episode, Ellie and Tom are joined by Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins to discuss Inheritance Tax, the future of farm support, animal welfare and whether the Conservatives can win back farmers ahead of the next election.

Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at podcasts@agriconnect.com

Chapters:
Welcome to "For Flock's Sake": The Young Farmer Podcast Launch (00:44)
Introducing Shadow DEFRA Secretary Victoria Atkins: Personal Journey and DEFRA Ambition (01:24)
The Capital Challenge for Young Farmers: A Stark Reality (05:22)
Conservative Farming Policy: Axing Taxes, Reviewing Quangos & 'Made in UK' Standards (06:39)
Critique of Current Government: The Failure to Listen to Farming Communities (10:13)
The Impact of Inheritance Tax & Encouraging Succession Planning (12:48)
Conservative Response to Political Opponents & Policy Depth (16:28)
Commitment to Rural Communities & Reflecting on 14 Years in Power (20:37)
Brexit's Legacy and Future EU Trade Relations for Agriculture (22:52)
Animal Welfare Debates: Tail Docking, Bovine TB & Practical Farming Realities (26:24)
The Vital Role of Young Farmers' Clubs & Restoring Funding (31:09)
Addressing DEFRA's Disconnect: Staffing and Environment Agency Reform (36:09)
Food Security as National Priority: Subsidies and Sustainable Production (40:47)
Axing the Family Farm Tax: Conservative Pledges and Process (44:48)
Engaging the Next Generation in Politics & Victoria Atkins' Enduring Commitment (47:19)

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With oil prices rising in response to US action in Iran, analyst Rupert Somerscales speaks to the Farmers Guardian team about the relationship with wheat and oilseed prices, and what the geopolitical situation means for agriculture, and farmers' grain marketing plans.

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Thousands of tonnes of perfectly good arable produce never leave the farm gate, due to spoilage, market gluts, or shifting contracts. But what actually happens to that surplus? In this episode, head of arable Ash Ellwood visits a re-distribution site in Merseyside to dig into the true scale of on-farm waste and follow the journey of surplus produce beyond the field.

Discover how FareShare and The Felix Project are turning overlooked harvests into vital food supplies for nearly 8,000 charities and why understanding where your crop goes next could reshape how you see value, waste, and opportunity in your rotation.

To get in touch with FareShare and The Felix Project, head to:
https://thefelixproject.org/ or https://fareshare.org.uk/fareshareandfelix/

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Following last week's judicial review into the changes to Inheritance Tax, the Farmers Guardian news team discuss the case and what it means. We hear from Jane Thynne who was reporting in the court room, alongside claimant and farmer Tom Martin, Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins and businessman Steve Perez.

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The Farm Retail Association (FRA) conference focused on making the most of your diversified farm business, whilst focusing on the wider benefits to society - food miles, the economic contribution of farm shops and markets and the national health crisis. Emily Ashworth speaks to tv presenter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall about farm-to-fork connection and if it really means something, and former FRA chair Emma Mosey, farmer and farm shop owner.

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As more deaths are reported on farm, reaching 30 for the year since April 2025, the Farmers Guardian team discuss reporting on these incidents and speak to Jill Hewitt from the NAAC about what the industry needs to change the safety culture.

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Farmers Guardian’s news and business team reflect on the NFU Conference, from Emma Reynolds speech, more clarity on the Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme, Tom Bradshaw’s re-election to farmer views on the NFU and Defra

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