Shed Talks becomes Bed Talks as hosts Bizza Walters and Luke Cox sit down with Harry Thompson, head of brand development and marketing for the Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co – the first company to offer a full wool mattress that is traceable back to the farm and certified by Made in Britain. Harry reveals why the company decided to create this mattress and their relationship with the farmers who supply the wool.

But before that, Bizza and Luke open by discussing the recent amendment to livestock worrying laws. They chat about the new and stronger powers the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act has given police to stamp down on the crime and the impact livestock worrying has had on farmers across the country. Farmer William Dawe joins them to share his experience

of a devastating attack on his farm in Devon and his reaction to the law change.

In Westminster, the team shares insights from a Core Standards Event in Parliament before moving on to discuss a Rural Funding Roundtable held in Westminster. The importance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is covered, as is the National Rural Crime Network. Finally, this section closes with an update on the NFU’s lobbying concerning the ongoing situation in Iran on behalf of members.

To learn more about the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act and the NFU’s efforts to secure changes, please follow this link:

https://www.nfuonline.com/news/private-members-bill-on-livestock-worrying/

The National Rural Crime Network website is here: https://nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/

And for everything you need to know about the Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co’s British wool mattresses, go here: https://www.wroughtironandbrassbed.co.uk/

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In this episode of Shed Talks, hosts Jacks Weaver and Mike Greenwood‑Wilkins open with re‑elected NFU President Tom Bradshaw. Tom reflects on the election process, how the new officeholder team is settling in, and why he wants the NFU to take a proactive rather than reactive approach in the months ahead. He sets out his priorities for the new term, highlighting the need for resilient food systems at a time when global conflict continues to expose supply chain vulnerabilities. Tom also touches on international developments such as the USDA loan scheme, the value of the NFU’s BAB office in shaping decisions in Brussels, and offers listeners a brief insight into life beyond the role as he shares more about himself as a person.

The Westminster team then look at a shifting political landscape. They discuss the Gorton and Denton by‑election and what the Green Party gain may signal for voter

sentiment. They share insights from the recent NFU Fellowship visit to Arla, where members explored innovation, processing capacity and future supply chain

pressures. The section closes with an update on planning reforms as the NPPF consultation closed on 10 March.

To round off the episode, Jacks and Mike speak with Joshua Robinson, Assistant Director and Head of Contract Sales at NFU Energy, for a brief look at how rising tensions in the Middle East are influencing global energy markets. Joshua outlines the immediate knock‑on effects for UK farmers, the recent swings in prices, and why some volatility is likely to continue. He gives clear, practical guidance on what farmers can do now, from reviewing contract options to keeping a close eye on on‑farm energy use, and touches on the wider impact on fertiliser supply chains. Joshua also explains the rise in standing charges and what businesses can do to limit the impact on their bills.

To find out more, please head to the below links:

NFU Energy Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urecjVS4Yd0&t=379s

NFU Energy: https://nfuenergy.co.uk/

Key themes and takeaways

• Strong leadership and clear priorities will be vital as farming navigates another uncertain year
• Political shifts and planning reforms are shaping the policy environment for rural communities
• Global conflict is creating uncertainty across energy and fertiliser markets
• Price volatility is likely to continue, with further rises possible in the short term
• Reviewing contracts and on‑farm energy use can help manage risk
• Standing charges are increasing due to wider system costs and infrastructure pressures

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Recorded live from the heart of the National Farmers' Union’s Annual Conference at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, this special edition of NFU Shed Talks was recorded in a purpose-built shed studio beside the main auditorium, putting the podcast right at the centre of the action.

With the 2026 conference focused on Building Farming’s Resilience, the presenting team of Bizza Walters, Luke Cox, Mike Wilkins, Josh Redford and Jacks Weaver bring you the key moments, big interviews and honest reactions from across two packed days.

We feature exclusive interviews with Professor Tim Lang and Rabobank food systems analyst Harry Smit, exploring how global pressures on trade, security and supply chains are reshaping the way British food is produced and consumed.

There is also a candid conversation with NFU Director General Terry Jones, reflecting on nearly a decade steering the organisation and what comes next as he prepares to move on. Terry has been at the helm during Brexit, the Russia-Ukraine war, covid, and the family farm tax campaign, so has seen first hand the importance of a coordinated, dedicated team standing up for UK agriculture.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle joins us fresh from discussions with Uplands farmers to discuss Defra’s latest announcements on SFI and new uplands funding, and what they mean for members.

We also sit down with Charles Goadby, Warwickshire dairy farmer and 2026 Meurig Raymond Award winner, in a warm and uplifting interview that captures the strength of the NFU at its best – members and organisation working side by side.

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In this episode, hosts Josh Redford and Naomi Williams‑Roberts explore one of the biggest questions facing young people in farming today: is it better to stay on the farm after leaving school, or head away to gain new skills before returning?

To unpack the realities behind the decision, they speak to two young farmers who took very different routes. John Fairlie left his family farm in Angus to work in finance before returning with new skills and a fresh perspective. Maria Warne Elston, a fifth‑generation farmer from Cornwall, stayed closely involved in her family’s beef, sheep and arable farm, briefly working as a veterinary nurse before returning full‑time and sharing her farming life online.

Together, they discuss the benefits and drawbacks of staying or leaving, the pressures young farmers face when making the choice, and how to work out what’s right for you and your business.

In Westminster, the team provide an update on the key political moments shaping the months ahead, including preparations for the upcoming NFU Conference, speculations about the King’s Speech, and the implications of the Spring Forecast for farm businesses.

To close the episode, the hosts turn to Mind Your Head Week (9–13 February) and highlight NFU member Sam Stables, who is preparing to walk 142 miles in five days to raise awareness of mental health in farming. Starting at Ross‑on‑Wye market and finishing at the Farmers Club in London, Sam’s route will take him through Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, staying with farmers along the way.

Sam founded the charity We Are Farming Minds with his wife Emily after their own mental health struggles. The charity now supports farmers across the UK and has the Prince of Wales as its patron, building on the Mental Health Strategy launched by the Duchy of Cornwall in 2023. Sam shares why this walk matters, what he hopes to highlight during Mind Your Head Week, and why supporting the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs is more important than ever. To follow Sam's journey or to find out how to get involved, head to - https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/sam-stables-mission

This episode comes with a trigger warning as it discusses some sensitive topics, if you are struggling and need additional support, please reach out:

Yellow Wellies - https://www.yellowwellies.org/

We Are Farming Minds - https://www.wearefarmingminds.co.uk/

Key themes and takeaways

• There is no single “right” path — staying or leaving depends on each farm’s circumstances
• Leaving the farm can bring valuable skills, confidence and perspective
• Staying on the farm can build deep experience, continuity and family resilience
• Young farmers face financial, emotional and practical pressures when making career decisions
• Social media is reshaping how young farmers share their stories and influence the industry
• Mental health support remains vital across rural communities
• Sam Stables’ 142‑mile walk highlights the importance of Mind Your Head
• Week and the work of We Are Farming Minds
• NFYFC plays a crucial role in supporting, developing and connecting young people in agriculture
• Westminster is gearing up for a pivotal period, with NFU Conference, the King’s Speech and the Spring Forecast all shaping the policy landscape

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts

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In this episode of Shed Talks, hosts Luke Cox and Bizza Walters look ahead to one of the most intense periods in the farming calendar as the industry enters what many call the calm before the lambs.

With early lambing already under way in parts of the country and preparations ramping up elsewhere, the episode focuses on how sheep farmers are planning, adapting and staying resilient as winter edges towards spring. The hosts also speak with Northumberland sheep farmer Rich Oglesby, who has steadily built a thriving enterprise from scratch alongside his wife, Jen. Working under a contract farming agreement, Rich manages around 1,440 Lleyn ewes and 800 ewe lambs, and brings a business‑minded approach to every part of his system.

Rich reflects on what is going through farmers’ minds as lambing approaches, how he handles the practical pressures of managing a large flock in tough northern weather, and the value of business training and peer networks in shaping his decisions. He also shares advice for young entrants starting out with limited resources.

In Westminster, the team provide the final round‑up of the NFU’s family farm tax campaign. They discuss the latest developments from the Liaison Committee, what had been planned for the Finance Bill, and look ahead to what challenges we may face in 2026.

To close the episode, we head to Scotland for a Global Ag View with Ben Best of Dalscone Farm, who has been caring for Fiona, the ewe once known as Britain’s loneliest sheep. After being rescued from the base of a cliff near Inverness following a public campaign that drew more than 55,000 signatures, Fiona has spent the past two years recovering, socialising and settling into life among Dalscone’s 400 breeding sheep.

Ben shares how Fiona adapted after her rescue, how the farm handled the huge wave of public attention, and why her story has resonated so strongly on social media. With Fiona now expecting twins in February, he talks about preparations for lambing, the work that went into restoring her health, and what her journey has meant for the farm and its followers.

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your

podcasts.

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In this episode of Shed Talks, hosts Jacks Weaver and Mike Greenwood-Wilkins sit down with Bal Padda, a first-generation Punjabi farmer from Worcestershire whose self-funded documentary ‘A Punjabi Farm Innit – A story of strawberries, faith and farming’ has captured imaginations far beyond his own community.

You can watch the trailer for the documentary here

Bal reflects on his father’s journey from the Punjab, often described as India’s breadbasket, to the Vale of Evesham. He explains how their family’s strawberry business became the backdrop for a film that challenges assumptions, celebrates diversity, and shows the power of farmers telling their own stories. Inspired by the workers on his farm, Bal shares how the filmmaking process reshaped his understanding of identity, representation, and modern British farming.

In Westminster, Scott Pepe and Neeve McGinty provide a briefing on two major developments. The Budget vote, where Labour MPs voiced opposition to the family farm tax. The discussion outlines what is next for the #StopTheFamilyFarmTax campaign and why the coming months will be critical for farm business resilience. For more information please head to https://www.nfuonline.com/hot-topics/stop-the-family-farm-tax/

They also cover the livestock worrying bill that has now had its Third Reading in the House of Lords and would give police stronger powers to tackle irresponsible dog owners whose pets attack livestock. For more information please head to: https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/private-members-bill-on-livestock-worrying/

Finally, Joshua Payne (NFU Chief Education Manager) takes us inside NFU Education’s Festive Farming Quest, the biggest Christmas project yet, which has connected more than 82,000 children across 800 schools with British farming. From a live tour of the world’s oldest Christmas pudding factory to lessons on sprouts, camels, sheep, and farm vets.

To watch the Sprout Dance and Festive Farming Quest mentioned in the episode please head to the below links:

Sprout Dance: https://www.youtube.com/live/yPF2bXUeoSQ?si=RnzaLUsrtqUgziwv&t=3673

Festive Farming Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw5D5Mz4Lvg&t=5s

Key themes and takeaways:

• Personal storytelling can challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity in British farming
• The Punjab to Evesham journey highlights global roots and local resilience
• Livestock worrying legislation is close to becoming law, strengthening rural security
• Budget decisions will shape the future of family farm taxation and viability
• NFU Education’s Festive Farming Quest demonstrates the power of scale, technology, and diverse role models in connecting children with food and farming

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode of Shed Talks, hosts Naomi Williams-Roberts and Josh Redford shine a spotlight on rural crime and the resilience of farming families. Naomi speaks with Surrey farmer Sally, who has faced repeated incidents of fly tipping, gates being cut, and even an attempted burglary on her farm. Sally shares the emotional toll of confronting offenders, including one frightening moment with her young daughter in the car.

In Westminster, Olivia Phoenix and Ruairi Hodges provide an update on rural crime policy and the countdown to the Budget. They examine the NFU’s long‑running lobbying on livestock worrying, expected to become law later this year, and outline the priorities on the #StopTheFamilyFarmTax campaign. With activity from Police and Crime Commissioners and the Home Office, the segment highlights how political engagement is shaping the future of rural security and farm business resilience.

We also catch up with Berkshire Farm Girl, Eleanor Gilbert, who is documenting her first US harvest run. Travelling 2,200 miles across multiple states with Paplow Harvesting & Trucking, Eleanor offers an unfiltered look at life on the road: early starts, long convoys of combines, relentless heat, and the sheer scale of American grain production. She reflects on the shocks, challenges and lessons learnt from operating in a high‑pressure, large‑scale system, and what she hopes to bring back to her career in UK agriculture.

Key themes and takeaways:

• Rural crime has financial, emotional and welfare impacts on farming families
• Security measures and local networks are vital for resilience
• NFU lobbying is pushing livestock worrying legislation towards law
• Budget decisions will be critical for family farm taxation and viability
• Large‑scale US harvest runs reveal the extremes of global agriculture
• International experience gives young farmers new skills and perspectives

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode, Bizza Walters and Luke Cox tackle one of the most important topics in British agriculture, farm safety. It is a subject often overlooked until something goes wrong, but as this episode shows, the smallest actions can have life-saving consequences.

The main feature focuses on real experiences from farmers who know how quickly everyday situations can turn serious. Callum Lindsay, a hill farmer from the Isle of Arran, shares how a quad bike accident in 2023 left him with severe injuries and a long recovery, and why he is now calling for a culture change around ATV safety. Ed Caudwell, an Oxfordshire farmer, reflects on the workshop accident that nearly cost him his life while working in New Zealand and the vital lessons it taught him about training, preparation and risk awareness.

In the Westminster segment, the External Affairs team bring listeners up to speed on what has been happening in Parliament and on farm. They explain what departmental oral questions are, why they matter and how the NFU works with MPs in the lead-up to them. The team also reflect on the Farming Minister’s recent visit to Derbyshire and how visits like this help ministers see the realities of farming first-hand. With just a month to go until the Budget, they share the latest on NFU lobbying and what they are pushing for to support farm businesses across the country.

To close, the Global Ag View takes us to Hanover in Germany, where the world’s largest agricultural machinery show, Agritechnica, is in full swing. Matt Tilt, editor of Farm Contractor and Large Scale Farmer magazine, joins us from the event to share his insights into the latest machinery trends, innovations and technologies set to influence UK farming.

Key themes and takeaways:

• Farm safety is everyone’s responsibility, the smallest actions can save lives
• Take 5 To Stay Alive, simple habits can prevent serious accidents
• Real-life stories from Callum Lindsay and Ed Caudwell show how quickly situations can change
• Building a safety-first culture is vital for the future of farming
• The NFU continues to influence policy through parliamentary engagement, ministerial visits and Budget lobbying
• Agritechnica showcases how global innovation is shaping the next generation of farm machinery
• Behind-the-scenes insights from the world’s biggest agricultural machinery show

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In the third episode of the NFU’s podcast Shed Talks, the final pair of our presenting trio, Mike Greenwood-Wilkins and Jacks Weaver, take a deep dive into tenant farming, exploring opportunities for growth, policy insights, and global food security.

Fun fact - Mike previously appeared on The Great British Bake Off, proving he can handle both the kitchen and the farm!

Our main feature was recorded fresh from the NFU’s Tenant Farmers’ Conference panel, where the theme was Room to Grow: Opportunities for Growth in Tenant

Farming. The episode features conversations with tenant farmers about how they are adapting, diversifying, and finding opportunities to grow their businesses, alongside discussions about tenancy agreements, landlord relationships, and the practical realities of farming under tenancy.

In the Westminster segment, there are two highlights. First, Ruairi Hodges speaks with Alan Laidlaw, the first-ever UK Commissioner for Tenant Farming, addressing questions submitted by NFU members on key issues affecting tenant farmers. Then, Neeve McGinty and Ruairi explore the Farming and Food Fellowship (FaFF): why it was created, its impact on building cross-party understanding of rural issues, and plans for the next cohort of fellows. To get in touch regarding

The episode closes with a World Ag perspective (WAG): Mike and Jacks speak with Miika Ilomäki, Chief Preparedness Specialist at Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency, about how Finland has built one of the world’s most resilient food systems. From high levels of self-sufficiency and strategic reserves to strong public-private cooperation, Finland’s approach demonstrates the value of planning for food security at every level.

Key themes and takeaways:

• Tenant farmers are central to food production, landscape management, and sustainable agriculture
• Main feature recorded fresh from the NFU’s Tenant Farmers’ Conference panel
• Farmers share experiences on business diversification, tenancy agreements, and opportunities for growth
• Alan Laidlaw is the first UK Commissioner for Tenant Farming and responds to NFU members’ submitted questions
• The Farming and Food Fellowship strengthens MPs’ understanding of rural and tenant farming issues
• Finland’s approach highlights the importance of preparedness, strategic reserves, and collaboration
• Strong planning and cooperation across government, industry, and households builds resilience

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode hosts Naomi Williams-Roberts and Josh Redford explore how farmers are managing livestock nutrition after a dry summer, what support is available, and how the NFU is helping members plan for the season ahead. Naomi shares what it’s like to open her on-farm pumpkin patch for the season, while Josh reflects on preparing for the NFU’s upcoming annual general meetings.

They are joined by James Daniel from Precision Grazing and NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton, who offer practical tips on making the most of limited forage, the value of early planning, and how to stay flexible in a changing climate. Read more on the NFU's sustainable protein action plan: https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/sustainable-protein-action-plan/

In our Westminster segment, Olivia Phoenix is joined by Scott Pepe to look ahead to a busy autumn of political lobbying. They discuss the NFU’s strong presence at this year’s party conferences, where the team engaged with over 600 politicians and hosted key discussions on the future of food and farming.

Finally, we hear from Professor Nigel Mason at the University of Kent about his team’s remarkable work growing tea in simulated moon soil — and how this space science might have lessons for agriculture back on Earth.

Key themes and takeaways:

• Drought has long-term impacts on grazing and winter feed
• Early planning and advice are vital for livestock resilience
• Mob grazing and rotational grazing can help maximise grass use
• The NFU provides ongoing support for members through seasonal challenges
• Political engagement is essential for shaping farming policy
• Strong representation at party conferences keeps farming on the national agenda
• Space science can offer new ideas for managing poor soils
• Research into lunar agriculture has lessons for food security on Earth

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this first episode of the NFU’s new podcast Shed Talks, hosts Bizza Walters and Luke Cox explore what resilience really looks like in British farming today – from daily pressures to long-term planning, mental health, and the challenges farmers face both at home and abroad.

They are joined by two farmers: Hannah Jackson, known to many as The Red Shepherdess, who farms sheep and cattle in the Yorkshire Dales, and Oliver Collingham, who works on a mixed arable and livestock farm in Lincolnshire.

Together, they share honest reflections on the realities of farming life, how they stay resilient, and why support networks and open conversations matter.

Also in this episode, our Westminster segment features NFU External Affairs team members Olivia Phoenix and Ruairi Hodges, who discuss the new Defra top team and explain why it is vital for the NFU to maintain a presence at party political conferences every year.

The episode ends with a powerful story from Mary Rickert, a cattle rancher in California whose community has been left devastated by attacks from wild wolves and mountain lions. Hear how ACDC music has helped!

Listener warning: This interview includes graphic descriptions of livestock attacks and may be distressing for some listeners.

• Key themes and takeaways:
• A positive mindset can set the tone for the day
• Imposter syndrome is more common than you think
• Succession planning is essential for future resilience
• Diversifying income streams supports long-term stability
• Open conversations around mental health make a difference
• Wild predator reintroductions have serious consequences for farmers
• The NFU plays a vital role in giving farmers a voice in politics
• Community, connection and shared experience help build resilience

To find out more about your hosts and todays guests head to the below links:

Bizza Walters - @bizza.walters

Hannah Jackson - @redshepherdess

To find out more about NFU, head to www.nfuonline.com/

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From muddy fields to Westminster, join farmers, growers, NFU experts and industry voices for honest conversations about the challenges, priorities and future of farming.

Real stories. Real people. Real farming. By farmers, for farmers.

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