Farming Focus

In this episode, Peter Green talks with Tim Williams and Louise Penn about the rise of regenerative agriculture and whether it is 'here to stay' in the South West. They explore what regenerative farming really means in practice, the mindset and management changes it requires, and how it can benefit both the environment and farm profitability. Topics Covered What “regenerative farming” means in rea...

Host Peter Green is joined by Tom Kemp from Working Woodlands Cornwall and Harry Studholme from the Perridge Estate in Devon to discuss practical tips for dealing with trees on your farm.  Make sure you listen to episode 7 to get the most from this bonus episode.  Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyo...

In this episode of Farming Focus we’re talking about agroforestry and its potential for farming businesses in the south west and further afield. Host Peter Green is joined by 2 guests. Tom Kemp is Director and Head of Forestry at Working Woodlands Cornwall. He has been involved with woodland management for the last fifteen years and he actively manages a number of woods and woodland creation proje...

In this bonus episode of Farming Focus , host Peter Green dives into one of the most important aspects of successful farming—building strong, lasting relationships with buyers. Whether you’re a farmer, butcher, or chef, strong connections can make all the difference in growing a sustainable and profitable business. Peter is joined again by Phillip Warren of Philip Warren Butchers and Matt Chatfiel...

In this episode of Farming Focus , host Peter Green explores how smaller farms in the South West can take control of their future by focusing on quality over quantity. Market conditions for beef and other produce can fluctuate, but producing high-quality products isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s often essential for survival and growth in today’s competitive agricultural landscape. Peter is joined by...

Water is at the heart of farming – but climate change is making it harder than ever to manage. In this bonus episode of Farming Focus , host Peter Green is joined once again by Ben Andrews and Guy Singh-Watson to explore how farmers in the South West and beyond can cope with too much or too little water. From drought resilience to drainage, the discussion looks at the practical steps farms can tak...

In this episode of Farming Focus , brought to you by Cornish Mutual, we take a deep dive into how climate change is already impacting farming and food production in the South West and beyond. With shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, the reliability of our food supply faces growing uncertainty. Host Peter Green is joined by Herefordshir...

If you listened to our main episode on technology, data, and online farm management, you’ll know how quickly things are moving in the world of agri-tech. But what if you’re not ready for big investments or complex systems—where do you start? In this bonus episode of Farming Focus , host Peter Green is once again joined by: Matt Dobbs from Agsenze. Adam Short , Associate Director in Data Programmes...

In this episode of Farming Focus host Peter Green explores how technology and digital tools are transforming farm businesses. From precision livestock monitoring to data-driven decision-making, the pace of change is rapid—but how can farmers decide what’s worth investing in, and where do they start? Joining Peter are two guests: Matt Dobbs – from Agsenze , a tech and data company specialising in t...

In this bonus episode of Farming Focus , host Peter Green sits down once again with agricultural finance expert Brian Harvey and Devon farmer Andrew Branton to explore one of the trickiest parts of succession planning: starting the conversation. They discuss why many farming families avoid the topic, what can make these discussions so sensitive, and why it’s vital to tackle them early. Andrew shar...

In this episode of Farming Focus , host Peter Green talks to agricultural finance expert Brian Harvey of PKF Francis Chartered Accountants and Devon dairy farmer Andrew Branton about the future of family farms and the impact of inheritance tax (IHT). They discuss why succession planning is so often delayed, what IHT is and how it could affect farming businesses, and the key steps families can take...

In this bonus episode of Farming Focus , host Peter Green continues the conversation with Andrew Brewer and Nikki Yoxall — this time turning the spotlight on life beyond the farm gate. They discuss the importance of stepping away from the day-to-day pressures of farming, both for personal wellbeing and for the long-term success of the business. Andrew shares how his family’s diversification into r...

In this episode of Farming Focus , host Peter Green is joined by Nikki Yoxall, Technical Director at Pasture for Life and grazier in North East Scotland, and Andrew Brewer, Cornish dairy farmer and 2024 Carbon Farmer of the Year. Together, they explore what “balance” really means in farming — from making decisions under pressure and maintaining work–life harmony, to staying connected with a clear...

How could stronger mentorship networks shape the future of farming? Peter Green is joined by Helen Wyman and George Holmes to discuss this.  Make sure you listen to episode 1 to get the most from this bonus episode.  Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest...

In this episode, we explore the role of mentorship in farming. Host Peter Green is joined by Helen Wyman, founder of TwoCan Mentor, and George Holmes, a Dorset dairy farmer, to discuss how mentoring can support farmers at every stage of their careers. What We Cover: Why mentorship is a valuable – and often underused – tool in agriculture George’s research into why dairy farmers are leaving the ind...

In this episode we rerun series 1 episode 3 to profile farm safety in the south west, reviewed by two members of the Cornish Mutual team - Paul Mahon, Head of Technical Development, and Nick Lay, a Chartered Legal Executive and Claims Technician.  Devon based dairy farmer Fred Collins was also on this episode. In February 2022 Fred was changing a tractor tyre when the jack failed and his arm was t...

This is a special live-recorded episode of Farming Focus. Recorded at the Devon County Show in the Farmers’ Hub, this episode dives into one of the most important themes for farming today: Building and Maintaining a Resilient Farm Business in 2025 . Host Peter Green is joined by a diverse panel of guests, each bringing a fresh and practical perspective on what it takes to future-proof your farm in...

Today, we’re taking a look back at some of the key moments and themes from series 4, exploring what we’ve learned and what it all means for the future of farming. Joining Peter is Emily Norton, a farmer and independent strategic adviser based in Norfolk. Emily works with farmers, investors, politicians and businesses on rural policy and emerging trends, with expertise in natural capital influences...

ARC Zero started as a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Operational Group made up of a co-operative of 7 farms in Northern Ireland. It sought to measure and manage carbon flows at the individual farm level to empower farmers to make positive change towards carbon zero farming. Make sure you listen to episode 9 to get the most from this bonus episode.  Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers i...

In this episode we’re diving into the big topic of land use. Joining host Peter Green is Professor John Gilliland OBE, a farmer from Northern Ireland. John is also Professor of Practice in Agriculture and Sustainability at Queens University, Belfast. He’s an advisor for AHDB, Chair of Sustainable Farm Networks at Harper Adams University, a former President of Ulster Farmers Union and has experienc...

Make sure you listen to episode 8 to get the most from this bonus episode.  Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.  For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here .  Timestamps 00...

In this episode we’re talking about increasing your overall business turnover, and in turn business resilience, through enterprise stacking. But we’re also talking about an innovative and exciting business pitching opportunity called ‘ Pitch Up ’ which was started by one of our guests on his farm in Hampshire.  Pitch Up! is an annual call-out for anyone with a start-up or growing business in the c...

Make sure you listen to episode 7 to get the most from this bonus episode.  Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.  For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here .  Timestamps 00...

Today we’re diving into a topic that’s at the heart of productive farming: making the most of muck. From slurry to compost, we’ll explore how to get more from less and maximise the value of organic manures. Are there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at podcast@cornishmutual.co.uk or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. You...

Make sure you listen to episode 6 to get the most from this bonus episode.  Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.  For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk For our podcast disclaimer click here .  Timestamps 00...