In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle catches up with James and Katie Allen, a dynamic couple whose journey into farming began with conservation grazing and has evolved into something much bigger. Originally featured during the Meet the Farmers on Tour series in 2019, James and Katie return to the podcast with exciting updates from their new 170-acre holding near Swindon.

James and Katie have built a thriving, nature-led enterprise focused on native breed cattle and sheep.

Recently, their business took a major leap forward with the opening of a new on-farm tannery and classroom, funded by a £254,000 grant. These new facilities are already playing a vital role in their mission to connect farming, sustainability, and education — particularly in the realm of fashion. The Allens now host fashion students and others on the farm, sharing insights into the journey from hide and wool to finished product and their links with farming.

We discuss their vision for the future, what the grant has enabled, sustainable leather production, and how they’re bridging the gap between agriculture and fashion.

Topics covered:

Starting out with conservation grazing

Moving to the new farm.

Building a sustainable tannery and educational space

James's Churchill scholarship

Engaging with the fashion industry and design students

Engaging with the local community

Image credit: James and Katie Allen

Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency.

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About Ben and RuralPod Media

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk

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