In this episode, Ben Eagle is joined by David Exwood, Deputy President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), who farms over 1,200 tenanted hectares just south of Horsham in West Sussex. David shares insights from his multi-enterprise farming business—featuring arable, beef, sheep, and a farm shop—as well as his leadership journey within the NFU.

They discuss:

• David’s farming background and philosophy
• His leadership style and priorities at the NFU
• The challenges facing UK agriculture, including ELMS, inheritance tax changes etc
• The role of politics in shaping farming’s future
• Opportunities for younger farmers and the role of innovation
• With candid reflections on decision-making, long-term motivation, and what he’d change with a magic wand, this episode offers a deep dive into the person behind the leadership role and the direction of British farming today.

Final thoughts include messages for both the public and farmers.

Photo credit: Lawrence Looi / NFU.

🎧 Subscribe to Meet the Farmers wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on social media @RuralPodMedia for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.

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

If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message.

Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening.

Follow us on social media

Instagram @mtf_podcast

Twitter @mtf_podcast

Watch us on Youtube here