In episode 307 of Meet the Farmers, Ben travels (virtually) to western Victoria, Australia to talk with Tara, a third-generation sheep and mixed crop farmer working alongside her family. Tara runs Australian White and Primeline sheep, and is passionate about balancing productivity with long-term sustainability. She shares how responsibilities are divided on the farm, the role of technology in their management, and the opportunities and challenges facing Australian agriculture today — especially climate variability. Beyond the farm gate, Tara has built a strong following on Instagram and YouTube, where she shares the real ups and downs of farm life, helping bridge the gap between farmers and the wider public. This conversation covers her farming journey, the evolution of her family’s land, and her ambitions for the future.

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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.

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In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle speaks with beef and sheep farmer James Warwick from north Cornwall about how he moved to Cornwall from Cambridgeshire to live with his grandparents and learn to farm. He now farms South Devon cattle and 350–400 ewes. James shares his passion for farming, financial challenges of farming and the mental strain it can sometimes bring.

We talk about:

• The story of how James moved to Cornwall to farm with his grandparents
• Life on the farm today and the balance between sheep and cattle.
• His apprenticeship on another farm and what he learned
• Being open about the mental strain farming can bring.
• The financial pressures of farming and how he tackles cashflow uncertainty
• His vision for the future of the farm over the next decade

James offers a heartfelt and honest perspective on the rewards and realities of farming, blending tradition with a willingness to speak openly about issues that matter to farmers everywhere.

Photo credit: James Warwick

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

If you like what we do you can also BUY US A COFFEE - https://buymeacoffee.com/meetthefarmers

OR JOIN THE MEET THE FARMERS SUPPORTERS CLUB ON PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/meetthefarmers

To join our newsletter visit our website and complete the pop up form.

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

In this week’s episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle is joined by Shane and Val Wallis, who run a family farm in Indiana in the United States raising Shorthorn cattle alongside corn, beans, and hay. Shane and Val share insights into their day-to-day operation, why Shorthorns are important for them and the story of their farm. They reflect on the unique challenges and rewards of farming in their part of Indiana and the pressures facing U.S. farmers today from their perspective. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of their farm and the values that drive their work.

Image credit: Shane and Val Wallis

🎧 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

To support the project visit reMooable Energy - Our Cow Molly goes electric - a Environment crowdfunding project in Sheffield by sarah.galligan@ecofit.uk

For more info on Our Cow Molly visit - Our Cow Molly – Farm Shop & Ice Cream Parlour

Eddie last featured on episode 12 of the podcast!

🎧 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

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

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben Eagle explores how SMART farming is reshaping the UK dairy sector. From herd management to sustainability and automation, Ben is joined by a panel of farmers and agri-tech experts to discuss how digital tools, data, and intelligent systems are helping dairy businesses become more efficient, resilient, and future-ready.

Together, the panel examines real-life examples of SMART farming in action, the benefits and barriers of adopting new technologies, and the innovations on the horizon. Whether it's camera technology, AI, slurry monitoring, or pasture measurement, this episode is packed with practical insights into the future of dairy farming.

Ben Hogg
UK & Ireland General Manager, Datamars Livestock
Ben brings a tech supplier’s perspective, discussing how connected livestock systems and data-driven tools are enabling better decision-making and improving livestock health and productivity.

Mike Jones
Dairy Technical Manager, UK Agritech Centre
Mike shares a national overview of agri-innovation in the dairy sector, highlighting where adoption is thriving and where farmers still face challenges when integrating new technologies.

Patrick Morris-Eyton
Cumbrian Dairy Farmer & Arla District Representative
Patrick manages a high-input, high-output system with 900 pedigree Holsteins. He reflects on how SMART farming supports consistency, scale, and staff management on a large dairy farm.

Adam Atkinson
Farm Manager, Caulston Farm (Carswell Group), South Devon
Adam runs a spring block calving system with 600 Kiwicross cows on a grass-based setup. He shares how digital tools like grass measurement and herd monitoring enhance sustainability and performance.

SMART farming explained

Digital herd management

Sustainability and efficiency through tech

Practical farm experiences (large-scale vs. pasture-based)

Automation, AI, and the future of dairy

Cultural and financial barriers to tech adoption

Datamars Livestock – www.datamars.com

UK Agritech Centre – www.agritech-centre.co.uk

🎧 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

In this episode, Ben travels across the pond to Alvin, Texas, to meet Tyler Froberg — a fourth-generation farmer and agri-influencer who is reshaping how people connect with agriculture. Tyler shares the story of his family’s farm, Froberg Farms, which started with just 22 acres of strawberries in 1936 and has now grown into the largest “You-Pick” strawberry farm in Texas.

Tyler talks about his path to farming, which wasn’t a straight line. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Washington state. Upon returning to Texas, he worked in the Pearland Parks and Natural Resources Department before ultimately coming back to the farm. He also completed a degree in agriculture from Texas Tech University — all of which contributed to his approach to farming today.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Tyler co-created the Farming for Dummies podcast with Noah Young to help bridge the gap between farmers and the public. He also began sharing his own story online, quickly gaining a loyal following across TikTok and Instagram with his educational and often humorous takes on everyday life on the farm.

This conversation covers:

The evolution of Froberg Farms over four generations

Tyler’s journey through the military and back to agriculture

The challenges and opportunities of direct sales and “You-Pick” operations

Using social media to connect with non-farming audiences

Why storytelling is key to the future of agriculture

Froberg Farms – frobergfarm.com

Follow Tyler on Instagram – @tylerfroberg

Farming for Dummies Podcast – [Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts]

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

Image credit: Tyler Froberg

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

Emma Burnett – Senior Researcher in Agriculture and Sustainability, Fielden Whisky

Øistein Thorsen – CEO, FAI Farms

Julia Kirby Smith – Better Food Traders

Hannah Gibbs – Programme Manager, Sustain

Lucy Williamson – Registered Nutritionist & Advocate for Soil-to-Gut Health

What "regenerative" means beyond the farm

The role of consumer-facing brands in regenerative storytelling

The responsibilities and opportunities for retailers—big and small

Linking human health with soil health and biodiversity

Whether regeneration will become the norm or a niche

Fielden Whisky

FAI Farms

Better Food Traders

Sustain

Lucy Williamson Nutrition

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts—it really helps us grow the show.

🎧 Next episode: Ben speaks with Texas farmer Tyler Froberg.

Image credit: Ben Eagle

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