In this episode, host Ben Eagle speaks with Jack Bradley, a first-generation dairy farmer in Iceland. Jack shares his unique journey from the UK to Iceland, detailing his experiences in the military, a pivotal holiday in Kavos that indirectly sparked his interest in farming, and his time working in New Zealand. He discusses the cultural differences between the UK and Iceland, the challenges of herd management, and the importance of community. Jack also explains the Icelandic milk quota system and his aspirations for the future, including establishing a tourism business alongside his farming. Throughout the conversation, Jack emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and the need for transparency in the agricultural industry.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction to Jack Bradley's Journey

03:17 Life in Iceland: Landscape and Community

05:52 Childhood Influences and Early Aspirations

10:50 Military Career and Lessons from Failure

14:53 Cultural Observations: UK vs. Iceland

19:34 The Pivotal Holiday in Kavos

23:44 Transitioning into Dairy Farming

24:39 The Importance of Fit in Job Recruitment

26:28 Challenges of Herd Management

28:13 Navigating Education and Career Paths

29:17 A Leap of Faith to Iceland

30:42 Life in Iceland: A New Beginning

33:11 Cultural Adjustments and Language Barriers

37:16 From Farming to Owning a Farm

40:12 Building a Future Together

44:12 The Efficiency of Business in Iceland

45:14 Understanding Iceland's Unique Milk Quota System

48:14 Challenges of Expanding Dairy Operations

50:47 Future Aspirations and Business Ventures

55:28 Cultural Insights and Unique Traditions

59:19 Messages of Encouragement and Change for Farmers

🎧 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 at ruralpodmedia.co.uk.

About Ben and RuralPod Media

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. 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

Image Credit: Jack Bradley

In this episode of Meet the Farmers, Ben sits down with Charlotte Ashley, a farmer, podcaster, and prominent countryside content creator, who shares her journey into farming, farming life today, and the power of social media to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities. We’ll also dive into Charlotte’s role as a content creator and her thoughts on the “influencer” label, as well as her podcasting journey with Rebecca Wilson.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Charlotte Ashley and Her Journey

04:06 Transitioning to Dairy Farming

11:50 Life Before Farming: A Personal Reflection

17:47 The Shift to Robot Milking Systems

23:50 Learning Curve in Dairy Farming

29:28 Advice for New Entrants in Dairy Farming

32:25 The Journey to Becoming Graham's Dairy Farmers

35:56 Defining the Role: Farmer vs Influencer

46:40 The Evolution of Podcasting and Storytelling

52:35 Navigating the Challenges of Dairy Farming

58:18 Reflections and Messages for the Future

🎧 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 at ruralpodmedia.co.uk.

About Ben and RuralPod Media

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. 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

Image credit: Charlotte Ashley

In this special episode of the podcast Ben announces the launch of a brand new ongoing current affairs series on the podcast, with two new hosts joining the Meet the Farmers team!

🎧 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. 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 heartfelt episode, Michael Kavanagh shares his journey of grief following the tragic loss of his daughter Eleanor in January 2025. He discusses the challenges faced by his family, the importance of community support, and the promise he made to Eleanor to live a life well lived.

On Sunday 26th January 2025, 2 year old, Eleanor and her big sister Fiona, went to bed like any other night. Their parents Di and Michael played with them, read them stories, tucked them in and sang a lullaby. Both children went to sleep happy and loved. The following morning, Monday 27th January, Di went into the girls’ room to discover the unthinkable had happened. Eleanor had passed away in her sleep. Having had no signs of a worrying illness, and the brightest, happiest, healthiest little girl they had absolutely no warning there was anything to be concerned about. The postmortem would come back some 12 weeks later showing she had viral pneumonia.

In this episode which some viewers may find difficult, Michael Kavanagh describes his and Di's experience this year, grief, counselling and undertaking immense challenges in memory of Eleanor. Di has already completed her cycle from London to Paris in extreme conditions. Michael will be leaving their new home in Oxfordshire on Saturday 25th October, and within 24 hours he will run (and walk) to Eleanor’s grave 80 miles away in Shropshire. Three marathons, back-to-back. Off road. Through the night.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT MICHAEL AND ELEANOR PLEASE VISIT https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/9936/the-eleanor-challenge/

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:47 The Tragic Loss of Eleanor
• 05:56 Life After Loss: The Kavanagh Family's Journey
• 08:57 Michael's New Farming Challenge
• 11:51 Eleanor's Memory and the Promise of a Life Well Lived
• 14:53 Community Support and Resilience
• 17:42 Finding Joy Amidst Grief
• 26:25 Navigating Grief: Personal Insights
• 30:28 The Importance of Counseling and Support
• 35:29 Channeling Grief into Action: The Challenges Ahead
• 44:36 Charity and Community: Honoring Eleanor's Memory
• 51:02 Messages of Hope and Resilience

🎧 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 at ruralpodmedia.co.uk.

About Ben and RuralPod Media

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. 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, host Ben Eagle speaks with Ian Pullen, a beef farmer from Wotton Under Edge, Gloucestershire. Ian shares his journey into farming, the challenges he faces with TB in cattle, and how he has successfully integrated YouTube into his farming business. He discusses the importance of diversification, the direct sales model for his beef, and the future of farming amidst changing policies and market demands. Ian emphasizes the need for farmers to adapt and find new income streams while maintaining a connection with their customers.

Takeaways

• Ian Pullen took over the family farm in 1993 and has been farming for generations.
• He transitioned from sheep farming to cattle due to the challenges of sheep management.
• TB in cattle is a significant concern, affecting farm operations and income.
• YouTube has become a lucrative side business for Ian, sometimes earning more than farming.
• Ian emphasizes the importance of being authentic and having thick skin when sharing farming experiences online.
• The tree surgery business has been crucial in supporting the farm financially.
• Direct sales of beef have created a loyal customer base, with people traveling long distances to buy from Ian.
• Future plans include diversifying the farm's income through potential tourism and local sales.
• Ian's daughter is showing interest in taking over the farm, which brings hope for the future.
• The farming community needs to adapt to changing policies and find innovative ways to sustain their livelihoods.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Ian Pullen and His Farm
• 02:56 The Journey into Farming: From Sheep to Cattle
• 06:01 Navigating the Challenges of TB in Cattle Farming
• 08:59 The Rise of YouTube: A New Income Stream
• 11:54 Balancing Farming and Tree Surgery
• 14:52 The Future of Farming: Diversification and Sustainability
• 17:48 Direct Sales: Building a Customer Base for Beef
• 20:50 Planning for the Future: Challenges and Opportunities
• 23:44 Messages for the Public and Fellow Farmers

🎧 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 episode, Ben Eagle visits Thomas Gent, a fourth-generation farmer from the Lincolnshire-Cambridgeshire border. Thomas, his father and grandfather have transitioned the family farm to regenerative agriculture methods since 2008. Thomas is also the founder of Gentle Farming. The conversation covers Thomas' personal journey into farming, the transition to regenerative practices, the role of innovation and technology, and his views on the future of agriculture in the 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.

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 episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle speaks with Bronagh Dempster, a passionate new entrant from Northern Ireland. Bronagh shares her journey into farming, her education at Queen's University Belfast, and her experiences working on a dairy farm. She discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the dairy industry, her involvement in the Nuffield Next Gen scholarship, and her aspirations to start her own small-scale beef operation. Bronagh emphasizes the importance of attitude in agriculture, the value of sports in her life, and offers advice for newcomers to the industry. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of farming and the excitement for the future of agriculture.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction to Bronagh Dempster

02:46 Bronagh's Journey into Farming

10:15 The Dairy Industry Landscape

14:27 Nuffield NextGen Scholarship Experience

19:21 Starting Her Own Cattle Venture

24:16 Balancing Farming and Processing Work

26:35 The Importance of Sport in Life

28:24 Future of Dairy and Farming

29:46 Advice for New Entrants in Agriculture

31:48 Messages to the Public and Farmers

🎧 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