R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Latest Episodes:

R2Kast 303 - Tom McVeigh on Nut Farming, Farm Transformation, and Innovation in Agriculture Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Today we welcome Tom McVeigh onto the R2Kast! 🚜 Tom has been making big changes on his farm, transitioning away from traditional methods and diving into nut farming, a less common but increasingly valuable crop in the UK.

We explore how he’s reshaping his farm, the challenges of introducing nut trees into British agriculture, and the long-term vision for this shift. Tom shares the lessons he’s learned, from soil management to market demand, and the unexpected hurdles along the way. 🌰🌳

Beyond nut farming, we discuss how agriculture is evolving, the importance of trial and error, and how technology and innovation can help farmers adapt to changing markets and climates. His forward-thinking approach offers valuable insight for anyone considering diversification. 🌱

Tom’s journey is a fascinating look at how farms can pivot, adapt, and thrive with new ideas and sustainable practices. If you’re interested in future-proofing your farm, this episode is one you won’t want to miss! 🚀

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for the support.

#R2Kast #TomMcVeigh #NutFarming #FarmTransformation #SustainableFarming #AgInnovation #Diversification #SoilHealth #FutureOfFarming #ClimateResilience #RegenerativeAgriculture #FarmDiversification #AgriTech #AgriLeadership #FarmingInnovation #UKFarming #AgriBusiness #Horticulture #NewCrops #FarmingCommunity #SustainableAg #AgTech

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R2Kast 302 - Will Blake on Troff on the Go, Hospitality, and the Food Industry Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Today we welcome Will Blake onto the R2Kast! 🎙️ With so much of this series focusing on farming, it’s important we also bring in more voices from the food industry—and Will is the perfect guest to do just that! 🍽️

Will has spent years working in hospitality across both the UK and Oman, gaining experience in high-pressure kitchens and learning what makes a truly great food experience. Now, he’s the owner of Troff on the Go, a street food business that has built a strong following for its bold flavours and top-tier dishes. 🌯🔥

We also chat about consumer trends, the growing demand for authenticity in food, and how small businesses can compete in a world dominated by big chains. Will’s insights into customer expectations and adapting to the fast-paced nature of hospitality make for a fascinating discussion. 🌍

To top it all off, he shares a fun story involving a former US president—a moment that perfectly sums up the unpredictability of working in hospitality! His experience in hospitality, customer service, and building a successful food brand makes this an episode packed with knowledge and inspiration for anyone in food and farming. 🏆

Enjoy!

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#R2Kast #WillBlake #TroffOnTheGo #FoodIndustry #Hospitality #StreetFood #ConsumerTrends #FarmToFork #FoodBusiness #QualityIngredients #IndependentBusiness #FoodCulture #RestaurantLife #ChefLife #UKFood #SupportingLocal #CulinaryInnovation #FarmingAndFood #HowdenRural

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R2Kast 301 - Oli Fletcher on Farming, YouTube, and Challenging Rural Narratives Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Today we welcome Oli Fletcher onto the R2Kast! 🎥 From growing up on a small dairy farm to studying history at Oxford, Oli has taken a unique route into the world of agricultural advocacy. His YouTube channel, Farming Explained, dives deep into complex debates surrounding food production, sustainability, and rural life. 🚜

Oli doesn’t shy away from controversy—his content tackles everything from veganism to food security, breaking down the nuances of modern farming in a way that’s both accessible and thought-provoking. His goal? To bridge the gap between farmers and consumers through informed discussion. 🌍📢

We also delve into farming history, uncovering some hidden truths about agriculture’s past and how they still shape the industry today. From overlooked innovations to long-standing misconceptions, this episode offers a fascinating look at the evolution of farming. 📜🌾

We also chat about the pressures of putting yourself out there online. As much as social media allows farmers to share their stories, it also invites criticism. Oli shares his experiences of navigating this space, handling backlash, and staying true to his mission of educating the public. 💻💬

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#Farming #Agriculture #RuralLife #FoodProduction #YouTube #SocialMedia #FarmingExplained #OxfordUniversity #FoodSecurity #SustainableFarming #ConsumerEducation #FarmToFork #FarmingDebates #RegenerativeAg #FarmerInfluencer #AgriculturalAdvocacy #LivestockFarming #FarmingHistory #HiddenTruths #DigitalFarming #UKAgriculture

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R2Kast 300 - Megan Rowland on Deer Management, Sustainability, and Crofting Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

🎉 Episode 300! A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the R2Kast journey over the past four years—your engagement has made this possible! Here’s to the next 300! 🎧

Today, we welcome Megan Rowland, a passionate advocate for sustainable land management, deer management, and crofting in Scotland. Growing up on a croft in Orkney, Megan’s journey took her from vegetarianism to a deep appreciation for responsible meat production. She shares how hands-on experience changed her perspective on food sustainability and land use. 🌱

We delve into her career in deer management, where she works with NatureScot and voluntary deer management groups to balance conservation, biodiversity, and the realities of managing Scotland’s red deer population. Megan also shares her insights on crofting, fencing challenges, and her goal of producing more of her own food. 🦌

A well-deserved recipient of the Ineos Countryside Champion award, Megan discusses her advocacy for responsible land stewardship and demystifying game management. Her story highlights the complexities of sustainability, food production, and rural life. 🏆

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in conservation, sustainable food systems, and the realities of working with Scotland’s natural landscapes. Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support! 🙌

Enjoy!

#R2Kast #MeganRowland #DeerManagement #Crofting #Sustainability #LandStewardship #Conservation #NatureScot #ScotlandFarming #WildlifeManagement #RuralLife #GameManagement #ScottishAgriculture #FoodProduction #FencingChallenges #RegenerativeFarming #CountrysideChampion #SustainableFoodSystems #HowdenRural #Episode300 #ThankYou

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R2Kast 299 - Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Roisin Taylor Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Today, we chat to Roisin Taylor, a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems and a 2023 Nuffield Scholar. Roisin’s journey into agriculture is anything but conventional—growing up in rural County Durham, she spent a decade working on farms before diving into academia, where her interests in anthropology and social structures led her back to the land. 🌱

Her Nuffield Scholarship focuses on the British cut flower industry, exploring its sustainability, the challenges it faces, and how it can reduce reliance on imports. She’s passionate about supporting UK growers and ensuring that flowers are produced in an environmentally responsible way. 💐

Roisin shares candid insights into the highs and lows of her journey, from her early days on a sheep farm to working with UK Youth for Nature and her experiences in advocacy. She also discusses the emotional challenges of land loss and the resilience needed to navigate setbacks in farming. 💪

We also speak about inclusivity in agriculture and how initiatives like AgDiversity by Nuffield will play a crucial role in making the industry more accessible and welcoming to people from all backgrounds. 🌍

Enjoy!

Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.

The views in this podcast are those of the participants and not the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

#R2Kast #NuffieldScholar #BritishCutFlowers #FlowerFarming #SustainableAgriculture #UKFarming #RegenerativeFarming #EnvironmentalSustainability #HowdenRural #FloralIndustry #FlowerGrowers #FarmingCommunity #FarmingResilience #AgriLeadership #NuffieldFarming #LocalFlowers #Horticulture #AgricultureInnovation #FutureOfFarming #SustainableFloralDesign #AgDiversity #InclusiveAgriculture

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R2Kast 298 - Alex Crawley on Military Service, Conservation Grazing, and Building a Farm from Scratch Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Today we welcome Alex Crawley onto the R2Kast! A former Gurkha officer, Alex’s journey has taken him from military service to counterterrorism work in the Middle East. Despite these extreme careers, he now faces his biggest challenge yet—farming. 🌍

Even while working abroad, he found ways to connect with food—growing olives on a rooftop in the Middle East and even rearing quail on a third-floor balcony. Now back in the UK, he’s building a farm from scratch, taking on a whole new battlefield. 🚜

With a focus on conservation grazing, Alex is blending traditional farming with environmental restoration, proving that food production and sustainability can work hand in hand. His approach highlights the importance of livestock in regenerative agriculture and restoring natural landscapes. 🌱

His transition from such a high-pressure career into farming brings a fascinating perspective on resilience, land management, and learning from the ground up. A truly insightful conversation about dedication, adaptability, and following your passion. 🐄

Enjoy!

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#R2Kast #AlexCrawley #MilitaryToFarming #Gurkha #RegenerativeAgriculture #ConservationGrazing #UKFarming #SustainableFarming #Farmlife #SheepFarming #BritishFarming #FarmingUK #Environment #FoodSecurity #LivestockFarming #BritishSheep #FarmersOfInstagram #SupportBritishFarming #Farm365 #Nature #PastureManagement #LandRestoration

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R2Kast 297 - David Oates on Organic Farming, Consumer Engagement, and Nuffield Travels Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Today we welcome David Oates onto the R2Kast! 🌱

David is a seventh-generation organic farmer in Cornwall, running a farm focused on Welsh Black cattle, conservation grazing, and direct consumer engagement. Having grown up with a farm shop, he has a deep-rooted belief in the importance of bridging the gap between farmers and the public. 🚜

Beyond farming, David has been actively involved in outreach and education, sharing the realities of organic farming and the challenges that come with it. He’s a strong advocate for conversations around sustainability and responsible land management. 🏞️

But his Nuffield Scholarship is about to take him across the globe to explore different organic systems and how they interact with consumers. We chat about the lessons he hopes to learn, the innovations he wants to see, and how they could be implemented in the UK. ✈️

Enjoy!

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#organicfarming #welshblackcattle #consumerengagement #regenerativeagriculture #sustainablefarming #conservationgrazing #nuffieldscholar #directtoconsumer #farmshop #foodsystems #agriculture #farming #foodandfarming #soilhealth #climatechange #ruralbusiness #ukfarming #cornwall #environment #farmlife #farmersofinstagram #nature

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R2Kast 296 - Barbara Bray on Nutrition, Sustainability, and the Future of Food Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Today we welcome Barbara Bray onto the R2Kast. Barbara’s career in food and nutrition is nothing short of extraordinary, spanning global consultancy, policy work, and leadership in the agri-food sector. 🍏

Barbara’s journey began in food procurement before taking her to Uganda, where she worked on post-harvest technology, helping to improve food security. Her deep understanding of food systems led her to establish her consultancy, ALO Solutions, advising businesses on nutrition, sustainability, and supply chains. 🌍

As a Nuffield Farming Scholar, Barbara explored how businesses can influence consumers to make healthier food choices. Her work has since expanded into food policy, earning her an MBE for services to food and nutrition. She also serves as a director of the Oxford Farming Conference, a trustee of the Farming Community Network, and a governor at Harper Adams University. 🏆

Barbara is now undertaking a PhD in healthy ageing diets, researching how nutrition can support longer, healthier lives. Her insights into consumer behaviour, sustainable food systems, and future dietary trends make for a fascinating conversation. 🍽️

Enjoy!

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#R2Kast #BarbaraBray #Nutrition #SustainableFood #FutureOfFood #FoodSystems #HealthyEating #ALOsolutions #NuffieldScholar #FoodPolicy #HowdenRural #AgriFood #OxfordFarmingConference #FarmingCommunityNetwork #HarperAdams #HealthyAgeing #ConsumerBehaviour #FoodSupplyChains #PublicHealthNutrition #Sustainability #FoodInnovation

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R2Kast 295 - Dave Kennedy on Lowland Sheep Farming, Fitness, and Mental Resilience Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Today we welcome Dave Kennedy onto the R2Kast. Dave is a lowland sheep farmer and personal development coach, bringing together two unique worlds with one powerful message: resilience and growth. 🌱

Dave shares the story of a traumatic experience in his late teens that shaped his life. Feeling he needed to make a change, he embarked on a journey of personal transformation, both mentally and physically. His farming life, managing 200 sheep after transitioning from dairy, showcases his adaptability and strength. 🐑

We explore his incredible journey of losing over eight stone in weight and the emotional connections tied to food. Dave’s honesty about the mental strength required for such a change is both inspiring and relatable. His story is one of self-awareness, growth, and pushing through challenges. 💪

Dave now offers a service teaching health and wellbeing, starting with the mind before the body. His work focuses on helping others develop resilience, improve their mindset, and take control of their lives, particularly in rural communities. His passion for guiding others through their own transformations is truly inspiring. 🧠

Enjoy!

Thank you to Howden Rural for the continued support.

#R2Kast #DaveKennedy #LowlandSheepFarming #PersonalDevelopment #FitnessJourney #MentalHealthInFarming #RuralResilience #HowdenRural #SheepFarming #AgricultureLife #WeightLossJourney #FarmingAndFitness #FarmersMentalHealth #RuralSupport #FarmStories #MentalResilience #SheepFarmer #AgricultureCommunity #MindsetAndGrowth #HealthAndWellbeing #FitnessAndFarming

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R2Kast 294 - Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Emily Norton Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series, we chat to Emily Norton, a passionate advocate for climate-focused policy and the future of farming. 🌍

Emily discusses her journey into agriculture, growing up on a mixed family farm and experiencing the challenges of succession and intergenerational farming firsthand. Her early experiences shaped her dedication to building a more sustainable and equitable industry. 🌾

Her Nuffield Scholarship focused on how farmers can adapt their systems to align with sustainability goals while remaining profitable. Emily’s travels took her across the globe, from Europe to North America, where she explored innovative farming practices and their applications back home. ✈️

Emily reflects on her time as Chair of the Oxford Farming Conference and how her work has centred on bridging the gap between policy and practical farming solutions. Her insights highlight the critical role farmers play in tackling climate challenges while managing the realities of modern agriculture. 🌱

Enjoy!

Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.

The views in this podcast are those of the participants and not the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

#R2Kast #NuffieldScholar #EmilyNorton #ClimateAction #SustainableFarming #FarmPolicy #AgricultureInnovation #HowdenRural #GlobalAgriculture #FarmingLeadership #EnvironmentalPolicy #NuffieldFarming #FutureOfFarming #FarmSustainability #AgriLeadership #FarmingJourney #FarmersAndClimate #AgriResearch #FarmToFuture

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