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.

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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.

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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