Welcome to Shed Talks

In this first episode of the NFU’s new podcast Shed Talks, hosts Bizza Walters and Luke Cox explore what resilience really looks like in British farming today – from daily pressures to long-term planning, mental health, and the challenges farmers face both at home and abroad.

They are joined by two farmers: Hannah Jackson, known to many as The Red Shepherdess, who farms sheep and cattle in the Yorkshire Dales, and Oliver Collingham, who works on a mixed arable and livestock farm in Lincolnshire.

Together, they share honest reflections on the realities of farming life, how they stay resilient, and why support networks and open conversations matter.

Also in this episode, our Westminster segment features NFU External Affairs team members Olivia Phoenix and Ruairi Hodges, who discuss the new Defra top team and explain why it is vital for the NFU to maintain a presence at party political conferences every year.

The episode ends with a powerful story from Mary Rickert, a cattle rancher in California whose community has been left devastated by attacks from wild wolves and mountain lions. Hear how ACDC music has helped!

Listener warning: This interview includes graphic descriptions of livestock attacks and may be distressing for some listeners.

• Key themes and takeaways:
• A positive mindset can set the tone for the day
• Imposter syndrome is more common than you think
• Succession planning is essential for future resilience
• Diversifying income streams supports long-term stability
• Open conversations around mental health make a difference
• Wild predator reintroductions have serious consequences for farmers
• The NFU plays a vital role in giving farmers a voice in politics
• Community, connection and shared experience help build resilience

To find out more about your hosts and todays guests head to the below links:

Bizza Walters - @bizza.walters

Hannah Jackson - @redshepherdess

To find out more about NFU, head to www.nfuonline.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Shed Talks. This is the new podcast opening the door to British food and farming.

From muddy fields to Westminster, join farmers, growers, NFU experts and industry voices for honest conversations about the challenges, priorities and future of farming.

Real stories. Real people. Real farming. By farmers, for farmers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.