Long-time and respected podcaster Ben Eagle is to swap out the microphone to produce a new podcast bringing fresh voices to the big debates in UK agriculture. Hosted by dairy farmer Sophie Gregory and the arable and combine karaoke farmer, Ally Hunter Blair, The Big Debate will air robust discussion on some of the wider topics that affect farming.
The Big Debate is not only for farmers but for those across the country interested in UK business and the rural economy, says producer Ben, who founded podcast production agency, RuralPod Media, and is the host of Meet the Farmers which has featured over 300 farmers’ stories from across the UK, Norway, Australia, Ireland and the US.
“The Big Debate has been coming for a long time,” explains Ben. “We could see the need for an ongoing series about farming and rural current affairs that would challenge misinformation, inform and entertain farmers, but also look ahead to the future and debate issues in a balanced and open way. Our hosts come from different sides of the sector to lift the lid on what really matters through entertaining discussion and positive, open dialogue. We will also be inviting guests from across the breadth of agricultural sectors and the world of politics to engage in the ever-live farming debate.”
Former accountant and Nuffield Scholar, Sophie is a first-generation farmer. She farms 1600 acres of dairy and arable on the Dorset-Devon border with her husband. They milk 400 organic dairy cows on a grass-based system, recently took on a tenancy to milk a further 200 conventional cows, and have arable units largely for feeding the cattle.
Sophie has recently travelled to 10 countries across the world, from Azerbaijan and Austria to Taiwan and the United States for a Nuffield Scholarship looking into the future of organic. She sits on various industry boards, including the Arla Board of representatives and NFU Dairy Board, founded and chairs the Organic Round Table and runs two charitable initiatives to support young people into farming. She has built her farming story and a strong following on Instagram as farmer_in_training.
“I’m really looking forward to exploring some of the big topics from farm level, unpicking them and learning from different perspectives across the sector, as these issues and opportunities impact us all differently. We also don’t always evaluate, as farmers, the role our business plays or influence we could have at higher level, like, for example, around trade deals. We’d like to see these conversations be part of a shift in how farming is recognised and its role in the economy, environment and the UK as a whole. Also, for UK Government to act going forward on the understanding that farming is a long-term game and cannot withstand erratic changes in policy.”
Ally farms 500 acres of arable in Herefordshire, on a conventional rotation, and was the youngest tenant of the Duchy of Cornwall when he joined the partnership with his parents in 2012. He was one of the first to start posting on social media to show the positive stories around farming and that it’s not ‘all flatcaps and get off my land’. His candid approach also highlights the challenges and the direct impact of industry changes and government decisions on his own farm and the broader sector.
Well known for singing in his combine cab as well as starring on TV’s First Time Farmers (2012-13) and Born Mucky (2019-20), he has a huge following and is regularly invited for interview in the mainstream media.
“Sophie and I come from very different perspectives but also share a lot of common ground and I’m really looking forward to the ideas and discussion this podcast will prompt between us and our listeners,” says Ally. “In contrast to Sophie’s drive to build, I’ve become very disillusioned with farming in the last 18 months and there’s a lot at play with politics, geopolitics and the weather which is going to create some interesting debate.”
As well as the clear goal for The Big Debate to encourage different thinking and conversation, Ally adds that the podcast format is ideal for farmers.
“You can listen to a podcast while you are working, pause and revisit it. It definitely beats the repetition of the radio and waiting for the news to clock the hour. With a podcast, that hour flies by. Sophie and I are really looking forward to the chance to connect with the industry like this.”
Listeners will be invited to pose their own questions as part of the podcast. Special feature episodes with high profile guests are also planned.
The podcast’s headline sponsor is Virgin Money, which has an agricultural team that supports farmers the length of the UK. Brian Richardson, Head of Agriculture at Virgin Money, said it is proud to support the launch of The Big Debate with Rural Pod Media, “a timely initiative for British agriculture”:
“Too often, commentary focuses on the negatives, creating a ‘doom loop’ of news,” says Brian. “While challenges exist, there is also much to celebrate, and farmers need a platform to explore what’s possible and consider both sides of the debate.
“Ben and his team have a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, factual content to the farming community and Ben has been meticulous in selecting presenters who can educate, inspire, and spark constructive discussion, helping farmers think about the future with optimism rather than concern,” added Brian.
“Virgin Money is delighted to partner with Rural Pod Media to launch The Big Debate to provide this platform for honest, informed discussion and to offer a fresh and positive perspective on the issues and opportunities farmers face today. This podcast promises to be an essential resource for anyone in agriculture.”
Law firm Birketts is proud to support The Big Debate as a sponsor, recognising the importance of open, informed discussion in UK agriculture. Its agriculture team is a top-tier legal group with more than 50 specialists across six UK offices, offering full-service support to farmers, landowners and agri-businesses. The team covers everything from tenancies and planning to employment, diversification, succession and private client matters. With many lawyers from farming backgrounds and as Fellows of the Agricultural Law Association, they have a deep sector knowledge as well as practical insight to help protect and grow agricultural businesses.
“At Birketts, we’ve long championed the value of clear communication and strategic thinking in farming,” says Chris Coupland, Partner and Head of Agriculture at Birketts. “This podcast offers a vital platform for farmers and rural businesses to engage with the issues that matter most—whether that’s policy, sustainability, or succession planning. We’re delighted to be part of an initiative that encourages constructive dialogue and helps the sector navigate change with confidence and clarity.”
TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods is a supporting partner of the podcast. As a leading provider of digital solutions and data insights, they help connect food supply chains, improving the safety, quality and sustainability of food and consumer goods, all in a way that’s traceable and clear to the end consumer. This is supported by a UK-based team of over 250 specialists who build and support digital tools designed specifically for British farmers including crop management, farm accounting, farm payroll, IT services and more.
The Big Debate will launch on 31st October on YouTube (search Meet the Farmers); Spotify; Apple Podcasts; and wherever else you get your podcasts (search Meet the Farmers). Look out for the special preview airing on 20th October as part of Meet the Farmers.