Farming Forward: The Podcast that Celebrates Dairy Farming!
Step into the world of dairy farming with Farming Forward, the podcast where farmers take centre stage.
Each episode dives into the triumphs, challenges, and innovations within the dairy farming community. Hear firsthand accounts of life on the farm, discussions about sustainable practices, and the role of dairy in feeding the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, a curious foodie, or just someone who loves a good story, Farming Forward will inspire, educate, and connect you to the heart of the agricultural world.
From hoof health to sustainable innovations, we've gathered the best moments from Season 2 of "Farming Forward" 🚜✨
👣 James Wilson – Hoof Health Consultant & Researcher
Diving into the science behind lameness prevention and the importance of teamwork in dairy farming.
🩺 Vet Tonia Simms – Farm Vet
Sharing insights on reducing antibiotic use and enhancing herd fertility through nature and science.
🏴 Willie McHarrie – Scottish Dairy Farmer
Discussing his journey from starting fresh to managing a thriving herd at Broompark Farm.
🎪 Janet Simpson – Secretary of The Great Eccleston Show
Highlighting the growth of the show and her role in milk recording across local farms.
🧑🌾 Andrew Pemberton – Lancashire Dairy Farmer
Reflecting on generational changes in farming and the realities of modern dairy life.
🎧 Tune in to relive these inspiring conversations and celebrate the heart of dairy farming!
2 May 2025
The Hoof Health Revolution: Insights from James Wilson
Lameness is one of the biggest welfare and productivity challenges in dairy farming, but what if we could tackle it with a smarter, science-backed approach? In this episode, we’re joined by James Wilson, Hoof Health Consultant at Herd Health Consultancy and post-doctoral researcher at the University of Liverpool.
James brings a unique perspective—combining hands-on experience as a herdsman, hoof trimming skills, and cutting-edge research into genetics and farmer engagement.
We’ll be diving into:
- The latest science on claw horn lesions and lameness prevention
- Why farmers, trimmers, and vets need to work together for better results
- How genetics could play a bigger role in tackling lameness
- Simple, practical steps every dairy farmer can take today
Whether you’re a farmer, a vet, a trimmer, or just passionate about cow welfare, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!
Contact:
Linkedin page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-16a3b4153/
Email - james.herdhealth@gmail.com/j.p.wilson@liverpool.ac.uk
Website - https://www.herdhealth.co.uk/
Telephone - 07468495027
25 Apr 2025
Smarter Herd Health with Vet Tonia Simms
In this episode, we sit down with farm vet Tonia Simms to talk about how dairy farmers can work with nature and science to reduce antibiotic use, improve fertility, and create more efficient, sustainable systems. From improving genetic gain to shortening calving periods, and reducing carbon output through healthier herds, Tonia brings practical insight and grounded advice for farmers navigating the ever-changing demands of modern agriculture.
We explore how preventative approaches – like better housing, bacterial bedding products like Cobiotex, and smarter reproductive management – can support healthier cows and healthier margins. Plus, we’ll hear what a day in the life of a farm vet looks like, how Tonia balances family life, and what keeps her inspired in her work.
18 Apr 2025
Willie McHarrie - From a Blank Sheet to a Thriving Herd
Today, we’re catching up with Scottish dairy farmer Willie McHarrie from Broompark Farm in Glenluce. We’ll hear about his journey—what it took to get started, the successes and challenges he’s faced along the way, his day-day life and his approach to managing a modern dairy farm. So wherever you are, sit back and enjoy this conversation!
11 Apr 2025
Janet Simpson - Secretary of The Great Eccleston Show
We are delighted to introduce Janet Simpson, who is the secretary of The Great Eccleston Show. The show has continued to grow from strength to strength since she started running it a few years ago! Janet also runs a team of milk recorders for the National Milk Records for a lot of the local farms in the area - and is very well known!
4 Apr 2025
Andrew Pemberton - The Ginger Warrior Talks Farming
In this episode of Farming Forward, we sit down with Lancashire dairy farmer Andrew Pemberton, known to many as the Ginger Warrior from his son Tom Pemberton’s hugely popular YouTube channel. But today, it’s all about Andrew the farmer—his journey, his family’s legacy, and his take on the ever-evolving world of dairy farming.
We’ll explore how farming has changed over the generations, what it’s really like to grow up on a farm, and the biggest challenges and rewards of working with cows every day. With his wealth of experience, Andrew offers a refreshingly honest look at dairy farming—one that blends tradition with the realities of modern farming.
24 Jan 2025
Liz Russell: Rising Strong in Dairy Innovation
In this episode, we’re joined by Liz Russell, founder and Managing Director of EnviroSystems, to explore her inspiring journey from her entrepreneurial beginnings in Garstang to becoming a driving force in sustainable farming. Liz shares how her passion for dairy farming motivated her to build EnviroSystems, a company dedicated to helping farmers with innovative, sustainable solutions.
We also delve into her personal story of determination, resilience, and the challenges she faced in the dairy industry. Plus, Liz shares the unforgettable moment she met the Queen while receiving the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2006.
This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a heartfelt love for farming. Don’t miss it!
17 Jan 2025
TheBigLittleFarmer - Life Behind the Lens as a Tenant Farmer
In this episode, we speak to farmer vlogger Tommy Parkinson from Lancashire, a tall man who milks a small herd of 60 pedigree Holsteins and Jerseys – hence the name!
Having grown up on the family dairy farm nearby, but not being the first successor, for the past 6 years Tommy has been making his own way as a tenant farmer. Tommy is becoming well known for his Youtube Channel where he films himself undertaking day-to-day farming tasks.
Here, Tommy shares his plans for the future and challenges he faces raising his family on a tenanted farm. All of this gives a unique insight into the feelings and aspirations of the person who’s usually behind the camera.
Tommy posts his videos regularly to his 2.6K subscribers and has made 152 videos to date. In his own words: “We share the good bits and the bad bits and sometimes the most saddest. From milking, calving, rearing and everything else in between.”
Get an insight into Tommy’s life as a farmer, behind the lens.
10 Jan 2025
David Irwin - Joys and Challenges of Farming
In this episode we speak to David Irwin, a 4th generation dairy farmer from Redhouse Holsteins who has a herd of pedigree Holsteins in Benburb, Northern Ireland.
In addition to running the dairy farm, David also manages a genetics business, helping other farmers across the UK and beyond improve their herds.
We discuss David’s farming story, challenges farmers are facing and his future plans for the farm to ensure it stays viable as a business.
Like many farmers currently, David has come up against lots of barriers and he’s more than happy to speak about them on our podcast in order to help get farmers’ voices heard.
David has always posted on Facebook and more recently moved into Tik Tok and his following is a mega 19.1K followers!
Links for David:
Facebook: Redhouse Holsteins / Redhouse Genetic Solutions
Tik Tok: redhouseholsteins
Website: redhousegeneticsolutions.com
Email: davidirwin1988@gmail.com
3 Jan 2025
Sarah Alderton - Becoming an Ag Journalist
In this Farming Forward episode Sarah Alderton shares her journey into Ag Journalism and how her career has evolved over the past 17 years.
From working on the busy livestock desk at Farmers Weekly to freelancing and PR (for businesses like ours) and from 2025 her new venture in an agency.
Sarah didn't come from a farming background and she provides advice and tips for how you can pave the way in the agricultural field if this is something you’d love to do.
She says if you like writing and farming then it’s a great career path with lots of different avenues to go down.
Sound up your street? Take a listen on your favourite podcast platform.
Contact detail sarahalderton@abccomms.co.uk
Tel 07739969198
X handle @farmingjourno
20 Dec 2024
Sam Hunt - A 4th Generation Organic Farmer
In this episode of Farming Forward, we’re joined by Sam Hunt, who’s a 4th generation organic farmer based at Buckwell Lodge in Leicestershire.
Sam and his dad Marcus have always farmed in a regenerative way and in this podcast episode we’ll delve into how they farm differently. They are passionate about healthy soil and happy cows, and love to open up their gates to anyone who asks, they also supply raw milk and beef boxes which is a new offering.
You can find Sam on Instagram @buckwellorganic and on Facebook @buckwellorganicmilk or at www.buckwellorganic.co.uk
13 Dec 2024
Tax Expert Discusses IHT for Farmers
In this episode of Farming Forward, we’re joined by Rebecca Bedford, a leading expert on Inheritance Tax (IHT). Rebecca breaks down the latest government changes and what they mean for farmers and their families.
From succession planning to financial strategies, Rebecca offers valuable advice to help you safeguard your farm’s future amid evolving policies. Don’t miss this essential conversation for anyone looking to navigate these complex changes with confidence.
Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!
20 Nov 2024
Farming Forward - Trailer
Welcome to Farming Forward, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the dairy farming world! Each week, we dive into the stories of farmers, explore the latest innovations, and discuss the challenges and triumphs shaping the future of agriculture.
Reach and audience
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
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Quality
67
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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