Tales Of A Nuffield Scholar

About Tales Of A Nuffield Scholar

What happens when you step outside your comfort zone, travel the world, and bring new ideas back to agriculture? Tales of a Nuffield Scholar is a podcast about people, learning and leadership, sharing the stories behind the Nuffield Farming Scholarship and the impact it has on individuals, businesses and the wider sector. Brought to you by NFU Mutual.

Publisher

Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jan 2026

Latest episode

22 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Natural Capital & the Future of Farming with Nuffield Scholar Liz Warner

   What role can farmers play in the growing natural capital economy? In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we’re joined by 2026 Nuffield Scholar Liz Warner, a first-generation tenant farmer from Devon, to explore natural capital, climate resilience and the future of farming. Liz’s Nuffield Scholarship, “Cultivating Capital: A Farmer’s Role in a Growing Natural Capital Economy,” explores how farmers can engage with emerging natural capital markets while continuing to produce food and run profitable farm businesses. We discuss: 🌱 What natural capital actually means for farmers 💷 How emerging markets such as biodiversity net gain, carbon and nutrient neutrality could create opportunities 🌾 Balancing food production with nature recovery 💧 The potential role of farmers in tackling issues such as water management 📈 How natural capital could contribute to more resilient farm businesses 🌍 What Liz hopes to learn from natural capital markets around the world 🚜 The challenges and opportunities for smaller farms and individual farmers looking to engage Liz also shares her experience as a first-generation tenant farmer, the realities of farming on a shorter-term tenancy and why she believes farmers need to have a voice in the development of natural capital markets. As part of her Scholarship, Liz plans to explore natural capital markets in countries including Brazil, the US and the Netherlands, looking at what is working, what hasn't worked and what lessons could potentially be relevant to UK agriculture. Tales of a Nuffield Scholar is supported by NFU Mutual and explores the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping UK agriculture through conversations with Nuffield Scholars past and present.

2. 

   9 Sept 2026

   From Hobby to Diversified Farm Business with Natalie Hepburn

   In the first episode of Series 3, we catch up with 2025 Nuffield Scholar Natalie Hepburn to hear how her farming journey has evolved — from keeping a few chickens as a hobby to running a diversified 30-acre farming business producing goat’s milk skincare and sheep’s milk cheese. Natalie talks about her Nuffield research into farm diversification and direct selling, the lessons she took from visiting farms and businesses around the world, and how her thinking has changed as a result of the scholarship. We also explore the importance of the Nuffield network and the relationship between scholars and their sponsors, with Natalie sharing how her sponsor, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, has supported her throughout her journey. And, as she looks back on the experience, Natalie has some simple advice for anyone considering applying for a Nuffield Scholarship: go for it. Thanks to NFU Mutual for Sponsoring.

3. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Inside the Next Gen Scholarship

   In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we take a closer look at Nuffield’s Next Gen Scholarship, designed to give young people aged 18–25 the opportunity to develop their knowledge, broaden their perspectives and build connections across the agricultural industry. The episode is split into two parts, beginning with the Next Gen Regenerative Agriculture scholars. We hear from Jessica Walker and Summer Wyatt Buchan, who share their experiences of the scholarship, including their four-week study tour, the people and businesses they encountered, and the insights they gained into regenerative agriculture, soil health and integrated farming systems. The second half focuses on the Next Gen Dairy scholars, with Lottie Wilson, Isabel and Ed discussing their own scholarship journey. From the application process and meeting their fellow scholars to travelling together and visiting a wide range of dairy businesses, they reflect on what they learned and how the experience has influenced their own approach to agriculture. Together, the scholars offer an insight into what it is like to take part in a Next Gen Scholarship, from the initial application and meeting the group to the challenges and opportunities of spending several weeks travelling and learning together. The episode also explores how the Next Gen programme is evolving, with scholarships spanning different areas of agriculture, and why opportunities like this can be so valuable for the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals. Find out more here: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/scholarships/nuffield-farming-next-gen-scholarships

4. 

   12 Aug 2026

   Sustainable Growth Through Innovation & Regeneration

   What does sustainable growth really mean for a farming business? In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we hear from Dave Oates, Edward Fain Trefusis and Sam Steggles, three Nuffield Scholars who will be presenting together at the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds. From building diversified businesses and exploring new land uses, to managing risk, navigating change and understanding when growth is enough, the conversation explores what it really takes to build a sustainable business. The Scholars discuss: 🌱 Why financial sustainability matters just as much as environmental sustainability 🚜 How innovation and diversification can create new opportunities 🌍 Learning from agriculture around the world — and recognising the opportunities closer to home 👥 Why having the right people around you can be just as valuable as what you learn on your travels 🔄 How to build businesses that can anticipate, adapt and bounce back And the question: when is enough, enough? Hear their stories and get a taste of the ideas and experiences that will take to the stage at the Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds this November. With thanks to our sponsor NFU Mutual.

5. 

   29 Jul 2026

   The Future of Pigs, Poultry & Protein

   In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, host Wallace Currie is joined by Charlotte Cole, Gregor Bruce and Ben Lowe to explore the thinking behind their Nuffield Scholarship studies ahead of the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds. The discussion covers: How productivity and animal welfare can go hand in hand in pig production. Why the early development of pullets could influence the future of egg production. The role of circular farming in creating more resilient, sustainable businesses. Insights from study tours across Europe, Australasia and North America, and what UK agriculture can learn from them. The episode concludes with advice for anyone considering a Nuffield Farming Scholarship, encouraging prospective applicants to seize the opportunity and think about the reasons they can apply, rather than the reasons they can't. Thanks to our sponsor NFU Mutual.

6. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Mental Health, Leadership & Succession in Farming | Tales of a Nuffield Scholar

   What does the future of agriculture look like if we invest in people as much as production? In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, supported by NFU Mutual, we're joined by five Nuffield Farming Scholars whose research explores the people behind our industry, from mental health and succession to leadership, identity and attracting the next generation into agriculture. Featuring: 🌾 Andrew Richardson – Young people in farming and aquaculture 🧠 Lucia Slack – Addressing suicide in agriculture 🤝 Sharon May – Supporting farming families 🌱 Tash Edwards – Certification, sustainability and profitability 🚜 Peter Green – Helping farmers embrace change and strengthen their businesses Together, they share insights from their travels across the world and discuss the ideas that will shape their presentations at the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference. Whether you're passionate about farming, leadership, rural wellbeing or the future of our industry, this conversation offers a powerful insight into the people driving positive change. 🎟️ Find out more about the Nuffield Farming Conference and Scholarships:

7. 

   1 Jul 2026

   Can Tea Grow in Wales? What Horticulture Can Teach Us About Innovation

   In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we explore innovation in modern horticulture with Nuffield Scholars Lucy George and Polly Hilton. Lucy shares how she's pioneering commercial tea production in Wales, while Polly explains how she's creating premium ciders from traditional orchards and helping preserve valuable local landscapes. Together, they discuss the lessons they've brought back from their Nuffield travels, why education and consumer awareness are vital to the future of horticulture, and how innovation is often about looking at familiar challenges in new ways. Whether you're interested in horticulture, diversification, sustainable food production or the Nuffield Farming Scholarships, this episode offers fresh perspectives on the future of British agriculture. Tickets for the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/Leeds2026 With thanks to our sponsor NFU Mutual.

8. 

   17 Jun 2026

   Growing New Possibilities - Seaweed to Sustainable Timber

   From the depths of the ocean to the forest floor, Episode 12 is a fascinating dive into some of the most unexpected corners of food and land systems. Wallace is joined by three Nuffield Scholars ahead of the Leeds conference: Molly Gupta, who manages seaweed farming development at WWF; Peter Rowe, a commercial forester exploring hybrid aspen trees and the diversification of UK forestry; and Tom McVeigh, a Suffolk farmer investigating hazelnuts and walnuts as viable commodity crops for a post-subsidy era. Together they explore how a banana documentary changed Molly's career trajectory, why Peter cycled through Europe to reduce his carbon footprint, and how Tom found the answer to a Chilean farmer's problem in Belgium. They also dig into what it means to enter the Nuffield world from a non-traditional background — and why that might be exactly what the scholarship needs more of. This episode is part of a series offering a preview of what to expect at the Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds. If you're considering applying for a scholarship, Wallace has a message for you at the end. Sponsored by NFU Mutual — the UK's leading rural insurer.

9. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Livestock Systems Built for the Future with Laura Eden, Alex Crawley & Awal Fuseini

   In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, Wallace is joined by three 2025 scholars who'll be taking to the stage at the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds — Laura Eden, a farm vet from North Yorkshire specialising in dairy goats, Alex Crawley, founder of Grazing Management Limited, and Awal Fuseini, a researcher and AHDB associate with a background in halal slaughter and meat science. The three scholars give a taste of what to expect from their conference presentation group, Livestock Systems Built for the Future, covering everything from the untapped value of extensive grazing in preventing wildfires and flooding, to what the UK can learn from New Zealand's biosecurity standards, to the surprising findings that shifted each scholar's research focus mid-journey. They also share their experiences of the Contemporary Scholars Conference in New Zealand, the contacts made, the conversations had, and why it's the part of the scholarship nobody quite expects. If you're thinking about applying for a Nuffield Scholarship, this one's worth a listen. Applications are open: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/scholarships/apply-now With thanks to our sponsor NFU Mutual.

10. 

    20 May 2026

    New Pathways for Land, Rivers, Carbon and Nature

    Series two kicks off with a cracking panel, and a topic that couldn't be more timely. Wallace is joined by four Nuffield Scholars ahead of the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds: Laura Underdown, Stuart Oates, Ali Warren Walker and Ben Andrews. Between them they're covering natural capital markets, fossil-free farming, valorising agricultural waste, and catchment-level flood management, and this conversation gives you a taste of what to expect from the stage in November. If you've ever thought about applying for a Nuffield Scholarship, this episode will make your mind up. 🎙️ Sponsored by NFU Mutual — the UK's leading rural insurer. 🎟️ Tickets for the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds are available now: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/Leeds2026

11. 

    6 May 2026

    Farming, flooding & the future: what comes next? With Kate Speke-Adams

    In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we’re joined by Kate Speke-Adams, Managing Director of Herefordshire Rural Hub and current holder of the Bullock Award. Kate shares how her Nuffield Scholarship shaped her approach to farmer engagement, from championing peer-to-peer learning to leading large-scale collaborative projects that balance food production with environmental outcomes. We explore her work supporting farmers through increasingly complex challenges, from water quality and regulation to succession planning and business resilience, and dive into the ambitious Wyescapes landscape recovery project, spanning over 5,000 hectares and 49 farms. Kate also reflects on the long-term impact of her scholarship, the power of collaboration, and why Nuffield continues to open doors long after the study tour ends. With thanks to our Sponsor NFU Mutual.

12. 

    22 Apr 2026

    A Shift in Thinking: Alex Brewster on Soils, Systems & Red Meat

    Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Alex Brewster Today on the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series I had the pleasure of chatting with Alex Brewster 🎙️ Alex is an upland beef and sheep farmer in central Scotland, running a large scale hill farm that has gone through huge system change over the past decade, with a real focus on soils, grazing and whole farm resilience 🌾 We spoke about Alex’s early life, heading off to New Zealand as a young lad and quickly realising there was a lot more to learn about farming than he first thought. That experience planted a seed that would later come back through his Nuffield journey, where curiosity and a willingness to question everything became a big part of how he now farms 🚜 His Nuffield Scholarship started off looking at genetics and genomics, but quickly shifted into something much broader. It became about diversity, soil biology and ultimately the role of red meat in the 21st century. Alex spoke about how uncomfortable he felt with some of the early conversations around heavy intervention in genetics, and how that pushed him towards a more natural systems based approach 🌍 One of the standout parts was hearing how everything finally clicked just hours before his presentation. Bringing together soils, grazing systems and human nutrition, he landed on a simple but powerful idea, that farmers are not just producing food, but producing real nutrition that cannot be replicated synthetically. It was one of those moments that really shows what Nuffield can do when it all comes together  We also got into the detail of what that looks like on farm today, from reducing inputs and working with nature, to building more resilient livestock systems that can thrive with less intervention. It was a brilliant example of long term thinking and being willing to challenge the way things have always been done 🌱 Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂

13. 

    8 Apr 2026

    Can Farming Transform Social Care? With Robin Asquith

    In this episode of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar, we’re joined by Robin Asquith, whose journey takes us far beyond traditional agriculture. From growing up around soft fruit farms in North Yorkshire to leading environmental work at the Camphill Village Trust, Robin shares how farming can play a powerful role in supporting people with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and complex needs. This isn’t your typical Nuffield topic, but that’s exactly what makes it so important. We explore: 🌱 What care farming and “green care” really mean 🧠 How nature and agriculture can improve mental health and independence 🌍 Insights from Robin’s Nuffield travels across Europe and Scandinavia 🚜 Real stories of transformation, from non-verbal communication breakthroughs to rehabilitation through farming 🔄 Why agriculture could (and should) play a bigger role in social care systems Robin also opens up about the personal challenges of his Nuffield journey, the power of mentorship, and why being curious and brave is key to making an impact. A thought-provoking episode that redefines what agriculture can be, and who it can serve. Thanks to our sponsors NFU Mutual for their support.

14. 

    25 Mar 2026

    Building a Farm from Nothing: Gordon Whiteford’s Nuffield Story

    Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Gordon Whiteford Today on the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series I had the pleasure of chatting with Gordon Whiteford 🎙️ Gordon is a farmer based in Moray running a diverse business built around free range and organic egg production, alongside dairy, sheep and a strong direct to consumer focus through his farm shop 🌾 We spoke about Gordon’s early life growing up on a dairy farm in Ayrshire before his family moved away from farming when he was young. That shift created a real drive in him to build something of his own, which eventually led to starting a poultry enterprise from scratch and growing it into the core of his business today 🚜 Gordon’s Nuffield Scholarship focused on welfare in free range laying hens, but his journey quickly expanded into wider thinking around systems, soil health and regenerative approaches. His travels took him across Europe, the USA, Africa and beyond, shaping how he now views farming as a whole system rather than individual enterprises. With thanks to our Sponsor NFU Mutual.

15. 

    11 Mar 2026

    From Agronomy to Edible Flowers: Sarah Hughes’ Nuffield Journey

    Today on the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series I had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah Hughes 🎙️ Sarah works with Syngenta leading their amenity business across the UK and Ireland, covering sectors such as turf, forestry, pest management and ornamentals. She is also a 2017 Nuffield Scholar whose study explored the economics of vertical farming and whether controlled environment agriculture could offer viable opportunities for food production 🌾 We spoke about Sarah’s unusual career path through agriculture, from training as an agronomist and working in arable crops to later running her own edible flower business supplying high end restaurants and hotels. That experience of producing high value crops sparked her interest in vertical farming and ultimately shaped the focus of her Nuffield study 🚜 Sarah’s travels took her across the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Dubai and the United States, alongside the global Nuffield group on the CSC in Brazil. She reflected on how much excitement surrounded vertical farming at the time and how her research quickly showed the real challenge was the economics behind it. The technology could work, but the costs of energy, labour and infrastructure often made the model incredibly difficult to sustain 🌍 We also spoke about balancing Nuffield with family life, running a business and raising two children at the same time. Sarah made a really important point that there is no single way to complete a Nuffield Scholarship. Everyone’s circumstances are different and sometimes the best approach is simply finding a way to make it work around the life you already have 🌱 Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂

16. 

    25 Feb 2026

    The Future of the Family Dairy Farm with Trevor Alcorn

    Today on the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series I had the pleasure of chatting with Trevor Alcorn 🎙️ Trevor is a dairy farmer from County Tyrone, a CAFRE dairy development adviser, and a 2015 Nuffield Scholar whose topic asked a question many farming families still wrestle with today, does the family dairy farm have a future 🌾 We started with Trevor’s own story, farming for generations near Omagh, milking just over 200 cows on heavy clay soils with high rainfall, and balancing the home farm alongside his advisory role with discussion groups across Northern Ireland. There was something really grounding about hearing how he juggles both, and how much of his scholarship topic is rooted in lived experience 🚜 Trevor’s Nuffield travels took him to the US, China, Germany, France, Denmark, Ireland and across the UK. He spoke about seeing 20 cow dairies and 4,000 cow family farms in America, the rapid shift in China towards large scale corporate dairy units, and the collaborative dairy models in France that prioritise work life balance. It was fascinating hearing how different systems approach scale, ownership and family involvement 🌍 When pushed to answer his own question ten years on, Trevor was clear. Yes, the family dairy farm does have a future, but it must communicate, collaborate and innovate. That three word summary really stuck with me. So often it is not the technical side that holds businesses back, but conversations within families and willingness to adapt 🌱 We also spoke about his ongoing role within Nuffield, from helping lead the Belfast conference to serving as a trustee and working closely with the NextGen programme. Hearing his pride in the next generation of scholars coming through was a brilliant way to wrap up the conversation. Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂

17. 

    11 Feb 2026

    The Regenerative Turning Point with Ben Taylor Davies

    Today on the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series I had the pleasure of chatting with Ben Taylor Davies 🎙️ Ben is a regenerative agriculture consultant, farmer, and Nuffield Scholar whose story spans family farming, global travel, and a very honest journey through challenge, change and curiosity 🌾 We spoke about Ben’s early life on the family farm in Herefordshire, how the business narrowed into conventional arable systems over time, and how a deeply personal family tragedy forced him to stop, reassess, and question everything he thought he knew about farming and success. That moment ultimately led him towards a Nuffield Scholarship, even though he admits he didn’t want one right up until the moment he left 🚜 Ben’s Nuffield journey took him across North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia, including solo travel by train from the UK to China. Along the way he encountered regenerative thinkers, different production systems, and a completely new way of understanding soils, weeds, biology and farming economics. A chance meeting in North Dakota became a turning point, shifting his focus from fighting weeds to understanding what they are telling us 🌍 We also talked about neurodiversity, ADHD, and how finally understanding how his brain works unlocked confidence, clarity and purpose. That perspective now underpins both his consulting work around the world and the radical diversification of the family farm, from livestock and agroforestry to food processing, education, hospitality and energy production 🌱 Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂

18. 

    27 Jan 2026

    Farm Safety, Survival & Change with Jim Chapman

    Today on the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series I had the pleasure of chatting with Jim Chapman 🎙️ Jim is an arable farmer from Warwickshire, a Nuffield Scholar, and someone many will recognise for his work around farm safety and lived experience within agriculture 🌾 We spoke about Jim’s early life in farming, his love of machinery, and the accident that changed everything when he lost his arm in a PTO incident in his early twenties. Jim spoke openly and honestly about the physical and mental impact that followed, the long road back into farming, and how humour, young farmers, and community helped him find his feet again 🚜 Jim’s Nuffield Scholarship focused on farm safety and asked a simple but difficult question, how do we stop killing people on farms. His travels took him through North America, Australia and New Zealand, meeting policymakers, educators and farmers, and ultimately realising there is no single silver bullet. Instead, progress comes from culture change, everyday decisions, and normalising conversations around risk 🌍 We also talked about fatherhood, perspective, and how priorities shift over time. Jim shared how Nuffield quietly opened doors, built confidence, and connected him with people and opportunities he never expected, while also helping shape changes on his own farm around soil health, cost control and systems thinking 🌱 Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy! 🙂

19. 

    15 Jan 2026

    How Nuffield Built an NFU President with Tom Bradshaw

    Today on the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar series I had the pleasure of chatting with Tom Bradshaw e He is the NFU President, a fourth generation farmer from Essex, and a Nuffield Scholar whose journey has helped shape both his own farming business and his leadership at the very top of the industry We talked about Tom's early life on a mixed livestock farm, how selling cows and pigs led to contract farming and diversification, and how those decisions pushed him to think differently about soil fertility, business resilience and long term sustainability. His Nuffield Scholarship took him across New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Argentina and the US, opening his eyes to everything from regenerative systems to large scale global production, and challenging some long held assumptions along the way so One of my favourite parts was hearing Tom reflect on how Nuffield quietly built the confidence and perspective that later helped him step into national leadership roles. A single comment during his travels planted a seed that eventually led him towards the NFU presidency, even though it was never something he set out to do. We also spoke openly about the pressures of representing farmers during incredibly challenging times, balancing family life with a demanding role, and why staying calm, constructive and solutions focused really matters. His advice to anyone thinking about a Nuffield Scholarship was honest and encouraging, take the opportunity, stay curious and be ready for doors you never expected to open e Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project. Enjoy!

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