The Big Debate will delve into the pressing issues shaping UK agriculture and the rural economy.
Produced by Ben Eagle, founder of RuralPod Media and host of Meet the Farmers, the show aims to broaden the conversation beyond the farm gate.
Mr Eagle said: “The Big Debate has been coming for a long time. 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.”
Hosted by dairy farmer Sophie Gregory and arable farmer Ally Hunter Blair, who is based in Herefordshire, the podcast will tackle topics that matter to the sector and beyond.
Ms Gregory, a first-generation farmer based on the Dorset-Devon border, said she is keen to explore the broader impact of farming issues.
She said: “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.”
Ms Gregory and her husband manage 1,600 acres of dairy and arable land, milking 400 organic cows and recently expanding to a further 200 conventional cows under a new tenancy.
She has travelled to 10 countries as part of her Nuffield Scholarship, researching the future of organic farming, and sits on several industry boards, including the Arla Board of Representatives and the NFU Dairy Board.
Co-host Mr Hunter Blair farms 500 acres of arable land in Herefordshire and became the youngest tenant of the Duchy of Cornwall in 2012.
He said: “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.
“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.”
Known for his social media presence and appearances on First Time Farmers and Born Mucky, Mr Hunter Blair said podcasts offer a practical way for farmers to stay informed.
He said: “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 encouraged to submit their own questions, and the show will feature guest appearances from figures across agriculture and politics.
The Big Debate is sponsored by Virgin Money, with additional support from law firm Birketts and TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods.
The podcast launches on October 31 on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms under the Meet the Farmers channel, with a special preview episode airing October 20.
RuralPod Media, the production company behind the show, specialises in podcasts for rural businesses and organisations.
Founded by Mr Eagle, the company’s mission is to make rural stories mainstream.
