Ploughing through Politics with Victoria Atkins: IHT, Brexit and the Future of Farming | For Flock's Sake Ep.1

On the premiere episode of For Flock's Sake – Farmers Guardian's dedicated young farmer podcast – Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder are joined by Conservative MP and Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins

clock • 2 min read

For Flock's Sake is Farmers Guardian's new podcast series, sponsored by Ariat Work, giving young farmers a voice on the issues shaping the future of British agriculture.

Hosted by Farmers Guardian's Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder, both young farmers themselves, the podcast explores the challenges, opportunities and realities facing the next generation, from policy and funding to food production and rural life.

In this first episode, Ellie and Tom are joined by Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins to discuss Inheritance Tax, the future of farm support, animal welfare and whether the Conservatives can win back farmers ahead of the next election.

Got a question, topic or guest suggestion? Get in touch at [email protected]

Chapters

  • Welcome to "For Flock's Sake": The Young Farmer Podcast Launch (00:44)
  • Introducing Shadow DEFRA Secretary Victoria Atkins: Personal Journey and DEFRA Ambition (01:24)
  • The Capital Challenge for Young Farmers: A Stark Reality (05:22)
  • Conservative Farming Policy: Axing Taxes, Reviewing Quangos & 'Made in UK' Standards (06:39)
  • Critique of Current Government: The Failure to Listen to Farming Communities (10:13)
  • The Impact of Inheritance Tax & Encouraging Succession Planning (12:48)
  • Conservative Response to Political Opponents & Policy Depth (16:28)
  • Commitment to Rural Communities & Reflecting on 14 Years in Power (20:37)
  • Brexit's Legacy and Future EU Trade Relations for Agriculture (22:52)
  • Animal Welfare Debates: Tail Docking, Bovine TB & Practical Farming Realities (26:24)
  • The Vital Role of Young Farmers' Clubs & Restoring Funding (31:09)
  • Addressing DEFRA's Disconnect: Staffing and Environment Agency Reform (36:09)
  • Food Security as National Priority: Subsidies and Sustainable Production (40:47)
  • Axing the Family Farm Tax: Conservative Pledges and Process (44:48)
  • Engaging the Next Generation in Politics & Victoria Atkins' Enduring Commitment (47:19)

Podcast brought to you in partnership with Ariat Work

undefined

 

 

 

 

More on Podcasts

The Farmers Guardian podcast: Political change - what does it mean for farmers?

The Farmers Guardian podcast: Political change - what does it mean for farmers?

The Farmers Guardian news and business team discusses the latest election results

Alex Black
clock 19 May 2026 • 1 min read
The Farmers Guardian podcast: Farming careers from the classroom to the cattle shed – Alex Black speaks to staff and students at Myerscough College

The Farmers Guardian podcast: Farming careers from the classroom to the cattle shed – Alex Black speaks to staff and students at Myerscough College

What does a career in agriculture look like in 2026?

Alex Black
clock 12 May 2026 • 1 min read
Inside Hexham Auction Mart with Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood | For Flock's Sake Ep2

Inside Hexham Auction Mart with Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood | For Flock's Sake Ep2

On the second episode of For Flock's Sake – Farmers Guardian's dedicated young farmer podcast – Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder are joined by Hexham Auction's Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood

clock 05 May 2026 • 1 min read