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How do you start a farming or land based business from scratch? Alex and Emily Crawley on starting a conservation grazing business
In this episode of Meet the Farmers, host Ben Eagle sits down with Alex and Emily Crawley, co-directors of Grazing Management Limited, to explore the concept of conservation grazing and their journey starting their business. Based in the Forest of Dean, the Crawleys are using native breed cattle, sheep, and goats to deliver environmental benefits on land managed by charities, government agencies, and private owners.Neither Emily nor Alex began their careers in agriculture. Emily comes from a background in the charitable sector (and also as a pilates instructor!), while Alex transitioned from a military and diplomatic career into land management, later earning a Graduate Diploma in Agriculture and becoming a Nuffield Scholar.Together, they’ve built a contract grazing business that earned them the British Farming Awards' New Entrant accolade within just two years. This conversation dives into three core themes: the power of farming to support environmental goals, the realities of starting a land-based business without owning land, and the bold personal journeys that led them to agriculture.🎧 Topics covered:What conservation grazing is and why it mattersThe role of native livestock in biodiversity and habitat managementStarting a farming business without owning landTransitioning into agriculture from completely different careersLessons learned, early successes, and advice for new entrants📝 Resources & Mentions:Nuffield Farming ScholarshipsRoyal Agricultural University – Graduate Diploma in AgricultureBritish Farming Awards – New Entrant Category🌿 Whether you’re interested in sustainable land management, starting a farming venture, or simply love a good career pivot story, this episode offers insight and inspiration in equal measure.Image credit: Alex and Emily CrawleyMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here
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Paludiculture and Wetter Farming - An Opportunity for Agriculture?
Today on the show we’re talking about paludiculture. You might not have heard the term before, but paludiculture is the practice of wetland farming—essentially growing crops on rewetted lands, usually peatlands. Paludiculture is emerging as a way to restore peatlands, reduce carbon emissions, and explore the creation of new income opportunities for farmers and landowners.Peatlands play a critical role in ecosystems. They store vast amounts of carbon, support biodiversity, and regulate water levels. However, draining peatlands releases huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. The big question is: can we farm in a way that both protects and restores these landscapes?Jenny Bennion and Sarah Johnson from Lancashire Wildlife Trust believe that paludiculture could provide at least some of the answers. For more info on paludiculture visit - www.paludiculture.org.ukMeet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency. Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. About Ben and RuralPod MediaBen Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk If you have a business interested in getting involved with podcasting check us out at RuralPod Media. We'd love to help you spread your message. Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review wherever you are listening. Follow us on social mediaInstagram @mtf_podcastTwitter @mtf_podcastWatch us on Youtube here
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Agroforestry Mini Series ep3 - The 'How' of Agroforestry
This mini-series has been produced in collaboration with the Forestry Commission. This time we’re talking about agroforestry - the benefits, the practicalities and the questions our guests think that you need to asking before committing to an agroforestry project. In this third and final episode we’re talking about the 'how' of agroforestry - Ben asks guest Tom Kemp from Working Woodlands Cornwall and co-host James Ramskir-Gardiner about the things to look out for when it comes to establishing and managing an agroforestry system. Email address to get in contact with the Forestry Commission Agroforestry team: [email protected] Open Weekend 16th-19th May 2025: https://agroforestryopenweekend.org/
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Agroforestry Mini Series ep2 - Silvopasture v Silvoarable systems
This mini-series has been produced in collaboration with the Forestry Commission. This time we’re talking about agroforestry - the benefits, the practicalities and the questions our guests think that you need to asking before committing to an agroforestry project. In this second episode we talk about silvopasture and silvoarable agroforestry systems - Ben asks guest Sam Morgan and co-host James Ramskir-Gardiner about the opportunities and challenges when it comes to managing these systems. Email address to get in contact with the Forestry Commission Agroforestry team: [email protected] Open Weekend 16th-19th May 2025: https://agroforestryopenweekend.org/
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Agroforestry Mini Series ep1 - Making the Case for Agroforestry - why do it?
This mini-series has been produced in collaboration with the Forestry Commission. This time we’re talking about agroforestry - the benefits, the practicalities and the questions our guests think that you need to asking before committing to an agroforestry project. In this first episode we’re focussed on the ‘why’ of agroforestry - Ben asks guest Clare Hill and co-host James Ramskir-Gardiner to make the case for agroforestry and they make the case for why you should consider doing it on your farm. Email address to get in contact with the Forestry Commission Agroforestry team: [email protected] Open Weekend 16th-19th May 2025: https://agroforestryopenweekend.org/
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36:14