R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In

Today I had Hans on the R2Kast 🎙️ A commercial fisherman and boat builder who has spent decades working the west coast of Scotland and is now operating what he believes is the world’s only fully electric commercial fishing boat. 🌾

We spoke about growing up between Glasgow and Argyll, learning boat building before moving into commercial fishing, and how years of working on the water eventually led him to question whether a fishing boat really needed a diesel engine. That curiosity turned into years of research, design and problem solving before converting his own working boat into a fully electric vessel. 🍎

A big part of the conversation focused on the practical realities of electric fishing. We discussed battery technology, range, maintenance, running costs and the challenges of convincing others that the concept can work commercially. Hans shared why he believes the biggest benefits aren’t just environmental, but also reliability, simplicity and dramatically lower maintenance compared to conventional engines. 🌍

We also chatted about life as a west coast fisherman, building boats, the future of the fishing industry and why innovation often starts with someone simply asking, “What if?” It was a fascinating conversation about challenging assumptions and finding practical solutions to real world problems.

Enjoy! 🙂

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Today we’re back with Field to Front Door 🎙️
David, Martin and Wallace catching up as harvest begins, discussing everything from grain markets and crop prices to social media and what’s happening on farm as another busy season gets underway.
A big part of this episode focused on grain markets and futures trading, looking at the risks of selling crops before they’re harvested and how weather, yields and global markets can completely change the financial picture for farmers. It led into a wider conversation around food security, subsidies and why producing food profitably is becoming more challenging every year.
We also spent plenty of time talking about regenerative farming, with discussions around Johnson Sue compost, compost extracts, seed treatments, soil biology and the role of farmyard manure in improving soil health. It was another fascinating insight into the practical experiments happening on farms and why there’s no single right answer.
Alongside that we chatted about harvest decisions, oilseed rape, wheat, rainfall and how sharing the realities of farming on social media can help people better understand what goes on behind the scenes.
We’re going to keep this going fortnightly for now and see where it takes us. If you’ve got ideas on what we should cover or who we should bring in, send them our way.
Enjoy! 🙂

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Today I had Georgia on the R2Kast 🎙️ Georgia is a veterinary student, Commonwealth Games medallist and World Champion who has gone from competing at the highest level in para cycling to pursuing a career as a vet. 🌾

We spoke about growing up around horses in rural Leicestershire, always wanting to become a vet and then unexpectedly being identified through a talent programme that led her into elite cycling. What followed was a whirlwind few years of learning to ride on the track, competing internationally and eventually representing England at the Commonwealth Games before becoming a World Champion tandem pilot. 🍎

Also! As of date of release Georgia is currently on the ground at Glasgow 2026 commentating on her summer break before 4th year!

A big part of the conversation focused on resilience and adapting when plans change. Georgia shared how setbacks in sport ultimately pushed her back towards veterinary medicine, leading her to join one of the UK’s newest veterinary schools and finally pursue the career she had wanted since childhood. 🌍

We also discussed veterinary education, practical learning, placements, large animal medicine and the realities of life as a vet student. It was a fascinating insight into two very different worlds that both demand huge commitment, discipline and teamwork.

Enjoy! 🙂
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Today on series two of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar supported by NFU Mutual we continue looking ahead to the 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Conference in Leeds 🎙️ Across this series we’re hearing from scholars who will feature within the conference presentation groups, giving a flavour of the conversations, ideas and experiences set to shape the event 🌍

This episode focuses on the presentation group “From Pigs to Pullets to Insects” with Charlotte Cole, Gregor Bruce and Ben Lowe 🌱

We spoke about three very different journeys into livestock production, from poultry health and pig farming through to circular farming systems. Although each scholarship has a different focus, all three are asking similar questions about how we produce food more efficiently while improving sustainability, animal welfare and long term resilience 🚜

Charlotte shared her work as a poultry vet, exploring how the earliest stages of a laying hen’s life can influence health, welfare and productivity for the rest of its career. Gregor discussed his search for ways to improve productivity in pig farming without compromising animal welfare, staff wellbeing or the wider sustainability of the system. Ben spoke about building a truly circular farming business, looking at how locally produced feed, nutrients and resources can reduce waste and strengthen the resilience of mixed farming businesses 🌾
One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was that innovation is not always about producing more. It is about asking better questions, making smarter use of resources and recognising that healthier animals, healthier soils and healthier farming systems often go hand in hand. From pig genetics and poultry management to nutrient cycling and feed systems, each scholar challenged conventional thinking in their own way 🌍

Without giving away everything that will be shared on stage in Leeds, this episode offered another fascinating glimpse into the future of livestock production and the practical innovations already beginning to shape the sector.

Thank you to NFU Mutual for their support of this project.

Enjoy! 🙂

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In the final episode of the series, we explore how the island's farmers have diversified their businesses to adapt to changing markets and build resilience for the future. Along the way, we'll discover how these new enterprises are creating benefits that extend far beyond the farm gate, supporting local jobs, producing essential goods and services, creating educational opportunities, and helping people reconnect with the land and the food they eat.
Episode guests
Alisa Currie
Ailsa Currie set up and runs the visitor and education programme at Bellevue Farm, a family-run beef, sheep and arable farm located near Blackwaterfoot.
The farm welcomes tourists, families and students to learn about farming, experience local food and build a deeper connection with Arran's landscape and natural environment.
Bellevue also hosts a regular farmer's market in partnership with other local food producers.
Kenny Bone
Kenny Bone is a mixed farmer at Glenkiln Farm who also runs a livery business, indoor riding arena, holiday lets, a hydroelectric energy scheme, and is the co-owner of The Drift Inn in Lamlash - alongside several other enterprises!
Kenny is interested in caring for Arran's environment and is involved with many local organisations, including Arran Economic Group, Arran Development Trust and the local Forestry Commission panel as well as hosting the Arran Farmers Show.
He was awarded Diversified Farm of the Year and the Champion of Champions award at the Scottish Agriculture Awards in 2024.
Colin Mackenzie
Colin Mackenzie successfully transitioned his family farm business away from dairy and now runs Mackenzie Logs - supplying seasoned firewood across the island. He also has a small herd of beef breeding cattle and store lambs.
Alistair Dobson
Alongside his role of Managing Director at Arran Dairies which he runs with his son Matthew, Alistair Dobson is Managing Director of Taste of Arran, a collaborative business that promotes, sells, and distributes food and drink from 10 SME producers on Arran to markets in the UK and abroad.
Alistair is also the founding Chairman of VisitArran and a founding member of the Arran Economic Group focused on fostering community development and preserving Arran’s cultural and natural heritage.
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