Welcome to a Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust podcast series.
Thank you to Wallace Currie 2024 NSch and NFU Mutual Insurance for all their support.
We are looking to interview Nuffield Scholars across all cohort years, so please let us know if you would like to be included or suggest anyone you would like to hear interviewed by emailing [email protected].
The opinions in these podcasts are those of the individual and not of Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.
2026 Series 2
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.
Series two starts with a great 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.
2026 Series 1
Alex Brewster 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. 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. Alex spoke in 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.
Robin Asquith is a 2016 Scholar who's Nuffield Study was " The role UK agriculture can play in delivering social care" and he is the latest Scholar on the Nuffield podcast. This isn’t your typical Nuffield topic, but that’s exactly what makes it so important. Robin and Wallace Currie discuss what care farming and “green care” really mean and real stories of transformation, from non-verbal communication breakthroughs to rehabilitation through farming. 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.
Gordon Whiteford 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. Gordon talks about his early life growing up on a dairy farm in Ayrshire through to him 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.
Sarah Hughes works with Syngenta leading their amenity business across the UK and Ireland, covering sectors such as turf, forestry, pest management and ornamentals and is a 2017 Nuffield Scholar whose study explored the economics of vertical farming. We spoke about Sarah’s unusual career path through agriculture and about balancing Nuffield with family life, running a business and raising two children at the same time.
Our next podcast is with Trustee, Trevor Alcorn who 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. He talks about his own dairy story, moving onto his Nuffield travels and also about his ongoing role within Nuffield, from helping lead the Belfast conference to serving as a trustee and working closely with the NextGen programme
Ben Taylor Davies 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 leading on to his Nuffield journey. We also talked about neurodiversity, ADHD, and how finally understanding how his brain works unlocked confidence, clarity and purpose.
Jim Chapman is an arable farmer from Warwickshire and many will recognise him for his work around farm safety. They talk about Jim’s early life in farming, his love of machinery and the accident that changed everything. Jim’s Nuffield Scholarship focused on farm safety and asked a simple but difficult question, how do we stop killing people on farms. 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.
Tom Bradshaw 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. Tom reflects on how Nuffield quietly built the confidence and perspective that later shaped his leadership journey, including a comment during his travels that stayed with him long after completing his scholarship.
Episode 15, Wednesday 18 December 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Aled Davies and Lorna Davies. His career spans roles in animal health and feed, all while championing sustainable practices and innovative solutions in agriculture. Listen Here
Episode 14, Wednesday 4th December 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Gary Spence & Lucy MacLennan. Together, they talk about the collaborative spirit of the Nuffield community and the lifelong connections they’ve built with scholars from around the world. They emphasise the transformative experience of the scholarship, both personally and professionally, and the shared goal of making a meaningful impact on the agricultural landscape. Listen Here
Episode 13, Wednesday 20 November 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Tom Rawson. Nuffield Chair from 2024 - 2026. Tom shares his journey as a dairy farmer and the valuable insights he has gained through his Nuffield Scholarship, with a focus on global agricultural practices. Listen Here
Episode 12, Wednesday 6 November 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Dudley Smith 1974 Scholar and Tom Pearson 2023 Scholar. Dudley shares his diverse farming journey, from his early years in Australia and America, to his time working in India and his extensive travels as part of his Nuffield Scholarship. Tom shares his experiences of balancing his career in medicine with his passion for farming. Listen Here
Episode 11, Wednesday 23 October 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Matt Naylor. Matt delves into his journey of running a successful flower farming business in South Lincolnshire and opens up about the importance of self-awareness and authenticity, especially in a sector where challenges often go beyond just farming. Listen Here
Episode 10, Wednesday 9 October 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Guy Smith. Guy speaks about his experience farming on the Essex coast, which boasts the driest spot in the British Isles, and also reflects on his time as deputy president of the NFU. Listen Here
Episode 9, Wednesday 25 September 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Brian Shaw 1974 Scholar featuring Ali Cook 2022 Scholar. Brian shares his extensive experience in pig farming and the profound impact his Nuffield Scholarship has had on his farming practices and outlook on agricultural innovation. Listen Here
Episode 8, Wednesday 11 September 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Ian Howie 1973 Scholar with 2024 UK Scholar Dan Smith and Netherlands Scholar Heleen Bruintjes. Ian’s reflections on the evolution of farming, the importance of rotational grazing, and his unique contributions to agricultural policy offer invaluable insights for future generations. Listen Here
Episode 7, Wednesday 28 August 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Kendra Hall. Kendra's journey began in rural Indiana, USA, where she grew up. A master of agricultural communications and a Paralympian in sitting volleyball, Kendra’s life is a unique blend of athletic achievement and advocacy for better public understanding of farming. Listen Here
Episode 6, Wednesday 14 August 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Heather Gorringe. Heather worked in the family business before falling in love with the process of taking a business from small to large. Listen Here
Episode 5, Wednesday 31 July 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Andrew Gage. Whether that’s starting running the family farm at 19, trying every diversification under the sun, money challenges, finding real success and selling the business or ultramarathons, Andrew has done it all! Listen Here
Episode 4, Wednesday 17 July 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Roger Mercer. Roger discusses how a business can be environmentally and financially sustainable all the while keeping everyone involved in whatever capacity they desire. We also talk about the challenges of a pre-phone scholarship! Listen Here
Episode 3, Wednesday 3 July 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Chris Taylor. Chris tells his story about not coming from a farming background before taking on a milking job and being hooked! A Nuffield Scholarship spanning two continents and more has led Chris to his current role as Chief Agronomist at N2 Applied. Listen Here
Episode 2, Wednesday 19 June 2024: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with David Rose. Agroforestry, community farming and chasing the Olympics. David was born into farming and has shaped his agribusiness around conservation where food security is paramount. Listen Here
Episode 1, Wednesday 5 June 2024: Welcome to the Nuffield Alumni Podcast with Rupert Alers-Hankey, Nuffield Director and Fraser Searle, Marketing Manager at Howden Rural. Listen Here
Episode 16 Wednesday 30 July: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Rob Ward. entrepreneur, innovator, and agri-tech visionary. Now a key figure in ag-tech acceleration, Rob reflects on highs, lows, and the art of not just keeping up with change but driving it. Listen Here
Episode 15 Wednesday 16 July: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Jo Franklin and Rob Hodgkins. Jo and Rob take us through their journey into sheep farming, and give their thoughts on the expectations placed on Nuffield Scholars, from personal growth to international travel. Listen Here
Episode 14 Wednesday 2 July: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Gavin Lane. From contract farming to tenancy, he reflects on the differences, the hardships of the early 2000s, and what kept him grounded through volatile markets. We dive into his experiences with property investment, and Gavin shares his Nuffield journey in farm shop retailing, his involvement with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, and his leadership in the CLA. Listen Here
Episode 13 Wednesday 18 June: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with David Miller. A pioneer of regenerative direct drilling and a respected voice in the future of sustainable arable farming. A powerful episode with reflections on humility, sustainability, and reimagining what good looks like in UK agriculture. Listen Here
Episode 12 Wednesday 4th June: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Neil McGowan. Neil is a stalwart of Highland livestock farming and a voice of reason in the future of rural leadership. He speaks honestly about family, inheritance and what it takes to keep a business—and a bond—strong across generations. Listen Here
Episode 11, Wednesday 21 May 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Heather Wildman. An unstoppable force in UK agriculture, leadership development, and communication training. Her story is candid, powerful, and packed with lessons. We cover mental health, succession, and ageing with curiosity. Listen Here
Episode 10, Wednesday 7 May 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Jenna Ross OBE. Jenna’s story is one of purpose, innovation and global impact. Jenna discusses her journey from a family farm in Aberdeenshire to Her Nuffield journey focused on future slug control solutions at a time of regulatory change. Listen Here
Episode 9, Wednesday 23 April 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with James Peck. From humble beginnings and a family steeped in transport and medicine, James carved a unique path into large-scale arable farming and agribusiness diversification. Listen Here
Episode 8, Wednesday 9 April 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Tony Pexton 1975 Scholar and James Pick 2022 Scholar. Tony discusses how Nuffield sparked his lifelong involvement in industry leadership, including time as Chair of Nuffield and the Farmers Club. James shares the emotional highs and logistical hurdles of solo travel and how Nuffield accelerated his personal and professional growth. Listen Here
Episode 7, Wednesday 26 March 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Neville and Di Stangroom. Neville’s Nuffield Scholarship in 1978 focused on mechanising fruit harvesting, particularly for apples and strawberries. Di brings a unique perspective, having supported the farm’s operations while also driving change in mental health awareness in farming. Listen Here
Episode 6, Wednesday 12 March 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Liz Bowles and Jim Baird. Jim is a dairy farmer from Lanark and his passion for balancing productivity with environmental stewardship is evident in his approach. CEO of Farm Carbon Toolkit, reflects on her experience as a Nuffield Scholar studying collaboration in the red meat sector. She discusses her dedication to regenerative agriculture, the importance of soil health and the evolution of carbon footprinting in farming. Listen Here
Episode 5, Wednesday 26th February 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Simon Beckett. Simon shares the incredible journey of their business —from dairy to poultry and then expanding into retail and farm diversification. His experience in strategic planning and leadership offers valuable insights into evolving and adapting in the farming world. Listen Here
Episode 4, Wednesday 12th February 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Roisin Taylor. Roisin shares candid insights from her early days on a sheep farm to working with UK Youth for Nature and her experiences in advocacy. She also discusses the emotional challenges of land loss and the resilience needed to navigate setbacks in farming. We speak about inclusivity in agriculture and how initiatives like 'AgDiversity' by Nuffield will play a crucial role in making the industry more accessible and welcoming to people from all backgrounds. Listen Here
Episode 3, Wednesday 29th January 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Emily Norton. a passionate advocate for climate-focused policy and the future of farming. Emily discusses her journey into agriculture, growing up on a mixed family farm and experiencing the challenges of succession and intergenerational farming firsthand. Listen Here
Episode 2, Wednesday 15th January 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Hannah Batty, Hannah Fraser and Tom Pearson. share their unique insights and experiences from their Nuffield journeys. Together, they discuss their global Nuffield experiences, the Contemporary Scholars Conference, and how being in the same cohort highlights the social and support benefits of the Nuffield journey. Listen Here
Episode 1, Wednesday 1st January 2025: Tales of a Nuffield Scholar with Nic and George Snell. Brothers who bring entrepreneurial spirit and innovation to farming. From their shared roots on the family farm to global insights gained through their Nuffield journeys, they’ve cultivated a wealth of knowledge in agriculture. Listen Here