Insights from farms around the world: Exploring change and bringing ideas back to the South West

Land. People. And capital.

These are the three things Farming Focus™ host Peter Green’s grandfather always said defined how we farm.

But after travelling across Chile, New Zealand, France, Spain and Canada as part of his Nuffield Farming Scholarship, Peter began to wonder whether there might be a fourth: behaviour.

In this special five-part series of Farming Focus™, Peter shares the people, stories and ideas that challenged his thinking along the way. While farming systems, climates and landscapes may differ, many of the challenges are surprisingly familiar. From navigating change and uncertainty to making deliberate decisions about the future, discover what we can learn from farms around the world and bring back to farming here in the South West.

Listen to the full episodes below: 

Trailer: Insights from farms around the world 

Drawing on his Nuffield Farming Scholarship, Farming Focus™ host Peter Green introduces a special five-part series exploring farming around the world. From Brazil and Chile to New Zealand, Europe and Canada, Peter shares the people, stories and ideas that challenged his thinking. Discover how farmers across the globe face familiar challenges and what South West farming businesses can learn from their experiences to build a resilient future.

Episode 1: Is simplicity the answer to a stronger farming business? 

In this episode, Peter Green explores what makes farming businesses resilient and adaptable. He is joined by Cornish farmer Glynn Biles, who has built a successful dairy business in Chile. Drawing on Glynn’s experiences, they discuss why simplifying farming systems, investing in people and prioritising profitability over maximum output can create stronger businesses and a better work-life balance.

Episode 2: Can a clear identity shape your farm's future?

How can South West farmers use their story to strengthen their business and improve returns? In this second of this special Farming Focus™ series, host Peter Green is joined by New Zealand farmer and Nuffield scholar Lisa Portas to explore how understanding a farm’s heritage and future direction can shape decisions. They discuss how certification, strong supply chain relationships and market awareness can turn a compelling story into commercial value.

Episode 3: Coming soon 

Episode 4: Coming soon

Episode 5: Coming soon 

To read Peter Green's full report, visit: 'Unlocking Behavioural Change in UK Agriculture: Why UK Farm Businesses Struggle to Change, and What to Do About It'.