News

A succession of traumas led farmer Eddie Rixon to transform his life and farm in ways he would never have considered previously. Speaking on Farming Focus™ alongside farmer and talking therapies practitioner Ellie Sturrock, they discuss the importance of embracing nature, shifting your mindset and seeking support. 

Collaboration is becoming increasingly important for farm businesses facing uncertainty, rising costs and changing expectations. In a live episode of Farming Focus™, recorded at Devon County Show, local farmer Chris Berry, farming facilitator Mel Bradley and Farm Carbon Toolkit’s Becky Willson discuss with host Peter Green how working together helps farms remain resilient and profitable.

For Will, Abbie and Daniel Richardson, farming was never just about running a business. From the very beginning, their vision was to create a place that combined a love of the countryside, animals and community, while supporting those who visit and work alongside them.

Robert Jordan is proud his family continues to farm together and support three generations on Dartmoor, despite its harsh climate and the growing pressures on livestock farming.

For the Tucker family at Mount Folly Farm, farming has always been about evolving, adapting and creating opportunities for the next generation. Near Bigbury in South Devon, the multi-generational family business has grown into a diverse organic enterprise, combining vegetables, livestock, camping and, most recently, a new dairy venture led by the youngest generation.

A year ago, the Branton family was crowned Best Family Farm at the Devon Farm Business Awards, a proud moment recognising their hard work, collaboration and forward-thinking approach. Organised by the Addington Fund, the awards are a highlight in Devon’s farming calendar, celebrating excellence and shining a spotlight on inspiring farm businesses across the county. With entries now open for this year’s awards, farms from across Devon are being encouraged to put themselves forward.

Farming is often described as one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, building something that can last for generations brings real pride and purpose. But for many farmers, it can also be lonely, pressurised and mentally exhausting. DPJ Foundation founder Emma O’Sullivan and Bude farmer James Warwick share their experiences on Farming Focus™ with advice on how to find support.

With a passion for showing young people behind the farm gate, Farmer Time creator Tom Martin is pioneering a new form of farm education, while FWAG South West Education Officer Louise Wallace is inspiring and educating to help children understand and protect. They encourage other farmers to do the same.

Now experiencing some of the wettest winters on record, and with summer droughts becoming more frequent, having a more resilient farm is an increasingly important requirement. Dorset dairy farmer Ian Baggs joined Peter Green on Farming Focus to discuss the changing climate, with Sustainable Food Trust (SFT) Executive Director Adele Jones describing an on-farm tool developed in response to an identified need among farmers.

In response to this summer’s weather conditions, Farming Focus™, returned this week to an episode looking at how our changing climate is altering the future of food production in the UK. First published in 2025, podcast host Peter Green was joined by Herefordshire farmer Ben Andrews and Devon-based Riverford Organic Farmers  founder Guy Singh-Watson. 

Livestock theft isn’t something most farmers expect to face, but a recent incident in Cornwall is a reminder that it pays to stay vigilant. Devon & Cornwall Police is encouraging farmers to take another look at security and the steps they can take to deter thieves.

If you're involved in a motor accident, it's important to stay calm, prioritise safety and gather the right information. Being prepared can help you manage a stressful situation more confidently and make any claims process much smoother. Follow these simple steps to ensure everyone is safe, record the necessary details and protect yourself should any issues arise later.

Enterprise stacking is a form of farm diversification with integration and sustainability at its heart. Farmers Tim May and Dave Oates told the Farming Focus™ podcast how they’re stacking enterprises on their farms to build business resilience.

From storms and flooding to prolonged dry weather, fire and theft, recent events have been a reminder of just how quickly circumstances can change. While you can’t predict what will happen next, you can make sure you are properly prepared and having the right cover in place is an important part.

Farming is facing one of the most significant periods of change in a generation. Policy uncertainty, climate pressures, changing markets and tighter margins mean many businesses are asking not just how they survive, but how they build a stronger future.

Accidents and injuries in farming remain stubbornly widespread. To mark Farm Safety Week 2026, we’ve returned to one of our earliest Farming Focus™ podcast episodes to focus on this ever-present challenge and hear how one Devon farmer’s attitude to safety changed after rushing to do a job changed everything.

Cornish Mutual has launched its Fire Risk Assessment Service, delivered by our in-house fire safety specialists. Tailored specifically for agricultural premises and rural businesses, the service provides practical advice to help identify fire hazards, review existing safety measures and prioritise improvements.

Cornish Mutual has been named main sponsor of the 2026 Melplash Show, one of Dorset’s best-known agricultural events. It underlines the farming insurance expert’s long-standing support for farmers and rural communities across the county.

Farming insurance experts Cornish Mutual has announced Richard Lane has been appointed Board Chair, taking over from Cornish farmer Jeremy Oatey. He has been a Non-Executive Director since 2018, becoming Chair of the Risk Audit Committee in 2021.

Cornish Mutual and Devon County Show have announced an upgraded Farmers’ Hub for 2026 event, building on the foundations laid last year and bringing more of what matters. The Farmers’ Hub is a dedicated space designed to bring farmers together to connect, share experiences and explore practical ideas in a supportive environment.

Holly Sampson has been named Cornish Mutual South West Agricultural Student of the Year, recognising her passion and commitment to building a future in farming.

Cornish Mutual has announced the latest recipients of its Young Farmer Bursaries, recognising six agriculture students from across the South West for their enthusiasm for farming and commitment to shaping the future of the industry. Now in its fifth year, the bursary programme provides financial support to students studying agriculture-based courses, helping them gain new experiences, develop essential skills and take the next steps towards their future careers in farming. The bursaries were judged by a panel including Cornish Mutual Chief Executive Officer Peter Beaumont, who said: “The Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries celebrate the talented young people who are the future of our industry. Supporting students who are committed to developing their skills and helping agriculture evolve is essential.”

Storm Goretti was a timely reminder we are seeing more extreme weather these days – even in the South West where we’ve often been protected from the worst conditions. Here at Cornish Mutual, we received the equivalent of two weeks’ worth of claims calls in just two days, with most coming from the worst-affected areas of West Cornwall. And we know it won’t be the last so we urge everyone to be prepared. Here’s our advice for reducing your risk of damage, what to do if you are making a claim and answers to some of your most common questions.

The final episode of each Farming Focus™ series is an opportunity to look back at the rich mixture of opinions and insights offered by guests, and series five is no exception. Podcast host Peter Green is joined by strategic dairy consultant Becki Reay to discuss five of the most recent episodes.