It's not every day you get a bona fide celebrity on 15 Minutes With — but this week, host Jonathan Roberts sits down with CLA member Ted Howard-Jones, part of the Hawkstone Choir that took Britain by storm and won Britain's Got Talent.

Ted shares the surreal journey from a farming-club advert to a golden buzzer moment on the BGT stage, working with Jeremy Clarkson and the Clarkson's Farm team, and what it's really like behind the scenes of one of the year's most heartwarming viral moments. Along the way, he opens up about the choir's deeper mission: raising awareness of mental health in farming and supporting those struggling with isolation on the land.

Tune in for a story of unexpected fame, farming camaraderie, and the power of song — plus a look at what's next for the Hawkstone Choir, from the Royal Variety Performance to the Royal Welsh Show.

Barbara shares her vision for what success looks like on trees — from timber in construction and flood risk management to air quality and human health — and explains why getting the right tree in the right place matters more than ever.

We explore whether woodland is becoming a sound business decision for farmers and landowners, the challenges of natural capital markets for smaller operators, and why policy certainty is so critical when woodland decisions can span generations.

Barbara also gives her take on the land use framework, the role of devolution in place-based decision making, and the thorny question of grey squirrels and deer — including a surprisingly practical suggestion for the NHS on venison.

And to finish, she shares the woods and trees that mean the most to her personally.

Topics covered:

• Trees as a multi-benefit crop: climate, timber, health, and biodiversity
• Making woodland economics work for farmers and estates
• Natural capital markets and the risk of a two-tier system
• Policy certainty and cross-government coordination
• The land use framework and devolution
• Grey squirrels: the missing action plan
• Deer management and the venison market
• Favourite trees and woodlands

In this episode, we sit down with John, Alice, and Rufus Pawsey of Shimpling Park — a 4,500-acre organic farm in Suffolk that's been in the family for five generations. We pick up a conversation that started at the CLA breakfast at the Suffolk Show, going deeper into what it's actually like to work together as a family business.

From navigating disagreements over paperwork and loader tractors, to the Cock-up of the Year award, succession planning, and the challenges of back-to-back difficult harvests — this is an honest, warm, and often funny conversation about the realities of farming today. We also explore how diversification through weddings, food events, school visits, and a working flour mill helps keep the business resilient in uncertain times.

If you're interested in family business, rural enterprise, or the future of farming, this one's for you.

Carlos Bagrie is anything but a conventional farmer. Having co-founded My Food Bag - New Zealand's answer to HelloFresh - he went on to purchase a stunning 1,200-acre farm in the foothills of the Southern Alps near Queenstown, and has since built one of New Zealand's most recognisable rural brands.

From a micro abattoir and butchery producing 10 tonnes of lamb per month, to two high-end supermarkets, a brewery, a whiskey label and a TV show that draws inevitable comparisons to Jeremy Clarkson's farming adventures, Carlos and his wife Nadia have become household names in New Zealand.

A genuinely global perspective on farming's future, this episode is essential listening for anyone interested in rural diversification, farm business strategy and the power of authentic storytelling in agriculture.

In this edition of 15 Minutes With, CLA East Director Cath Crowther visits Raynham Estate in Norfolk to meet Tom Townshend, the 9th Marquess Townshend — a landowner whose family has farmed the same land since the 1100s.

Recorded on location at The Copse, the estate's own secret supper club, Tom talks openly about what it takes to future-proof a historic estate in today's climate. From building a portfolio of eight diverse businesses — including glamping, renewable energy, and commercial property — to navigating a five-year planning battle for a farm shop, Tom shares the real challenges facing rural landowners.

The conversation also covers the pressures of maintaining affordable rural housing against increasingly demanding EPC regulations, the three-year fight to get planning permission for a reservoir, and how a new potato rotation is helping to strengthen the farm's resilience.

At the heart of it all is a word Tom keeps returning to: resilience — and what it means to build a business that can still be farming here for generations to come.

🎙️ Hosted by Cath Crowther, CLA East Director
📍 Recorded at Raynham Estate, Norfolk

15 Minutes With is produced by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

In this episode of 15 Minutes With, host Jonathan Roberts is joined by Charles Trotman of the CLA (Country Land and Business Association) to break down the UK's landmark devolution legislation — and what it means for farmers, landowners, and rural businesses.

Charles explains how power will flow from Whitehall to new strategic authorities and unitary councils, why the CLA's hard-won inclusion of "rural affairs" as a legal area of competence is a game-changer, and how rural commissioners and economic boards could finally give countryside communities a genuine seat at the table.

They also debate whether devolution is a sign of government weakness, explore how Reform and Green Party gains in local elections could reshape rural policy, and turn the spotlight on Wales — where a new poll reveals deep dissatisfaction with how devolution has been handled so far.

With Welsh elections imminent and a wave of political change on the horizon, this is a pivotal moment for rural Britain. Charles makes the case for why now is exactly the time to get involved — and why CLA membership has never mattered more.

In this episode, CLA Communications Manager Henk Geertsema visits Broughton Sanctuary in North Yorkshire to speak with Roger Tempest — 32nd-generation custodian of the estate and one of the most compelling voices in the rural resilience conversation.

Roger shares the remarkable journey of transforming Broughton Hall Estate into Broughton Sanctuary: from a single job in 1974 to a thriving community of 52 businesses and 700 jobs. He talks candidly about the alchemy behind that change — moving from industrial farming to nature-friendly practices, from fossil fuels to renewables, and from a traditional landed estate to a hub for personal transformation retreats.

We also discuss the growing headwinds facing rural landowners, why Roger believes the government needs to treat the countryside as an ally rather than a target, and how places like Broughton produce millions in tax revenue that politicians are at risk of destroying through short-sighted policy.

Plus: the difference between rewilding and nature-friendly farming, why there's room for all approaches, and Roger's top three tips for building a resilient rural business — whatever its size.

Topics covered:

• The 40-year transformation of Broughton Sanctuary
• Building community through jobs, culture and managed access
• Personal transformation retreats and the concept of inner rewilding
• Land ownership, government policy and rural headwinds
• Nature-friendly farming vs rewilding
• Top tips for landowner resilience

What does it really take to champion rural communities at a national level — and are policymakers actually listening?

In this episode, we sit down with Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, the national body representing over 450 rural local authorities and service providers across England. Kerry shares her journey from frontline local government to leading the RSN, and makes a compelling case for why rural communities deserve far more than an afterthought in national policy.

We discuss the stark funding gap that sees urban councils receive a third more in government spending power per head than their rural counterparts, why so many Whitehall departments still struggle to understand the realities of rural life, and what genuine rural proofing should look like in practice. Kerry also sets out the enormous untapped potential of the rural economy — estimated at £19 billion in additional Treasury contributions with the right policy interventions — and explains why devolution could be a double-edged sword for rural communities.

A wide-ranging, honest, and essential conversation for anyone working at the intersection of policy, place, and public services.

CLA Vice President Eliza Ecclestone sits down with Tristan Lillingston, from the Thorpe Estate, to discuss how he transitioned from a career in music management to taking the reins of his family's rural estate.

Tristan, who is hosting the CLA Next Generation Conference at the estate in April, talks candidly about the gradual nature of succession, working alongside his father, and how he found himself learning on the job by simply showing up and listening. He explains how his background in the music industry - where protecting your rights and thinking long-term are everything - turned out to be surprisingly good preparation for estate management.

We also hear about his priorities when he first got involved: building a brand identity, launching a wedding venue and opening the estate to the public for the first time - and yes, that includes a few stories about badly behaved wedding guests.

Whether you're approaching succession yourself or simply curious about what it takes to run a rural estate in the 21st century, Tristan offers honest, practical and at times amusing insights into life at the helm.

Dan shares how the Company of Rural Leaders (CRL) programme gave him the confidence to push beyond his comfort zone, leading to a life-changing Nuffield Farming Scholarship. His study, Generation Regeneration, took him to Brazil, Canada, and New Zealand — and fundamentally shifted how he approaches farming, food systems, and leadership.

From his evolving views on regenerative agriculture to his new role as a director of the Oxford Farming Conference, Dan makes the case for profitability without apology, the power of networks, and why agroforestry might be the one idea the UK should adopt.

In this episode:

• How CRL kickstarted Dan's leadership journey
• Applying for a Nuffield Scholarship with "not an ounce of belief"
• What three months travelling the world taught him about UK farming
• Why he now has a "love-hate relationship" with regenerative farming
• His role at the Oxford Farming Conference and having a seat at the table
• Why farmers shouldn't be embarrassed about making a profit

In this episode, we sit down with Henry Dimbleby — food policy expert, author of the National Food Strategy, and co-founder of Leon — for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping the future of food and farming in the UK.

We discuss whether the government truly understands food resilience, and what it would take to better prepare for global trade shocks. Henry shares his perspective on the interconnectedness of the global food system — from Iranian saffron to Moroccan salad shortages — and makes the case for building domestic capacity and maintaining diverse trade routes.

The conversation turns to the surprising impact of GLP-1 weight loss drugs on crop markets, and what falling calorie demand could mean for British wheat and cereal farmers. Henry argues the answer lies in thinking ahead to where markets are heading and moving towards premium.

We also tackle the thorny question of red meat: is it sustainable, and what role should UK farmers play in the global picture? Henry offers a pragmatic view — it's for the government and the market to set direction, not for individual farmers to go bust over a moral imperative. But responsible production? That's non-negotiable.

CLA President Gavin Lane sits down with Sarah Dunning, Chair of Westmorland Limited, the family behind the award-winning Tebay Motorway Services and Gloucester Gateway. Sarah shares how she left London in her late twenties to join the family business, navigated a pivotal generational transition when their long-standing partners retired, and took on the challenge of building Gloucester Services — a new site 200 miles from home with 150 local producers and 450 employees. She also talks about the family's next venture on the M56 in Cheshire (opening Spring 2028), the impact of the EV revolution on their business model, and whether it's still possible to build a family business empire from scratch in today's regulatory environment. A candid conversation about ambition, local food, and what it takes to grow a roadside business across generations.

CLA Deputy President Joe Evans sits down with James Fielden, founder of Jamie's Farm, to explore how working farms are transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people across the UK.

In just 16 years, Jamie's Farm has grown from a pilot project to a national charity operating seven farms, employing nearly 100 people, and impacting almost 20,000 children. Jamie shares the remarkable story of Jack—a boy who came to the farm through foster care and eventually became their first employee who went through the program.

The conversation delves into why rural farming environments are uniquely powerful for youth development, offering purpose, belonging, and the dignity of hard work that many urban children have never experienced. Jamie also candidly discusses the economic pressures facing the charity: an £80,000 national insurance hit, housing challenges for staff, and the struggle to maintain funding while demand for their services has never been higher.

From regenerative farming practices to the philosophy of "repealing" farms with people, this episode showcases how agriculture can be a force for profound social good—and what barriers need removing to expand this vital work.

Visit: jamiesfarm.org.uk

Key topics include:
• The Commissioner's role and day-to-day responsibilities
• Economic pressures facing broad acre and dairy farmers
• The importance of landlord-tenant collaboration and communication
• Real-world case studies from upland farming communities
• Learning from Scotland's tenant farming commission experience
• How landlords and tenants can engage with the Commissioner's office

Alan emphasises the value of understanding each party's objectives, building positive relationships, and working together to navigate change in the agricultural sector. He also provides practical advice on the Tenant Farming Code of Practice and encourages both landlords and tenants to reach out to his office—whether to celebrate successes or seek help with difficult situations.

Kenton Hall Estate in Suffolk is truly a family affair, with siblings Tom McVeigh, Lucy McVeigh and Emily Aitchison at the heart of the estate's diversified businesses. 

On top of the 450-acre arable farm's exploration into hazelnuts and walnuts, the estate is home to a variety of diversifications, including a wedding venue, glamping site, hen party packages, cookery school, Duke of Edinburgh scheme residential courses and a micro bakery.

In this episode of '15 minutes with...', CLA East Director Cath Crowther sits down with the trio for an honest look at how they work together and balance farming on the estate with innovation, environmental resilience and entrepreneurial drive.

Join us for a special conversation with Ian Pigott, founder of Open Farm Sunday, as we celebrate two decades of this transformative initiative. Since 2006, Open Farm Sunday has welcomed 3.2 million children onto British farms, bridging the gap between urban communities and agricultural life.

In this episode, Ian shares:

• The inspiration behind Open Farm Sunday and its Danish roots
• Powerful stories of children transformed by farm experiences
• Why honest, transparent storytelling about farming matters
• The challenges and opportunities in agricultural careers
• How initiatives like Clarkson's Farm are changing public perception
• The future of farmer-led communication in an uncertain world

Whether you're involved in agriculture, education, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of opening farm gates and sharing authentic stories.

CLA Land Use Chief Susan Twining sits down with Baroness Minette Batters to discuss her groundbreaking Farming Profitability Review and life in the House of Lords. Minette shares insights on the disconnect between rural and urban Britain, why agriculture's true economic value is vastly underestimated, and her vision for a partnership approach between government and the farming industry. From the challenges of influencing legislation to the exciting opportunities for UK agriculture to lead the world in sustainable food production, this conversation offers a candid look at the future of British farming and the urgent need for policy reform.

Topics include funding shortfalls in environmental schemes, the invisible contributions of upland communities, balancing conservation with food production, and managing the pressures of 20 million annual visitors to areas like the Lake District. A must-listen for anyone interested in rural policy, sustainable farming, and the future of Britain's treasured upland landscapes.

Join Jonathan Roberts as he sits down with Abi Kay to discuss the fractured relationship between politics and farming in the UK. From inheritance tax controversies to broken promises on food security, Abi shares her insights on why 40% of farmers are now planning to vote for Reform UK. Plus, she reveals the stories behind her most impactful investigations—including exposing a major meat fraud scandal and tackling difficult conversations about young farmer culture. A must-listen for anyone interested in rural politics, agricultural journalism, and the future of British farming.

Joe and Eliza explore the disconnect between public perception and the reality of modern land ownership, discussing why the term "landowner" itself might be a barrier to understanding the vital role rural estates play in the economy and wider society. From managing diverse enterprises to making long-term decisions for the countryside, they share candid insights about the misconceptions, the politics of envy, and the challenge of reaching both rural communities and urban audiences with their story.

This honest conversation reveals the entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and low returns that characterise multi-generational land ownership—and why finding new ways to communicate this reality has never been more urgent.

About the Guests:

Joe Evans, CLA Deputy President, manages his family's diversified estate in Herefordshire. Whitbourne Estate is home to an organic livestock farming enterprise, an events venue, forestry, and a care farm.

Eliza Ecclestone, CLA Vice President, is managing trustee at St Clere Estate, a diversified estate with farming, forestry, festivals, and filming among other activities. She is also Chair of Trustees at Chevening Estate, the grace and favour home of the Foreign Secretary.

Zeichner offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at reshuffle day, discusses the challenges of cross-departmental collaboration in government, and addresses Labour's relationship with rural communities. The conversation tackles the controversial inheritance tax changes head-on, with Zeichner defending the policy while acknowledging the concerns of farming families.

From the realities of ministerial life to the future of rural policy, this candid discussion reveals the complexities of governing and the difficult balance between political necessity and rural tradition.

This episode was recorded before the UK government's partial climb-down on inheritance tax in December 2025.

Gavin shares his experience running a farm in West Norfolk, explains why the recent policy U-turn still falls short, and reveals the challenges of getting Whitehall to understand the countryside. From succession planning to economic growth, this conversation explores what's at stake for Britain's rural communities.

Subscribe to 15 Minutes With for more conversations on countryside and land management issues. Learn more at cla.org.uk.