51AVÊÓÆµ

Farmers Guardian Podcast: Former NFU dairy chair Michael Oakes switches from dairy to beef

As former NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes embarks on a new challenge in beef, FG's chief reporter Rachael Brown speaks to him about leaving dairy and the future of the sector

Rachael Brown
clock • 1 min read
Farmers Guardian Podcast: Former NFU dairy chair Michael Oakes switches from dairy to beef

Former NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes is well-known in the industry for his campaigning on fairness in the supply chain and lobbying politicians for dairy contract legislation. With margins tight, increased regulations and problems with recruiting staff, many dairy farmers have found themselves facing the difficult choice of whether to invest or to leave the sector.

In June, Mr Oakes made the ‘tough decision' to quit milking. He sold his 200-head Holstein dairy herd and has now started a new venture rearing beef cattle on his Bournville Village Trust tenant farm on the southern outskirts of Birmingham.

LISTEN NOW:

Pedigree British Blue Bull

£±Ê°¿´¡

DOWNGRADE MILK & CREAM

£±Ê°¿´¡

WANTED REGISTERED SHEEPDOG PUPS

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Podcasts

Crop It Like It's Hot RE-LAUNCH: Live from Cereals

Crop It Like It's Hot RE-LAUNCH: Live from Cereals

Join Ash Ellwood as we chat to four speakers about funding, plant breeding and new varieties, live from The Cereals Event

clock 20 June 2025 • 1 min read
The Farmers Guardian Podcast: Future farming leaders - NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos on engaging the next generation to lead the industry

The Farmers Guardian Podcast: Future farming leaders - NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos on engaging the next generation to lead the industry

In this episode of The Farmers Guardian Podcast, Alex Black speaks to Rachel Hallos on why it is important to inspire the next generation to lead the industry

Alex Black
clock 13 June 2025 • 1 min read
The Farmers Guardian Podcast: "With change comes opportunity" - 24 Hours in Farming special

The Farmers Guardian Podcast: "With change comes opportunity" - 24 Hours in Farming special

In this 24 Hours in Farming podcast special, as we head towards this year's event, two of this year's ambassadors talk heritage, pride, consumers and uniting the sector

clock 06 June 2025 • 1 min read