Put your thoughts into the mix First up, we’re heading to Australia to ask: do they do it better when it comes to farm employment and training? From government-backed gap year schemes like AgCareerStart to hands-on training farms for short-term workers, we explore how the Aussies attract and upskill new people into agriculture — and whether the UK could learn a thing or two. But is the cost really worth it and we can't help but touch on the weather in Aus versus the UK! Then we turn to ...

Put your thoughts into the mix Is there any hope for farmers when it comes to political decision-making? We're fresh back from the Conservative Party Conference, invited by Victoria Atkins, Conservative MP and Shadow Environment Secretary, where it really did feel like farming took centre stage. In this episode, we talk more about Victoria's declaration of the "food and farming emergency” that we're facing and what this really means for farmers, family businesses, and consumers. From scrappin...

Put your thoughts into the mix Schooling. It’s something we’ve both talked about a lot beyond the podcast—mainly because our own experiences couldn’t have been more different. In this episode, we tackle the big question of: to school or not to school? Prompted by a viral Stacey Dooley reel and plenty of conversations in our own new Podcast Community on Facebook, we explore the rise of home schooling in the UK, the realities of state vs. private education, and how farming children fit into the...

Put your thoughts into the mix In this episode, we're talking about the Love Island star, Farmer Will, and his new business venture. It promises a behind-the-scenes look at British farming, exclusive workshops, and early access to new products. We explore whether this approach bridges the gap between farmers and consumers or oversimplifies the realities of farming life. We reflect on privilege and accessibility, asking: who really gets to have an opinion on how food is grown and sold? W...

Put your thoughts into the mix This week, we're talking about the first ever and compeltely unique Borderline Challenge, being undertaken by Cumbrian brother-and-sister duo Hugh and Alex Addision. It's all in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and with a £10,000 fundraising target already smashed, their incredible journey not only pushes physical limits but also shines a spotlight on the growing mental health crisis in farming communities. https://www.justgiving.com/page/the...

Put your thoughts into the mix This week on the podcast, we’re tackling two big talking points in farming — one heated debate, and one devastating disease. First up: children on farms. After Farmers Weekly ran a piece comparing farm kids to Victorian chimney sweeps, the backlash was fierce. We're asking are the clickbait headlines distracting from farming’s real health and safety issues? Do farm kids grow up safer and more risk-aware, or should children be kept away from farm work altog...

Put your thoughts into the mix This week, we’re de-briefing you on a couple of hectic weeks with a fair bit of time adventuring around the country! We're moving from the heart of Wales to the #Farm24, the UK’s biggest digital celebration of British farming. We kick things off at the Royal Welsh Show, and trust us when we say it's seriously Welsh! There's definitely two sides to the show... From the iconic sight of Welsh cobs in the main ring to nights at Penmenau, plus Charlotte gives us the ...

Put your thoughts into the mix This week, we're talking about the real cost of food – and the true reality of many of the products that are on supermarket shelves. Inspired by a video from B FRANK Health, we unpack the rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), how they’ve warped our perception of value, and why real, nutritious food can feel “too expensive” – despite the fact it shouldn’t be. Government policy, food affordability, and the staggering profits of retailers compared to plummeting far...

Put your thoughts into the mix This week on the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we’re tackling the conversation around Glastonbury... but we're looking beyond the music. Held on a 1,000-acre working dairy farm, we ask: are vegan festivalgoers being hypocrites? If ticket sales support farming, can you really separate the two? We unpack the festival’s environmental impact, from solar panels on cattle sheds to a ban on body glitter, and debate whether farming can be part of the festival's sustainabil...

Put your thoughts into the mix Disclaimer: This episode covers a sensitive and delicate subject, including practices around religious slaughter. We approach the topic with respect and aim to present balanced, factual information. In this episode, we attempt to unpack the complex and often controversial world of Halal and Kosher slaughter in the UK. Triggered by a 100,000-strong petition calling non-stun slaughter “barbaric,” a recent Westminster Hall debate has reignited public and political ...

Put your thoughts into the mix We’re back — and fresh from our very first outing with the Wilson and Ashley podcast trailer! We still can't believe that people came looking for us to have a chat after listening to our episodes! Sitting in our trailer, it really did bring home how we want the episodes to be like a chat between friends! One question kept cropping up… “How did you two even meet?” Well, in this episode, we get into the story! Charlotte reveals why she initially hated Rebecca (yes...

Put your thoughts into the mix In this episode of the Wilson and Ashley Podcast, we’re talking about the weather. Yes, we know that farmers are always complaining about it being too wet, too windy, too cold...but why does it matter? With dry, cracked fields and brown fields becoming the norm across the UK, we want to explore the reality of farming through the extremes. Inspired by a recent post from the Funky Farmer, and the flood of comments that followed, we reflect on what drought actually...

Put your thoughts into the mix We’ve absolutely loved hearing from our listeners in previous episodes—so this week, we’re handing over the mic (sort of) and sharing your takes on the biggest myths you’ve heard about farming. From dinner table debates to downright daft questions, it’s all in here. But should we be judging consumers for not knowing, or should we, as farmers, take more responsibility for bridging the knowledge gap? In this myth-busting episode, Wilson and Ashley wade into the wo...

Put your thoughts into the mix Episode 2: Chlorinated Chicken, Trade Deals, Charlotte & Rebecca Take London, Does the Women in Agriculture Movement Really Matter and is There a North-South Divide? Unfiltered. Unexpected. Unapologetically honest….some might say blunt. Again. We're back — this time fresh from a trip to the capital for the National Women in Agriculture Awards, with one of our hosts bringing back the Influencer of the Year crown! Don't get us started on the word 'influencer' ...

Put your thoughts into the mix Episode 1: The Rural Town Divide, Social Media, Charlotte’s screen time, farming life & the next generation Unfiltered. Unexpected. Unapologetically honest….some might say blunt. Welcome to the very first episode of The Wilson & Ashley Podcast hosted by Charlotte Ashley and Rebecca Wilson. We’d like to think that we are strong, no-nonsense farming women with deep roots in the countryside and a passion for tackling big issues. Recording from o...