Young farmer podcast proves a hit

FW‘s Ag Student of the Year 2022, Ben Chilman, co-presents the popular podcast EweTurn.

Here, he explains why he does it, what’s involved and how it even has shades of Top Gear.

See also: FW Awards 2022 – Ag Student of the Year

1. Why did you launch the podcast?

The idea was suggested to me and my two mates, Ted and Nog, a few years ago (needless to say in a pub) to record some of the nonsense we had been talking about because it had amused someone sat nearby.

We thought very little of it at the time.

Fast-forward 12 months, lockdown hit and the podcast provided a great excuse to meet up virtually, have a laugh and, more importantly, raise awareness about mental health.

Little did we know we’d end up talking to YouTube celebrities, world-record holders and even a British and Irish Lions rugby player!

Ben Chilman (centre) with co-presenters Ted (left) and Nog (right) © Ben Chilman

2. What have been the biggest challenges with it and how have you overcome these?

Alongside the editing, we can often feel out of our depth when hearing stories from listeners struggling with their mental health.

Since starting the podcast, the scale of the mental-health problem farming faces has become more apparent. But some amazing charities are out there to help people in their time of need.

Thanks to the support of listeners, we hope to help change perceptions around this issue.

3. What skills do you need to be a good podcast presenter?

It’s important to ask concise, sharp questions, which allow a presenter to get the most out of their guests.

I find it quite annoying listening to presenters who end up taking longer to ask a question than it does for their guest to answer.

Much of that can be avoided with plenty of research; I’ve always been told that preparation is key.

Other than that, an upbeat and enthusiastic tone can normally mask many personal inadequacies. Well, that’s what I hope!

4. Did you have any previous radio or media experience? 

I have been a football commentator for five years at my local club, Hereford FC, which has seen me broadcast from Whitchurch to Wembley.

One, I must admit, is decidedly more glamorous than the other, but I’ll leave you to decide which one!

This was something I fell into after a chance phone call.

However, it provides me with a great opportunity to switch off from all things farming at the end of the week and focus on a completely different world for at least 90 minutes.

5. How do you fit the podcast in with farming? 

Often with difficulty. We try to plan ahead with pre-recorded episodes waiting to be released during busy times in the farming calendar.

In reality, it rarely works, as the modern farming life seems to lack quiet times of the year. But if you want to do something, you’ll make time for it.

6. Why is it important that farmers talk to the wider world?

A traditional answer to that question may be to “educate the public” or “showcase the dedication to food production”, which I don’t disagree with.

But I also think it will become more important in terms of attracting younger, creative and more forward-thinking people into agriculture.

While I may be biased, I think podcasts are a great tool for this.

Easily accessible to all, they provide a refreshing break from the day-to-day drone of new prime ministers and half-forgotten pop stars trying to sell a rehashed version of their once greatest hit.

Podcasts can showcase honest reviews of the unique and unmatched careers the farming industry has to offer.

7. How do you think farming is perceived by the general public?

It’s a bold claim, but I think many farmers would be pleasantly surprised by the perception of farming held by the great British public.

While a tractor driver blatantly ignoring three passing places on their 10-mile trip with a haybob is doing nobody any favours, the importance of farmers engaging in the process of educating the public is invaluable.

Without information, what perception can we expect?

8. What other podcasts do you listen to and when?

I first came across the idea of a farming-based podcast with Will Evans’ fantastic Rock & Roll Farming.

The idea was brilliantly executed by Will to provide a balance for farming and, equally important, non-farming audiences through thoughtful insights about the people producing the food we eat.

Will was like a Yoda figure when we started, graciously answering many of my questions about launching, recording and editing the podcast.

While I certainly can’t claim we aim to educate people, we’re always amazed that about 50% of our listeners are from non-farming backgrounds, often leading to messages asking what’s drilling, how much does a cow weigh and why do you keep sheep?

We ask ourselves that last question a lot!

9. What do you do when you’re not farming or podcasting?

I enjoy playing a range of sports (to an admittedly poor standard).

My involvement with Young Farmers is also quite time-consuming, but crucially provides great socialising opportunities.

10. Tell us something about yourself not many people know

I watch very few films and limited amounts of television, but I’m a huge fan of Top Gear during its former iteration with Clarkson and co.

It was once pointed out to me that our podcast has shades of the show, with three co-hosts talking nonsense around a loosely based common interest.

With us, it’s farming, not cars. Although, ironically, Clarkson ended up swapping cars for farming – doing a great deal in the process for how UK agriculture is perceived.