Speaking up for the farmers

The Farming Social Hub podcast, which goes out on global platforms Spotify, Apple and Google as well as the local radio station KL1 Radio is a weekly farming show.

The idea behind the podcast is to shine a light on the good work done by farmers in the name of conservation and the environment.

regions flint rich soil and flat

‘As much as possible, we strive to make farm to glass beers that are both sustainable and reflect the landscape from where they are made. Norfolk just ticked all the boxes for us, the regions flint rich soil and flat terrain make it a boon for growing barley. Duration is located just miles from Great Ryburgh, the home of 150year maltsters Crisp Maltings and it’s wonderful to see the barley swaying in the fields surrounding the brewery and watch it grow right from when it’s drilled through to harvest.’

Ryburgh, the home of 150surrounding the brewery and Norfolk includes procuring apples from Thornham adding

Duration has really tapped into local produce. During their four years in Norfolk brewing beer, they have worked with several local producers. This includes procuring apples from Drove Orchard in Thornham for an IPA, adding Brancaster Oysters to a stout with oysters hand for the all-year needs of the fishermen,’ he says.

That said, both men say they have had a lot of support from other business people. Purdy name checks Andy Frary as a source of help and support.

‘There are people in the town who really want to see young people do well. It is really nice spending time with people who are happy to share their experiences. The fishing community in particular has been really welcoming.’

Purdy and Richardson are part of a new generation of entrepreneurs in the town. Along with other business people they have plans for a young people’s Round Table in Wells. This will provide a source of information, advice and support for people who are just starting out, or who have an idea for a business they want to explore.

With a new venture just on the horizon and tapping into their own sense of adventure and can-do, the Will’s of Wells look to have a bright future.

‘In turn we put much of our spent ingredients back in the food chain, giving our grain and hops to farmers to feed cattle and fertilise their soil. It’s been eye opening working with other small producers in the region and the benefits far outweigh the challenges. In fact, the main challenges we have faced as a new business have been more from the ongoing fallout of the world pandemic, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis than they have our location.’

A trip to Duration for one of their taproom days is an eye-opener. People sit at beer barrels around the beautiful location, music plays gently in the background and guest street food vendors supply the food. It is a friendly, convivial atmosphere that should be bottled and sold as beer-therapy.

Hudson concludes: ‘I wholeheartedly recommend other entrepreneurs to consider Norfolk. The people here champion local and value artisanal produce and are incredibly loyal to Norfolk. There is a slower way of life, a wider appreciation of nature and the rents are incredibly low. Norfolk for us makes our farmhouse brewery a place of infinite creative solitude, we live in the seasons and much of what inspires us finds its way into our products.’

Each week the show’s hosts Sarah Juggins and Charlie Lankfer rattle through a rapid news roundup from the world of farming before entering an in-depth interview with people from both the farming and conservation communities.

‘Farmers get such a bad rap,’ says Juggins, who has a background in sports journalism as well as agricultural writing.

‘And some of it is deserved, but for most farmers, nature is something to be cherished and treasured. Why, for instance, would any farmer willingly set out to kill bees, probably the most important ally they have? And yet, that is what many of the public believe.’

Recently the podcast has entered new territory. A partnership with many of the conservation and environmental groups sees the show focused on both farming and nature. Listeners will hear from ornithologists, environmentalists, and wildlife experts as well as the people whose land is providing a habitat for so many of our native species.

Tune into the Farming Social Hub’s Farming with Nature series of podcasts for an in-depth look at what is really going on in the countryside.