Members of a Cumbrian farming family who were crowned the UK’s Farming Family Business of the Year in 2024 have become the latest special guests to feature on a popular new podcast series.
The Ladds Family, based at Benson Hall Farm in Scalthwaiterigg and operating as R & E Ladds, took the coveted title at the British Farming Awards in Birmingham last year.
They have now become the fourth family in the UK to feature on Talking Crop, a new podcast launched by Goodyear Farm Tires to celebrate farming families across the UK.
The farm – which has been in the wider family since the 1950s - is run by Andrew and Cath Ladds, who are supported by their sons Chris, Richard and Thomas.
Chris said: “It was a real privilege to feature on the Talking Crop podcast because it’s spreading a vital message about the importance of farming families.
“It was a huge thrill to win the award. We were gobsmacked to be honest, but it was testament of the hard work of the entire team.
“It was an achievement of a lifetime so to be able to tell our story through the podcast was brilliant and we are grateful to Goodyear Farm Tires for the opportunity.”
The Ladds Family run a mixed farm with 200 Holstein cows, averaging around 37 litres of milk per day through twice-daily milking.
Alongside dairy, they manage 800 Texel cross and North of England Mule ewes, as well as 35 pedigree Texel ewes for breeding shearling tups.
Their farm contracting services cover forage harvesting, round baling, slurry work, and GPS-controlled fertiliser spreading.
The family also operates a 45-site static caravan park established post-foot-and-mouth disease, diversifying their income streams. Additionally, they partner with Kendal College, hosting practical classes and providing valuable hands-on experience for students.
The Talking Crop podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.