Wilson & Ashley
Unfiltered. Unexpected. Unapologetically Honest.
Welcome to The Wilson & Ashley Podcast — where no farming topic is off limits. But this isn't just a farming podcast...
Broadcast from their unique mobile studio, Rebecca Wilson, a sheep and arable farmer from Yorkshire and Charlotte Ashley, a dairy farmer from Cumbria, bring you conversations around food, farming and rural life that are guaranteed to get heads turning.
Inspired by what’s trending — from recent articles to viral videos — each episode blends reality, farming, and pop culture in equal measure.
With the straight talking approach that followers have come to know and love from these two women in agriculture, conversations are honest, hilarious and real - like voice notes between two friends who aren't afraid to say what everyone else is thinking.
Drawing on their own farming knowledge along with voice notes from friends, listeners of the podcast and industry experts, they're bringing a new perspective on rural life.
Whether you're a full time farmer, never set foot on a farm or fall somewhere in between, we're pleased to have you on board!
Got a story, a strong opinion, or a reel we just have to talk about? Drop us a DM or a voice note — we want you to be part of the conversation!
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New episode released every other Tuesday
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@wilsonandashley
@rebeccawilsonfarming
@charlotteashleyfarm
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letschat@wilsonandashley.co.uk
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Wilson & Ashley
Episode 27: Foot and Mouth - The Day Everything Changed for British Farmers (Part 1)
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In this first part of our two-part series, we step back into 2001 — to the beginning of the Foot and Mouth outbreak. An outbreak that would change British farming forever.
What started as a single confirmed case quickly escalated into a national crisis. But behind the headlines and statistics were real people, real farms, and real lives being turned upside down.
In this episode, we hear directly from those on the front line. A farmer from an affected area shares what it was like to live through the uncertainty, fear, and reality of the disease arriving at the farm gate. We’re also joined by a vet who was working on the ground during the outbreak — an experience so profound it ultimately led him into politics.
Together, their stories paint a picture not just of how the disease spread, but of how it felt — the decisions, the pressure, and the moments that have stayed with them ever since.
This episode runs in a slightly different format to usual, allowing space for these stories to be told properly — because the human impact of Foot and Mouth was far-reaching, and is still felt today.
Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, including references to animal culling and suicide. Some listeners may find this distressing.
Thank you to our contributors.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12483017
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foot-and-mouth-disease
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease/
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/mar/21/footandmouth.angeliquechrisafis
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7075072.brigadier-tells-chaos-epidemic-fight/
https://www.farminguk.com/news/uk-not-prepared-for-foot-and-mouth-outbreak-vets-warn_68307.html
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If you’ve got a story, a strong opinion, or an idea for an episode… Slide into the DMs or drop us a voice note — we want to include your thoughts in our conversation.
Subscribe now and let’s get into it!
@wilsonandashley
@rebeccawilsonfarming
@charlotteashleyfarm
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Whilst we endeavour to research podcast topics to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of all conversations and as such, the podcast does not constitute professional advice.
