A South Lakes farming family have appeared on a new agricultural podcast.
The Ladds family, crowned the UK’s Farming Family Business of the Year in 2024, have appeared on Talking Crop, a new podcast to celebrate farming families across the UK.
The Ladds, based at Benson Hall Farm in Scalthwaiterigg, near Kendal, operate as R&E Ladds.
The farm – which has been in the wider family since the 1950s – is run by Andrew and Cath, 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.”
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.
They also partner with Kendal College, hosting practical classes and providing hands-on experience for students.
The Talking Crop podcast, launched by Goodyear Farm Tires, is available on all major podcast platforms.
