As Farmers Weekly's podcast and projects editor, Johann Tasker operates at the intersection of agricultural policy and practical farming realities. His work primarily focuses on:
"The best pitches connect Whitehall policies to muddy farm boots" - Tasker's editorial guideline for contributors
With over 268 podcast episodes and 12 major investigative series since 2020, Tasker has redefined agricultural journalism for the digital age. His work continues shaping debates from Westminster committee rooms to National Farmers' Union regional meetings.
We've followed Johann Tasker's two-decade journey as a pivotal voice in UK agricultural journalism, watching him evolve from policy reporter to multimedia storytelling pioneer. His work at Farmers Weekly has become essential reading (and listening) for policymakers, industry leaders, and working farmers alike.
Tasker's 52-minute deep dive into the 2025 cereal growers' protest revealed how Brexit-era policies collided with global market forces. Through interviews with NFU representatives and DEFRA officials, he demonstrated how proposed tariff structures threatened UK flour mills' competitiveness. The episode's impact was measurable - within 48 hours of publication, three major supermarkets issued statements guaranteeing British wheat sourcing.
This 77-minute live debate showcased Tasker's moderating prowess as he facilitated discussions between Lib Dem MP James MacCleary and Savills rural researcher Kelly Hewson-Fisher. His incisive questioning about land use priorities influenced the subsequent Agricultural Tenancy Reform white paper. The event's success led to a national tour sponsored by Lantra and Savills.
Tasker's year-long analysis of the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board culminated in a damning assessment of levy allocation practices. By cross-referencing funding data with productivity metrics, he revealed disproportionate support for cereal sectors over specialty crops. The series prompted DEFRA to fast-track its "Levelling the Fields" review six months ahead of schedule.
Tasker prioritizes stories demonstrating practical implementation of DEFRA's Environmental Land Management schemes. Successful pitches connect farm-level practices with broader climate targets, like his 2024 series on regenerative dairy farming in Cumbria.
With Brexit's lasting impacts, he seeks analyses of UK-EU trade flow disruptions. His award-winning investigation into Dutch flower import delays exemplifies this focus area.
Stories about succession planning and rural youth engagement resonate strongly. The podcast's most-downloaded episode featured a Yorkshire farm family navigating inheritance tax reforms.
While avoiding product promotions, Tasker welcomes data-driven reports on precision agriculture adoption barriers. His 2023 analysis of robotic milker ROI set industry benchmarking standards.
With seasonal worker shortages persisting, he highlights successful apprenticeship programs and automation partnerships. The "Future Hands" series led to parliamentary questions about visa quota adjustments.
"Tasker's podcast episodes have become required listening in DEFRA briefing packs" - National Farming Union 2024 Media Report
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Agriculture, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
