(Rural Roots Canada) – In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, Craig Lester sits down with fellow 2023 Nuffield Scholar Claire Taylor, a Scottish agricultural journalist now based in Australia. Fresh off a global Nuffield journey that took her to 16 countries, Claire shares her insights on agricultural policy, food security, curiosity-driven learning, and why the pressures facing farmers today demand better leadership, stronger mental health support, and more global connection.

The pair reflect on their first meetings at the Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference, overcoming imposter syndrome, learning from farmers around the world, and the value of listening deeply. Claire also shares the origin story of Unstoppable World, her new global initiative focused on mental wellness, leadership, and immersive international learning experiences.

It’s a rich, candid conversation about resilience, perspective, and the shared challenges that connect agriculture across continents.

01:47 – First impressions of Alberta and the potato industry
02:42 – Claire’s background: beef farm, politics, BBC, ag journalism
03:39 – Imposter syndrome at the Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference
05:18 – How Nuffield expanded curiosity and listening
07:33 – Craig’s unexpected learnings at a Feedlot in Australia
08:47 – Zimbabwe: A chance encounter that reshaped Claire’s study
13:49 – Agriculture and health: a shared foundation
15:23 – FAO insights: food security, nutrition, and global inequality
17:26 – Pressures on farmers and the mental health cost
18:05 – Introducing Unstoppable World
24:39 – What’s next for Claire: farm life & new business

Listen to our previous podcast: RRC Podcast Ep. 16 – On Location at AWC East in Niagara Falls