BASIS Agronomy Matters

In this episode of Agronomy Matters, listeners are invited

As the UK embraces the potential of drone technology across various sectors, including agriculture, our guests shed light on its burgeoning significance.

Rob Pearson, CEO of Autospray Systems, shares insights into the cutting-edge advancements in drone technology and its implications for agriculture.

Alongside Rob is Richard Binks, a Technical Consultant and IPM specialist, who delves into a small study exploring the viability of drones for spraying nematodes as a form of pest control.

In this episode of Agronomy Matters, listeners are invited

As the UK embraces the potential of drone technology across various sectors, including agriculture, our guests shed light on its burgeoning significance.

Rob Pearson, CEO of Autospray Systems, shares insights into the cutting-edge advancements in drone technology and its implications for agriculture.

Alongside Rob is Richard Binks, a Technical Consultant and IPM specialist, who delves into a small study exploring the viability of drones for spraying nematodes as a form of pest control.

Tune in as Agronomy Matters explores the exciting intersection of drones and nematodes in agriculture, offering listeners a glimpse into the innovations shaping the future of farming.

Welcome to another episode of Agronomy Matters! In this edition, our host, Thomas Vaughan, Environment Manager for BASIS, takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of regenerative agriculture, shining a spotlight on the recently launched and crowd-funded film, "Six Inches of Soil." This insightful discussion features key figures from the film, including the producer, Claire Mackenzie, and one of its leading stars.

"Six Inches of Soil" unfolds an inspiring narrative that showcases the efforts of British farmers, communities, and entrepreneurs at the forefront of transforming our food production and consumption. The film explores agroecology, an approach embracing regenerative farming techniques harmonising with nature, and emphasises local food systems with shorter supply chains. The extensive benefits range from understanding food sources to ensuring fair prices for farmers and the production of healthy food in a sustainable environment.

This cinematic journey follows the inaugural year of regenerative farming for three new farmers—Anna Jackson, Adrienne Gordon, and Ben Thomas. As they work towards healing the soil, enhancing community provisions, and developing viable businesses, seasoned mentors and experts join them in this transformative experience. The film addresses complex issues, from the connections between food and health to questions of affordability, animal roles in farming, land ownership disparities, barriers faced by new entrant farmers, and even the ongoing debate on carbon offsetting in agriculture.

Presented with hard-hitting facts, the film provides an authentic glimpse into agroecological farming, capturing the essence of a deep connection with the land, the changing seasons, and the production of food for local communities.

Our discussion delves into how our guests got to where they are today and the challenges they faced along the way. Our first guest is Claire Mackenzie, the producer of "Six Inches of Soil," whose background spans TV production, charity fundraising, and event organising. Also joining the conversation is Ben Thomas, a livestock farmer from Cornwall, who carries out various techniques from mob grazing to agroforestry in order to improve soil health and biodiversity.

Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation as the layers of "Six Inches of Soil" are uncovered, and the profound impact of regenerative agriculture on our food systems and environment is explored. Welcome to Agronomy Matters!

www.basis-classroom.co.uk/courses

Join, Thomas Vaughan, our Environment Manager at BASIS, as we embark on an exclusive tour of the acclaimed British Potato Show in our latest episode. Let's dive deep into the heart of potato country, exploring the highs and lows of the 2023 potato crop while uncovering the challenges and opportunities shaping the current potato industry landscape.

🥔 Fiona's Insights on Fungicide Resistance - Our first stop takes us to SAC Consulting, where Fiona delves into the critical issue of fungicide resistance. Gain valuable insights into the concerns surrounding this challenge and discover strategies to mitigate its impact on potato crops.

🌿 We visit the Fera Science stand with Damian and Callum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of aphid samples processing. Learn about their expertise and invaluable advice on addressing nematode problems, contributing to the overall health and resilience of potato crops.

🌱 CHAP's Role in Potato Grower Support - Our exploration concludes at the CHAP stand, where Rosie enlightens us on CHAP's pivotal role in supporting potato growers. Uncover the latest projects, including the ground-breaking "de-sist" initiative, utilizing trap crops to combat nematodes and ensure a sustainable and thriving potato industry.

🚜 Special Segment with Harry Henderson - But wait, there's more! In a special segment, our Technical Manager at BASIS, Harry Henderson, provides a comprehensive update on the NRoSO training events running from 2023 to 2024.

So, whether you're a seasoned farmer or just curious about the fascinating world of agronomy, grab your favourite brew, settle in, and get ready to immerse yourself in the latest happenings from the heart of the British Potato Industry. Agronomy Matters - where every spud has a story, and every farmer has a journey! 🚜🌾

This month’s episode of Agronomy Matters is hosted by Thomas Vaughan, the recently appointed Environment Manager for BASIS.  Thomas is joined by two experts who share their wealth of knowledge in soil health and environmental management.   

The first guest, a previous podcast host, Jade Prince, a seasoned soil expert, now works at Farmacy, part of Hutchinson’s.  Jade has been instrumental in working with BASIS, designing the course content for the new “Improving Soil Health” course series.   

Jade will be sharing some of her invaluable expertise on the subject, providing practical steps that can be taken to assess and manage soil up until the end of the year.  

The second guest, Teresa Meadows, the Head of Environment, Audit, and Public Affairs at BASIS, has played a pivotal role in developing the four soil series modules:  
 
“Creating a Soil Management Plan”  
“Increasing Soil Biology”  
“Improving Soil Structure”  
“Boosting Soil Organic Matter”   

Teresa provides us with a comprehensive overview of what the courses entail, their target audience, their connections to other courses, and a tantalising glimpse into the future courses that lie ahead.  

To claim 1 CPD point for listening simply email [email protected], and mention “BASIS Agronomy Matters Podcast: Improving Soil Health Series” along with your name and membership number. 

With a view to a holistic approach to soil health, we are offering the BASIS Classroom digital modules from the  “Improving Soil Health Series” for £45.00 + VAT to BASIS members and £50.00 + VAT to non-members. The whole soil series (four modules) is also available to purchase in a special bundle offer for £135.00 + VAT for BASIS members and £150.00 + VAT for non-members. 

This month we have a BASIS Special as we speak to three members of the BASIS team.

We are joined by Stephen Jacob, BASIS Chief Executive Officer, Andy Brooks, Head of Education and Membership Services and Teresa Meadows, Head of Environment, Audit and Public Affairs.

Together we will review the highlights of 2022, discuss some of the upcoming challenges for the industry and talk about how BASIS will continue to support members as we move in to 2023.

We will talk about the management of the National Register of Sprayer Operators, a new addition to BASIS Registrations and we will explain how BASIS continues to develop, ensuring we keep up with an industry that is constantly changing and adapting.

Make sure you listen to the end to find out how to claim one BASIS CPD point via the members’ area on the BASIS website.

Find out more:

Principles of Sustainable Land Management

Environmental Advisers Register

NRoSO

This month we are embracing the festivities with a Christmas themed episode.

Our first guest, Andy Richardson, joins us to talk about the only vegetable that we could possibly choose to discuss at this time of year, one that divides opinion at every single Christmas dinner table, the Brussel Sprout. Andy has been an agronomist for 30 years and is the Technical Director for the Brassica Growers Association and joins us to share all his expert knowledge about this controversial veg.

No Christmas dinner would be complete without something to wash it all down, so our second guest, Graeme Brown, an independent agronomist specialising in grape vines, joins us to tell us all about the grapes behind a nice glass of bubbly.

To claim one CPD point for listening please wait for the code at the end of the episode.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year from the team at BASIS.

This month we are talking all about Potato Cyst Nematode, an important pest in most areas of the country where potatoes are grown.

It is during the autumn and winter months that we look to soil sample fields and prepare machinery, so on this episode we meet with three experts to learn more about sampling, controls, machinery calibration and the nematicide stewardship programme.

Our first guest is independent agronomist, Simon Alexander. Simon takes us through the 6 best practice steps to the Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP)from compulsory qualifications through the post application checks.

Our next speaker, Ian Foreman, joins from NSTS, the National Sprayer Testing Scheme. Ian expands on the importance of machinery calibration and best ways to avoid problems in season. You can download a check sheet here.

Finally, we are joined by David Nelson, Agronomy Director at Branston Ltd. Branston are a potato grower with sites in Lincoln, Scotland and the South West. David joins us to discuss cultural controls to PCN, with a particular focus on variety choice.

The BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection Agriculture and Vegetable courses both cover potato agronomy. If you are interested in advancing your potato knowledge further then we offer the Advanced potatoes course which also contributes towards the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy. Don’t forget we also have a module, Developing an IPM approach to PCN, available on the BASIS Classroom, created in collaboration with Bayer.

To claim you 1CPD point for listening please wait for the code at the end of the episode.

We currently have a winter offer on our BASIS Classroom digital courses (until 21st December 2022) where you can get 10% off our Principles of Sustainable Land Management course (worth 8CPD points) and the FACTS Nitrogen Use Efficiency Refresher.

This month following the launch of our Principles of Sustainable Land Management course back in May we are catching up with four experts who have completed the course to find out why they did it, what they learnt and how they will manage land more sustainability in the future.

Our first guest is Linda Bratley, Managing Director at Rural Business Services Ltd. Linda and her team offer a wide range of on farm advice from BPS to nutrient management plans and they are finding themselves becoming more involved in environmental work as new schemes continue to develop. Linda explains how the course helped to build their knowledge and prepare them for the future.

Next, we speak to Doug Townsend, a Farm Manager in the Cotswolds. Doug explains how his strong interest in sustainability encouraged him to go on the course having already completed the BASIS BETA Conservation Management course previously. Doug also tells us about joining our new BASIS Environmental Advisers Register.

Our third guest is Nina Yiannoukos, Senior Catchment Advisor at South Staffs and Cambridge Water. Nina decided to take the course as a refresher having completed the BASIS Soil and Water certificate previously and was pleased that the self-paced functionality of the course would allow it to fit around busy work and family life.

Finally, we speak to Ellie Sweetman, Forage Crop Specialist at NIAB. Ellie has a very varied role and completes the course to ensure she stays abreast of industry changes and development including how biodiversity, resource management and healthy soils are coming to the forefront and how these all integrate together. Ellie is also a member of our Register of Sheep Advisers and tells us a little more about the benefits.

If you are interested in completing the Principles of Sustainable Land Management course then you can find further information here.

https://www.basis-reg.co.uk/online-course-registration?source=podcast

Listen to the end of the podcast to claim 1 CPD point for listening.