This January podcast opens with reflections on a wet winter and the importance of patience as crops sit largely dormant. The discussion centres on early-season nutrition decisions, particularly strong caution against applying large, single doses of nitrogen. Instead, the Tim & Nick emphasise “little and often” approaches, prioritising ammonium forms of nitrogen, alongside sulphur, to support plant health, microbial activity and balanced growth. Sulphur is highlighted as critical after wet winters, especially for oilseed rape, with soil and sap testing used to guide decisions rather than calendar dates or sales advice.

The conversation broadens to regenerative principles: farming to context, avoiding blanket recommendations, and recognising differences between UK and overseas systems. Concerns are raised about farm profitability, policy uncertainty, and declining food security, alongside frustration with schemes that risk taking land out of production. The episode closes by reinforcing balance, observation and preparation as the season approaches, rather than rushing inputs onto waterlogged soils.

Recorded at the end of October and revisited now with hindsight, this episode captures a frank discussion about a season that challenged conventional agronomy thinking.

With wheat showing unexpected growth, cover crops still active, and pressure from slugs and pigeons appearing at unusual times, Tim and Nick unpack what they were seeing in the field - and how they approached decision-making when the usual playbook didn’t apply.

The conversation explores practical, observation-led farming: using small trials, understanding soil biology, supporting cover crops properly, and accepting that rigid calendars don’t work in a changing climate.

A grounded, experience-led reflection on why adaptability and informed judgement matter more than ever.

Drought, Determination, and Dirt: A Farmer's Tale

Join me and Nick as they dive deep into the challenges of farming in 2025. With brutal honesty and a touch of humour, we unpack a year of extreme weather, economic pressures, and the resilient spirit that keeps farmers going. From bone-dry soil to uncertain crop yields, this episode is a raw, real look at modern farming life. 

Tim and Nick discussed the severe drought affecting crops, noting that Northern Ireland and Scotland have received more rain than the south, except for Devon and Cornwall. They highlighted the need for at least three inches of rain to save  crops, which are currently dying due to lack of water. They emphasised the importance of soil carbon levels and the challenges of maintaining profitability with low commodity prices. They also discussed the impact of high temperatures on grain quality and the potential shortage of feed wheat. Upcoming talks on regenerative farming practices and the benefits of organic charcoal were mentioned.

Nick Wood and Tim Parton highlight the serious impact of prolonged dry weather on farm, noting it's unusually dry for early May. Crops like spring and winter barley are struggling, with limited growth and signs of stress. The lack of irrigation and rapid crop development, such as early flowering in oilseed rape, could lead to an early and poor harvest.

They stress the financial pressure this puts on farmers. Maintaining crop health is expensive, with foliar nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium essential but costly - especially when returns aren't guaranteed. SAP tests are proving ineffective in dry conditions, adding to the challenge. Both agree that rain is urgently needed and call for more government support, as they balance crop care with tough business decisions.

Nick Wood and Tim Parton discuss the challenging farming conditions in England, noting the extreme dryness and wetness over the past year. They highlight issues such as magnesium deficiency, hydrophytism, and the impact of recent rainfall. They emphasise the importance of intelligent farming practices, including the use of foliar applications and balanced nutrition. They also discuss the potential for yellow rust due to calcium deficiencies and the broader environmental concerns, including the impact of sewage sludge on soil quality. The conversation concludes with a focus on the need for adaptive farming strategies to cope with unpredictable weather and government policies.

In this episode, join Tim Parton and Nick Woodyat for a discussion about agricultural practices, focusing on the challenges of the current wet and grey weather conditions that are hindering crop growth. They explore comprehensive nutrient management strategies, emphasising the critical roles of calcium, boron, and micronutrients in plant health. The conversation delves into regenerative and conventional farming techniques, highlighting the importance of experimenting with natural solutions like wood vinegar and understanding soil biology. They discuss the careful application of ammonium sulphate, the timing of nutrient applications, and the need to move away from chemical-dependent farming. Tim Parton, who offers online and on-farm agronomy consultations, shares insights from his website and personal experience, stressing the significance of soil health, beneficial organisms, and adaptive farming practices. The discussion covers preparing for spring barley planting, the complexities of nutrient absorption, and the broader goal of creating more intelligent, sustainable agricultural systems that work in harmony with natural processes.

E

Happy New Year! 

In this podcast, we discuss the benefits of intelligent farming practices, including the importance of balancing nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus for crop health and the impacts of over-reliance on nitrogen alone. We highlight the impact of microbiome science and discuss the challenges of flooding and water management, the effectiveness of cover crops, and the performance of various crops like wheat and oilseed rape. We've made some interesting observations on-farm around the resilience of headlands due to built-up soil biology, and share information on our upcoming talks in various locations.

In this episode, we discuss the recent weather challenges we’ve faced here in the UK. After an extremely wet September that made drilling crops difficult, the warm and dry weather that followed has helped the soil recover, and I’m pleased to see the wheat crop looking healthy. We also touch on the importance of getting the balance right with nutrient application - availability is just as crucial as overall levels in the soil. That’s why I always recommend regular soil and leaf testing to keep things in check.

It’s been encouraging to see how well the rape and canola crops have bounced back over the last couple of weeks, despite the earlier wet conditions. This really highlights the resilience of healthy soil and the value of patience and good timing when working the land. That said, we are dealing with a few slug issues in the rape fields, but with colder weather on the horizon, I’m hopeful that nature will help keep them under control, reducing the need for any pesticides.

Nick and I spend some time comparing conventional farming practices to regenerative approaches, sharing how early incorporation of compost through shallow ploughing or discing can make a real difference. We talk about anaerobic composting too, and how important it is to keep a good balance between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the soil microbiome.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of farming in wet conditions and the importance of soil health and intelligent farming practices. We can't ignore the difficulties of the past few years, with the UK experiencing one of its worst harvests. But, as farmers, we need to be patient, use appropriate equipment, and balanced nutrition to ensure success. With all the pressures we face, we must also address farmers' mental health challenges and the importance of community support.