Two fantastic guests join us this week discussing solutions for farmers at home & abroad. NFU Regional Policy Manager Charles Hesketh shares the many priorities the NFU are working towards, and offers critical insights on the bigger picture around SFI’s and farm resilience. We’re also joined by Gareth Davies, Chair of ISDA Africa – a digital agronomy service driving real change across the African continent, where growers are facing markedly different challenges to us here, but often seeking the same solutions. 

Chris Guest is Managing Director of NPZ-UK, the plant breeding experts formerly known as LSPB. In this episode, Chris lifts the lid on the little-known but exhaustive journey new varieties must go on to reach the RL/NL Lists. How does a variety make it to market? And what research is conducted to ensure it does what it says on the tin? We’re also joined by YAGRO’s Charlie Apter, who speaks about the value of real-time data for farms right now.  
 
The link to Charlie’s article is here.

The Accidental YouTuber Olly Harrison joins us this month to discuss his ‘two crops one year’ system and shares his thoughts on the role of SFI’s and agri-influencers, whilst Area Manager for United Oilseeds Peter Collier sits down with Luke to chat about the current state of OSR in the UK, and what the future may hold for this valuable break crop. To join Peter’s wattsapp group CLICK HERE

This episode we’re catching up with a few of the panellists from the Seed to Shelf Stage at Cereals. Rachel Fenwick of Hectare offers her insight on the importance and practicality of efficient grain trading, and Edwin Van Leeuwen, one of the brain’s behind YAGRO’s software, shares his unique perspective on the future of software and farm data.

We’re back! And talking about an exciting new publication – The Chemical and Fertiliser Review, 2024. A comprehensive analysis of inputs and trends over time, highlighting how these affect crop production and costs, this review is steeped in value for arable farmers seeking up-to-date information to keep their operations ahead.  
 
This episode, you’ll be hearing from Biostimulant Specialist Jack Hill at Intracrop, who was a guest contributor in the review, and Dr Thomas Gate – Data Analyst at YAGRO and one of the brains behind the project.  

This week contains conversations from the other side of the hedgerow, with Dr Julian Little and Emily Dimond – both professionals driving value in agriculture from their respective areas. Julian dives into the topic of farm data, both in it’s current state and what the future may hold, from the perspective of being a key facilitator for Farm Data Principles - a non-profit certification scheme dedicated to ensuring ethical and effective farm data management practices across the UK. 

Emily is a Senior Ag Expert at YAGRO and has been involved in various corners of agriculture for the last 8 years. She is BASIS & FACTS qualified and shares her views on changes to crop protection and other aspects of farming.  

The Spring Barley Best in Field award for 2023 went to Chris Papworth and the team at Little Staughton Farms. We spoke with Chris about his overall operation, and he offers reasons for favouring Spring Barley in the rotation, alongside some of the techniques and machinery that have helped him grow an outstanding crop of Laureate. We’re also joined by Craig Dawson, Maltings Manager at Muntons, to shine a light on the final journey of Malting Barley beyond the farm gate. 

Farm Manager Frazer Jolly at Saltby Farms joins us with his  Agronomist Damian McAuley of Indigro. This light-hearted yet highly insightful conversation reveals a working relationship that focuses on overcoming challenges whilst navigating shifting landscapes and priorities.

We’re then joined by Andy Newbold who, amongst many other things, is the Director of Farm-Smart Publishing & Farm-Smart Events, who has his ear to the ground regarding all things farming & tech and shares with us some causes for optimism in the industry.

James talks all things rotations, diversification and premiums in a conversation that highlights the many ways he stays ahead.

We’re also joined by Ben Hatton at Farmplan who speaks about the role of Farm Management Software today and what it may hold for the future.