Tramlines

In this episode, we discuss phosphorus as a key nutrient across a range of crops, from cereals and potatoes to vegetables, and review recent research and its impact on financial margins. We’ll also cover how farmers and growers can get involved and learn more. Joining us are Agrii’s Tom Land, Fertiliser Technical Manager, and Don Pendergrast, Technical Manager for Specialty Crops. 

Episode overview:

• Phosphorus is vital for crop establishment and root development: It supports energy transfer, growth, and fertility in cereals, potatoes, and vegetables. Declining phosphorus levels in grain analysis suggest a need to reassess application strategies.
• Precision application is key for specialty crops like potatoes: Targeting phosphorus placement near the root zone improves uptake and tuber development. Technologies like microgranules, liquid formulations, and coated fertilizers are being trialled.
• New R&D focuses on improving phosphorus efficiency: Agrii is testing products like Release in both field and glasshouse trials to enhance root mass and nutrient uptake, especially in soils with challenging pH levels.
• Return on investment matters more than maximum yield: Trials show that medium-input strategies often outperform high-input ones in profitability. Early investment in nutrition - especially at seedbed stage - is crucial for root crops.
• Farmers can stay informed via grain testing and Agrii events: Grain tests (approx. £45) offer valuable feedback on nutrient uptake. Agrii’s website, social media, and events like the Potato Partnership provide ongoing insights and trial results.

Book your spot at The Potato Partnership event and learn about this season's trials results at your nearest location. Visit thepotatopartnership.co.uk/events

Today we ask, can a farmer have too much data? As on-farm challenges grow, how can data become vital to farm businesses and what new tools are available? To help us explore these questions, we are joined by Ben Hatton from TELUS, and Sam Fordham from RHIZA Digital.

• Data Overload or Opportunity?
  The episode explores whether farmers can have too much data and how to make it meaningful for decision-making.
• TELUS Partnership for Smarter Farming
  Agrii and TELUS are working together to deliver cloud-based crop management tools that streamline data sharing and reduce manual entry.
• Evolving Data Demands
  Farmers face growing pressure to provide detailed crop data for traceability, carbon footprint, and biodiversity - especially in broadacre crops.
• AI, Drones & Automation
  Emerging technologies like Skippy Scout drones and AI are enabling real-time data collection and smarter farm operations.
• Top Tips for Growers
  Experts advise mapping out what “good” looks like for your farm, then using data and tech to support that vision - starting with simple conversations and trusted tools.

Find out more at telus.com/CropManagement or email [email protected] to discuss your farm’s needs.

Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

This episode focuses on the challenges farmers are facing with forage this year. After a wet winter and a dry summer, concerns are growing around forage shortages for livestock. We are joined by Ben Lowe, Agrii’s National Forage Product Manager, and Amy Hardwick, Sustainability and Environmental Services Manager, to discuss the current situation, the pressures on arable and livestock systems, and the practical steps farmers can take now to protect forage supplies and build longer-term resilience. 

• After a wet winter and dry summer, forage shortages are a real concern for livestock farmers.
• Arable yields are mixed and shifting subsidy schemes add financial pressure.
• New grass reseeds and diverse mixtures, including clovers, help crops cope with drought.
• Forage rye and Italian ryegrass are strong options to fill the gap after maize harvest.
• Farmers are urged to take action now, not wait and hope conditions improve.

Download our up-to-date Agrii Maize Brochure agrii.co.uk/our-services/tools-resources/documents/ packed with agronomy insight, variety info and tailored recommendations 

Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

Today we’re recording live from West End Farm in Somerset, home to RAJ Morris and their recent blackcurrant harvest. We’re here in the field with Harriet Prosser, agronomist for Ribena, and Matt Greep, fruit and horticultural agronomist with Agrii. Together, we’ll be exploring the unique challenges of growing blackcurrants – from changing weather patterns to the evolving role of agronomy – and hearing how growers are adapting to keep this iconic crop thriving.

• Recorded live during harvest – walk the rows at West End Farm and see how the crop is managed in real time.
• From wartime vitamin C to modern-day market demand – uncover the roots of British blackcurrant production.
• Managing pests, drought, and unpredictable seasons – hear how agronomists are adapting and supporting growers.
• Thinking of planting? Learn how variety choice, site selection, and establishment can future-proof your crop.
• Soil health, chill hours, and yield balance – the key agronomic insights shared by those in the field.

Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

Today we’re recording live here at AgriiFocus, an Agrii iFarm, at North Farm near Marlborough, Wiltshire. Arable farming is facing an increasingly challenging environment. Improving the resilience of soils, crops and businesses is key to delivering productivity gains. The question is: what action can you take on farm, and what technologies can you adopt?

To help you answer those questions, we have our panel:

• James Bonner, who farms in Northamptonshire
• Alan Clifton-Holt, who farms in Kent
• Ruth Mann, Head of Integrated Crop Technologies at Agrii

If you have any questions for our speakers, simply email [email protected]

Live from Groundswell: How can we build a more resilient farm business?

Part 1
Farmers are increasingly impacted by policy changes - from regulation to subsidy reform. But what’s on the horizon? And what does it mean for on-farm decisions and long-term business planning?

Guests:

• Ed Barker, Head of Policy and External Affairs
• Vicky Robinson, Head of Sustainability
• Neil Harper, Agronomist
• Mike Gooding, Farming Systems Director, AHDB

Part 2
Later in the podcast, we’ll explore practical tips to build better farm resilience. This episode offers a simple checklist to help farmers take action.

Guests:

• Tom Perrott, Fertiliser and crop inputs specialist
• Libby Richards, RHIZA crop inputs specialist

CPD points:
Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening. Email [email protected] with your membership number, full name, postcode, date of birth and the podcast title.

Today we’re joined by Agrii’s Technical Manager, John Miles, David Schafer, Wheat Breeder at RAGT, and Hugh Harley, BIPO representative. As farmers and agronomists weigh up wheat variety choices for the season ahead, we’ll explore Hexton – a new wheat variety – its potential fit for your farm, and how an existing seed royalty scheme could benefit your business. 

 The Agrii 2025 Autumn Yearbook is available now. Visit yearbook.agrii.co.uk 

Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

Today we’re joined by Agrii’s Tom Perrott, Fertiliser and Crop Inputs Specialist, and Dave Thompson, Farm Manager at Eastbury Estates in Dorset. In this episode, we explore soil health, crop nutrition and how ‘stacking the benefits’ – using alternative sources of nutrition to better support the crop – can, with an innovative approach, strengthen the whole farm operation.

To find out more about crop nutrition from Agrii, visit agrii.co.uk/our-services/fertiliser

Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

Today we are joined by Agrii's David Leaper, seed technical specialist, and Sarah Hawthorne, head of arable products for DSV in the UK. With the area of OSR being grown down this year, crops currently in the ground are looking very good.
We are going to reexamine how to get the best out of this crop. What are the latest seed breeding developments and agronomy views? 

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email [email protected] with your membership number, full name, postcode, DOB and title of podcast.

Your guide to the best WOSR varieties has just landed. Visit yearbook.agrii.co.uk. View the latest national seed yearbook now.  

Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

The malting barley blueprint, aligning breeding, farming and market needs: big questions and vital for the malting barley industry. To help answer those questions, we have David Griggs, technical director from Crisp Malt, Charlie Catto, agronomist with Agrii and Paul Bury, barley breeder from Secobra Research. We are at the perfect location to ask those questions, recording live at Secobra's spring barley research site in Norfolk.

For more information on Agrii's spring barley varieties, visit www.agrii.co.uk/your-crops/cereals/spring-barley

Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons.