Agonomics

Padel: What is it and why is the racquet sport so popular? - BBC Sport

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Padel in a potato store? Hear how a farmer's embraced the sporting craze, plus spring drilling tips

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0100

The AG Show is stepping onto the court - literally - as one inventive farmer has transformed his potato store into a set of padel courts to cash in on the fitness craze everyone’s suddenly obsessed with. Turns out the old barn is exactly the right height for anyone hoping to hit the perfect lob!

With spring drilling creeping up fast, we also check in with AHDB’s agronomy guru Bek Hirstman, who’s got some seriously handy tips for tackling those soggy fields.

Oh, and there’s also a royal visit to an auction mart - so plenty to talk about this week!

SOME USEFUL BITS (FROM AHDB & BEYOND)

Padel Farm York | Play Padel in York

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Charlotte, Hannah and Producer Martin would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Woollen ropes, British pork campaign and beef market outlook

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered what happens to a sheep’s fleece after shearing? Turns out, it’s not just for jumpers. The AG Show team caught up with a farmer who’s breaking new ground by turning wool into ropes on a commercial scale - and get this, they’re apparently brilliant for harvesting seaweed. Who knew?

They also dive into the latest push from AHDB to champion British pork. So don’t be surprised if you spot a new ad popping up during the break of the latest Ant & Dec show - we’re really going for it.

And to top it off, there’s a rundown of the newly released beef market outlook, in case you want the inside line on what’s happening in the sector.

SOME USEFUL BITS

Choose Sustainable Rope: 100% NATURAL BRITISH WOOL PRODUCTS

Pork marketing campaign returns bigger than ever | AHDB

Beef market outlook | AHDB

Tackling mental health in the farming community of Herefordshire

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Charlotte, Hannah and Producer Martin would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Dairy sector climate resilience, GLP-1 drugs, pork market outlook and mental health

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0100

With the weather getting more unpredictable by the year, The AG Show welcomes back Nuffield Scholar Hattie McFadzean to chat through practical ways our dairy farms can toughen up and stay climate‑resilient.

We’re also digging into how the boom in GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs could open up some big opportunities - and a few challenges - for the industry.

Plus, we get the latest on what’s happening in the pork market. And with Yellow Wellies’ Mind Your Head campaign in full swing, we’re taking a moment to talk about mental health too.

SOME USEFUL BITS

Climate resilience | AHDB

Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust | AHDB

Hattie McFadzean | Nuffield Farming Scholarships

Cutting through the fat: How GLP-1 drugs are affecting the dairy market | AHDB

Pork market outlook | AHDB

Mind Your Head - YellowWellies.org

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Charlotte and Hannah would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Berkshire Farm Girl, American Great Plains harvest and Nuffield Farming Scholarships

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0100

The AG Show is going global this week, kicking things off with an absolutely wild story from a 2,000‑mile harvest adventure across the U.S.

Eleanor Gilbert - you might know her as Berkshire Farm Girl - jumps on the mic with Hannah and Charlotte to share what it was really like travelling the Great Plains for six months. We’re talking eight states, 1,000 hours in a combine and helping to bring in a massive 130,000 acres of crops. And guess what? She’s already got her sights set on Australia next.

We’re also hearing from Hattie McFadzean, an AHDB‑backed Nuffield Scholar, about her whirlwind study tour through five different countries… plus plenty more along the way.

SOME USEFUL BITS

Berkshire Farm Girl – Follow Me on my Journey educating the world on diverse farming practices

Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust | AHDB

Agri Market Outlook | AHDB

Dairy market outlook | AHDB

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Charlotte and Hannah would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Farm succession, making sneakers from animal hides, British Cattle Breeding Club and a cowboy hat

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered what really happens when you start handing over the family farm to the next generation? That’s exactly what Lisa Edwards is navigating on her cereals and potato farm up in Lancashire - and she’s spilling all in this episode of The AG Show as we dive back into the world of succession planning.

Fancy making your own trainers? Yep, actual trainers. We meet the Wiltshire farmer turning cow hides into a hands-on sneaker‑making workshop.

And have you ever been to the British Cattle Breeding Club Conference? No worries if not - Hannah’s got you covered with the inside scoop on what went down and what headwear was spotted.

Oh, and Charlotte's got a new sofa don't you know?!

SOME USEFUL BITS

Succession planning | AHDB

Andy Rummings Beef | Grass fed beef

British Cattle Breeders Club

UK Ruminant Antibiotic Stewardship Roadmap

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Charlotte and Hannah would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Let's Eat Balanced, promoting milk, succession planning and cattle genetics

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0100

The AG Show dives into how red meat and dairy are being pushed in the Let’s Eat Balanced campaign - and we take a closer look at whether all that marketing magic could actually give milk prices a boost.

We’re also asking one of farming’s biggest questions: how on earth do you pass a farm on to the next generation? This episode kicks off the first of our two‑parter on the sometimes‑messy, always‑important world of succession planning.

And finally… tissues at the ready. As we say goodbye to presenter Tom, we send him off with a proper brain‑bender: cattle genetics. Naturally, he’s calling in the F.I.E.L.D. Agents for backup - because let’s be honest, even the acronyms need decoding.

SOME USEFUL BITS

Let’s Eat Balanced marks five years of success supporting British farming | AHDB

Succession planning | AHDB

EBVs and indexes for suckler herds | AHDB

EnviroBeef | AHDB

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Charlotte and Hannah would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Farm data, Oxford Farming Conference, Christmas results and learning to lamb

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0100

Farm data – what’s the deal? Who’s using it, and can you really trust the folks looking after it? This week on The AG Show, we dive into the topic that’s becoming a big deal for farming.

We’ll take a quick look back at how our red meats stacked up over Christmas, and then look ahead to what’s on the NSA’s Lambing List.

Oh, and guess what? F.I.E.L.D. Agents are back – fighting rural crimes against plain English (because jargon is so last season).

SOME USEFUL BITS

Farm Data Exchange (FDE) | AHDB

Christmas 2025: Lamb wins big, turkey tumbles and convenience is king | AHDB

Lambing List | National Sheep Association

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Consumer health trends, the impact of GLP-1 drugs and connecting classrooms with farmers

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0100

As we roll into the new year, The AG Show is diving into the latest trends shaping how health‑conscious consumers are eating. From the rise of high‑protein and high‑fibre everything, to the buzz around weight‑loss jabs and supplements, AHDB’s consumer guru Vanessa Adamson and nutrition and health top bod Kate Arthur help us make sense of it all. They join Charlotte, Hannah and Tom to unpack what these shifts could mean for our plates -and our farmers.

Plus, Farmer Tom is back! He’s giving us an update on his Farmer Time charity and how it’s reconnecting kids with the fields and farms where their food begins.

SOME USEFUL BITS

The new consumer health revolution | AHDB

2026 consumer health predictions | AHDB

Farmer Time | Connecting Classrooms & Farms

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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The AG Show food and farming quiz 2025

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The AG Show is wrapping up 2025 with a bang – and by bang, we mean a big, juicy quiz!

This time, Producer Martin flips the script and takes over as quizmaster, putting presenters Charlotte, Hannah and Tom in the hot seat.

The questions? A mix of all things food and farming in 2025 plus a sprinkle of festive Christmas fun. But that’s not all – the final round, Barnyard Banter, is pure chaos. The gang has to guess farming-related things based on clues from kids. Yep, kids.

So… who’s going to nail it and who’s going to crash and burn? Have a listen to find out!

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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How do farmers talk about mental health?

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Farmers are tough, no doubt about it - but the festive season can pile on extra stress and worries. That’s why The AG Show sat down with We Are Farming Minds, a brilliant charity working to smash the stigma around mental health in farming.

Plus, Tom’s back from the Gira Meat Club conference in Geneva and he’s spilling the beans on what he learned with the team.

And if you’ve ever wondered just how chaotic things get behind the mic, producer Martin’s got you covered with a peek at the outtakes and bloopers. Spoiler: it’s not exactly professional…

SOME USEFUL BITS

Support for farmers | AHDB

Tackling mental health in the farming community of Herefordshire

Strategic expertise in the meat & livestock industry

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Milk price slump, African swine fever hits Spain, ruminant antibiotic use and bluetongue update

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:45:00 +0100

We’ve got a jam-packed livestock episode on The AG Show!

First up, we’re diving deeper into the drop in milk prices and what it means for our dairy farmers, with insights from AHDB’s Lead Analyst, Susie Stannard.

We’re also talking about African swine fever popping up in wild boar in Spain - and how that could shake up global trade.

Jennifer Morgan’s here with the latest on Bluetongue virus, plus we’ll explore how farmers and vets can get involved in the UK Ruminant Antibiotic Stewardship Roadmap.

SOME USEFUL BITS

Spain’s ASF outbreak: Implications for EU pig meat movements and global trade | AHDB

Bluetongue virus latest news | AHDB

UK Ruminant Antibiotic Stewardship Roadmap

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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COP30, climate change and farmers, virtual-reality pig abattoir and Chris Brant Award

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The AG Show team are hanging out with some of their AHDB colleagues in this episode, starting with environment guru Rachael Madeley-Davies, fresh back from COP30 in Brazil. Rachael’s big message? Farmers aren’t just part of the conversation on climate change - they’re absolutely key to it.

Then things get a little techy as Charlotte Forkes-Rees and Hannah Clarke strap on VR headsets to take a virtual walk through a pig abattoir. Yep, you read that right - VR meets farming!

And finally, we catch up with Zanita Markham to find out what earned her the prestigious Chris Brant Award at the National Pig Awards. Spoiler: it’s because she's ace (though we are biased)!

Some useful bits from the episode:

Blog: Why COP30 showed farmers’ views matter | AHDB

Zanita Markham wins Chris Brant Award | AHDB

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Autumn Budget reaction, Christmas dinner predictions and festive tractor runs

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0100

This week on The AG Show, we’re diving into what the Autumn Budget could mean for farmers. Hannah Clarke and Charlotte Forkes-Rees are joined by AHDB’s Lead Economist, Jess Corsair, to break it all down.

Charlotte’s also sharing her hot takes on what’s going to land on your Christmas dinner plate this year - spoiler: it’s not just turkey talk!

And if you’ve ever wondered what goes into organising an award-winning festive tractor run, we’ve got the inside scoop.

Plus, our F.I.E.L.D. agents are back decoding more of the weird and wonderful words from the farming world. You’ll never look at agri-lingo the same way again!

Some useful bits from the episode:

Autumn Budget 2025 and the impacts for agriculture | AHDB

Sheepy Ploughing Association

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Farmer Tom, resilience and innovation in farming and value versus convenience

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Farmer Tom (AKA Tom Martin) joins The AG Show's Tom Spencer before taking the stage at AHDB’s Big Scottish Crops Conference. They’re chatting all things soil health, mental health and the AI tools Tom’s using to level up his farm game.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Forkes-Rees and Hannah Clarke dive into red meat and dairy, asking the big question: what wins with shoppers - value or convenience?

Plus, we’ve got the latest farming headlines and another head-scratching term decoded in F.I.E.L.D. agents.

Some useful bits from this episode:

The Big Scottish Crops Conference | AHDB

Premium products boost demand for cheese and yogurt | AHDB

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Milk prices drop, gap years and farming abroad

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Kaleb Cooper’s been checking out how farming works Down Under, and it’s got Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom thinking – could a gap year be a game-changer?

They catch up with Charlie Beaty, who swapped UK fields for New Zealand pastures, and Kiwi farmer Ethan Loveridge, who’s done the reverse. Plus, dairy farmer Sophie Gregory joins in – she’s keen for her eldest to see the world before settling down on the farm.

Sophie also opens up on The AG Show about how much impact the current milk price slump has had on her business, with AHDB’s Lead Dairy Analyst Susie Stannard digging into the numbers.

And yep, another farming acronym gets busted by one of our F.I.E.L.D. agents.

Some useful bits from this episode:

Commodity prices slump further amidst no let-up in milk surge | AHDB

Consumer trust in British agriculture and farmers reaches record high | AHDB

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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Trust in farmers, selling direct to consumers and social media success

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Join Charlotte Forkes-Rees, Hannah Clarke and Tom Spencer as they take a deep dive into a recent AHDB report that found British consumer trust in farmers has reached a record high.

The trio also catch up with Lancashire farmer Eden Hill, who understands the importance of that trust and combined with the power of social media is successfully selling her meat boxes.

And our F.I.E.L.D. agents begin their quest to jargon bust. No farming acronym is safe (even ours).

Some useful bits from the episode:

Lancashire Lamb Boxes | Our Story — Lancashire Lamb Boxes

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Charlotte, Hannah, and Tom would love to hear what you think! Got feedback, stories, or ideas for future episodes? Drop them a message at agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

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The AG Show - your new farming podcast

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +0100

Introducing The AG Show - agri chat that matters with farming news, views and voices you will want to hear.

Join presenters Charlotte Forkes-Rees, Hannah Clarke and Tom Spencer for your weekly farming fix, keeping you up to date with the latest trends and challenges, whether you're tuning in from the tractor, your pickup or grabbing a quick 30-minute break.

Charlotte, Hannah and Tom are very keen to hear your feedback, comments, stories and suggestions for future topics to discuss in the show. You get can in touch with the team by emailing agshow@ahdb.org.uk.

New episodes drop Wednesdays at midday from 12 November.

Farmbench, EnviroBeef tool and goodbye Agonomics

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The Farmbench team join Tom and Hannah to help call time on the podcast as they explain how they give farmers the ability to compare themselves to similar businesses.

A new genetic tool called EnviroBeef that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of suckler beef is also discussed along with a report looking at the economic impact of the English red meat sector and the latest harvest updates.

Plus, find out who's getting married and what's getting planted in the ground as a result?

Some useful stuff from the world of AHDB:

Farmbench - a farm business comparison tool | AHDB

EnviroBeef | AHDB

The economic impact of the English red meat sector | AHDB

Harvest progress across the UK, reports and interactive tool | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Beef price elasticity, Graham Wilkinson and milk market indicators

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The Agonomics team welcome their boss David Swales to discuss beef price elasticity and what it means for consumers and processors. They also catch up with their even bigger former boss, departing CEO Graham Wilkinson, to chat about his time at AHDB.

Plus, what do milk price indicators AMPE, MCVE and MMV mean?

And find out who had a memorable (for all the wrong reasons) experience after landing in Chicago.

Back to the useful stuff talked about on the show:

Predicting beef demand as retail prices rise | AHDB

Rising prices for beef in dining-out market forecast to impact consumer demand | AHDB

AMPE and MCVE calculator | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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UK agri-food exports, trade with the EU and abattoir numbers

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Despite being able to negotiate free trade agreements, the EU remains the UK's most important trading partner. AHDB's Amandeep Kaur Purewal joins the Agonomics team to discuss what it means for exports of red meat and dairy.

The spotlight also falls on abattoirs and cold storage facilities to understand how the structure of the beef and lamb processing sector in England has changed over time.

Plus, find out which A-Level subject our presenters all have in common.

Before we forget - some really interesting and useful bits from the website:

Prospects for UK agri-food exports: Europe – EU 27 | AHDB

Prospects for UK agri-food exports | AHDB

How has the structure of the beef and lamb processing sector changed over time? | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Pork outlook, demand and trust in farmers

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Pork is the focus in this episode as the Agonomics team are joined by AHDB colleagues Freya Shuttleworth and Vanessa Adamson to discuss the outlook for the market alongside current demand. They also look at public trust in farmers and what it means for buying British.

Plus, find out who has never set foot in in a Greggs bakery.

Some useful links:

Pork market outlook | AHDB

Q2 2025 Pork cost of production | AHDB

Consumer positivity towards British agriculture and trust in farming hits six-year high | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Beef outlook, demand and predictions

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0100

In an (almost) all-female episode, AHDB Senior Analyst Becky Smith and Retail and Consumer Insight Manager Emma Wantling are in to take us through the current outlook for the beef market, along with demand, predictions and how things are going in retail and food service.

CEO news, dodgy puns and teasers for future guests are also on the cards.

Useful stuff:

Beef market outlook | AHDB

New modelling on rising prices for beef forecast to impact consumer demand | AHDB

England abattoir numbers – cattle and sheep | AHDB

Red meat retail performance - 13 July 2025 | AHDB

Red meat foodservice performance – 15 June 2025 | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Lamb market outlook update, yoghurt bucks trend and milk-to-feed-price ratio

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0100

AHDB Analyst Grace Bolton joins the Agonomics team to talk through the headlines from the Lamb market outlook's mid-year update, with new season lambs coming through later, lighter and in slightly fewer numbers.

Charlotte highlights yoghurt's positive performance in the home while Hannah and Tom help explain the importance of the milk-to-feed-price ratio for dairy farmers.

Plus, find out which member of the team won't be needing to to use a comb in the near future.

Useful stuff:

Yogurt’s positive performance in-home highlights opportunities to push harder | AHDB

Milk to feed price ratio (MFPR) | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Emily Norton: Welcome to the new AHDB chair

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0100

New AHDB Chair, Emily Norton, joins the Agonomics team to discuss her appointment as well as her aspirations for the organisation and farming in general. Emily says she's not here to fight for a "single version of any particular future" of agriculture and intends to make sure AHDB continues to serve all levy payers.

Plus, find out how the recruitment process is going in the search for a new CEO.

Useful links:

New Chair of AHDB appointed by Defra Ministers | AHDB

Graham Wilkinson to step down as AHDB CEO | AHDB

Home | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Record low tractor registrations, earliest harvest in years and carcase balance

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0100

UK tractor registrations have fallen significantly to their lowest level in over two decades and the Agonomics team discuss what may have caused this sharp drop. They also look at AHDB's first report of the earliest harvest for at least 19 years and this week's big question is around the importance of carcase balance.

Plus, could we be expecting a lot of new jumpers to be knitted, as a sheep-shearing record falls?

Useful links:

Tractor market hits 25-year low as confidence wanes | AHDB

First harvest report of 2025 off to earliest start in 19 years | AHDB

Markets and prices | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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What is Groundswell?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The Agonomics team take a look back at Groundswell, the regenerative agriculture festival, where Charlotte was part of one of the discussion panels. From AI in farming to wireworms, Charlotte's report from the two-day event brings you a flavour of what took place at Lannock Farm in Hitchin.

Tom also looks at the difference between land sparing and land sharing.

Plus, have you ever met a member of the Royal family?

Some relevant links:

AHDB champions evidence at Groundswell 2025 | AHDB

Identification and management of wireworms in field crops | AHDB

Retail and consumer insight | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Crop conditions, national craft butchers and diseconomies of scale

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0100

As early harvesting begins, the Agonomics team are joined by AHDB's Lead Analyst for C&O, Millie Askew, to look at the latest crop conditions across the UK.

Charlotte and Tom report back from the National Craft Butchers event in Nottingham as well as explaining what diseconomies of scale refer to.

Plus, find out which presenter is rather proud of where they grew up.

Important stuff to read:

Mixed fortunes for UK crops as rain offers partial relief | AHDB

Direct selling of beef, lamb and pork meat boxes from the farm | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Cattle slaughter age, Easter food trends and swimming pools of milk

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Tom's joined by AHDB Senior Analyst Becky Smith to discuss the trends of cattle slaughter ages in GB, with dairy-beef generally finishing later than suckler-bred animals.

Charlotte runs through her review of Easter looking, in part, at how beef and lamb fared.

And Hannah's question about how many Olympic-sized swimming pools of milk we produced last year is answered. Let's just say it's quite a few!

Some useful info:

Beef market update: BCMS data shows recent uptick in average slaughter ages for prime cattle | AHDB

Easter 2025 review: Beef vs Lamb | AHDB

Consumers demand natural, high protein dairy products | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Organic and protein-rich dairy, spending review and seasonal demand

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0100

When it comes to dairy products, just how well are the organic and protein-rich markets faring? Hannah, Charlotte and Tom find out as they're joined by AHDB analyst Annabel Twinberrow.

Following the recent spending review the team recap what we know so far before looking at the importance of seasonal demand for our farmers.

Plus, find out what's been in producer Martin's lunchbox recently...

Important links:

Spring Spending Review explained | AHDB

Easter 2025 review: Beef vs Lamb | AHDB

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Planting and variety survey and AHDB's biggest ever red meat inward trade mission

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The results from this year's Planting and Variety Survey are revealed as Charlotte, Hannah and Tom are joined by AHDB Senior Analyst Helen Plant to discuss them in more detail.

We also hear what happened when 28 buyers from across the globe took part in our biggest ever inward mission for the red meat sector.

And as 10 top tips for managing cabbage stem flea beetle are announced, find out which member of the team once shared a caravan with the pests!

Some useful links:

Planting and Variety Survey | AHDB

Biggest red meat inward trade mission highlights global appetite for British produce | AHDB

Reboot for cabbage stem flea beetle management in OSR | AHDB

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Goodbye David

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Charlotte, Hannah and Tom take over the reins as David looks at the economics of agriculture for one last time. Among the topics discussed are flexitarian diets, Donald Trump's tariffs and why AHDB reports on pricing.

Plus, who makes the lousiest cup of coffee?

Goodbye Nicholas

Wed, 28 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100

AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir joins David to talk about his life in farming as he comes to the end of his five years in the role. Nicholas offers insight into British agriculture, how it compares to the rest of the world, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Plus, find out how David's getting on growing his own vegetables.

US, India and EU deals

Wed, 21 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100

There’s been a lot of talk about trade deals of late with new agreements in place with the US, India and most recently the EU. David's joined by his AHDB colleagues Sarah Baker and Amandeep Purewal to discuss the impact these arrangements could have on our farmers and levy payers.

Plus, welcome to the world baby Evie.

Land use framework

Wed, 14 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The Land Use Framework presents an approach to inform and improve decision-making on how land is best used and managed to achieve Defra’s land use vision. In this episode David's joined by Lead Environment Specialist, Saskia van Dongen, to go through the five points AHDB raised for consideration during a recent consultation period.

Plus, is buying a horse excessive?

Natural capital and the markets

Wed, 07 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David delves into the world of natural capital to understand the potential ways farmers could get a financial return on their stock of natural resources such as trees, water, biodiversity, and soils. AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke is also on hand to run through the latest trends in some of the markets.

Plus, find out who is a fan of The Cure.

UK pork industry post-Brexit

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100

When exploring the impact of Brexit on the UK pork industry, it's important to understand that there have been multiple compounding factors at play. AHDB analysts Charlotte Forkes-Rees, Hannah Clarke, and Tom Spencer take the reins in order to go through the finer details.

Plus, what were you doing five years ago? The Agonomics team reveal how the Covid lockdown affected them.

Trade, tariffs and Trump

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David's joined by AHDB's Head of Economic Analysis, Sarah Baker, to help farmers understand the impact recent tariffs US President Donald Trump introduced could have on UK and global agricultural markets. The pair strip it down to the basics of supply and demand to help make sense of the current uncertainty.

Plus, did you spot a mystery Easter bunny running about Ipswich over the bank holiday? David has all the details...

Consumer cooking and food trends

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100

It’s all about food trends as David's joined by analyst Hannah McLoughlin to look at how meat and dairy outperformed alternatives at the start of the year as well as discovering why healthy and convenient meals are on the rise. Apparently, sandwiches reign supreme at lunch although we do like to eat Italian food, pies and pasties whatever the hour.

Plus, find out who gatecrashes this week's recording (drum roll please).

Planting and variety survey opens

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100

As the annual Planting and Variety Survey opens, David's joined by his AHDB colleague Helen Plant to understand how UK farmers can get involved to help produce an early estimate for crop areas. The pair also look at a recent report on crop conditions.

Plus, find out if David's use of sun cream improved since last summer.

More on the Planting and Variety Survey:

AHDB Planting and Variety Survey | AHDB

Planting and Variety Survey FAQs | AHDB

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Battle bluetongue and cost calculator

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David turns his attention to the bluetongue virus which poses a big threat to the beef, lamb and dairy sectors. He's joined by AHDB colleagues to learn more about the Battle Bluetongue campaign as well as a vaccine finance calculator that can help farmers work out what they'll spend or save defending their stock.

Plus, there's a discussion around (man) flu remedies.

Bluetongue resources:

Bluetongue virus latest news | AHDB

BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (sheep) | AHDB

BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (beef) | AHDB

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Milk forecasting forum

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David's back in the company of AHDB's lead dairy analyst, Susie Stannard, to talk about the recent Milk Forecasting Forum and pick out some of the main points of conversation. From herd size and milk yields to the availability of replacement heifers, there’s plenty for the pair to look at.

Plus find out who's been doing some upcycling.

Farm inputs

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David is joined by analyst and podcast newcomer George Craddock to discuss inputs this week. They cover hay, straw and fertiliser to name a few.

Plus, listen out for a very special guest presenter.

Food security

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The subject of food security and what the term actually means comes under the spotlight as David's joined by colleague Jess Corsair. They look at what external factors can have an impact, what’s important to farmers, and what AHDB's doing in this area.

Plus does David really look like an Olympic champion sprinter when he's out running?

Arable business groups

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David hears first hand from farmers Gary Willoughby and Elaine Booth about the benefits of being involved with AHDB’s Arable Business Groups and Farmbench tool. It’s all about peer-to-peer learning with the aim of improving efficiency and increasing profits.

Plus there’s an update on David’s kitchen renovation.

Market outlooks (pork, cereals & oilseeds)

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David goes over the recently published Pork and Cereals & Oilseeds outlooks, with the help of analysts Freya Shuttleworth and Millie Askew. They give their expert thoughts on production, costs, and what the future holds for these sectors over the next year.

And find out why David's voicing his concerns about the state of British baking.

If you’d like to read the outlooks in full or find out more about AHDB generally, here are some useful links:

Pork market outlook | AHDB

Cereals market outlook | AHDB

Market outlooks (dairy, beef & lamb) - Agonomics with David Eudall

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Environment, retail markets, and imports

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David explores the link between retailers and the environment to find out how much of a bearing it has on imports, specifically beef and lamb. It follows on from work AHDB did last year comparing beef and lamb farm assurance schemes around the world, with David focussing on schemes that include environmental standards in Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.

Plus, there's an update on David's kitchen renovation.

But we know you care more about the farming stuff, so here are some useful links:

Farm standards review – Beef & Lamb | AHDB

AHDB welcomes independent Farm Assurance Review report | AHDB

Assurance schemes | AHDB

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Market outlooks (dairy, beef & lamb)

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0100

It's AHDB’s agri-market outlook season and David's joined by his colleagues to do some future gazing in both the dairy and the beef and lamb sectors. Could there be positive news for farmers working in these fields in 2025?

Plus find out who's trying their best to distract David and his guests this week?

Back to the outlooks:

Dairy market outlook | AHDB

Beef market outlook | AHDB

Markets and prices | AHDB

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C&O January balance sheets

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The UK supply and demand estimates for cereals and oilseeds are up for discussion as David's joined by AHDB senior analyst Olivia Bonser. As usual, our one-stop shop for all things farming and finances includes the latest market update from one of AHDB's sectors.

Plus, who's been tinkering with David's pipes?

Farm inheritance tax impact

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:01:00 +0100

Over three quarters of farms in England and Scotland of 50 hectares or more in size will be affected by the changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), according to new independent analysis from AHDB. Joining David to explain how this has been calculated is analyst Tom Spencer.

And find out what rural tax expert Luke Cochrane has to say about the next steps for farming businesses.

Supply chain fairness

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David takes a deep dive into what's meant by ‘fairness’ - a subjective concept and one that's often confused with ‘support’. Joining him to talk about how AHDB offers an independent and unbiased view about what's fair in a capitalist market economy are his colleagues Sarah Baker and Jess Corsair.

Plus, should health kicks only start in January?

Some useful market details:

Futures prices | AHDB

Fuel prices | AHDB

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Gen Z health and social media

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0100

The focus is very much on the dinner plate rather than the farmgate as David learns more about young consumers - Gen Z - to understand their attitudes towards health and how red meat and dairy fit into their meal choices. Joining him is colleague Charlotte Forkes-Rees, a retail and consumer insight analyst.

Plus find out what social media David uses. Or not!

Livestock population

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0100

David's joined by AHDB's Lead Red Meat Analyst, Hannah Clarke, to go through the results from Defra's most recent UK livestock population survey. Released in December, the figures show cattle and sheep numbers on farm were at historic lows in June 2024.

And find out what guitarist The Edge thinks about one Midlands football team.

2025 look ahead

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0100

What can farmers and levy payers expect across the year? David's joined by AHDB analysts from the beef and lamb, cereals and oilseeds, dairy, and pork sectors to discuss the next 12 months.

Plus, find out who is the non-golfer amongst them.

Some useful webpages to bookmark for reference:

Beef markets | AHDB

Lamb markets | AHDB

Business changes and succession: talking things through | AHDB

Pork markets | AHDB

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Succession

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Given the farming inheritance tax changes and the fact that Christmas is a time when families get together, this episode explores the topic of succession and how to approach those tricky conversations with loved ones. AHDB Senior Engagement Manager Amy Hughes chats to Lyn Sykes, globally renown succession expert, to cover some of the basics.

Could the way we deliver sex education have any influence?

More information on succession:

Support for farmers - mental health | AHDB

AHDB Food & Farming / Succession: Time to talk about the future

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C&O planting and outlook for 2025

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0100

The final Defra production figures for cereals and oilseeds are discussed as David's joined by AHDB Senior Analyst Olivia Bonser. The pair also look at what it means for this season's balance sheet and offer early predictions for 2025.

Plus, find out which animal made a surprise appearance at a recent Nativity.

Back to the farming stuff:

Analyst Insight: Final UK harvest 2024 estimates | AHDB

Regional variation in 2025 UK area forecasts: Grain market daily | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Christmas food trends predictions

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0100

As we head into the festive season, find out what consumers are planning to eat given positivity among shoppers is pointing to a better Christmas than last year. Joined by AHDB colleagues Emma Wantling and Becky Smith, David also throws the spotlight on red meat prices and how they compare against costs.

And is it the year of the air fryer? Or dehumidifier?

Dairy market trends

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Find out what's been happening in the dairy markets, why it's been record breaking, what's driving prices, and how it's impacting the farmgate coffers as David's joined by AHDB Lead Analyst for Dairy, Susie Stannard. The pair also look at milk production and demand.

And will the humble Yorkshire Pudding have a place in your Christmas Dinner?

Back to all things dairy:

UK farmgate milk prices | AHDB

UK wholesale prices | AHDB

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Halal meat sector

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Halal meat accounts for 30% of lamb sales, according to AHDB's recent consumer insight work. Joining David Eudall to look at whether farmers could benefit from finding out more about the sector and its requirements are Senior Halal Sector Manager, Awal Fuseini, and Retail & Consumer Insight Manager Vanessa Adamson.

Plus, would you be happy if someone bought you a ladder?

Anyway, back to the important stuff:

Consumer insight: Halal retail and consumption trends 2024 | AHDB

Opportunities in halal | AHDB

What’s most important to consumers of halal meat? | AHDB

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Beef & lamb 2030

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0100

With the help of expert colleague Hannah Clarke, David walks us through some new AHDB research indicating a drop in beef and sheep meat production by the year 2030. They address concerns around this and explain why and how we’ve done the project.

Plus, good luck spotting this week's mystery music act.

Farm inheritance tax

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0100

With the help of his AHDB colleagues, David looks at the complexities surrounding the changes to the farm inheritance tax announced in the Autumn Budget. There's discussion about the future of delinked payments and more on the Sustainable Farming Incentive too.

Plus, good luck spotting this week's mystery music act.

GMO & SFI

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, recorded at AHDB's Grain Market Outlook briefing in Birmingham, David talks to colleagues to discuss what's driving cereals and oilseeds markets both domestically and abroad. Plus further analysis is made of the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

And there's also a nod to foxes and tractor boys.

Some more on GMO and SFI:

Could the US election impact global oilseed markets? Grain market daily | AHDB

Sustainable Farming Incentive | AHDB

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Cost of production (beef and lamb)

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

David's joined by AHDB colleagues Zoe Kingham and Izzy Shohet to take a granular look at the cost of production for both beef and lamb. Together, they cover efficiency and how our Farmbench tool can help, as well as discussing ways in which the markets could pan out.

And David drops the C-bomb, not once, but at least three times!

Useful links for farmers and producers:

Beef: Cost of production and performance | AHDB

Lamb: Cost of production and performance | AHDB

Farmbench - Agonomics with David Eudall

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Geopolitical influences

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

AHDB's Head of Economics, Sarah Baker, joins David to explore the influence of geopolitics on our farming markets to help levy payers understand and mitigate their impact. Among the areas of concern up for discussion are Ukraine, the China-EU dispute, and the latest on fuel costs.

And would the character of B.A. Baracus from the A-Team make a good US president?

Anyway, back in the real world:

Fuel prices | AHDB

Exchange rates | AHDB

The impact of a UK-New Zealand free trade agreement on UK agriculture | AHDB

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Pork market outlook

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

David's joined by senior livestock analyst Freya Shuttleworth to run through the pork market outlook. The pair cover off topics like price stability and expectations for breeding herds, as well as touching on imports, exports and a trip to the Philippines.

Plus who is Marc Pugh? And what's he ever done for AHDB?

Retail and consumer insights conference

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

How is the consumer landscape changing and what are the key trends impacting farmers, processors, retailers and the wider supply chain? Ahead of AHDB's Retail and Consumer Insights Conference in Solihull on 17 October, David also finds out if farming is deemed a trustworthy profession by the general public.

Plus, is it okay to eat your children's Easter eggs?

Some key links:

Retail and Consumer Insight Conference – October 2024 | AHDB

Retail and consumer insight | AHDB

Consumer reputational landscape | AHDB

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Goodbye Jack

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Jack bows out by joining David on a tour of the AHDB sectors to see how the markets and their dynamics have changed since the podcast began back in June.

The pair also lift the curtain to reveal how the shows are cobbled together.

Some useful links:

Harvest progress across Great Britain, reports and interactive tool | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Harvest round up

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0100

David and Jack are joined by AHDB Senior Analyst Olivia Bonser to go over the final harvest. They cover wheat, oats and barley, how crops have faired against this year’s weather, and the current situation compared with earlier predictions.

Plus, testing each other’s – and your – knowledge of the Gen Z vocabulary.

More analysis and information on the harvest:

Market analysis - cereals and oilseeds | AHDB

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Bluetongue and cattle

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0100

David and Jack are joined by AHDB's Head of Animal Health and Welfare, Mandy Nevel, to discuss the impact the bluetongue virus is having on cattle and sheep, with some premises in England under restrictions. There's also a look at recent movements in the beef market.

Plus Jack tries to convince David to ditch all conspiracy theories about this year's harvest.

More information on the really important issue that is bluetongue:

Bluetongue virus latest news | AHDB

Bluetongue FAQs | AHDB

Bluetongue virus webinars | AHDB

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Input cost review

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Feed and raw materials, sustainable soy, straw prices and gas market anxiety are all covered, plus more besides, as David and Jack take a forensic look at how input costs are currently affecting UK farmers.

And if there was ever to be an animal orchestra, David admits he's not so sure a pig would play the trombone.

Back to the serious stuff:

Markets and prices | AHDB

Natural gas prices are rising again: Analyst Insight | AHDB

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Through the month of September we are holding an open feedback session to hear directly from our levy payers and users. We would welcome your feedback via our survey: Market Intelligence September 2024 Feedback Month (office.com)

Macroeconomics and UK agri-food

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0100

David and Jack look at the bigger issues to understand how the likes of global GDP growth, currency and energy affect UK farmers. Should we be sweating the big stuff?

Plus find out if the pair were among the many who took to panic buying toilet roll during the Covid pandemic.

Useful stuff:

Trade and policy: food, farming and agriculture | AHDB

Food security and the externalities of food consumption | AHDB

Exploring the EU: Understanding consumer needs | AHDB

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Harvest progress

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0100

David and Jack are joined by Helen Plant, AHDB's senior analyst for cereals and oilseeds, to discuss how this year's harvest is progressing, with a nod to the impact of ergot.

Plus, find out who managed to get sun and chemical burnt knees over the recent bank holiday.

Useful links:

How much wheat can we expect from harvest 24? Grain market daily | AHDB

An introduction to ergot and its management in cereals | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Grass and milk

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Grass growth and milk markets are in the spotlight as David and Jack use AHDB's Forage For Knowledge data to understand how this year's wet weather has affected grass quality before looking at market trends to see how it's impacted dairy production. The pair are joined by colleagues Katie Evans and Susie Stannard to run through the figures.

Plus find out which farmers Jack follows on social media.

Links to some important stuff:

Forage for Knowledge | AHDB

Pork: Cost of production and performance | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Agri benchmark

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0100

David and Jack delve into the world of agri benchmark, a global non-profit network of agricultural economists, advisors, producers and specialists, to understand how it helps farmers. How does the UK compare and what lessons can we learn from other countries?

The pair also offer themselves up as agony uncles. And find out who always makes the cups of tea in Jack's house...

The cost of pig production

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:39:00 +0100

With cost the hot topic on many people's lips, both producers and consumers, David and Jack are joined by AHDB analyst Jess Corsair to discuss the cost of pig production. They talk markets, margins and look ahead to upcoming COP (cost of production) work.

To find out more, visit:

Pig production costs calculators | AHDB

Pork Cost of Production and Net Margins | AHDB

Q2 2024 Pork cost of production | AHDB

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Beef market outlook – July 2024

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0100

The beef market outlook is AHDB’s forecast for the next 12 months, and potentially longer. David and Jack are joined by Hannah Clarke to discuss the most recent update.

Looking at supply, demand and trade, they discuss prime cattle slaughter figures, UK beef production, expected imports and exports, and the reduction of dairy and suckler herds.

To read the beef market outlook: Beef market outlook

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Sustainable Farming Incentive

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0100

As applications for the expanded offer of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) open, David and Jack take a look at what it could mean for your farm business. The pair have come up with five top tips to help when you're considering which SFI actions are most appropriate.

You can also find out what Jack used to get paid to do on his dad's farm and discover why employees of one particular supermarket are talking about this show.

Some useful bits on SFI:

Sustainable Farming Incentive | AHDB

Stacking options for SFI | AHDB

Agroforestry in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) | AHDB

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Farmbench

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Farmbench, an online benchmarking tool that allows you to compare your farm to similar businesses, is put under the spotlight as David and Jack take their usual chat beyond just market analysis. The hosts are joined by AHDB's lead Farmbench manager, Julie Clark, to understand what's involved.

Plus there's talk of Pig World, karaoke and Ikea furniture.

More on Farmbench and other AHDB projects:

Farmbench - a farm business comparison tool | AHDB

Projects | AHDB

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Planting and variety survey

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0100

The wet weather means we've seen a dramatic decline in cereals and oilseed rape this year - down to their lowest levels for over two decades in fact, according to the latest Planting and Variety Survey. David and Jack are joined by C&O analyst Matt Darragh to go through the report.

Plus find out how Jack's been setting a new trend in footwear at AHDB's HQ.

Top performers

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0100

The characteristics of the top-performing farms are scrutinised by David and Jack as they're joined by Sarah Baker, AHDB's head of economics (analysis). The results of this year's report are intended to help farmers raise the performance of their farm business, regardless of current profitability.

Also up for discussion are the Muppets, Iain Dowie and a ham sandwich. And can you guess the mystery words or phrases that have been shoehorned into the episode?

Links to the important stuff:

Characteristics of top-performing farms 2024 | AHDB

Characteristics of top and bottom performing beef and sheep farms | AHDB

Characteristics of top and bottom performing cereals and oilseeds farms | AHDB

Characteristics of top and bottom performing dairy farms | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Inflation and consumer trends

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:00:00 +0100

With the latest inflation figure out, David and Jack look at how it's affecting shopping behaviours. They're joined by members of AHDB's Retail and Consumer Insight Team to help identify other factors that are causing trends at the tills.

Plus there's more barbecue talk and another suggestion for what fans of the show should be called.

Back to consumer trends - here are some useful links:

Retail and consumer trends: Meat and dairy | AHDB

Retail and consumer insight | AHDB

Consumers turning to flexitarian meals due to cost concerns | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Lamb market outlook

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:00:00 +0100

David and Jack are joined by red meat analyst Isabelle Shohet to go through the latest lamb market outlook which suggests total sheep meat production is expected to fall this year. The trio also discuss the lamb Down Under as volume in Australia grows.

And there's a nod to barbecues, crocheting, Taylor Swift and building sheep sheds. All bases covered then!

Important lamb stuff from the AHDB website: