AHDB Food & Farming

Learning from Danish dairy farmers and tracking weekly fertiliser prices

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0100

The AG Show is going full continental this week! We’re joined by a couple of our dairy farmers who’ve just landed back from an AHDB study tour in Denmark. They’ve come home buzzing with fresh ideas from one of the most forward‑thinking dairy industries out there… although it seems someone completely missed the memo about bringing back Danish pastries.

We’re also digging into how farmers and broadcasters are leaning on AHDB to make sense of how the conflict in the Middle East is hitting agriculture and food production. There’s even a brand‑new weekly fertiliser price tracker to help keep everyone in the loop.

And finally, did Hannah get grilled by her parents for daring to step into the kitchen wearing her wellies while farm‑sitting? You’ll have to listen in to find out…

SOME USEFUL BITS (FROM AHDB & BEYOND)

Dairy | AHDB

SEGES Innovation

Middle East conflict: Impacts and implications for UK farmers | AHDB

GB fertiliser prices | AHDB

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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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Could harvesting rainwater on farm be a game changer? Plus AHDB engagement and plant-based food labelling

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

From roof to resource - The AG Show is teaming up with a project across nine farms in Cumbria that’s helping farmers kit out their buildings to collect and reuse rainwater. AHDB’s Beef and Lamb Engagement Manager for the North West, Karl Pendlebury, pops by to chat about what it’s all about.

Good job Karl’s on hand too, because Hannah’s attempts to join live from her parents’ calving shed are… well, let’s just say temperamental! Karl also talks about his role working directly with farmers - something our Chair, Emily Norton, recently dug into on the Meet the Farmers - The Big Debate podcast.

And Charlotte’s got the latest from the EU, where plant‑based foods might soon be banned from using labels like "fillet" or "bacon".

SOME USEFUL BITS (FROM AHDB & BEYOND)

Protecting the water supply for your crops | AHDB

West Cumbria Rivers Trust - Caring For West Cumbrian Rivers & Lakes

Farmers React to the Iran Conflict. And Does the AHDB Provide Value for Money? Big Debate ep10

Plant-based brands brace for ‘chaos’ after EU rule change | The Grocer

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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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Spring calving update, fungicide resistance explained and a pork pie without pastry?!

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

Beef and arable farmer Mark Jelly drops into The AG Show direct from the calving shed as he shares his experiences this spring. He talks us through the tech that’s helping him keep calf survival rates impressively high - all while trying not to get overshadowed by one particularly attention-seeking cow.

We’re also diving into fungicide resistance with AHDB senior crop protection scientist Catherine Harries, who breaks it down for us using insights from Niab’s long-term monitoring.

And finally… who’s been messing with the sacred pork pie? Someone’s swapped the pastry for bread - and we need to talk about it.

SOME USEFUL BITS (FROM AHDB & BEYOND)

Maternal Matters: breeding, calving and managing heifers | AHDB

Feeding suckler cows and calves | AHDB

Research | Niab

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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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Bluetongue lambing and calving risks, Middle East uncertainty and meat shopper journey

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

With lambing and spring calving now in full swing, the AG Show team checks in with a vet to get the lowdown on what the Bluetongue virus could mean for the newest arrivals in your flock or herd.

We also dig into how the conflict in the Middle East might shake up nitrogen supplies and impact other farm costs.

And with shoppers feeling the pinch from rising food prices, we hear about a new study looking into what really influences their choices when they’re picking up red meat in-store.

SOME USEFUL BITS (FROM AHDB & BEYOND)

Bluetongue Virus Hub - Ruminant Health & Welfare

BTV-3_Factsheet_A4_260224.indd

Bluetongue virus webinars | AHDB

Middle East escalation and potential implications for nitrogen and farm costs | AHDB

Consumer insights: Meat shopper journey | AHDB

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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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Mobile farm café in a horse trailer, plus UK dairy and red meat exports record high

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

The AG Show is hanging out with Suffolk pork farmer Molly-Anne Gimson to hear how she transformed an old horse trailer into a super-cute mobile café. She’s a young entrepreneur with a seriously inspiring story - and she’s using her platform to help more people understand where their food actually comes from.

We’re also diving into why 2025 was a standout year for UK dairy and red meat exports, with global demand smashing records at £4 billion. AHDB’s International Trade Development Director, Jonathan Eckley, joins us to break down what drove that success and where the next big growth opportunities might be.

Oh, and don’t miss our update on what’s happening in the lamb market, too.

** Please note this episode was recorded before the recent events in Iran and the Middle East **

SOME USEFUL BITS (FROM AHDB & BEYOND)

About | Pigs In...

Global appetite for UK dairy and red meat sees exports hit record high of £4 billion | AHDB

Lamb market outlook | AHDB

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

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 14:40:00 +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

Dairy markets | AHDB

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

Bluetongue virus latest news | AHDB

UK Ruminant Antibiotic Stewardship Roadmap

GET IN TOUCH

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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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

Dairy markets | 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 acronym is safe (even ours).

Some useful bits from the episode:

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

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 21:12:00 +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.

Monitor Farm 03: Alnham Farm

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:02:00 +0100

AHDB's Monitor Farm programme brought together groups of like-minded farmers to share performance information, trial new ideas and openly discuss what works and what doesn’t.

In the final episode of a three-part series, we catch up with Harry Sordy in Northumberland to find out what changes he made during the four years.

Useful links

Beef & Lamb Farm Excellence | AHDB

Alnham Farm | AHDB

Feedback

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

Monitor Farm 02: Glovers Farm

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:01:00 +0100

AHDB's Monitor Farm programme brought together groups of like-minded farmers to share performance information, trial new ideas and openly discuss what works and what doesn’t.

In the second episode of a three-part series, we catch up with David Cross in Norfolk to find out what changes he made during the four years.

Useful links

Beef & Lamb Farm Excellence | AHDB

Glovers Farm | AHDB

Feedback

Monitor Farm 01: Scadghill Farm

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0100

AHDB's Monitor Farm programme brought together groups of like-minded farmers to share performance information, trial new ideas and openly discuss what works and what doesn’t.

In the first episode of a three-part series, we catch up with Rob and Liz Priest in Devon to find out what changes they made during their four years.

Useful links

Beef & Lamb Farm Excellence | AHDB

Kingsford Farm | AHDB

Feedback

Roots to Resilience 04

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:03:00 +0100

Amy Hughes catches up with farmers who've taken part in AHDB Beef & Lamb's flagship knowledge exchange programme, Roots to Resilience.

In the last episode of this short series, Amy finds out why Alan Robinson, who farms over 550 acres across two sites on the Yorkshire/Cumbria border, got involved and what impact it's had on the way he works.

Useful links

Roots to Resilience workshop | AHDB

Take control of your farm’s future with Roots to Resilience |AHDB

Feedback

Roots to Resilience 03

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:02:00 +0100

Amy Hughes continues to catch up with farmers who've taken part in AHDB Beef & Lamb's flagship knowledge exchange programme, Roots to Resilience.

In this third episode of our four-part series, Amy finds out why Emma Graves, a beef farmer from Northamtonshire, got involved and asks if she's made any changes as a result.

Useful links

Roots to Resilience workshop | AHDB

Take control of your farm’s future with Roots to Resilience |AHDB

Feedback

Roots to Resilience 02

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:01:00 +0100

In this four-part series, Amy Hughes catches up with farmers who've taken part in AHDB Beef & Lamb's flagship knowledge exchange programme, Roots to Resilience.

Amy's joined by Angus, Duncan and Joe Nelless, who run their family farm in Northumberland, to find why they got involved and any changes they've made as a result.

Useful links

Roots to Resilience workshop | AHDB

Take control of your farm’s future with Roots to Resilience |AHDB

Leader in the limelight: Angus Nelless | AHDB

Feedback

Roots to Resilience 01

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0100

In this four-part series, Amy Hughes catches up with farmers who've taken part in AHDB Beef & Lamb's flagship knowledge exchange programme, Roots to Resilience.

Amy finds out why Richard Stanbury, a fourth-generation beef and sheep farmer on the edge of Exmoor, got involved and any changes he's made as a result.

Useful links

Roots to Resilience workshop | AHDB

Take control of your farm’s future with Roots to Resilience | AHDB

How This 4th Gen Farmer Is Future-Proofing His Farm Business | Roots to Resilience

Feedback

Emily Norton: Welcome to the new AHDB chair

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:01:00 +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

Graham Wilkinson: AHDB's role in British agriculture

Fri, 16 May 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Chief Executive Graham Wilkinson talks about his time at AHDB and what he believes the organisation can achieve for British agriculture.

With sheep and arable farmer Rebecca Wilson taking the reins of the show, Graham also answers a number of questions submitted by levy payers ranging from assurance schemes to the levy itself.

Useful links

Open letter from our CEO Graham Wilkinson | AHDB

Graham Wilkinson | AHDB

Feedback

Battle bluetongue and cost calculator

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:33:00 +0100

In this simulcast with our Agonomics podcast, David Eudall 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.

Bluetongue resources:

Bluetongue virus latest news | AHDB

BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (sheep) | AHDB

BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (beef) | AHDB

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

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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. In this simulcast with our Agonomics with David Eudall podcast, David is joined by analyst Tom Spencer to explain how this has been calculated.

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

Useful links

Inheritance tax changes to affect more than 75% of English and Scottish farms of 50 hectares in size or more | AHDB

Farm inheritance tax - Agonomics with David Eudall

Land Family Business

449: Heifer to bull: Maximising calf potential (part two)

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Mastering milk replacer, weaning, and maximising growth are discussed as AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager (Dairy) Laura Awdry concludes her two-part series looking at calf potential.

Laura's joined by Ginny Sherwin, a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.

Useful links
Calf milk replacer energy calculator | AHDB
Calf management | AHDB
Youngstock housing | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

448: Heifer to bull: Maximising calf potential (part one)

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0100

In the first of two episodes about rearing calves, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Laura Awdry is joined by award-winning Dorset dairy farmer Lauren Fincham.

The focus of their discussion is youngstock rearing, including colostrum and feeding management to get the best out of heifers and beef calves later in life.

Useful links
Calf management | AHDB
Colostrum management for dairy calves | AHDB
Semen usage calculator | AHDB

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We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

447: Consumer insight: Meat labels and aisles

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0100

How important are food labels in the supermarket? And do consumers pay any attention to signs and layout in the aisles?

Beatrice Waters is joined by Grace Randall, AHDB’s Lead Retail Insight Manager, Vicky Lee, National Account Manager at Dovecote Park and Fiona Clayton from AHDB’s Marketing team to dive into research on optimising red meat labelling and improving shopper engagement with the meat aisle.

Useful links
Consumer insights: Optimising red meat labelling | AHDB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=DZqAG9Giuo0
Retail and consumer insight | AHDB

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We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

446: Succession: Time to talk about the future

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:50:00 +0100

Succession is a subject that is applicable to all farming business, but do you know how to approach your family to begin talking about it?

AHDB Senior Engagement Manager Amy Hughes chats to Lyn Sykes, globally renown succession expert, covering the basics of starting difficult conversations, what it means to be good at communication, seeing things from both sides and how to talk about and address ‘touchy’ situations early, so they don’t become difficult in the future.

Useful links

Discuss the Undiscussabull™ | AHDB

Business changes and succession: talking things through | AHDB

AHDB Food & Farming / Skills and succession (audioboom.com)

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445: AHDB Dairy: Working with retailers

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:27:04 +0100

Given maintaining a positive reputation of dairy is crucial to underpinning the future success of the industry, Knowledge Exchange Manager James Hague looks at how AHDB works with retailers to promote milk and its products in the aisles.

Joining James is Senior Account Manager (Domestic Marketing), Stasha Napior-Kowska, to discuss her role in campaigns such as Let's Eat Balanced and more besides.

Useful links
Let's Eat Balanced | AHDB
Dairy markets | AHDB
A sweet spot for ice cream sales | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

444: Are you grazing in a 'green drought'?

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Following a wet start to the grazing season, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager Daisy Green looks at the impact this has had on grass quality and milk production at the mid-point and how careful management is essential for a successful close to the round.

Joining Daisy is pasture-to-profit consultant Bess Jowsey and AHDB Forage for Knowledge farmer Richard Tucker to discuss what they’re seeing on farm, and how they're managing this so-called "green drought".

Useful links
Curious about clover? | AHDB
Forage for Knowledge | AHDB
Profit from your pasture | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

443: Milk Every Moment

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Milk Every Moment is a new milk-focused marketing campaign we've launched in collaboration with British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS).

AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Jess White finds out more about the push to empower the next generation from some of those involved.

Useful links
Milk Every Moment | AHDB
Empowering the next generation with the Milk Every Moment campaign | AHDB
BUCS British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)

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We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

442: Connecting school children with farming

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

John Bates lifts the lid on what AHDB's doing to educate the next generation about the origins of their food.

From school farm visits to getting ingredients into schools, John and our Head of Education, Roz Reynolds discuss these initiatives in detail with the help of teachers and a beef farmer who've been involved.

Useful links
Education | AHDB
School farm visits support programme for farmers (England and Wales) | AHDB
Students thrive in kitchen thanks to funded ingredients programme | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

441: Resilient beef: Lucerne, herbal leys & mindset

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Following a difficult winter, AHDB Beef and Lamb Engagement Manager Emma Steele looks at how sustainable forages like lucerne can help us adapt to changing weather patterns, balance soil health, improve livestock performance and increase profitability.

Joining Emma is Monitor Farmer and Farmers Weekly Beef Farmer of the Year, Ian Farrant, and Paul Morgan, Germinal Sales Manager and forage guru.

Useful links
Germinal- Ask an expert
AHDB Weather Hub

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We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

440: The Recommended Lists turn 80

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0100

We mark 80 years of the Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) which has been delivering trusted, independent variety information since 1944.

Join presenter Carolyn Smith for a potted history, with contributions from some of those who have helped shape the RL, and others who have relied on the guide.

Useful links
Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) | AHDB
A brief history of the Recommended Lists (RL) | AHDB
Variety selection tools for cereals and oilseeds | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

439: Agonomics with David & Jack

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

In this simulcast to promote AHDB's brand new podcast series, Agonomics with David & Jack, economists David Eudall and Jack Watts look at why pork market prices have been stable so far this calendar year. Could an extended run for Gareth Southgate's squad at Euro 2024 create a spike in demand?

And while it's all quiet on the pig front, the same can't be said for the grain markets as we enter a critical and volatile time of the year with the harvests across Europe. So, all eyes on Germany... and Russia and Ukraine this summer!

Plus, David reveals which former Loose Women panellist is already a fan of the show. And find out why a Katie Perry song holds fond memories for Jack.

Anyway, back to the important stuff:
Q1 2024 Pork cost of production | AHDB
Pig to feed wheat price ratio | AHDB
Warmest May on record benefited UK crop growth: Grain market daily | AHDB

If you want to listen to more Agonomics episodes click here: Agonomics with David and Jack (captivate.fm)

438: British Pig & Poultry Fair round up

Fri, 24 May 2024 07:00:00 +0100

We bring you some of the highlights from the British Pig & Poultry Fair that took place at the NEC, where contingency planning for African Swine Fever (ASF) was among the topics of AHDB's theatre sessions.

Reporter Martin Winch catches up with our Head of Animal Health and Welfare, Dr Mandy Nevel, to talk more about ASF, as well as getting word from recently appointed Pork Sector Council Chair, Glen Nimmo, and Head of Education, Roz Reynolds.

Useful links
Contingency planning in the face of African swine fever | AHDB
Education | AHDB
The British Pig & Poultry Fair (pigandpoultry.org.uk)

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

437: Environmental baselining pilot launched

Fri, 17 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

We have launched a multi-million-pound project to address the intense pressure faced by farmers to deliver on environmental targets by showcasing the importance of on-farm environmental baselining.

Joining Lisa Bray to talk about pilot that will help demonstrate the real environmental impact of British agricultural products is AHDB's CEO, Graham Wilkinson, and Livestock Science and Environment Director, Chris Gooderham.

Useful links
Environment Baselining Pilot | AHDB
The environment: farming and agriculture | AHDB
Environmental Land Management Schemes | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

436: AHDB Dairy: Understanding Johne's disease

Mon, 13 May 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Johne's disease is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract of cattle and other ruminants and is most commonly acquired in young animals.

In this episode knowledge exchange manager James Hague is joined by Pete Orpin from the Action Group for Johne’s, Sarah Tomlinson, AHDB’s lead veterinary science expert, and farmer Caroline Williams to discuss the importance of detection and control of the disease.

Useful links
Johne's Disease | AHDB
Managing and treating Johnes | AHDB
Quarterly screening helps control Johne’s disease | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

435: Using genomics to improve dairy herds

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Lifting the lid on the world of dairy genomics is AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Alan McFadzean.

Alan's joined by strategic dairy farmer John Bailey and veterinary surgeon Dr Neil Eastham to find out what they have achieved by embracing tools like the Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI).

Useful links
Dairy breeding and genetics | AHDB
Breeding indexes and traits | AHDB
Profitable Lifetime Index £PLI | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

434: Genetics: The suckler industry's missed opportunity

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0100

Using genetics, rather than selecting animals purely on their visual characteristics, is likely to lead to a more productive and profitable suckler herd. So why do so few beef farmers use them?

AHDB's Beef and Lamb team caught up with our Lead Animal Genetics Expert, Harriet Bunning, and suckler farmer James Dixon to discuss what factors should be considered when choosing your best breeding animals.

Useful links
Maternal Matters: Using EBVs and Indexes for selection in the suckler herd | AHDB
Choosing bulls for Better Returns | AHDB
National beef evaluations | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

433: Clover and emissions: Learnings from the organic sector

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Using clover can give your farm an environmental boost, but where do you start?

AHDB's Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager, Stephen West, has been to see dairy farmer Wil Armitage who uses clover as part of his organic system at Keythorpe Lakes Farm in Leicestershire.

Useful links
Curious about clover? | AHDB
Establishing and growing clover | AHDB
AHDB Food & Farming / Cultivating clover: Practical farming advice (audioboom.com)

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

432: Bluetongue: When will a BTV-3 vaccine be found?

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0100

Work to find a vaccine for the BTV-3 strain of bluetongue continues after cases were confirmed in cows and sheep in England.

Veterinary vaccine consultant Professor Andy Peters, Dr Carrie Batten from The Pirbright Institute, and AHDB's Head of Animal Health and Welfare, Dr Mandy Nevel, join host John Bates to discuss how much progress has been made.

Useful links
Bluetongue virus | AHDB
Bluetongue virus technical webinars | AHDB
The Pirbright Institute | Preventing and controlling viral diseases

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

431: Agroecology: Getting the balance right

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0100

It's one thing to talk about improving ecosystems while maintaining productivity on farm, but how can you actually achieve it?

As part of AHDB's Roots to Resilience programme, our Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager for Beef and Lamb, Amy Hughes, caught up with three farmers who have already put the theory into practice.

Useful links
Ian's journey: https://youtu.be/FD4MNYt29-Y
Silas' journey: https://youtu.be/KN3KFGPE1Dg
Emily's journey: https://youtu.be/nQHCY_Xd6Rk
AHDB Food & Farming / Food production and the ecosystem (audioboom.com)
Roots to Resilience | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

430: Graham Wilkinson: Getting to know AHDB's new CEO

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Graham Wilkinson has taken up the reins at AHDB. But who is the new CEO? And what does it mean for levy payers and those in the wider supply chain?

Our Head of Engagement for Beef and Lamb, Sam Charlton, caught up with Graham to find out the answers and discover more about his ambitions for AHDB.

Useful links
Graham Wilkinson to join AHDB as new CEO | AHDB
Funding and structure | AHDB
News | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

429: AHDB Dairy: Managing an early turnout in a wet spring

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0100

Strong winter grass growth followed by a wet start to the year has made it tricky to get dairy herds out for grazing.

AHDB Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager Jamie McCoy explores ways to make the most of the conditions by heading to a farm in Wales as well as catching up with pasture to profit consultant Piers Badnell.

Useful links
Benefits of on/off grazing cows in autumn | AHDB
Forage for Knowledge end of year review – 2023 | AHDB
Content related to the topic: grassland-management | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

428: Tackling mental health and sexism

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Mental and physical wellbeing, as well as sexism in the workplace, are on the agenda as AHDB reporter Alice Perry chats with Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald, a chartered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist.

The pair met at the recent Agrileader Forum in Manchester, where Stephanie was invited to speak about the key mental health issues of today.

Useful links
Support for farmers - mental health | AHDB
AgriLeader | AHDB
Talking Leaders | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

427: Food production and the ecosystem

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0100

As part of AHDB's Roots To Resilience programme, our national specialist for grass forage and soil, Katie Evans, is joined by Jason Rowntree to discuss how we could improve ecosystems while maintaining productivity on farm.

Jason is a professor of animal science at Michigan State University and director of MSU Center for Regenerative Agriculture.

Useful links
Roots to Resilience | AHDB
Roots to Resilience - YouTube
Beef & Lamb sector plan 2022–2027 | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

426: Water regulations for outdoor pig production

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0100

We discuss the water regulation guidelines, the cab cards developed by the Environment Agency, and how outdoor pig producers can minimise the risk of pollution.

AHDB's Knowledge Exchange Relationship Manager Andrew Palmer is joined by the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) Advisor Helen Blower and Farming Rules for Water lead, Jackie Vale.

Useful links
Water regulations for farmers | AHDB
Farming rules cab card
Environmental Permitting Regulations | AHDB
Water Regs UK Limited - Water Regulations Guide
Check for Drinking Water Safeguard Zones and NVZs (data.gov.uk)
Rules for farmers and land managers to prevent water pollution - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Applying the farming rules for water - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

425: AHDB and the EFRA Committee

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0100

We examine the role of the EFRA Committee and how AHDB can feed into its scrutiny of topics such as the UK's agri-food trade policy.

John Bates is joined by the select committee's chair, Sir Robert Goodwill MP, and our International Trade Development Director, Dr Phil Hadley.

Useful links
Market access prioritisation report 2023 | AHDB
Beyond Borders: working together for your export success | AHDB
Exports | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

424: Let's Eat Balanced

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0100

Let's Eat Balanced is AHDB's latest marketing campaign with three brand new TV adverts showcasing British beef, lamb and dairy.

Our reporter Dami Oyinlola has been finding out more about this, that, and comedian Richard Ayoade.

Useful links
AHDB launches brand new Let’s Eat Balanced campaign | AHDB
Feed your family for less with British pork | AHDB
Marketing | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

423: Soil secrets with Joel Williams (part two)

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0100

Joel Williams, an independent plant and soil health educator and consultant, talks about diversity, productivity versus profitability, as well as suggesting future research areas for AHDB in the second part of our interview.

Laura Awdry (Dairy) and Ana Reynolds (Cereals & Oilseeds) caught up with Joel during a recent series of AHDB events that took place across England and Scotland.

Useful links
Learn about soil secrets with Joel Williams in our recent podcasts and YouTube videos | AHDB
GREATsoils | AHDB
Soil structure | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

422: Meet the Nuffield farming scholars

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0100

Dozens of Nuffield farming scholars, who have been studying a wide range of agricultural topics, recently presented their findings at a 'super conference' sponsored by AHDB.

Alice Perry, from our media relations team, went along to catch up with some of them.

Useful links
AHDB sponsors Nuffield Farming ‘Super Conference’ in Devon | AHDB
AgriLeader | AHDB
2023 Nuffield Farming Conference - YouTube

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

421: Soil secrets with Joel Williams (part one)

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0100

Joel Williams, an independent plant and soil health educator and consultant, talks about systems approaches, measurement of soil and plant health, and nutrition.

Ana Reynolds (Cereals & Oilseeds) and Laura Awdry (Dairy) caught up with Joel during a recent series of AHDB events that took place across England and Scotland.

Useful links
Learn about soil secrets with Joel Williams in our recent podcasts and YouTube videos | AHDB
GREATsoils | AHDB
Soil structure | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

420: Festive recipe ideas

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0100

It is all about affordable alternatives to the traditional Christmas dinner as AHDB's Denise Spencer-Walker draws inspiration from the numerous delicious recipes she has created for our marketing campaigns.

Useful links
AHDB launches brand new Let’s Eat Balanced campaign | AHDB
Feed your family for less with British pork | AHDB
Marketing | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

419: AHDB Cereals: Becoming a monitor farm

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

We visited Jack Houghton, a farm manager near Wolverhampton, as he officially joined the AHDB Monitor Farm programme.

Our reporter Carolyn Smith went along to the launch event to meet all those involved, including Knowledge Exchange Manager Alex Ansell.

Useful links
Content related to the topic: monitor-farms | AHDB
The soil health scorecard | AHDB
Cereals & Oilseeds | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

418: AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds: Funding Your Future Q&A

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0100

Hear what Cereals & Oilseeds sector chair Tom Clarke had to say at AHDB's Funding Your Future live event in November.

Useful links
Funding Your Future 2023 – Cereals & Oilseeds | AHDB
Funding Your Future 2023 – Beef & Lamb | AHDB
Funding Your Future 2023 – Dairy | AHDB
Funding Your Future 2023 – Pork | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

417: AHDB Dairy: Tackling calf pneumonia

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0100

AHDB's knowledge exchange manager for dairy, Daisy Green, has been to Buitelaar’s Long Lane Development Farm in Somerset to find out if their high health units can help tackle calf pneumonia.

Useful links
Helping you and your calves breathe easy this winter | AHDB
Pneumonia in calves | AHDB
Dairy calf management | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

416: AHDB Beef and Lamb: Roots to Resilience

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0100

AHDB's new Roots to Resilience programme aims to equip farmers with the learning they need to take their businesses to the next level.

Our senior knowledge exchange manager for beef and lamb, Amy Hughes, caught up with Dallas Mount who will be leading the workshops.

Useful links
Roots to Resilience | AHDB
Roots to Resilience - YouTube
Beef & Lamb sector plan 2022–2027 | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

415: Tim Rycroft: Departing CEO reflects on his time at AHDB

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

AHDB Chief Executive Officer Tim Rycroft, who's stepping down from his position at the end of the year, has been talking to presenter John Bates about the changes to the levy board during his time in charge.

Useful links
Tim Rycroft to step down as CEO of AHDB at end of year | AHDB
Four sector councils publish levy increase proposals | AHDB
Sector plans | AHDB
AHDB appoints Tim Rycroft as CEO | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

414: Anuga 2023: Helping exporters find new markets

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 14:23:38 +0100

British red meat and dairy exporters have been showcasing their products at Anuga in Cologne, this year’s biggest agri-food trade show.

Our reporter Dami Oyinlola went along to bolster AHDB's efforts in Germany, as well as getting a flavour of the event.

Useful links
AHDB and UK Government support UK red meat and dairy exports at Anuga | AHDB
Beyond Borders: working together for your export success | AHDB
Exports | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

413: AHDB: Funding Your Future

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:46:45 +0100

Our sector councils are proposing to increase levy rates from the 2024/25 financial year.

Joining guest host Rebecca Wilson to discuss the reasons behind this and why it will benefit you and our industry are sector chairs Mike Sheldon (Pork), Colin Bateman (Beef & Lamb), Tom Clarke (Cereals & Oilseeds), and Lyndon Edwards (Dairy).

Useful links
Funding Your Future 2023 | AHDB
Funding Your Future 2023 – Beef & Lamb | AHDB
Funding Your Future 2023 – Pork | AHDB
Funding Your Future 2023 – Dairy | AHDB
Funding Your Future 2023 – Cereals & Oilseeds | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

412: AHDB Dairy: Carbon footprinting

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0100

Carbon footprinting was the topic when AHDB's Thom Washbourne visited Bridge Farm in Glastonbury to meet dairy farmer David Cotton and Liz Bowles, CEO at the Farm Carbon Toolkit.

Useful links
Calculating and reducing your carbon footprint | AHDB
Net zero: agriculture and carbon | AHDB
Dairy | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

411: Traceability through the Livestock Information Service

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0100

We throw the spotlight on a service that aims to make livestock record management much more convenient.

Ian Hewett, managing director for Livestock Information Ltd, a subsidiary of AHDB, joins our presenter John Bates to explain more.

Useful links
Livestock Information Transformation Programme (LITP) | AHDB
https://www.livestockinformation.org.uk/
Changes to Bovine Identification, Registration, and Movement in England - Defra - Citizen Space

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

410: 50 years of RB209, should levy payers care?

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0100

The Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) helps farmers make the most of organic materials and balance the benefits of fertiliser use against economic and environmental costs. The guide explains the value of nutrients, soil and why good nutrient management is about more than just the fertilisers you buy; it can save you money as well as help protect the environment.

This year, the RB209 is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first publication. In this episode, AHDB's John Bates discusses with Dr Amanda Bennett, AHDB's Senior Environment Manager, who is an expert in soil health and crop nutrition. Joining the conversation is Dr Ian Richards, a member of the Fertiliser Advisers Certification & Training Scheme (FACTS) Advisory Committee, and a contributor to the first edition. Together, they shed some light on the history of the RB209, why it is important and how it looks going forward. Also featured is James Price, a farmer from Oxfordshire, who uses the guide religiously.

Useful links
Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) | AHDB
A golden year for nutrient management | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was edited by Dami Oyinlola, Media Relations Manager.

409: Talking Bovine TB and GB Dairy Calf Strategy

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0100

AHDB's Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager (Dairy), Stephen West, finds out about a new licence for moving cattle from TB-restricted holdings during a meeting about the disease at a monitor farm in Herefordshire as GB Calf Week gets underway.

Useful links
Bovine Tuberculosis | AHDB
UK Dairy Day 2023 sees launch of third successive GB Calf Week campaign | AHDB
GB Calf Week 13–20 September 2023 | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

408: Cultivating clover: Practical farming advice

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:05:59 +0100

Join us for some insight into how to establish and manage clover in new and existing pastures.

AHDB’s national specialist for grass forage and soil, Katie Evans, leads the discussion with Teagasc’s Nicky Byrne and Northumberland-based farmer James Drummond.

Useful links

ManagingClover2871_210310_WEB-1.pdf (windows.net)
Management-and-establishment-of-grass-white-clover-swards.pdf (teagasc.ie)
Red Clover - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority

Feedback

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

407: AHDB Dairy: Breeding for productivity in a block system

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0100

High quality cattle are key to dairy farming. This requires good quality genetics as without this and however good your management is, there is a cap to your herds productivity and profitability.

In this episode, Daisy Green, Knowledge Exchange Manager (Dairy), speaks to George Brown, a dairy farmer from Hampshire who has made significant changes to his herd.

Useful links
Dairy herd genetic reports | AHDB
Dairy breeding and genetics | AHDB
Breeding Blocks | AHDB
Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced Daisy Green and edited by Dami Oyinlola

406: Whispering livestock with Dr Temple Grandin

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode, AHDB's Phil Maiden talks to Dr Temple Grandin, a world-renowned animal behaviourist and autism advocate. Temple is known for her work on designing humane livestock handling facilities, and she has also written several books on animal welfare.

We discuss the importance of understanding livestock behaviour to handle them in a humane and stress-free way. We also talk about Temple's unique way of thinking, which is based on visual images. Her ability to think visually has helped her develop innovative designs for livestock handling facilities and has given her a deep understanding of animal behaviour.

During a webinar organized by AHDB, Dr Temple Grandin discussed the behavioural principles of cattle handling and shared insights on stress-free stockmanship.

Useful links
Stress-free stockmanship with Temple Grandin | AHDB
Improving cattle handling for Better Returns | AHDB
The importance of observation in cattle handling | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Phil Maiden

405: Harvesting knowledge at Groundswell discussions

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:57:06 +0100

Last month, we hosted some speaker sessions at Groundswell covering topics on regenerative agriculture, crop rotation, perennial agriculture, genetic diversity of grains, and composting.

In this podcast, Jason Hendy, Knowledge Exchange Manager, AHDB, brings together a summary of each session, including interviews with the speakers.

Speakers
Day one - session one: Mind the Gap
John Pawsey, Mind the Gap session speaker at Groundswell
Alice Andrews, Cereals Rural
Jonathan Hodgson, Great Newsome Farm
James Standen, Director of Farms, Newcastle University Farms

Session two: Is perennial agriculture the future?
Stephen Briggs, Senior Partner at Abacus Agriculture, head of technical development at Innovation for Agriculture & Non Exec Director of AHDB
David Miller, Famer
Dominic Amos, Organic Arable
Emily Grant, Sheep farmer and an independent consultant

Day two - session three: Discussing the genetic diversity of grains
Michael Marriage, Farmer at Doves Farm Foods ltd
DR Phil Howell, Lead NIAB’s germplasm development, Designing Future Wheat, IWYP European Winter Wheat Hub projects.
Dr Edward Dickin, Lecturer in crop physiology at Harper Adams University
Fred Price, Farmer, Gothelney Farm

Session four: Getting comfortable with composting
Julia Cooper, Principal Researcher in Crop Diversity and Agronomy, Organic Research Centre
Ben Taylor-Davies, Farmer
Billy Lewis, Farmer, Boycefield Farm
Andrew Sincock, Director and joint owner of Agriton and Agro-Vital

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Pinstone

404: AHDB Dairy: Herbal leys and their potential benefits

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0100

Getting to the root of growing herbal leys (also known as multi-species swards) is AHDB’s senior knowledge exchange manager for dairy, Stephen West.

Helping Stephen improve his understanding of both the challenges and benefits of the practice are Peak District farmers Ben Rodgers and Robert Thornhill.

Useful links
Herbal leys and their place in a resilient dairy system | AHDB
Six new varieties named on the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Stephen West.

403: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Japanese importers and a trip to Nebraska

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:30:55 +0100

In this podcast, AHDB’s senior knowledge exchange manager for beef and lamb, Amy Hughes, leads the conversation about a recent visit from Japanese importers and a fact-finding mission in the US.

Joining her to talk about the delegation from Japan are colleagues Jono Eckley (head of international trade development), Susan Stewart (senior export manager for livestock), Phil Hadley (international trade development director), and Karl Pendlebury (knowledge exchange manager for beef and lamb).

Amy also spoke with a couple of mixed farmers, James Shouler and David Barton, after they accompanied her on a trip across the Atlantic for an event arranged by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Useful links
Japanese buyers visit the UK to explore opportunities for red meat | AHDB
Beyond Borders: working together for your export success | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced by Amy Hughes and edited by Alice Perry and Martin Winch from our media relations team.

402: Exporting British red meat and dairy 'Beyond Borders'

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 10:30:00 +0100

AHDB held an export conference on Thursday, 22 June at Butchers' Hall in London to unveil its new export strategy, Beyond Borders. The strategy aims to help more exporters maximise the global potential for high-quality domestic produce by providing enhanced services, such as bespoke training and advice and industry-leading marketing support.

This podcast episode recaps the event and features recordings of Nicholas Saphir, AHDB Chair, and Defra Minister Mark Spencer discussing the UK government's commitments and support food and farming industry and AHDB’s role. It also features presentations from friends who support AHDB’s exports activities; Ella Beckett, UK Attaché to China, Rodrigo Perez Vega, AHDB Consultant in Mexico, and Marek Schejbal, AHDB Representative in Poland, Central and Eastern Europe.

Useful links
Beyond Borders: working together for your export success | AHDB
Businesses urged to build on meat and dairy export success | AHDB
UK Export Academy - great.gov.uk
Ask the export support team a question - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Media Relations Executive.

401: Managing heat stress in dairy cows

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

From silaging to slurry spreading and bringing the cows in or out, the weather is a major driver of day-to-day life on British dairy farms. Last summer's unprecedented periods of hot weather will have a big impact on our cows and, if not managed effectively, will have led to more stress, lower milk production and higher rates of disease. As more extreme weather seems set to be the norm, preparing for and managing heat stress in cows will become increasingly more important.

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, Knowledge Exchange Manager Thom Washbourne is joined by dairy farmer Kate Lywood and vet Claire Walker to discuss ways to help prevent and manage heat stress in dairy cows.

Useful links

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Herrick, Media Relations Manager.

400: Recommended Lists review update

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:57:43 +0100

A major review of the Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) saw over 900 people provide views on the variety trialling project.

The views covered many aspects, from the type and nature of the trials to the way data is analysed and variety decisions are made.

In this Food and Farming podcast, AHDB’s Jason Pole talks to Jenna Watts, who leads on integrated pest management research at AHDB.

Useful links:
Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) review (2022–2023) | AHDB

399: Pigs Tomorrow conference 2023: What you need to know

Wed, 31 May 2023 11:30:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food and Farming podcast, we bring you the highlights of the recently held Pigs Tomorrow conference in Leicestershire. The event united pig producers, experts, and researchers for two days. It was a platform to tackle key challenges and actively explore innovation within the global pig farming industry. We explore labour in pig farming and its influence on working towards a more sustainable future.

AHDB sponsored the event and took a significant role in organising the speaker sessions for the Innovation conference on day two.

Listen and be inspired by the remarkable progress happening in the pork sector.

Host
John Bates, Senior Media & PR Manager, AHDB

Guests
Dr Charlotte Evans, Head of Engagement Pork, AHDB
Paul Harris, Founder and Chief Executive, REAL Success
Alex Haigh, Technical Coordinator, JSR Genetic
Nick Lawson, Human Resources & General Manager, Rattlerow Farms

Also on the podcast is the voice of Dami Oyinlola, and sound bites from:
Stephen Thompson
Angus Smith

Useful links
Pigs Tomorrow
Uniting the pig farming industry at Pigs Tomorrow 2023 | AHDB
New employee induction checklist | AHDB
AgriLeader | AHDB
Labour life cycle in agriculture | AHDB
Stockperson Development Scheme | AHDB
Are you looking for new talent for your business? | AHDB
UK pig farming data | AHDB
Farming careers: Working as a pig stockperson - Farmers Weekly (fwi.co.uk)

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Media Relations Executive.

398: Open Farm Sunday: Bridging the gap between farming and the public

Wed, 17 May 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic opportunity for farmers to showcase what they do and connect with their local community. It is a chance to educate people about farming and food production, and to highlight the important role that farmers play in our daily lives. The public can see where their food comes from and learn about the different stages of production.

In this episode, we discuss Open Farm Sunday, an annual event that takes place across the UK, where farmers open their gates to the public. This year's event is set to take place on 11 June and is sponsored by a wide range of organisations including AHDB.

Host
Alistair McLaren, Senior Strategic Communications Manager, AHDB

Guests
Lyndon Edwards, an experienced organic dairy, beef and arable farmer
Annabel Shackleton, LEAF Open Farm Sunday Manager
Roz Reynolds, Head of Strategic Operations, Education and Nutrition

Useful links
Homepage - Open Farm Sunday
Open My Farm - Open Farm Sunday
Home Page | LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming)
AHDB support for Open Farm Sunday | AHDB
Education | AHDB

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments, and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Media Relations Executive (Pork).

397: GrassCheckGB: Making your grass go further

Wed, 10 May 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB National Specialist for Grass Forage and Soil Katie Evans is joined by Dr Kathryn Huson from Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, to discuss the GrassCheckGB project and how the industry can benefit from being involved in this piece of work.

Useful links

396: Putting learning into practice: reflections from the AgriLeader Forum

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 05:30:00 +0100

In this episode, AHDB’s John Bates talks to three farmers about their experiences of the AgriLeader Forum – an annual conference for farmers looking to improve the way they manage themselves, their people and their businesses. He also speaks to AHDB’s Mark Campbell to find out more about the AgriLeader programme.

Listen to find out why the guests attended the conference in the first place, what they took away from it and why they would recommend more farmers get involved with AHDB's AgriLeader programme.

This week’s guests
Charlotte Courtney, dairy farmer
Charlie Thompson, pig farmer
James Shouler, beef farmer and AHDB Beef & Lamb council member
Mark Campbell, AHDB

Useful links
Find out more about AgriLeader: https://ahdb.org.uk/agrileader
Catch up with the action from the AgriLeader Forum 2023: https://ahdb.org.uk/agrileader-forum
The labour life cycle – tools and support for recruiting, managing and developing staff: https://ahdb.org.uk/labour-life-cycle-in-agriculture

Get in touch
If you want to find out more about AgriLeader or to talk through the options for developing your leadership and management skills, get in touch with one of the team.

Izak Van Heerden: izak.vanheerden@ahdb.org.uk or follow on Twitter: @AgriIzak
Mark Campbell: mark.campbell@ahdb.org.uk or follow on Twitter: @mdhcampbell

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Content Manager.

395: Unleashing UK agri-food exports in the global market

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Exports drive economic growth, and every year, the UK exports around £1.5 billion worth of red meat around the globe. In 2021, more than 550,000 tonnes of sheep meat, beef, and pork were shipped (according to AHDB analysis of trade data from IHS Maritime & Trade – Global Trade Atlas – HMRC).

AHDB's Market Intelligence and Exports teams are collaborating to boost exports to current markets and explore new opportunities for UK agri-food over the next decade. Dr Phil Hadley, Director of International Development at AHDB, has been discussing this activity at various events, including the recent National Farmers Union (NFU) Conference and the Annual Meat Conference in Texas.

In this episode, we discuss the recent mission to the US aimed at exploring opportunities for exporting UK lamb, beef, and pork. The mission centred around the Annual Meat Conference in Texas, where AHDB and exporters had the opportunity to network with over 1,500 meat professionals from across the US. The visit was a success and resulted in valuable connections with American buyers, potentially boosting red meat exports.

Host
John Bates, Senior Media & PR Manager, AHDB

Guests
Dr Phil Hadley, Director of International Market Development, AHDB
E: phil.hadley@ahdb.org.uk

Dr Amandeep Kaur Purewal, Senior Analyst: Trade and Policy, AHDB
E: amandeep.kaur.purewal@ahdb.org.uk

Also on the podcast are voices of Phil Maiden and Jenny Waddington from the AHDB Press team, and sound bites of:
Stephen Dennis, Regional Director, Farming Community Network
Rachel Holisson, Levy payer
Greg Parks, Beef Farmer
Tom Coles, Commercial Manager, Dunbia
John Wilks, AHDB Representative in USA

Useful links
US mission to boost red meat exports branded a success | AHDB
Prospects for UK agri-food exports | AHDB
Harnessing consumer buying behaviour for British exports
ahdb.org.uk/exports

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Media Relations Executive (Pork).

394: AHDB Dairy: Using nutrition and genetics to drive feed efficiency

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Sustainable feed ingredients and feed efficiency is an area that can have a big impact on a farm's carbon footprint and can actually lower feed costs. This is achieved by not only the make up of the ration, but the whole farm and cow management.

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager Emily Collins is joined by Andrew Gilman of Statfold Farm, and nutrition consultant David Levick from Kite, discussing the key takeaways from a strategic dairy farm meeting discussing how Andrew has improved his feed efficiency through feeding management, the ration and genetic improvement.

Useful links

393: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Tackling parasites in sheep with SCOPS

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s Dr Nerys Wright is joined by independent sheep consultant and SCOPS representative Lesley Stubbings. They discuss the Nematodirus forecasting map for 2023 and details of the sheep element of the recently launch Defra funded animal health and welfare pathway.

Nematodirus forecasting
The nematodirus forecasting map for 2023 is live and hosted on the SCOPS website. The map uses the daily temperature to monitor when the over winter larvae may hatch and the subsequent risk of Nematodirus this year in young lambs. Other risk factors to consider are the age of the lambs and the amount they’re grazing and ingesting.

The Animal Health and Welfare pathway
For the Defra funded animal health and welfare pathway, the registration process is now open. There is £436 available to sheep farmers with 51 or more sheep and have claimed BPS in the past. As part of the pathway, farmers can expect 2-3 hour visit from their vet, a report highlighting the key prioritise for that business and a summary of the results from their wormer treatment check (WTC). In order to ensure that farmers get the most out of this pathway, it is important to ensure FECs are taken as a representative sample, as fresh as possible and wormers only used when they are high enough to warrant a treatment. Discuss the efficacy results with your vet or SQP/RAMA.

Useful links and resources:

How to apply for an annual health and welfare review of your livestock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoaTzmZ0YBI
The SCOPS website SCOPS | Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep
Getting the most from FEC samples SCOPS FECs FInal Doc
The Nematodirus map Nematodirus Forecast | SCOPS
Defra Pathway link Annual health and welfare review of livestock (defra.gov.uk)
SCOPS WTC booklet SCOPS WormerTreatmentCheck_Guidebook
Read AHDB's Worm control guide WormControlGuide3685_210104_WEB.pdf (windows.net)
Read AHDB's Parasite control guide Parasite control guide | AHDB
Order hard-copy publications here: AHDB Beef & Lamb Order Form | AHDB

392: AHDB Dairy: Achieving a successful second calving

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Rearing heifers is a substantial cost to your business with the return on investment not being recouped until they reach their 2nd lactation. Yet, on average, 17% of milking heifers exit the herd before this. Giving heifers the best opportunity to calve down for a 2nd time is not only important for your bottom line, but also the impact of herd longevity on your carbon footprint and consumer perception of dairy farming.

That’s why it’s so important to monitor the performance of your milking heifers and consider management changes that will help them to adapt to herd life, allow them to finish growing – and to realise their genetic potential.

AHDB research showed that calving by 24 months of age could reduce rearing costs and led to better survival and growth rates, as well as improved health, and fertility. As part of AHDB’s Calf to Calving programme, we saw a significant reduction across the country in age at first calving. Now, we’re taking a look at the next step.

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager Shirley Macmillan is joined by AHDB Senior Health & Welfare Scientist, Dr Jenny Gibbons, whose work on calf and heifer rearing has highlighted many of these issues.

Useful links

391: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Producing profitable suckler cows - thoughts from Canada

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s Senior Knowledge Manager Amy Hughes is joined by Canadian suckler cow producer, Arron Nerbas, to discuss what makes a suckler system profitable including how genetics, selection and management pressure can be used to breed a cow that fits and performs well.

Being clear about what you’re trying to achieve on your farm and using your system to select the cows that fit, is how the Nerbas Bros. have developed a profitable suckler cow that works for them and their system. Following Arron’s visit to the UK in January, funded by AHDB and the Aberdeen Angus Society, Arron and Amy reflect on the key discussion points from the event and how mindset is an important factor: “The real power isn’t in your grass or your cattle, the real power is in your mind.”

The three host farms for the events:

FAI Farms in Oxfordshire, Silas Hedley-Lawrence.

Launceston Farm in Dorset, Jimi Collis and his herd manager, Matt House.

Aln Angus farm in Northumberland, George Burrell.

This podcast forms part of the AHDB Maternal Matters campaign, helping suckler producers breed heifer replacements which are efficient, profitable and fit for the future.

Useful links:

https://www.nerbasbrosangus.com/

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/maternal-matters

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/maternal-matters-breeding-replacement-heifers

390: Removing zinc oxide from pig diets – what are the options?

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:30:00 +0100

Zinc oxide has been used for many years in the pig industry to reduce diarrhoea in post-weaned pigs. However, as a result of potential risks to the environment and in line with regulations set by the European Union (EU), therapeutic use of zinc oxide was banned across the EU in the summer of 2022.

The UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate granted an extension in the UK last year, allowing the industry to use up any product purchased before the authorisation expired in June 2022. Current supplies of zinc oxide are expected to be exhausted this summer (2023).

In this episode, we hear about research that AHDB has conducted with SAC Commercial Ltd. to understand the pros and cons of some of the alternative options available to farmers in the absence of zinc oxide.

The options reviewed through this project target pig nutrition, management and immunity. Summaries have been produced to help guide farmers and their vets and nutritionists, which include details about costs, effectiveness and the time required to implement each of the options.

This week’s guests
Dr Charlotte Evans, Head of Engagement (Pork), AHDB
E: charlotte.evans@ahdb.org.uk

Dr Bethan John, Animal Health & Welfare Scientist, AHDB
E: bethan.john@ahdb.org.uk

Dr Jim Morris, Senior Vice President of the Pig Veterinary Society

Useful links
Rapid Evidence Assessment report: REA of research studies and evidence syntheses on assessment of practices to reduce post-weaning diarrhoea in pigs

AHDB knowledge library: Removing zinc oxide from pig diets

Pig World article: UK pig sector Industry looks to gather evidence to justify return of zinc oxide

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

389: AHDB Dairy: Giving calves the best start with colostrum

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0100

For the best possible start in life, dairy calves need quality colostrum as their first feed. This early management can affect how that calf will perform health wise, its time to first service, and future milk production.

A newborn calf's ability to absorb those vital colostrum antibodies through the intestinal wall decreases rapidly within the first 12 hours of life. Contamination during collection, transfer or feeding puts the calf at risk by introducing harmful bacteria when it has no active immunity to fight infection.

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager Laura Awdry is joined by Nottingham University Vet, Ginny Sherwin, to discuss colostrum management practise on farm and the 3 Q's of colostrum to ensure your dairy calves have the best possible start in life to become healthy productive members of the herd.

Useful links

388: Agri Market Outlook - Arable

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0100

The latest Cereals and Oilseeds Agri Market Outlook takes stock of the current situation and looks forward to what we might expect in the coming months for supply availability, trade and demand.

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s John Bates talks with Sarah Baker, Senior Strategic Insight Manager, Megan Hesketh, Senior Analyst (Cereals and Oilseeds), and Anthony Speight, Senior Analyst (Cereals and Oilseeds), to discuss the Argi Market Outlook for Arable.

Key findings for Cereals and Oilseeds

Cereals:

Despite an increase in domestic wheat and barley availability this season, global price strength continues to provide a support level for domestic grain values. Price volatility is expected to continue, with a finely balanced global supply and demand and the war ongoing in Ukraine.
Domestic winter crops for harvest 2023 are faring well, though fertiliser cost and application remain a key watchpoint.
Exports are forecast stronger year on year for wheat and barley due to increased domestic grain availability. Oat export forecasts remain historically strong, though this season’s levels will be led by farmer selling and competitiveness on the global market.
Animal feed demand, and cereal usage, are expected to fall this season, considering sector challenges from high input costs to Avian Flu. Brewing, malting, and distilling cereal usage is forecasted strong, with increased capacity coming online. A key domestic demand watchpoint remains bioethanol cereal usage, considering high costs and lower ethanol prices

Oilseeds:

An increase in domestic production for rapeseed will slightly reduce the demand for imports. However, imports are forecast to remain historically high due to the UK domestic demand outweighing domestic production
A sizable increase in area for harvest 2023 is forecast in reaction to the historically high prices over the past 18 months. Crops are faring well, although there are reports of area loss due to ongoing pest pressure
Global supply and demand of rapeseed have both increased on the year. Increased availability in the EU is adding to price pressure and improving processor margins. EU crush demand is increasing on the year.
Domestically, demand is expected to remain strong despite the closure of Hull at the end of 2022.
Ultimately, rapeseed prices over the next six months will largely be driven by the direction of the soybean market, which awaits a historically high South American crop

Useful links

Feedback
If you have any comments about this podcast, would like to be a guest because you have something of interest to say to levy payers, or to suggest a topic for a future episode, please get in touch: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was edited by Chloe Kimberley, Marcomms Executive (Cereals & Oilseeds).

387: Agri Market Outlook - Livestock

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0100

2022 saw some historic highs for livestock, dairy and cereals. However, as we enter a new year, the position of the world has shifted. Concerns over demand as the global economy battles inflation has left us with supply levels which look ample.

In this episode, John Bates speaks to some of AHDB’s market analysts to find out what impact this will have on the beef, lamb, pork and dairy sectors, as they discuss the latest Agri market outlook for livestock.

Timestamps
02:06 - Beef
05:24 - Lamb
09:44 - Pork
12:28 - Dairy

Guests
Hannah Clarke, Senior Analyst (Red Meat)
Freya Shuttleworth, Analyst (Livestock & Dairy)
Patty Clayton, Lead Analyst (Dairy)

Agri market outlook
AHDB’s latest Agri market outlook looks in detail at the issues and shifting consumer behaviours. It’s produced every six months and examines the factors that will affect farm businesses, helping levy payers plan and budget for what may lay ahead.

Key findings for the livestock sectors:

Beef

Production to grow slightly in 2023 due to higher cattle availability, by an estimated 0.6%
Consumption forecast to ease by 2% as cost-of-living pressures consumers
Imports expected to fall by 2%, driven by easing domestic demand
Exports could grow slightly by 3%, reflective of the domestic market balance

Lamb

An increase in production is forecast for 2023, in the region of +8-9% year-on-year, driven by higher carry-over and a broadly stable lamb crop
Consumption is expected to weaken, linked to recessionary pressures and tighter consumer budgets
Imports are forecast to ease by around 5% year-on-year, driven by weaker domestic demand
Exports are forecast to grow in line with the projected domestic market balance, potentially by over 15%

Pork

Pig meat production is forecast to decline by up to 15% year on year in 2023, driven by a reduction in clean pig kill in the first half of the year, following a significant drop in the breeding herd
A gradual recovery in the breeding herd is expected, with numbers predicted to increase by 7,000 head between June 2022 and June 2023
Imports are expected to grow to match the gap left by reduced domestic supplies, meanwhile exports are projected to decline as available domestic supplies tighten.
Domestic demand continues to ease, driven by the cost-of-living crisis reducing retail sales and eating-out demand

Dairy

GB milk production is forecast to record marginal growth in 2023 in the region of 0.3%. However, there is some risk of a contraction in production if margins deteriorate
Despite some recent signs of lower inflation in agricultural input costs, replacement costs through 2023 will remain high, putting pressure on cash flows
Global dairy demand is likely to remain challenged by low economic growth, although there is potential for improved import demand from China later in the year
Domestic demand is also expected to be impacted by a squeeze on consumer incomes, with all products seeing lower sales
Farmgate prices are expected to decline in the first half of 2023, with some potential for this to abate in the second half if inflation subsides and demand recovers

Useful links

Get in touch
If you have any comments about this podcast, would like to be a guest because you have something of interest to say to levy payers, or to suggest a topic for a future episode, please get in touch: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Herrick, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

386: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Focusing on footrot and preparing for lambing

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange Manager Emma Steele joins Dr Liz Nabb. They discuss the management and control of lameness in sheep, focusing on footrot vaccination which Liz looked at in her recently completed AHDB funded PhD whilst also covering the five-point plan.

With lambing just around the corner for many, they also briefly discuss top tips for lambing 2023 in the wake of reported iodine shortages and reinforce the importance of good quality colostrum for newborn lambs. This podcast is in support of this month’s #ColostrumIsGold campaign. Find out more here: colostrumisgold.org

Dr Liz Nabb is a Veterinary Investigation Officer (VIO) at APHA following 16 years as a practising farm vet in North Devon and then recently completing her AHDB and BBSRC funded PhD at University of Birmingham looking at the footrot vaccine in sheep.

Useful links:
· Watch Liz’s webinar on her PhD results and managing lameness AHDB Beef & Lamb: Managing lameness in sheep inc. vaccinating against footrot - YouTube

· Read our information on Reducing lameness for Better Returns | AHDB

· Read our information on Reducing lamb losses for Better Returns | AHDB

· #ColostrumIsGold https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/colostrum-management-for-lambs

· Order hard-copy publications here: AHDB Beef & Lamb Order Form | AHDB

385: Mind the gap!

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:03:03 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast we discuss the gap between food production on farm and the end consumer, often referred to as ‘Farm to Fork’. There are a multitude of ways in which we can all help to bridge this gap and boost the reputation of our industry. This can be through educating the public on how their food is produced and tackling misinformation often portrayed in the media.

Firstly, AHDB’s Head of Marketing Carrie McDermid talks about the work the marketing team do to promote eating red meat and dairy as part of a healthy balanced diet. AHDB’s successful We Eat Balanced campaign returned to TV screens over Christmas and major retailers got involved too with eight million on-pack stickers, milk bottle branding and banner adverts on retailer websites.

The podcast then hears from a group of levy payers who joined AHDB’s Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager Izak Van Heerden at the LAMMA show in Birmingham to discuss ‘Bridging the gap between farm and fork’. They all have a broad social media following and address farming issues through videos and educational posts. They share their thoughts on what more can be done to show the public the reality of farming. Take a listen to find out more.

Useful links:

AHDB Marketing: https://ahdb.org.uk/marketing

Wake Up To B12: https://ahdb.org.uk/wakeuptob12

We Eat Balanced: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/we-eat-balanced-campaign-returns-to-tv-screens-on-boxing-day

Circle of Influence live stream recording: https://youtu.be/LiyhrfY3dRU

384: AHDB Dairy: Can sedation help reduce stress at disbudding?

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Poorly planned disbudding can be stressful for calves and stressful for the people undertaking the task. It’s often undervalued on farm, and it’s important therefore that we give focus to this task.

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager Thom Washbourne is joined by James Hipperson, clinical vet from Belmont Farm and Equine Vets in Herefordshire, to discuss legislation, best practice and whether sedation can play a significant role in reducing the stress during disbudding.

Useful links

383: All about AHDB's Mix up Midweek with Pork marketing campaign

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Levy payers work hard to produce great food for the nation to eat and there are lots of steps between the farm gate and the shop shelf. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss part of these steps with some of AHDB’s marketing specialists.

AHDB is launching another burst of its Mix up Midweek with Pork consumer marketing campaign today, 23 January 2023, and members of the marketing team share details of the activities they have planned to help put pork onto the shopping lists of Britain’s households.

Talking to host, John Bates, are AHDB’s Kate Abbey, Marketing Manager, Denise Spencer-Walker, Food Communications Manager and Stasha Napior-Kowska, Senior Account Manager.

Useful links
Mix Up Midweek 2023- LovePork | AHDB
Pork takes centre stage in AHDB's health-focused marketing campaign | AHDB
Recipes and Information to Inspire the Nation | Love Pork
Mix up Midweek with Pork campaign returns | AHDB

Get in touch if you have any questions or to find out more about anything discussed in this podcast:
Kate Abbey kate.abbey@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments, and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Executive Pork.

382: AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds: Recommended Lists (RL)

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0100

The first phase of a major review of the Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) is taking place this winter.

In this food and farming podcast, AHDB’s Jason Pole talks to Jenna Watts, who leads on integrated pest management research at AHDB. The Q & A session explores the variety trialling project and the need to review it periodically. Listen in to find out how to take part in the review, which includes a questionnaire, focus groups and stakeholder meetings.

Useful links:

Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) review (2022–2023)

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was edited by Chloe Kimberley, Marcomms Executive (Cereals & Oilseeds).

381: AHDB Beef & Lamb: How cow temperament impacts calf performance

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:45:40 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, our Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager, Sarah Pick is joined by Simon Turner, a scientist working at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) with a particular interest in livestock behaviour and how it impacts welfare and maternal performance.

Flighty cows have been shown to produce poorer calves, but do we know why that is? Up until now, cow temperament has only been looked at from a safety perspective focused on the risk of injury to handlers. However, Simon has been researching how cow temperament can affect her fertility, reproductive performance and ability to produce a vigorous calf that grows well up to weaning. Listen to the podcast to find out more.

This podcast forms part of AHDB’s Maternal Matters project, helping suckler producers breed heifer replacements which are efficient, profitable and fit for the future. For more information, please visit https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/maternal-matters .

380: Pork: Introducing lean management techniques to pig farmers, the journey so far

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss our current pork Monitor Farm Programme, which has been running for the last year. As we enter the final months of work, we share how the Pork Knowledge Exchange team has introduced lean management techniques to pig farmers and helped them make positive changes to benefit their businesses.

Pig producers are saving labour and money by stepping back and looking at things with fresh eyes, using proven lean management techniques to find more efficient ways of working. Improvements often relate to simple things, and some of these uncomplicated changes are already making a massive impact. They are achieving savings which add up over time without compromising performance.

Speaking to the host, John Bates, are Andrew Palmer, Knowledge Exchange Relationship Manager at AHDB, who leads on the delivery of the Monitor Farm Programme, and Lean Management Consultant Neil Fedden of Fedden USP Ltd.

Useful links
Lean management for farmers and growers | AHDB
Bringing lean management to life with pig farmers | AHDB
Lean management case studies in the pork sector | AHDB
SmartPork | AHDB
Pork Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) | AHDB

Get in touch if you have any questions or to find out more about anything discussed in this podcast:
Andrew Palmer Andrew.Palmer@ahdb.org.uk, @AMPSalisbury / Twitter
Patrick Loten Patrick.Loten@ahdb.org.uk, @PatrickLoten / Twitter

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments, and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and resourced by Sheila Kennedy and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

379: AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds: Cost inputs and planning for 2023

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, we are reviewing the last year and looking ahead to 2023’s input costs and future rotations. Knowledge Exchange Managers Izzy Eames (North East), Hannah Bowden (South East) and Michelle Nuttall (North West) will be talking to three experts, Grower Collin Chappell, Agronomist and Nuffield Farming Scholarship Chris Taylor and AHDB Lead Analyst – Farm Economics, Mark Topliff.

We hear the biggest input cost across Colin Chappell’s business this year and how Colin is dealing with these rises and any changes implemented. Chris Taylor discusses the changes farmers are making due to the increase in input costs from fertiliser, changing their rotations to be at a lower input and planning for next year. Mark chats about the most significant cost concern for farmers and the changes that have occurred over the last 12 months.

Useful links

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was edited by Chloe Kimberley, Marcomms Executive (Cereals & Oilseeds).

378: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Planning next year's grazing strategy

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, we are looking ahead and planning for 2023 with a focus on grazing, using herbal leys and the benefits of outwintering on fodder beet. Our grass specialist Katie Evans speaks to New Zealand fodder beet expert Dr Jim Gibbs and UK expert Marc Jones (KWS) about how to successfully outwinter stock on fodder beet to maximise performance and reduce costs.

We hear about how the crop can fit into your farm system and be utilised with herbal and grass leys. Getting the most out of your grazing can help prepare you for extreme weather events, have a positive environmental impact and has been proven to reduce production costs.

To find out more, visit the following webpages:

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/ahdb-grass

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/paddock-design-and-transition-of-cattle-to-fodder-beet

https://ahdb.org.uk/fodder-beet-sheep-video

377: 'Tis new recipes for Christmas

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0100

Christmas and the run-up to the new year are special times when many families and friends gather to share in the celebrations, fun and festivities. One aspect which can put pressure on even the most organised of us is what to eat and serve our visitors.

There is a limit to how much sliced cold meat and reheated veg we can all put up with. So, this year, AHDB is trying to make life in the kitchen a bit easier with some menu suggestions and a social media campaign in the run-up to Christmas.

Speaking to our host John Bates about the activities are AHDB's Peggy-Sue Elliott, Senior Social Media Manager and Denise Spencer-Walker, Food Communications Manager.

Useful links
Christmas | Love Pork | Love Pork
Christmas Recipes | Simply Beef & Lamb | Simply Beef & Lamb (simplybeefandlamb.co.uk)

AHDB | Facebook
AHDB (@TheAHDB) / Twitter

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

376: AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds: Grain Market Outlook 2022

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, John Bates talks with Megan Hesketh, Senior Analyst (Cereals and Oilseeds) in the Market Specialist Arable team, and Olivia Bonser, Analyst (Cereals and Oilseeds). To discuss the Grain Market Outlook Conference and the Black Sea region and why the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is vital to the future of global grain prices.

Also, in this episode, Anthony Speight, Senior Analyst (Cereals and Oilseeds), talks about the key factors driving the oilseed market this season and what this will mean for rapeseed prices.

Mark Topliff, Lead Analyst – Farm Economics, will assess the farm margins and input costs from Farm Bench data and the challenges facing arable farmers currently.

Useful links:

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Chloe Kimberley, Marcomms Executive (Cereals & Oilseeds)

375: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Understanding regenerative farming

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, join Amy Hughes, Ian Farrant and James Evans to chat about regenerative farming, sustainability and productivity. They talk about what regenerative farming means to them and their businesses and why it is important for the industry.

Amy Hughes, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager for AHDB Beef and Lamb, is joined by Ian Farrant, AHDB Monitor Farmer from Herefordshire, and James Evans, consultant and beef farmer from Shropshire.

To attend one of our one farm events, vist ahdb.org.uk/events
For more information on soils, visit GREATsoils | AHDB
For information on herbal leys visit ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/herbal-leys
For information on regenerative agriculture visit ahdb.org.uk/news/northern-farmers-discuss-regenerative-agriculture
To read the blog 'Fact checking: George Monbiot on pasture fed meat' visit www.agriwebb.com/blog/fact-checking-monbiot-meat/

374: AHDB’s Dairy Sector Council publish 2022–2027 plan

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:15:53 +0100

The Dairy sector plan 2022–2027 has been published by AHDB as part of their commitment to outline how the levy will be invested over the next five years. The decisions taken by the sector councils take into consideration the added financial pressures faced by the sector in the challenging economic climate currently being experienced.

In this episode of AHDB’s Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s John Bates chats to Lyndon Edwards, Dairy Sector Council Chair, and Tim Rycroft, AHDB Chief Executive Officer, about the results of the Shape the Future vote and the Dairy Sector Plan for 2022–2027.

They discuss how the outcome of the last few months enables AHDB to have a strong understanding of the demands made by farmers and processors. They also talk about how AHDB is going to continue building on the positive engagement that is now underway.

In the vote, you gave clear messages that your Dairy Sector Council has taken on board to direct the work of AHDB over the next five years.

This resulted in the three key themes of work below, which are detailed in this Dairy Sector Plan:

Promoting the sectors reputation at home and abroad (consumer advertising, consumer education, reputational defence, exports)
Data and Evidence to underpin Dairy’s reputation (centred on animal health and welfare, environment and genetics/genomics)
Practical support for farmers

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Shape the Future vote. This plan for the next five years is not the end of the conversation – rather the beginning.

Useful links
Watch the Delivering the Future of Farming event recording

Read the Dairy sector plan 2022–2027

Find out who is in your sector council

To receive regular updates, online and at events, register now to stay in touch

Contact the Dairy Engagement team

For all other enquiries, email us at: info@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Herrick, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

373: AHDB’s Beef & Lamb Sector Council publish 2022–2027 plan

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 12:27:31 +0100

It has been a turbulent few months for the Beef & Lamb sector, with inflation in prices for fuel, feed and fertiliser and a prolonged dry summer causing shortages of grass and forage. Supporting levy payers through these changing times remains a focus for the team at AHDB.

In this episode of AHDB’s Food & Farming podcast, our host John Bates chats to Beef & Lamb Sector Council Chair Colin Bateman and AHDB Chief Executive Officer Tim Rycroft about the results of the Shape the Future vote and the Beef & Lamb Sector Plan for 2022–2027.

They discuss how the outcome of the last few months enables AHDB to have a strong understanding of the demands made by farmers and processors. They also talk about how AHDB is going to continue building on the positive engagement that is now underway.

In the vote, you gave clear messages that your Beef & Lamb Sector Council has taken on board to direct the stream of work over the next five years. The council has refocused activities around three themes that support the overall reputation of the sector which are:

· Exports (market access, trade shows, international marketing)
· Marketing (We Eat Balanced, education)
· Insight & Evidence (market intelligence, animal health and welfare, environment, genetics)

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Shape the Future vote. This plan for the next five years is not the end of the conversation – rather the beginning.

Useful links
Watch the Delivering the Future of Farming event recording: youtu.be/fQAGdiDiMpU

Read the Beef & Lamb sector plan 2022–2027: https://ahdb.org.uk/sector-plans/beef-lamb

Find out who is in your sector council: https://ahdb.org.uk/beef-lamb-council

To receive regular updates, online and at events, register now to stay in touch, at: ahdb.org.uk/keeping-in-touch

Contact the Engagement team: https://ahdb.org.uk/beef-lamb-engagement-team

For all other enquiries, email us at: info@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Sarah Measom, Marcomms Manager (Beef & Lamb).

372: AHDB’s Cereals & Oilseeds Sector Council publish plans

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 11:42:08 +0100

The cereals & Oilseeds sector plan 2022–2027 has been published by AHDB as part of their commitment to outline how the levy will be invested over the next five years. The decisions taken by the sector councils take into consideration the added financial pressures faced by the sector in the challenging economic climate currently being experienced.

In this episode of AHDB’s Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s John Bates speaks to Stephen Briggs, Cereal & Oilseeds Sector Council Chair. Along with Tim Rycroft, AHDB Chief Executive Officer, about the results of the Shape the Future vote and the Cereal & Oilseeds Sector Plan for 2022–2027.

They examine the priorities for the Cereals & Oilseeds sector and how AHDB’s progress toward achieving these be reported to Levy Payers. They also discuss the spending plan for the next five years and the continued communication with Levy Payers.

Useful links

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Chloe Kimberley, Marcomms Executive (Cereals & Oilseeds).

371: AHDB’s Pork Sector Council publishes 2022–2027 plan

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:10:00 +0100

It’s been a brutal time for the pork sector, with the combination of Brexit and Covid creating a perfect storm, followed by hugely inflated costs of production resulting from the war in Ukraine. Supporting levy payers through these unprecedented times is more crucial than ever.

In this episode of AHDB’s Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s John Bates chats to Mike Sheldon, Pork Sector Council Chair, and Tim Rycroft, AHDB Chief Executive Officer, about the results of the Shape the Future vote and the Pork Sector Plan for 2022–2027.

They discuss how the outcome of the last few months enables AHDB to have a strong understanding of the demands made by farmers and processors. They also talk about how AHDB is going to continue building on the positive engagement that is now underway.

In the vote, you gave clear messages that your Pork Sector Council has taken on board to direct the work of AHDB over the next five years.

This resulted in the three key themes of work below, which are detailed in this Pork Sector Plan:

Marketing
Exports
Reputation

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Shape the Future vote. This plan for the next five years is not the end of the conversation – rather the beginning.

Useful links
Watch the Delivering the Future of Farming event recording: youtu.be/fQAGdiDiMpU

Read the Pork sector plan 2022–2027: ahdb.org.uk/sector-plans/pork

Find out who is in your sector council: ahdb.org.uk/pork-council

To receive regular updates, online and at events, register now to stay in touch, at: ahdb.org.uk/keeping-in-touch

Contact the Engagement team: ahdb.org.uk/pork-engagement-team

For all other enquiries, email us at: info@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

370: AHDB Dairy: Top tips for a silage waste walk

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0100

Take a waste walk around your silage clamps this winter and make sure that however much home-grown forage you have managed to make this year, it’s going to be fully utilised. You can lose half of a grass crop through the silage making process, and even maize crops are vulnerable – just through poor management at every stage from harvest to feeding out.

With maize now costing over £1,400/ha to grow and clamp – and first cut grass silage estimated at over £1,200/ha – it’s important to reduce any waste to boost milk from forage and profitability, particularly given current escalating costs.

But it is possible to cut losses to 20%. All it needs is a checklist, a critical eye and a will to act, borrowing a technique from manufacturing known as Lean management.

In this episode, Shirley Macmillan, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager, is joined by independent consultant and Lean practitioner Dr George Fisher to find out what’s involved in a silage waste walk and how to do it.

Useful links
Find out how Lean management can make your farm more efficient.

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Herrick, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

369: AHDB celebrate top quality meat from Britain at SIAL Paris

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

This episode of the Food & Farming podcast was recorded live from SIAL Paris, one of the largest and most respected food and drink trade fairs in the world bringing over 310,000 visitors from more than 200 countries together under the one roof. AHDB's Head of Media & PR Phil Maiden speaks to a range of different visitors at the event to find out how AHDB are delivering the best value for levy payers.

This year, AHDB had its largest ever presence at the trade fair playing a major role in the exhibition, showcasing quality meat from Britain alongside 11 red meat export companies, who were flying the flag for beef, lamb and pork from the UK. The dedicated space on the pavilion allowed levy paying exporters to meet international buyers and develop new opportunities in various international markets.

To find out more about AHDB's exports work, please visit ahdb.org.uk/exports

Useful links:
Quality meat from Britain video

AHDB host largest showcase at SIAL Paris 2022

Beef trade data

Sheep meat trade data

Pork trade data

367: It pays to value and manage your people well

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

A good team is worth its weight in gold and finding the right people, at the right time, with the right skills is vital for the success of your business. However, recruiting and managing people can feel like a daunting task.

In this episode of AHDB’s Food & Farming podcast, Kay Lane, AHDB's Agrileader Workforce Development Manager, chats to Kim Stafford, Director of U&I, and farmer Nicola Carr about people management. They discuss the challenge of recruitment and finding time to invest in your people, as well as how the farming sector has been upping its people management game over the last few years.

This week’s guests

Kim Stafford, Director of U&I
Kim has been working as a management coach, trainer and facilitator for 20 years. She specialises in service quality management, management development and coaching. Since completing her master’s degree in Total Quality Management, Kim has developed a distinctive approach that ensures any learning and development connects to business improvement. Kim’s clients get real results.

Nicola Carr, Bomber County Produce
Nicola manages the team and logistics at Lincolnshire Farm Services and Bomber County Produce. They supply leeks and asparagus to major supermarkets and grow wheat, barley, oilseed rape and sugar beet. Bomber County Produce takes pride in producing a product that is both grown and packed in Lincolnshire. Working hard to improve the local environment there is a wide variety of flora and fauna flourishing on the farm. It is certified through several accreditation schemes, including Tesco Nurture, the British Retail Consortium, Linking the Environment and Farming (LEAF), and Assured Produce (the Red Tractor Scheme).

Useful links
Are you building or managing a farm team? Find out everything you need to know about planning for, recruiting, managing and training a successful farming team on our website.

There’s tips, tools and templates across a range of topics, from writing a job advert, holding interviews and building staff handbooks, to delegating, motivating and coaching teams. There’s also advice about running reviews and signposts to find out what to do when things don’t go to plan.

Get to know the labour life cycle

Join our webinars this autumn
7:00pm on 26 October: Recruiting people and how to be an employer of choice
7:00pm on 2 November: Onboarding people and getting off to the right start
7:00pm on 9 November: Managing people and getting the best from your team
7:00pm on 16 November: Developing people and being a great coach
7:00pm on 23 November: Progressing people isn’t always a promotion

Find out more about our AgriLeader programme and all the other activities we have on offer.

Delivering the future of farming
In April and May 2022, thousands of levy payers had a say on what work we should do in Shape the Future. Now we are taking the next step in delivering our promise to put levy payers at the heart of everything we do.

Join our online event in November to see how we’ve put the issues that matter the most to you at the heart of our plans for each sector.
Find out more and register

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

368: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Managing and controlling liver fluke this autumn

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 11:29:38 +0100

In this podcast episode, Dr Bethan John Animal Health & Welfare Scientist at AHDB, speaks to Dr Philip Skuce from Moredun Research Institute in Scotland to talk about Liver fluke and why autumn is a key time for liver fluke control.

Philip has extensive expertise on the sustainable control of worms & fluke in livestock, and conducts research into anthelmintic resistance, parasite diagnostics, detection in the environment and vaccination studies. He sits on the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) Steering Group, with specific responsibility for liver fluke and anthelmintics and the environment working groups.

Further resources:

Liver fluke control in grazing livestock manual:
https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/liver-fluke-control-in-grazing-livestock

Liver fluke survival in silage project by Dr Bethan John:
https://ahdb.org.uk/liver-fluke-survival-in-silage-project

Managing Liver Fluke: https://ahdb.org.uk/liver-fluke

COWS: https://www.cattleparasites.org.uk/

SCOPS: https://www.scops.org.uk/

NADIS: https://nadis.org.uk/parasite-forecast/

366: AHDB Dairy: Successful dairy calf weaning

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

A successful weaning programme reduces stress, disease, and ensures dairy calves maintain target growth rates so they will enter your herd at the optimum time. And since adult cows will spend half their time ruminating, developing a calf’s rumen is critical if you want them to utilise energy for efficient production in later life.

In this episode, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Alan McFadzean is joined by dairy farmer Johnnie Sloan and vet Ali Haggarty to discuss the practical aspects of weaning calves and the practices we should be aiming for.

We are currently running a series of practical on-farm meetings across the country to help farmers improve calf weaning. Visit our website to find your nearest event.

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Herrick, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

365: Frankly speaking – a lot can happen in 12 months

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, our host John Bates speaks to AHDB’s CEO Tim Rycroft as he reaches his 12-month anniversary at the helm of the organisation. Tim reflects on the momentous challenges faced over the past year, both within the organisation and in the wider industry. This includes a discussion around the loss of the two sectors; potatoes and horticulture, which ultimately led to a reduction in income for AHDB and subsequently a reduction in head count.

Following the call earlier in the year for levy payers to have their say on the future of AHDB’s areas of work and priorities, the sector councils have taken the information and devised a strategy on how this will be delivered over the next five years. Tim speaks about what he hopes will come from the next 12 months in the role including an element of ‘business as usual’ as AHDB settles into a new era.

If you have any comments about this podcast, or would like to be a guest, please get in touch. You can email foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

Book your place on AHDB’s Delivering the Future of Farming event, Thursday 10 November 10:00am – 4:30pm. Attend in-person or watch online. Find out more https://ahdb.org.uk/events/delivering-the-future-of-farming

Find out more about AHDB’s Shape the Future work at https://ahdb.org.uk/shapethefuture

364: Pork: How the Pork Knowledge Exchange team support you and your business

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:59:00 +0100

Knowledge is power but the clever thing is to use that power wisely and to good effect. Knowledge Exchange is at the heart of what we do at AHDB, sharing knowledge, research and skills with levy payers.

Our pork knowledge exchange team consists of experienced and enthusiastic individuals located across England. They share best practice and facilitate discussions among levy payers. They run pig clubs, work on research projects, plan events and webinars, and so much more.

Joining host, John Bates, are the following members of the team: -
Zanita Markham, Projects & Engagement Relationship Manager
Andrew Palmer, Knowledge Exchange Relationship Manager (East)
Patrick Loten, Knowledge Exchange Manager (South)
Tony Bayles, Knowledge Exchange Relationship Manger (North)

Useful links
How does AHDB Pork support you and your business?
SmartPork
Getting to know Patrick Loten | AHDB
Getting to know Zanita Markham, Knowledge Transfer Pork | AHDB
Getting to know Tony Bayles | AHDB
Getting to know Andrew Palmer | AHDB
Meet the team – Pork | AHDB
Sign up to Pork Weekly eNewsletter
Sign up for the International Pig Club: Brazil

Get in touch if you have any questions or to find out more about anything discussed in this podcast:
Patrick Loten Patrick.Loten@ahdb.org.uk, @PatrickLoten / Twitter
Tony Bayles Tony.Bayles@ahdb.org.uk
Andrew Palmer Andrew.Palmer@ahdb.org.uk, @AMPSalisbury / Twitter
Zanita Markham Zanita.Markham@ahdb.org.uk

Your Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

363: AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds: Harvest Hot Topics - from East to West

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:42:25 +0100

In this episode, Hannah Bowden chats to two Monitor farmers who have just wrapped up harvest 2022 in different parts of the UK.

Dan Moore, arable manager at R&L Anthony in South Wales and Rob Waterston from the Welford estate partnership near Newbury, are today’s guests. They both discuss their successes and struggles of this year’s harvest, how the drought has impacted them and their plans for the growing season ahead. Hannah asks them what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for their farm businesses. One of the aims of this episode is to highlight the diversity between systems and how growers adapt to change.

Useful links

362: AHDB Beef & Lamb: How beef and lamb farmers have dealt with the dry summer of 2022

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, independent specialist Liz Genever speaks to three of our AHDB Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmers located in different parts of the country to ask them how the dry summer has affected their farm business. Focusing on how farmers have dealt with the dry summer we find out what decisions they made and what they would do differently given the chance. It’s all down to good management, tactical timing and a little bit of luck!

Chris Elkington farms with wife Louise along with running a catering company, Gelston Lamb in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Read more https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/chestnut-farm

Steve Lawson farms with his father, Alan, in Newcastle, Northumberland. Read more https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/south-farm

Adrian Coombe farms with his wife, Lyn and father Peter, in Callington, Cornwall. Read more https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/dupath-farm

Useful links:

For more information on managing dry weather, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/drought

For more information on rotational grazing, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/rotational-grazing-systems-for-cattle

361: Connecting school children with farming: AHDB's education initiatives

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0100

A healthy body, a healthy mind, many people live by that mantra.

To help the young understand the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, teachers are using the free, fact-based resources available on the Food – a fact of life website. A site backed by a partnership between AHDB and the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF).

As the new school year begins, we ask teachers Amy Bergiers and Michaela Ryan to share their stories about showing primary and secondary school pupils where their food comes from. Listen to them chat with host, John Bates, and AHDB’S Roz Reynolds, Head of Strategic Operations, Education and Nutrition.

Useful links

Get in touch if you have any questions or to find out more about anything discussed in this podcast:
Roz Reynolds, Head of Strategic Operations, Education and Nutrition, AHDB
Roz.Reynolds@ahdb.org.uk

Your Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was researched by Jenny Waddington and produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

360: AHDB driving British meat and dairy exports

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Exports is one of the activities levy payers rated highly when asked to comment on AHDB’s priorities.

In this episode of AHDB’s Food & Farming podcast, John Bates chats to members of our export team to find out what’s involved in getting red meat and dairy from Britain into homes, supermarkets and restaurants around the world and why levy payers support the work.

This week’s guests:
Phil Hadley, Director of International Market Development
E: phil.hadley@ahdb.org.uk

Lucy Randolph, Senior Exports Manager (Livestock)
E: lucy.randolph@ahdb.org.uk
Follow on Twitter: @Export_Foodie

Susan Stewart, Senior Export Manager (Livestock)
E: susan.stewart@ahdb.org.uk

Susana Morris, Senior Exports Manager (Americas)
E: susana.morris@ahdb.org.uk
Follow on Twitter: @SusanaMorris_

Our export team is focused on developing international markets for British exporters, actively engaging with key supply chains in numerous markets – attendance at global trade fairs is key.

By hosting British exporters on AHDB's pavilions, trade fairs provide an important platform for exporters to meet potential clients, develop existing relationships and showcase the best of British products to a global audience.

Find out more about our export activities

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

359: Does marketing ever stop? Not at AHDB

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, our host John Bates turns his attention to the marketing activity going on at AHDB. Our market development strategy is about helping your businesses thrive. We work to create a healthy market for your product by developing and maintaining domestic and overseas markets and helping you give the customer what they want and will enjoy.

Speakers:
- AHDB’s Senior Retail Insight Manager Kim Heath gives us an overview of how the cost-of-living crisis is changing consumer behaviour
- AHDB’s Head Of Marketing Carrie McDermid talks about some of the marketing activity going on right now and what to look forward to in the weeks ahead
- AHDB’s Food Communications Manager Denise Spencer-Walker inspires us with some easy sounding recipes which don’t break the bank as well as giving us some ideas for a special occasion meal

The We Eat Balanced campaign has successfully changed consumer perceptions and protected purchase intent. At a time when consumers were being subjected to more and more negative misinformation about food and farming from Britain, our We Eat Balanced campaign has been successful at communicating that meat and dairy can be part of a balanced and sustainable diet and succeeded in shifting consumer perceptions. Find out more https://ahdb.org.uk/WeEatBalanced

World Iron Awareness Week 2022 (22-28 August) - Breaking through misinformation and talking iron-clad facts. Dr Emily MacDonagh (Andre) has transformed into a real-life iron woman. The NHS doctor and mum of two, partnered with AHDB as part of its We Eat Balanced campaign, using World Iron Awareness Week to highlight the importance of enjoying a balanced diet. Find out more https://ahdb.org.uk/ironawarenessweek

Love Lamb Week (LLW) will run from 1-7 September 2022, to shine a light on the sustainability of UK sheep production, whilst also reminding consumers of the exceptional taste and quality that UK lamb brings to the dinner table. There's lots of ways you could help raise awareness of Love Lamb Week and champion the hard work of sheep farmers, who produce delicious lamb, while maintaining the country's unique landscape. Find out more https://ahdb.org.uk/lovelambweek

Love Pork is an inspirational marketing campaign brought to life through tasty recipes which showcase the versatility of Pork as a mid-week meal, a budget friendly meal and a great go-to for all occasions. Our upcoming promotion this autumn will focus on using pork to feed a family of four people for under £5! Find out more https://www.lovepork.co.uk/

Find a selection of beef or lamb recipes at https://www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/

Agri Market Outlook: Summer 2022 https://ahdb.org.uk/agri-market-outlook

358: AHDB Dairy: Speaking frankly with sector council member Mary Quicke

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0100

The combination of the post Brexit new world, recent dry weather and the wider environmental challenges, political uncertainty, food security, the rising cost of living, we’re all impacted in one way or another. Add ELMS and reducing subsidies into the mix and all make life just a little more complicated if you’re a farmer.

AHDB is not immune to pressures either with the recent Shape the Future vote prompting huge changes to ensure levy payers are closer and put at the heart of everything, as the organisation moves towards delivering the priorities set by the vote.

One early shift is the creation of sector councils to replace the previous sector boards. The intention is for the sector councils to give a greater voice to levy payers and help guide and steer everything AHDB does.

In this episode John Bates is joined by levy payer and dairy sector council member Mary Quicke, to tell us more about the dairy sector council, her role in it and her views on AHDB and the benefit levy payers can get from the work, paid for with levy money.

Find out more about the AHDB dairy sector council

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Herrick, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

357: Agri market outlook - arable

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:52:02 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, John Bates discusses AHDB’s latest Agri Market Outlook for the arable sector with guests Millie Askew, lead analyst for Cereals & Oilseeds and Olivia Bonser, an analyst in AHDB’s market specialist team.

Within this podcast, Millie will highlight the impact of the hot, dry weather on this year’s harvest, examining what cereal and oilseed rape production is looking like for this season, along with the demand for the coming season in the UK.

Also, Olivia will highlight how harvest is progressing across the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, the outlook for production globally and what are the watch points globally that may impact the UK market going forward.

Useful links

356: The role of CT scanning when making breeding decisions

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 14:34:36 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, our Signet Breeding Manager at AHDB, Samuel Boon, talks through the role of CT scanning when making breeding decisions, whilst Signet consultant Laura Eyles speaks to Kirsty McClean and John Gordon from SRUC to find out the how and the why.

Using Computed Tomography (CT) scanning is a great tool for identifying superior genetics within terminal sire flocks by measuring fat, muscle and bone in the live animal. This near perfect predictor of carcase composition can also be used to measure the muscling in different parts of the carcase, such as the rib, loin and gigot.

For many years, ultrasound scanning of lambs provided our only way of assessing the carcass attributes of live sheep. Whilst ultrasound scanning still provides the backbone of our service, levy-funded research and investment in late 1990s led to the introduction of world leading CT scanning technology, allowing us to take the assessment of elite ram lambs to a whole new level.

Additional information

Signet Breeding CT scanning information https://signetdata.com/technical/sheep-recording/computed-tomography/

SRUC CT scanning service https://www.sruc.ac.uk/research/research-facilities/beef-sheep-research-facility/beef-sheep-research-facilities/ct-scanning/

355: The impact of a UK-New Zealand free trade agreement pt2: the effect on UK agriculture and differences in New Zealand production systems

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0100

In this AHDB Food & Farming podcast episode, our resident podcast host John Bates speaks to AHDB’s Senior Market Analyst, Amandeep Kaur Purewal, to discuss whether the UK-New Zealand free trade agreement is likely to be a threat or an opportunity for UK producers and explains the likely impact on the UK supply chain. There has been intense scrutiny over the impacts this new trade deal will have on British farming, so we have partnered with Harper Adams University to model the impact of the trade deal and provide economic analysis.

Also joining John on this special edition podcast, is Frances Duignan - Senior Manager for International Trade at Beef and Lamb New Zealand, along with kiwi beef and sheep farmer Mal Poulton who farms in the North Island of New Zealand. They explain the opportunities the trade deal can present to different markets and tell us about how their production systems vary from the UK, including the pressures they are facing in the rising cost of production. They are well placed to share their views about the UK/New Zealand trade deal and provide a glimpse into the livestock farming methods in the southern hemisphere.

This podcast was produced by Sarah Measom.

Useful information:

UK-New Zealand free trade agreement pt1: UK Consumer perception of New Zealand red meat imports https://audioboom.com/posts/8118195-the-impact-of-the-new-zealand-trade-agreement-pt1-uk-consumer-perception-of-new-zealand-red-mea

The impact of a UK-New Zealand free trade agreement on UK agriculture: https://ahdb.org.uk/trade-and-policy/the-impact-of-a-uk-nz-free-trade-agreement-on-uk-agriculture

AHDB’s Trade and Policy webpage: https://ahdb.org.uk/trade-and-policy

Assessing the impact of the Sustainable Farming Incentive: https://ahdb.org.uk/assessing-the-impact-of-the-sustainable-farming-incentive-on-farm-businesses

Upcoming webinar: https://ahdb.org.uk/events/new-zealand-uk-free-trade-agreement

354: AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds: Digital Grain Passport

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0100

In this Food and Farming Podcast, John Bates examines the introduction of a Digital Grain Passport with guests George Mason from Heygates Flour Millers, Ed Ford from Dyson Farming, James Mills, a Yorkshire grower and NFU Combinable Crop Board member and Derek Carless, Head of Farm Economics at AHDB.

This podcast will examine where the idea for a digital grain passport came from and its benefits to the levy payers and others. As well as discussing the benefits and challenges expressed by the NFU Combinable Crop Board and reviewing the next steps with future projects coming up in September and October.

In addition, looking at the cost-benefit analysis work conducted to ensure it is valuable to the levy payers.

Useful links:
Time to go digital
Digital grain passport
The benefits of a digital grain passport

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Chloe Kimberley, Marcomms Executive (Cereals & Oilseeds).
Update Description

353: Agri market outlook – livestock

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0100

With food price inflation still on the rise, and persisting for longer in the UK than in Europe, margins will continue to be squeezed over the coming months.

In this episode, John Bates speaks to some of AHDB’s market specialists and analysts to find out what impact this will have on the beef, lamb, pork and dairy sectors, as they discuss the latest Agri market outlook for livestock.

Guests
Sarah Baker, Senior Strategic Insight Manager
Kim Heath, Senior Retail Insight Manager
Patty Clayton, Lead Analyst (Dairy)
Hannah Clarke, Senior Analyst (Red Meat)

Agri market outlook
AHDB’s latest Agri market outlook looks in detail at the issues and shifting consumer behaviours. It’s produced every six months and examines the factors that will affect farm businesses, helping levy payers plan and budget for what may lay ahead.

Key findings for the livestock sectors:
Beef

Beef production is expected to be up for 2022, bolstered by higher than anticipated cow throughput
Overall beef consumption is forecast to drop by a moderate 4% in 2022, as the recovery in foodservice demand slows and retail sales start to suffer as consumers switch to cheaper proteins
Beef imports are forecast to grow as foodservice demand remains in growth
Exports of beef are still forecast to increase, helped by higher domestic production and the tight supply situation facing the continent

Lamb

The 2022 lamb crop is forecast higher following growth in the breeding stock.
Total sheep meat production is expected to rebound from last year’s low levels, returning to 2020 levels.
A return to more normal trading patterns after two years of disruption led to an increase in the number of available lambs to kill, as we shift away from a pre-Brexit kill pattern
Demand is expected to remain extremely sluggish in the retail and foodservice sector on the back of changing preferences and rising prices

Pork

A contraction in the breeding herd is expected, leading to a 6% fall in UK pig meat production, strongly weighted towards the second half of 2022
UK demand is expected to weaken minimally as the year progresses, as pre-pandemic trends re-emerge along with wider increases in the cost-of-living
Export markets remain challenging with Chinese demand slowing. Although exports had been increasing, higher GB pig prices and declining production may constrain future volume growth
Imports are expected to grow in the second half of year as declines in demand are outweighed by declines in production

Dairy

GB milk production is forecast to finish the 2022/23 season between 1% and 3.8% lower year on year, depending on the severity of cash flow pressures
Input price volatility, uncertainties around milk prices and labour shortages will discourage most farms from pursuing yield growth
Milk prices are high but are only just keeping pace with rising production cost
China’s oversupply may limit import demand for the remainder of the year, affecting global product pricing
Low economic growth and food price inflation will weaken demand, potentially limiting further milk price increases

Useful links

352: Pork: The heightened risk of African swine fever (ASF)

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Most pig farmers are already aware of the biosecurity measures they need to take to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, such as ASF. So, what are the threats and what can we all do to keep ASF out of the UK?

ASF is well-established in parts of Europe, Russia and China, with a reservoir of infection in the wild boar population. The recent announcement of ASF in a pig dense area of Germany, close to the Netherlands border, shows that the risk through human-mediated spread is high. The focus now must be on ensuring ASF does not spread further.

In this episode of our Food and Farming podcast, hosted by Lauren Dimmack, Senior Animal Health & Welfare Scientist, we discuss biosecurity with guests Gemma Thwaites, President, Pig Veterinary Society; Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary, Livestock Auctioneers Association; Rebecca Veale, Senior Policy Adviser, National Pig Association (NPA) and Tony Bayles, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Relationship Manager, Pork (North).

Useful links

Get in touch if you have any concerns or to find out more about anything discussed in this podcast:

Lauren Dimmack

E: Lauren.Dimmack@ahdb.org.uk

M: 07580 972009

Tony Bayles

E: Tony.Bayles@ahdb.org.uk

M: 07391 016505

Your Feedback

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

351: AHDB Dairy: Developing a taste for British cheese in America

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0100

France used to lead the way with the many varieties of cheese they produced. But Britain has been playing catch up and some say they now offer more choice than any other country in the world. From classic cheddars to more unusual varieties, there’s no doubting that British cheese is some of the tastiest around.

In this episode Alistair McLaren is at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards in Stafford to chat with Paul Blake, AHDB’s North American Agent, and AHDB Export Manager Lucy Randolph to learn more about the opportunity to export cheese to the other side of the pond.

Find out more about our export work

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

350: AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds: Planting and Variety Survey

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 09:18:40 +0100

In this Food and Farming podcast Olivia Bonser, Analyst (Arable), will discuss the Planting and Variety Survey, released a few weeks ago, with guest speaker Anthony Speight, Senior Analyst (Arable).

This podcast will discuss the changes to the Planting and Variety Survey, including new data from Northern Ireland. Data collection has been difficult over the last few years due to the coronavirus, which has resulted in the postal survey changing to an online-only survey, creating further issues and solutions which will be discussed.

Furthermore, examining the weather impacts on the growers working their land and sowing the crops and looking at different regions in the UK.

Useful links:
For more information and insight, subscribe to Market Specialist - Arable weekly and daily outputs.

Access to the full planting and variety survey results can be found here.

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Chloe Kimberley, Marcomms Executive (Cereals & Oilseeds).

346: Maternal Matters: How early nutrition impacts replacement heifers

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0100

In this Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s Senior Knowledge Manager, Sarah Pick, talks to Professor David Kenny, Head of Animal and Bioscience at TEAGASC in Ireland about how early life nutrition impacts heifer reproductive development. Download today to find out about what studies Professor Kenny has been working on and what these results mean for breeding your own beef replacement heifers. This podcast is part of the AHDB Maternal Matters campaign.

Further information:

Breeding, selecting and managing replacement beef heifers

Feeding suckler cows and calves for Better Returns

Maternal Matters

349: The impact of the New Zealand trade agreement pt1 - UK Consumer perception of New Zealand red meat imports

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 11:29:15 +0100

In this Food and Farming podcast, John Bates discusses the New Zealand - UK lamb trade deals since the UK exited the European community with guests - Steven Evans, Senior Consumer Insight Manager and Sarah Baker, Senior Strategic Insight Manager.

Addressing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that is being negotiated with commonwealth member New Zealand. Some people see this as an opportunity; however, others are worried about the flood of imports and its impact of this.

Furthermore, discussing the influence of consumers’ behaviour towards the likeness of purchasing homegrown meat or imported from New Zealand.

Useful Links:
https://ahdb.org.uk/retail-and-consumer-insight
https://ahdb.org.uk/news/consumer-insight-uk-consumer-perception-of-new-zealand-red-meat-imports

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Chloe Kimberley, Marcomms Executive (Cereals & Oilseeds).

346: How RABI is supporting those in agriculture with their mental health

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Farming is an industry facing unprecedented change and upheaval. Mental health has emerged as one of the most significant issues facing the industry and the 160 years old Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution or R A B I as it’s known have conducted a detailed survey involving thousands of people to uncover information and trends not previously recognised concerning individuals’ mental health.

John Bates speaks to RABI Chief Executive Alicia Chivers about the findings of that survey and the steps the charity is taking to reach those needing support.

Hear RABI’s perspective on the current challenges affecting farming people, how these impact on peoples wellbeing, and how RABI is helping ease the burden.

Links

RABI helpline: 0800 188 4444

RABI website

Email: info@rabi.org.uk

348: Making sense of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:20:00 +0100

Are you interested in joining the Sustainable Farming Incentive but are unsure what would benefit your farm business?

In this episode of our Food and Farming podcast host, John Bates discusses the Sustainable farming Incentive with guests – Amandeep Kaur Purewal, Senior Market Intelligence Analyst, AHDB, John Calder, Land Manager in the Southwest of England and Janet Hughes, Director Future Farming and Countryside Programme (FFCP), Defra.

Applications for the wider SFI rollout open today, 30 June 2022 and our latest Horizon report already assessed the Sustainable Farming Incentive analysed on Farm business. Amandeep highlights the key messages from this report. John Calder discusses his experience with the SFI pilot scheme, and Janet Hughes, Defra gives details of SFI, challenges and ongoing improvements.

Useful links

Your Feedback

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

347: AHDB Dairy: Reducing lameness with anti-inflammatories

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Lameness is one of the most costly challenges facing British dairy farmers today, with each case amounting to around £330.

Affected animals produce less milk, take longer to get back in calf, and are more likely to be culled.

Addressing lameness incidences on your farm will not only help your bottom line but also make a big difference to animal welfare and staff morale.

In this episode, Knowledge Exchange Manager Alan McFadzean is joined by Dr James Wilson and herd manager David Bacon, to talk about the results from a recent AHDB funded study into whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can improve cure rates for claw horn lesions.

Find more information on lameness in dairy cows

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

345: Pork: The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway - what pig producers need to know.

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0100

In England, the government is rolling out Direct Payments and phasing in new policies under the Agricultural Transition Plan. One of these is the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (The Pathway), which launched the first of four steps in Spring 2022 to provide farmers in England with a fully funded vet visit. The Pathway will push forward and support the gradual and continual improvement in farm animal health and welfare.

According to Defra, The Pathway is a partnership between the government, farmers, vets, the wider industry, and the supply chain. In this pork-focused edition of AHDB’s Food and Farming podcast, we investigate this partnership.

Our guests Stewart Houston CBE, co-designer of The Pathway; Mandy Nevel, Veterinary surgeon and Head of Animal Health and Welfare, AHDB; and Lauren Dimmack, Senior Animal Health & Welfare Scientist, AHDB discuss with our host, John Bates, what led to the development of The Pathway, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and how pig producers can get involved.

Useful links

Farmers to access new funds through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway | AHDB

Animal Health and Welfare Pathway for pigs - YouTube

Animal Health and Welfare Pathway - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Introducing the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway - Future Farming (blog.gov.uk)

Feedback

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

344: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Using EID and collecting data

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0100

In this Food and Farming podcast, Knowledge Exchange Manager, Emma Steele, chats to Shropshire Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmer, Neil Brown, about his use of EID and using the information he collects to make management decisions, including weaning.

We are also joined by Matt Blyth from BLAS UK, who is supporting Neil in recording and utilising data on farm. Download the podcast today to discover more about the improvements Neil is making on farm and what he hopes to achieve from being part of the Strategic Farm network.

Useful links:

343: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Reducing inputs and understanding soil tests pt2

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:12:45 +0100

This Food & Farming podcast episode is the second part which follows the journey of Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmer Chris Elkington and independent consultant Dr Liz Genever as they look into reducing inputs (such as fertiliser) and understanding what soil tests are telling us with a view of formulating an action plan to run a trial on Chris’s farm.

Chris is a sheep farmer from Lincolnshire and Liz has been working as Chris’s consultant for the past two years as part of the AHDB Strategic Farm programme. The dry weather and low moisture levels have limited grass growth this spring and soil tests have highlighted low phosphate (P) levels and low potassium (K).

After speaking to Elizabeth Stockdale from NIAB in part one, this time Liz is joined by two more industry specialists.

John Morgan, nutrient management specialist, explains how to rectify P levels using inorganic fertiliser the traditional way. He discusses strategies to deal with the low P level and options available to Chris this season to deal with the establishment of his herbal leys. Soil pH is very important, and a low pH can really restrict the availability of macro nutrients.

Liz is also joined by guest speaker Ian Robertson from Sustainable Soil Management who talks through the results of a more detailed soil test done on Chris’s farm. Detailed soil tests help to understand why a soil performs the way it does by gaining a better understanding of the biology and physics of the soil. They also discuss options available to Chris for the next five years.

Additional resources:

Chris and Louise Elkington, Chestnut Farm https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/chestnut-farm

GREAT Soils https://ahdb.org.uk/GREATsoils

Soil structure https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/soil-structure

Soil health scorecard https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/testing-the-soil-health-scorecard

Soil assessment methods https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/greatsoils-soil-assessment-methods

Soil and forage testing companies https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/soil-and-forage-testing-companies

Farming rules for water: new guidance on manure applications https://ahdb.org.uk/news/farming-rules-for-water-new-guidance-on-manure-applications

342: How is the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme (PISP) developing the next generation?

Fri, 27 May 2022 06:00:00 +0100

In this pork-focused edition of AHDB’s Food and Farming podcast, we discuss the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme (PISP) and find out how it is helping placement students learn about the pig industry and how companies are benefiting from taking part.

Our guests Bob Dixon, National Sales Manager, ABN; Ian Hunt, Technical Director, Karro Foods; Sarah Reid, Harper Adams University Placement student, Karro Foods and Cara Moore, Harper Adams University Placement student, Red Tractor, share their experiences as sponsors and placement students with host Jen Waters, Head Knowledge Exchange Pork, AHDB. They highlight how the scholarship programme is an excellent route into a career in agriculture and discuss the roles available in the pig industry.

The Pig Industry Scholarship Programme was developed by AHDB, the NPA allied industry group (AIG) and Harper Adams University in 2012. It is managed by a steering group of industry and university representatives and chaired by the NPA’s AIG chairman, Hugh Crabtree.

The deadline for expressing an interest in becoming a sponsor for 2023 is 5 September 2022.

Get in touch with Charlotte Evans to find out more about anything discussed in this episode or visit our website for all the details:
E: charlotte.evans@ahdb.org.uk
T: 07775 884831

Useful links
Are you looking for new talent for your business? | AHDB
AHDB Pork – Pig Industry Scholarship Programme _Talent recruitment made easy

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

341: AHDB Dairy: Making the best silage for dry cows

Fri, 20 May 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Milking cows and dry cows have very different requirements from their diet. What might be high quality silage for one animal is another’s poison! As forage makes up the major part of a cow's ration it is vital that silages are made with the end use in mind, and targeted to the dietary requirements of the group.

Planning a silage strategy starts well before the mower comes out of the shed. Sward type, slurry and fertiliser applications, and timing of mowing are all vital in producing optimum silage quality that meets the requirements of the specific stock on your farm.

In this episode, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager David Ball is joined by Matt Jackson from Penllech Bach in Wales, part of our strategic dairy farm programme, and Dave Davies from Silage Solutions, to find out how the two have been working together to ensure Matt is optimising forage quality for his dry cows.

Find more tools and resources on silage
Follow Penllech Bach's strategic farm journey

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

340: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Selecting and breeding replacement heifers for the next generation

Wed, 18 May 2022 08:32:25 +0100

“The next generation has always been and will be better than the previous one. If it is not, then the world would not be moving forward” – Kapil Dev, former captain of the Indian National Cricket team.

This is a concept not limited to the world of cricket. Building on your herd foundations from generation to generation is key to the success of a livestock farming enterprise. The selection and breeding decisions you make each year will influence the next generation of your herd.

In this episode, AHDB’s Senior Beef Breeding and Genetics Manager Alex Brown speaks to suckler farmer Sam Awdry, and his farm vet James Ryder about breeding heifers, including selection of heifers based on farm recording and pre-breeding checks, and how he chooses the bulls to use on them. Sam previously ran a semi-flying herd with a mixture of homebred cattle and dairy-bred replacements but has been working hard to reduce their reliance on bought in stock, to avoid disease and increase efficiency.

This episode of the AHDB Food & Farming podcast is part of the Maternal Matters series, which focuses on producing heifers who are efficient, profitable, and fit for the future.

Useful links

Maternal Matters https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/maternal-matters

How to Body Condition Score your suckler herd https://youtu.be/bV4wfG3q8Ew

Bull manual https://ahdb.org.uk/Contents/Item/Display/22686

Garston Vets https://www.garstonvets.co.uk/farm/

339: What does it take to open new markets around the world?

Mon, 16 May 2022 05:30:00 +0100

Trade is crucial for the UK’s domestic and global prosperity. This means delivering an ambitious set of Free Trade Agreements and removing market access barriers.

In this episode of AHDB’s Food & Farming podcast, hosted by John Bates, AHDB’s Dr Phil Hadley and Karen Morgan from the Department for International Trade (DIT) explain what it takes to open new markets and how they go about strengthening alliances with like-minded trade partners around the globe.

Karen also talks about the importance of collaborative working and the value the department gets from the data and market analysis work done by AHDB on behalf of levy payers.

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

338: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Reducing inputs and understanding soil tests pt1

Mon, 09 May 2022 13:33:21 +0100

This Food & Farming podcast episode is part one of two episodes which follows the journey of Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmer Chris Elkington and independent consultant Dr Liz Genever as they look into reducing inputs (such as fertiliser) and understanding what soil tests are telling us. The condition of soil on livestock farms directly influences the yield and quality of grass and forage crops, as well as animal performance and profitability. Over the two episodes Liz will speak to three industry specialists in order to formulate an action plan to run a trial on Chris’s farm.

Liz is also joined on the podcast by Elizabeth Stockdale from NIAB. Elizabeth collected soil samples from Chris’s farm in 2020 as part of the production of the soil health scorecard; a resource which assists farmers to perform a basic level of soil assessment on their farm. It looks at soil structure, earth worm count and also supports sending a sample of soil away for further analysis. This will determine pH level, phosphate (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (MG) as mentioned in the Faming Rules for Water guidelines.

Additional resources:

Chris and Louise Elkington, Chestnut Farm https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/chestnut-farm

GREAT Soils https://ahdb.org.uk/GREATsoils

Soil structure https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/soil-structure

Soil health scorecard https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/testing-the-soil-health-scorecard

Soil assessment methods https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/greatsoils-soil-assessment-methods

Soil and forage testing companies https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/soil-and-forage-testing-companies

Farming rules for water: new guidance on manure applications https://ahdb.org.uk/news/farming-rules-for-water-new-guidance-on-manure-applications

337: Shape the Future - what are the next steps?

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Join this Food and Farming podcast with AHDB's Will Jackson and NFU President Minette Batters to find out more about the next steps for voting on AHDB's Shape the Future.

You’ll get to have your say on the challenges you want AHDB to focus on and the services we will deliver for you in the future. It’s your chance to influence how your levy is spent on the things that matter to you most. The sector councils have identified some key priorities they think are important to the industry and we want you to tell us how much you agree.

For more information visit Shape the Future

331: What motivates consumers around the world to buy British meat?

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0100

British food products remain relatively niche in export markets and more needs to be done to highlight the positive attributes of pork from the UK. These findings come from new research from our consumer insight team, which explored consumer buying behaviour across three continents to provide valuable insight into where British produce fits into these markets.

In this episode, John Bates speaks to guests Steve Evans, AHDB’s senior consumer insight manager, and Dr Phil Hadley, Director of International Market Development, about this research and the purchase drivers of shoppers in 17 different markets across Europe, North America and South East Asia.

Find out more

Get in touch
If you want to find out more about this research or any of our consumer insight or export activity, get in touch with one of the team.

Steven Evans, Senior Consumer Insight Manager: Steven.Evans@ahdb.org.uk
Phil Hadley, Director of International Market Development: Phil.Hadley@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was hosted by John Bates and produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

336: Celebrating beef produced in the UK

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0100

This special podcast celebrates all things beef and is in support of the 12th Great British Beef Week, which will take place this year from 23 April. Farmers, processors, supermarkets, butchers, farm shops, pubs and restaurants are uniting to celebrate the beef produced in the UK.

St Georges day begins a week of celebrations known as Great British Beef Week (GBBW). This podcast focuses on the great quality and the excellent environmental credentials of beef produced in the UK.

John Bates is joined on the podcast by Minette Batters, NFU president and co-founder of GBBW, and beef farmers David and Churi Barton who are united in their support for quality beef.

To join the fun or for more information visit www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk.

The podcast was produced by Gemma Pamment and hosted by John Bates.

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

335: Looking ahead and behind – Being the first AHDB Strategic Cereal Farm

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 08:57:00 +0100

As we embark on another year of output from our growing network of strategic farms, Jane Craigie takes some time to speak to Suffolk farmer, Brian Barker, the first ever AHDB strategic cereal farm. This episode discusses the journey and successes so far, creating that blueprint for future farms and what’s left to do.

334: The impact of the war in Ukraine on markets

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 08:49:00 +0100

In this AHDB Food and Farming podcast John Bates speaks to AHDB analyst Vikki Campbell as she has been looking closely at the

situation in Ukraine and what it means for markets expecting wheat and other food stuffs to be shipped.

The big picture here is the dependency of one part of the globe has on another.

Here at home, we see food security rising the political agenda as

fuel and energy prices climb, fertilizer rocketing in cost and

uncertainty about the grain which is ready to be exported to world markets from

Ukraine but in the present circumstances that now seems unlikely.

Also, crucially will Ukraine’s farmers have the opportunity to get next

season’s crops even sown.

This podcast was hosted by John Bates produced by Gemma Pamment.

Links:

333: AHDB Dairy: Managing soils for a sustainable future

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0100

With the UK Government’s plan to replace Single Farm Payments with new Sustainable Farming Incentives, the environment will become central to all farms over the next few years. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to make the environment a primary focus area within your business plan.

In this episode James Hague, Knowledge Exchange Manager for AHDB Dairy, is joined by Ruari Martin, Farm Director at Myerscough College in Lancashire, part of our strategic dairy farm programme. Ruari discusses how he’s working to improve his soil health to produce as much energy and protein as possible for feed, but also encourage carbon sequestration.

Learn more about improving your soil health
Follow Myerscough College's strategic farm journey

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

332: Pork: Effective management of feed on farm

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Pork: Effective management of feed on farm

Feed is not straightforward and accounts for a huge percentage of the costs of rearing livestock, of which farmers have little or no control.

In this pork-focused edition of AHDB’s Food and Farming podcast, Vikki Campbell, Senior Market Specialist Manager (Arable) AHDB, Carol Davis, Lead Analyst - Farm Economics AHDB, Dr Phil Baynes, Managing Director Baynes Nutrition Ltd., and Patrick Loten, Knowledge Exchange Manager (South and Central) Pork AHDB chat with host John Bates about effective ways to manage feed. They discuss facts on the impact of the war in Ukraine on feed, price volatility, practical ways to improve feed efficiency and on-farm storage and so much more.

Levy payers are at the heart of everything we do, so it’s only right that we give you a greater voice in how we spend your levy. Find out how your levy is invested and how it makes a difference to your business and the industry.

In April 2022, you’ll get to have your say on the challenges you want AHDB to focus on and the services we will deliver for you in the future. It’s your chance to influence how your levy is spent on the things that matter to you most.

Get in touch

Get in touch with Pat Loten to find out more about anything discussed in this episode:

E: Patrick.Loten@ahdb.org.uk

T: 07990441699

You can also follow Pat Loten on Twitter: @PatrickLoten

Links discussed in this Podcast

Knowledge library | AHDB

Feed price volatility in the pork sector | AHDB

Improving feed efficiency in pigs | AHDB

Alternative diets for pigs | AHDB

Pig production costs calculators | AHDB

Pig to feed wheat price ratio | AHDB

Nutrition guidance for pigs | AHDB

Feedback

This episode was produced and edited by Dami Oyinlola, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

330: A Leicestershire farmer's rotational grazing journey

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:23:53 +0100

In this AHDB Food and Farming podcast AHDB’s Emma Steele, Knowledge Exchange Manager, chats to beef and arable farmer, James Herrick who farms 450 acres in Leicestershire.

They have a discussion around James’ grazing story and how he went from a traditional stocked farm to rotational grazing. James gives honest advice on how he started his rotational grazing journey and the benefits of grazing your livestock in this way.

For more info on Grassland management:

Shape the future of farming

329: AHDB hosts USA trade mission

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:39:00 +0100

This AHDB Food and Farming podcast follows part of a visit that The British Embassy in Washington recently undertook, as part of a four-day agriculture trade mission to the UK. The delegation of US officials visited the UK, to understand more about UK food and farming in all its glory.

AHDB's John Bates tagged along for part of the programme when the delegation visited two livestock farms in Gloucestershire, and he got to ask our American friends some questions.

We also hear from beef farmer, David Barton and sheep farmer, Richard Gale, both in Gloucestershire. AHDB's Phil Hadley also summarises the benefits of trade missions with other countries and why it's important for AHDB to be facilitating discussions.

The purpose of the visit was to demonstrate UK food and drink sector, and our sectors, given our current access status for beef and pork (export value £11m and £24M respectively in 2021) and the new opportunity for lamb. While of course the UK wants to showcase our quality products, the US delegates are also here to meet with US/UK gov officials to explore opportunities for reciprocal trade, inc meat/poultry, and the delegates are from key Ag states, inc Colorado (lamb feeding capital and dense beef production/kill). The learnings will feed back into the ongoing discussions between UK/US on an future FTA, of which, ag will be a challenging subject area.

Shape the future of farming

328: Shape the Future Q&A with AHDB CEO Tim Rycroft

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode John Bates is joined by Tim Rycroft, AHDB’s chief executive, to answer some questions sent in by levy payers around Shape the Future. Tim also talks about his first six months in the job and how the next six months are shaping up.

Shape the future of farming

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

327: How AHDB and the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee work together

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 16:07:00 +0100

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee is the topic for this podcast.

As a levy payer the work of the EFRA committee is relevant and so too, is the liaison AHDB does on your behalf to inform discussions and decisions made by the committee. Select committees are an important part of examining the work of government. Put simply they check and report on areas of government departments such as spending, policies and administration. John Bates speaks to the chair of the EFRA committee MP, Neil Parish and to AHDB’s Sarah Baker both have got a tale to tell albeit from different sides of the table.

Shape the future of farming

The podcast was hosted by John Bates and produced by Gemma Pamment.

326: Pulling back the curtain on dairy markets

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0100

It feels like dairy farmers move from one challenge to another, with few periods of stability in between. Currently high input costs are challenging margins, and while milk prices have moved up to help offset them to a degree, periods of tight margins occur on a regular basis.

On top of that, the industry is being faced with increased scrutiny and pressure to justify its environmental credentials and about to embark on the biggest adjustment to agricultural policy in a generation.

So, with all this change happening around them, how can dairy farmers get a heads up on what changes are in the pipeline, and ultimately, prepare their businesses for the future?

In this episode, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager Steve West talks to Martin Wallis, forum member for the DCD producer organisation and a regional NFU representative, and Patty Clayton, Lead Dairy Analyst in our Market Intelligence team, to get their views on how having information can help famers deal with new and rising challenges.

Visit our dairy markets webpage
Sign up to Dairy Market Weekly

Shape the future of farming

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

325: The view from Scotland: Shape the future special

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 11:30:00 +0100

In our latest Food and Farming podcast, we headed to Scotland to chat about agricultural policy, climate, digital data, barley (and of course whisky!), costs of production, AHDB’s Monitor Farm and the legacy that followed. Grab a cuppa and join us in the grain shed.

Shape the future of farming

324: AgriLeader: What kind of leader are you?

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 06:30:00 +0100

Last year, we conducted a review of leadership and management in the UK farming sector, looking at best practice, traits, qualities, uptake, barriers and future needs. This review highlighted a shocking statistic that only 0.37% of farmers and their employees engage each year in any formal leadership and management training.

In this episode, AHDB’s Mark Campbell talks to two farmers about their experiences and thoughts on leadership and management, and their take on this review, which you can read in our Bridging the gap report.

Phil Halhead is a third-generation dairy farmer with a herd of 300 dairy cows. He is also the founder of Norbreck Genetics. Phil was the 2007 Farmers Weekly Young Farmer of the Year and has travelled extensively through his career. His contributions to agriculture resulted in Phil receiving a Fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Societies (FRAgS) and the Freedom of the City of London in 2012. Phil has a passion for ongoing development, especially around leadership and empowering his team.

Phil Nash is a fourth-generation dairy farmer from West Sussex who farms in partnership with his brother Jonny. The farm is a mixed operation comprising of a beef cattle, arable and grassland, however, the predominate enterprise is an all-year-round herd of 270 Holstein Friesian dairy cows, producing milk for a major retailer. Phil is at the start of his journey to upskill and develop both his own and his team’s leadership and management skills.

The six areas where leadership and management efforts should be focused are:

1. Support for leadership

2. Detail consciousness

3. Decision making

4. Strategic vision/clarity

5. Growth mindset

6. Entrepreneurial and profit focused mindset

Listen to the first part of this podcast in which the team talk through the findings from the Bridging the Gap report.

Book reference: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey

Find out more about our AgriLeader programme: ahdb.org.uk/agrileader

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about AgriLeader or to talk through the options for developing your leadership and management traits, get in touch with one of the team.

Izak Van Heerden: izak.vanheerden@ahdb.org.uk

Mark Campbell: mark.campbell@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

323: Lambing, colostrum management and watery mouth

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:59:20 +0100

In this podcast Bryony Ennis talks to specialist sheep vet Fiona Lovatt and farmer Clare Wise to get a practical take on best practice advice at lambing time to prevent watery mouth, with their top tips for managing ewes and lambs to prevent disease. They discuss nutrition, body condition and the importance of colostrum.

Speakers:

Clare Wise is a 5th generation beef, sheep and arable farmer from lowland County Durham. Winner of Northern Sheep Farmer of the Year 2018, Clare has a particular interest in sheep health and welfare, especially reducing the use of anthelmintics and antibiotics on farm. A strong advocate for British farmers and promoting British Farming, Clare is an actively involved in ‘Facetime a Farmer’, connecting schools and farms together, YAS Countryside days and NFU Education.

Fiona Lovatt is a RCVS recognised Specialist in Sheep Health and Production and is the clinical lead for the RCVS Knowledge initiative Farm Vet Champions. Fiona runs Flock Health Ltd, a sheep veterinary consultancy business that works collaboratively with vets, farmers, processors, retailers and pharmaceutical companies, primarily in the UK but also further afield. As founder of the Flock Health Club concept, Fiona is passionate about enthusing farm vets to actively engage with sheep farmers through principles that embrace best practice preventative measures and responsible medicine use. Fiona is a past president of the Sheep Veterinary Society, currently chairs the UK Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group and is a member of the RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicine in Agriculture) Target Task Force.

Resources

322: AHDB Pork: Inspiring consumers to put pork in their trolleys

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 06:30:00 +0100

In this pork-focused edition of AHDB’s Food and Farming podcast, AHDB’s John Bates chats with pig farmers Rob Mutimer and Fergus Howie, and AHDB Senior Marketing Manager Nicola Dodd. They discuss our Mix up Midweek with Pork marketing campaign, as well as our We Eat Balanced campaign, which are both targeting consumers during January and February.

Since 2017, we have been changing the perceptions of pork by positioning it as a tasty, healthy, quick and easy dish to cook during the busy week. Independent evaluation of the January 2021 pork marketing campaign shows it reached more than 85% of UK households, with consumers’ desire to buy pork at its highest level in three years.

Now in its fifth year, we are promoting the health and taste credentials of pork at the start of the year – a time that is associated with consumers trying a healthier diet and new lifestyle changes.

Find out more about the Mix up Midweek activity and how you can get involved

Find out more about the We Eat Balanced campaign

Shape the future of farming

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

321: Agri-Market Outlook (Livestock) Jan 2022

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 11:45:00 +0100

This podcast introduces AHDB’s analysis of the prospects for the UK’s farming industry over the coming months. Covering beef, lamb, pork, dairy, cereals, oilseeds .

The farming world has had a lot to contend with in the last couple of years, the consequences of Brexit, the pandemic, the weather, changes to subsidy payments and a whole lot more.

It would be easy for busy levy payers to find it difficult keep up. For Livestock farmers this Agri Market outlook podcast will help give some understanding of what the future holds to assist with business planning for the next 12 months.

AHDB’s Agri-Market Outlook, produced every six months, is intended to highlight the various elements that will shape farming’s fortunes, along with preparing and budgeting for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

It features detailed market outlooks for each levy-paying sector – beef & lamb, cereals & oilseeds, dairy and pork – alongside sector-by-sector insight into retail and consumer demand.

As a Livestock levy payer in the next 20 minutes or so you will hear about what’s happening to market dynamics and get some insight into the prospects for your sector.

Beef market outlook

Lamb market outlook

Dairy market outlook

Pork market outlook

Visit the Agri Outlook webpage see all the sector market reports.

Shape the future of farming

321: Agri-Market Outlook (Arable) Jan 2022

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 11:30:00 +0100

This AHDB Food and Farming podcast introduces AHDB’s analysis of the prospects for the UK’s farming industry over the coming months, covering cereals and oilseeds.

The farming world has had a lot to contend with in the last couple of years, the consequences of Brexit, the pandemic, the weather, changes to subsidy payments and a whole lot more. It would be easy for busy levy payers to find it difficult keep up. For Cereals & Oilseeds farmers this Agri Market outlook podcast will help give some understanding of what the future holds to assist with business planning for the next 12 months.

AHDB’s Agri-Market Outlook, produced every six months, is intended to highlight the various elements that will shape farming’s fortunes, along with preparing and budgeting for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

It features detailed market outlooks for each levy-paying sector
– beef & lamb, cereals & oilseeds, dairy and pork – alongside sector-by-sector insight into retail and consumer demand.

As Cereals and Oilseeds levy payer in the next 20 minutes or so you will hear about what’s happening to market dynamics and get some insight into the prospects for your sector.

Cereals market outlook

Oilseeds market outlook

Visit the Agri Outlook webpage to see all the sector reports.

Shape the future of farming

320: Farming efficiently without costing the earth podcast

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:30:00 +0100

Much has been written and said about landowners and farmers adopting new approaches to land management and being incentivised by Government to produce food in a sustainable way. It is in everyone’s interest to farm efficiently without costing the earth. In common with other aspects of life there is a balance to be struck

as the nation needs feeding and demand is ever growing, as the population

increases but is there a conflict between two sides or are we in fact

being drawn closer together?

John Bates welcomes to the podcast two guests who have a passion for looking after all that surrounds us and both are very much at the heart of the thinking to drive change on farm, in a sensible and practical way.

Baroness Natalie Bennett was Leader of the Green Party from 2012 to 2016

and introduced as a peer into the House of Lords in the October 2019.

You will be interested to hear how Natalie believes there is a lot to be gained from

balancing policy with productivity. Dr Jon Foot is head of environment at AHDB and works with levy payers giving independent advice to them understand their carbon footprint and what impact this has on the land and in their accounts. He is also, Specialist in air quality, climate change, ecosystems, and management systems. Along with expertise in environmental regulation, developing policy, Statutory Conservation agencies and the energy industry. He is Chair for their Climate Change and Energy Network.

Measuring carbon tools

Shape the future of farming

319: Shape the future: A Monitor Farm Special

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 16:37:00 +0100

Hear from three AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds Monitor Farmers – Richard Orr (Downpatrick), Roger Wilson (Malmesbury) and Colin Chappell (Brigg) as they discuss their respective journeys and share their views on the future of AHDB.

Could you be a Monitor Farmer? How important are the meetings? What are the benefits of working with AHDB? These questions and so much more are laid bare during this Monitor Farm special episode.

318: AHDB Dairy: Maximising forage quality to minimise feed costs

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0100

There have recently been many announcements of milk price increases, however we have also seen fuel increase by 54%, fertiliser increase by a whopping 238% and feed increase by 12.5%. Margins and cash flows are tight, even with the milk prices responding.

In this episode Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager Steve West talks to Roy Eastlake, retired nutritional consultant who formerly worked with Lallemand, to find out how farmers can help improve their feed efficiency by focussing on the 4 S's: silage, soil, slurry and sheds.

Resources discussed in this podcast:

Shape the future of farming

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

317: Behind the scenes of our We Eat Balanced TV advert

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0100

Levy payers tell AHDB one of the things they value most is the marketing and advertising activity we do. A key component of the proactive work is AHDB’s hugely successful We Eat Balanced advertising campaign which returned to national TV screens from 4 January 2022.

In this episode, John Bates goes behind the scenes of the AHDB marketing department to hear how the £3m campaign aims to highlight the role meat and dairy from the UK plays in a balanced and sustainable diet. AHDB’s Nicola Dodd and Peter Park from ad agency Ogilvy tell the story from concept to on screen delivery.

You can watch the full TV advert here.

How to get involved
AHDB works with farmers from across the country to make them central to the social campaign and share their personal stories of how they work to make meat and dairy some of the most sustainable in the world.

The easiest way to get involved by supporting and sharing the campaign is to follow AHDB’s social channels and ‘like’ and share the content.

Twitter: @TheAHDB

Facebook: AHDB

Instagram: @WeEatBalanced

Facebook: We Eat Balanced

Shape the future of farming

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

316: AHDB Beef & Lamb: The importance of building good relationships when purchasing breeding stock

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 10:08:18 +0100

Do you get the most out of your breeder when buying in new stock? If you’re selling, do you know what your buyer really wants? Whether you are struggling to find the right stock to fit your system or worried about bringing in health problems to your herd, building a strong and trustworthy relationship between breeder and buyer is priceless.

In this podcast, AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange Manager Emma Steele speaks to suckler farmer and AHDB Strategic Farmer Mark Jelley, and Stabiliser breeder Tim Phipps. Mark started buying bulls and replacement heifers from Tim a few years ago after meeting at a local discussion group where it became clear their businesses shared a lot of similarities.

Mark and Tim have developed a successful business relationship that is based on honesty and trust which both parties value. Two-way communication between breeder and buyer allows both businesses to benefit and they share their experiences and top tips on how to make it work – for both breeder and buyer. They also share their thoughts on how communication can be improved if purchases are made via a livestock market.

This podcast is part of the AHDB Maternal Matters series which focuses on producing heifers who are efficient, profitable and fit for the future.

Useful links:

www.ahdb.org.uk/maternal-matters

https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Beef%20&%20Lamb/ChoosingBullsBR_201109_WEB.pdf

315: New sector chair stands up for dairy farmers

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode of AHDB’s Food and Farming podcast, John Bates talks to Lyndon Edwards, dairy farmer and new chair of the AHDB Dairy sector council, to find out more about his background, his experiences so far and his aspirations upon joining the AHDB board.

Lyndon Edwards was appointed as Dairy sector chair and began his three-year term in September. Lyndon is an experienced organic dairy, beef and arable farmer with more than 40 years’ experience in the agricultural industry.

Shape the future of farming

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

314: AHDB Beef & Lamb: What do farmers get for their levy?

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0100

This is the third in the series of podcasts that looks at how your levy is spent and also gives advice around how to register for the Shape the Future vote in the spring.

Host, John Bates, chats to two sheep farmers; Matt Harding and Chris McWhirter, about how they have worked with AHDB in the past and what they hope the organisation can do more of

You can find out more about the vote and register here

There is more information on how the AHDB Beef & Lamb levy is invested here

If you have any comments about this podcast or ideas for future episodes you can email foodandfarming@ahdb,org.uk

This podcast was hosted by John Bates and podcast producer Gemma Pamment

313: AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds: Have your say on how we invest the levy

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In April 2022, levy-paying businesses have an excellent opportunity to voice how we should invest AHDB income to help shape the future of farming.

This podcast features views on levy-fund investment – covering the positives and the negatives. Rutland farmer and AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Sector Chair, Sarah Bell, explains how (after registering online) levy payers can express opinion on the products, tools and services AHDB delivers to industry. Independent agronomist, Patrick Stephenson, discusses how AHDB’s information helps him deliver advice to his North Yorkshire clients. Finally, Lincolnshire monitor farmer, Colin Chappell, outlines the financial costs and benefits to his business associated with the levy – including how he feels that knowledge exchange should be at AHDB’s heart.

Please listen in and encourage levy payers to get involved – the stronger the voice, the better the outcome for industry. To find out more about the process, visit: ahdb.org.uk/shape-the-future

311: Pork: Farmer or entrepreneur?

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:55:00 +0100

In this pork-focused edition of AHDB’s Food and Farming podcast, Andrew Palmer, a pork knowledge exchange manager in the East of England, chats with farmer David Childerhouse.

They discuss some of the activities and groups David has been involved with over the last few years, which have helped him develop as a farmer and business owner. From the Professional Manager Development Scheme to AHDB’s Mastermind group and Lean management activity, David has built a network of contacts over the last decade who he trusts and can discuss business dilemmas with.

Shape the future of farming

Get in touch

Get in touch with Andrew Palmer to find out more about anything discussed in this episode:

E: andrew.palmer@ahdb.org.uk

T: 07976 443454

You can also follow Andrew on Twitter: @AMPSalisbury

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

312: Free advice and support for farmers

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 13:47:00 +0100

AHDB’s free Farm Business Review service, funded by the Defra Future Farming Resilience Fund, is designed to help those most affected by the move away from direct payments prepare for the biggest agricultural policy shift in a generation. You can: access tools and resources, tailored to you, keep a record of how your business is performing, connect with a consultant for free advice and support.

Podcast host John Bates speaks to Savills, Adrian Mathews, Sam Dale from GSC Grays and AHDB’s Derek Carless about the free support available, how easy it is to access and what levy payers have gained from taking part in a Farm Business Review.

Website: www.ahdb.org.uk/farm-business-review

Phone: 02475 189300

Email: farmbusinessreview@ahdb.org.uk

The podcast was hosted by John Bates and produced by Gemma Pamment.

310: Integrated pest management (IPM) in UK cropping systems

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0100

Integrated pest management (IPM) is moving up the farming and political agendas. At the AHDB Agronomists’ Conference 2021, Neil Paveley (ADAS) and Phil Jarvis (Voluntary Initiative chairperson and farmer) took part in an evidence-based discussion. Hear how further adoption of IPM requires economic barriers to be addressed (such as through the Environmental Land Management scheme) and approaches made less risky (compared to chemical alternatives). Learn how a combination of economic incentives and improved knowledge will help farmers strike a balance between the production of food and the stewardship of land.

For more information visit AHDB's IPM page

309: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Using AI and sexed semen to breed superior replacements

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 10:46:09 +0100

This Food & Farming podcast episode is part of the Maternal Matters campaign being led by AHDB promoting the production of heifers that are efficient, profitable and fit for the future.

Our Knowledge Exchange Manager Amy Hughes speaks to suckler producer Pete Burbage who farms alongside his brother Richard in Northamptonshire. Pete talks about breeding technologies in the suckler herd and how using synchronisation, AI and sexed semen has benefited his farm business. Pete has been able to tighten the calving period to nine weeks and the new technologies have improved the maternal traits being bred into the herd. It can be an expensive investment, however, Pete and Richard have seen a significant return on investment and believe they are better off than they would be having a bull on farm and paying to manage it all through the year.

Pete calves his heifers at two-years old and puts a lot of emphasis on the importance of good management and good nutrition for the heifers when trying to get them in second calf. He says: “Calving at two-years-old is reliant on good nutrition to establish the right growth weights. Use quality forage and quality grass and weigh regularly to make sure they are on the right track. At the end of the day, they are trying to grow themselves, get in calf and feed a calf, which is achievable but need to manage accordingly.”

Find out more about Pete and Richard Burbage: http://www.prburbage.co.uk/contact-us/

Find out more about AHDB’s Maternal Matters campaign: https://ahdb.org.uk/maternal-matters

Thank you for listening.

308: Strategic Cereal Farm Results Week

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:30:00 +0100

In this episode, our very own Harry Henderson talks to our three Strategic Cereals Farmers (all conveniently named David) through some of the key findings from their respective on-farm trials and share how others can consider and adapt their own practice.

307: AHDB Beef & Lamb: What should I look at when recording data for my flock?

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 08:30:00 +0100

In this AHDB Food & Farming podcast, Katie Thorley, AHDB senior knowledge transfer manager, talks to Kate Phillips, independent sheep consultant, on the importance of recording data for your flock. They discuss looking at data that includes recording body weight, body condition, scanning percentage, lambing losses and winter forage, that will ultimately help to improve your system.

For further information:

· Sheep records for Better Returns

· Recording your sheep

· Challenge Sheep Project

· Feeding the ewe

· Reducing lamb losses for Better Returns

· Managing ewes for Better Returns

· Sampling big bale silage with Dave Davies

· Using EID to drive farm performance

306: Outwintering dairy and beef cattle: can it work for you?

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Outwintering has been a popular approach over the last few years to reduce housing and feed costs, particularly for cattle, but is outwintering falling out of fashion?

In this episode Bryony Ennis, Animal Health and Welfare Scientist, is joined by dairy farmer Adam Boley and beef farmer Johnny Haimes to share their experiences with outwintering cattle and discuss the following areas:

Is outwintering falling out of fashion?
Benefits and challenges of outwintering cattle
Management of outwintering, including infrastructure, feed planning, and environmental considerations
Impact of really wet weather
Influence of outwintering on labour/ staff

We will also hear from Siwan Howatson, Senior Environment Scientist, about the environmental considerations for those thinking about outwintering and how to manage outwintering to protect watercourses and manage soils.

About the speakers

Adam Boley is a dairy farmer from Herefordshire with a 600 cow spring calving dairy herd. He has outwintered his cows for the last 12 years, but last year built a shed to house cows instead. All cows used to be outwintered but he now only outwinters around 150 cows.
Johnny Haimes is an AHDB Beef & Lamb strategic farmer from Devon. He has moved from suckler cows to rearing dairy calves and outwinters them all on grass and herbal leys. Find out more about Johnny.

Learn more about outwintering cattle.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

304: AgriLeader: Leadership and management for all

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0100

“Leadership and management are for all – you don’t need a title to be a leader”, Izak Van Heerden Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager.

Earlier this year, we conducted a review of leadership and management in the UK farming sector, looking at best practice, traits, qualities, uptake, barriers and future needs. This review highlighted a shocking statistic that only 0.37% of farmers and their employees engage each year in any formal leadership and management training.

In this episode, our AgriLeader team talk through some of the key findings from the review and explain how the it will influence our activity over the coming months.

Read the full review here.

What is AgriLeader?

The AgriLeader programme provides a platform where like-minded farmers and growers can meet, exchange ideas and learn from consultants. The programme focuses on leadership, growth and resilience across three key areas:

Leading yourself – developing a growth mindset and becoming more resilient

Leading your team – inspiring your team to have a shared vision and purpose

Leading your business – creating opportunities and questioning assumptions

Find out more about our AgriLeader programme: ahdb.org.uk/agrileader

How can you get involved?

Join our AgriLeader Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239897437413608

Find business and leadership courses for farmers and growers: ahdb.org.uk/business-leadership-courses-for-farmers-and-growers

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about AgriLeader or talk through the options for developing your leadership and management traits, get in touch with one of the team.

Izak Van Heerden: izak.vanheerden@ahdb.org.uk

Mark Campbell: mark.campbell@ahdb.org.uk

Amie Burke: amie.burke@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

305: The rise of the middle-class in understanding our exports markets

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 08:52:04 +0100

In this Food and Farming podcast John Bates speaks to AHDB’s Dr Phil Hadley and David Swales about why opening up export markets
is a crucial strand of work by AHDB and why levy payers ought to be concerned when news breaks, as it has recently, about China banning British beef.

For more information on the work AHDB exports does visit the AHDB exports page

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis or or you can email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk

This podcast was hosted by John Bates has been produced by Gemma Pamment and Sarah Measom.

303: AHDB Beef & Lamb: How calving heifers at two years old can help to boost profits in the suckler herd

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0100

The AHDB Maternal Matters campaign aims to highlight the connection between maternal performance and profitability in the suckler herd. The campaign focuses on two key areas of maternal performance: age at first calving and fertility.

In this podcast suckler farmer James Shouler explains to AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange Manager Amy Hughes why he calves his heifers at two and what changes he made to be able to do it.

Calving heifers at two-years of age reduces costs whilst increasing the number of calves the cow produces over her lifetime. In the UK only 35% of suckler producers implement this practice, however, in other countries it has been commonplace since the 1970s.

The aim of AHDB’s new Maternal Matters campaign is to raise awareness and increase the use of good maternal genetics within the English suckler herd whilst also informing producers of the management and selection practices required to enable greater cow lifetime reproductive performance and profitability. With the changes in agricultural payments around the corner, there has never been a more poignant time for suckler herd producers to home in on how they can make their herd more efficient and more profitable. Find out more at https://ahdb.org.uk/maternal-matters .

302: Grain marketing with Ed Usset

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In this AHDB Food and Farming podcast we talk with Ed Usset, a Grain Marketing Economist at the University of Minnesota, about all things grain marketing. Looking at what constitutes a “good price”, letting go of sales, and the five key mistakes made in grain marketing.

Please note the podcast was recorded online, so the recording may have some echo.

Further content from the Grain Market Outlook conference 2021 is available on the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds markets page.

Links:

https://ahdb.org.uk/price-risk-management-tools

https://ahdb.org.uk/farmbench

https://www.cffm.umn.edu/grain-marketing-plans/

301: Future Farming Resilience Fund

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 14:54:00 +0100

In this podcast AHDB’s Derek Carless and Peter Shallcross a dairy and arable farmer in the South of Wiltshire speak to John Bates about how levy payers can access free support to help decision making in connection with the ending of the basic payment scheme in 2027. The rundown of payments starts its run down from December and farmers need to manage the transition the best they can.

AHDB’s job is to help levy payers navigate complicated issues and present evidence and facts for farmers and growers to consider and adopt, for their individual circumstances and their business needs. The Government has embarked upon an enormous reform of farm payments and the demise of BPS is referred to as the biggest agricultural policy shift since the end of the second world war.

Help is available, paid for by the Defra Future Farming Resilience Fund. Take a listen to find out how you can benefit.

Website: www.ahdb.org.uk/farm-business-review

Phone: 02475 189300

Email: farmbusinessreview@ahdb.org.uk

The podcast was hosted by John Bates and produced by Gemma Pamment.

300: Tim Rycroft AHDB's chief executive talks frankly

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 11:31:00 +0100

AHDB chief executive Tim Rycroft speaks frankly to John Bates about his first few weeks in the job, meetings with levy payers, the changes in progress for the organisation and the spring 2022 vote.

Tim speaks about the conversations he has had with levy payers in his first few weeks and how welcome the pledge for AHDB to be leaner and more efficiently run will enable farming success. In future AHDB’s activities will focus on products, tools and services which levy payers will have rated as important and worthy of levy investment. Spring 2022 is the first opportunity for levy payers to vote to shape the future of the organisation.

If you would like to contact AHDB about the future of the organisation please email: shapethefuture@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

This episode was hosted by John Bates, AHDB, and produced and edited by Gemma Pamment, Marcomms Executive (Beef & Lamb).

299: Successful grazing strategies for dairy youngstock

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0100

On 27 July 2021, AHDB hosted an on-farm event at Ninezergh Farm to find out how Adrian Bland is hoping to meet growth rate targets for his 180 head of youngstock, using a rotational grazing system.

In this episode, Knowledge Exchange Manager James Hague is joined by Adrian to follow up from the meeting and find out what his plans are going forward. He will also speak to James Daniel from Precision Grazing, who is helping Adrian to have a greater control over grass production, enhance the quality of the grass grazed, improve animal performance per hectare and potentially extend the grazing period.

Find out more about Ninezergh Farm.

Learn how to make the most of grass on your farm.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

298: What might affect future GB milk production?

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Milk production is a fundamental driver of market dynamics in Great Britain. Twice a year, AHDB hold a milk forecasting forum, where representatives from across the industry meet to debate, analyse and discuss the key factors influencing production. The AHDB Milk Forecasting Forum (MFF) met on the 1 September to discuss the factors impacting on future GB milk production

In this episode Kate Smith is joined by Chris Gooderham, Head of Market Specialists, and Kat Jack, Senior Analyst, to discuss why the milk forecasting forum is important and what were the key outcomes of the recent meeting.

View the milk forecasting forum page.

Keep up to date with the latest industry data, analysis and insights from the dairy sector.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

297: AHDB Pork: Mexico open for pork from the UK

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:26:25 +0100

With news this week that Mexico has officially opened its doors for British pork for the first time, our Food & Farming Podcast takes a look at what this means for the pork sector and for British exporters who can now tap into this brand new market.

In this episode AHDB’s John Bates speaks to Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB’s International Market Development Director, AHDB’s Strategic Insight Manager Tom Forshaw and Ana Fernanda from DIT Mexico.

Mexico market opens its doors for imports of British pork
Market access to Mexico – the work behind the scenes

This podcast was hosted by John Bates and edited by Josh Borthwick.

296: Farming and the environment - a look at AHDB's upcoming consumer marketing campaigns

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 11:01:39 +0100

AHDB’s We Eat Balanced and Love Lamb Week marketing campaigns are on the horizon.

Running from 1- 7 September, this year’s Love Lamb Week will remind shoppers about how good lamb tastes and provides insight on the sustainability of UK sheep production and the role sheep farming plays in maintaining our landscape and beautiful countryside.

Later in September the We Eat balanced campaign which was first aired in January this year gets a second burst of activity and is designed to remind and reassure people about the positive role red meat and dairy from Britain can play in a balanced diet as well as reduce food miles.

In this Food and Farming podcast John Bates speaks to Liam Byrne, Head of Consumer Marketing at AHDB, Rebecca Miah, AHDB Beef & Lamb Strategy Director and Adrian Coombe, Sheep farmer from Cornwall about the importance of these marketing campaigns and what they mean for farmers.

Links

Find out more about Love Lamb Week and download social media infographics to share on your channels
Find out more about the We Eat balanced campaign
Find out if your business is fit for the future with AHDB's Resilience Fund

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

This podcast was hosted by John Bates and edited and produced by Gemma Pamment.

295: Are you making the most of your data?

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0100

This week’s guests
Phil Bicknell, Market Intelligence Director
Ben Williams, Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager (Pork)
Carol Davis, Lead Analyst - Farm Economics
Bethan Wilkins, Senior Analyst (Red Meat)
Jennifer Newman, Animal Health and Welfare Scientist (Data)

In this episode, we look at some of the business tools and services offered by AHDB to support you and help you make the most of your circumstances.

Our guests focus on the characteristics of top performing farms and take a closer look at four key performance indicators (KPIs): financial performance, productivity, yield and survivability.

The episode has a Pork bias, but much of the content and resources discussed are applicable across the farming sector.

Useful links
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): making use of production data
Farm Business Review: Farm Business Review offers a combination of an online tool, expert advice and peer support to help your business prepare for the biggest agriculture policy shift in a generation.
Farmbench: an online benchmarking tool that allows you to compare your farm to similar businesses
Horizon report: Preparing for change, the characteristics of top performing farms
Pork: The four pillars of pork production (previous episode of the AHDB Food and Farming podcast)

This episode was produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

294: Dairy: Breeding more environmentally friendly cows

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode Alistair McLaren is joined by Marco Winters, Head of Animal Genetics at AHDB, and Professor Mike Coffey from SRUC to talk about two new breeding indexes that will enable farmers to identify and breed cows with better environmental credentials and reduce their feed costs.

Find out more about breeding and genetics.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

293: Beef & Lamb: At home with Liz and Rob Priest

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In this AHDB Food & Farming podcast, we catch up with our new Beef & Lamb Monitor Farmers in the South West, Liz and Rob Priest. As a family they farm both sheep and beef cattle in Holsworthy, Devon. However, Rob and Liz are about to move to a new farm on the coast near Bude. They farm organically. All cattle are grass fed and rotationally grazed, they also have herbal and ryegrass leys. They have a flock of 480 ewes but are moving to Aberfields.

Take a listen to find out about why they wanted to become a Monitor Farm with AHDB, what has prompted their farm move, how they ensure a work life balance and what their plans are for the future with some diversification prospects on the horizon.

Find out more...
Monitor Farm profile https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/kingsford-farm
Follow Rob on Twitter @kingsfordfarm

292: Agri Market Outlook for Arable| 02.08.21

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 10:06:20 +0100

This podcast introduces AHDB’s analysis of the prospects for the UK’s arable farming industry over the coming months. It explores production, trade and consumption for the year ahead.

Phil Maiden asks Vikki Campbell (AHDB's Senior Market Specialist in Arable) about why the market outlook is so important for arable farmers and discuss the current situation and they look to what we might expect in the coming months, for supply availability, trade and demand.

Phil then speaks to Jon Foot (AHDB's Head of Environment) about the work he and his team are doing with farmers to help reduce their carbon footprint and how to become eligible for future funding schemes.

What is the Agri-Market Outlook? Read the full reports for each sector here: Agri Market Outlook | AHDB

Useful links:
Cereals Market Outlook: https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-market-outlook
Oilseeds Market outlook: https://ahdb.org.uk/oilseeds-market-outlook
Horizon Blog: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/trade-and-policy/horizon-blog-trade-deals-food-standards
Carbon Outlook: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/environment-sustainable-farming-incentive-and-carbon-outlook

291: Agri Market Outlook for Livestock | 30.07.21

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:47:40 +0100

This podcast introduces AHDB’s analysis of the prospects for the UK’s livestock farming industry over the coming months. Covering red meat (pork, beef and lamb) and dairy, it explores production, trade and consumption for the year ahead.

Phil Maiden asks Duncan Wyatt (AHDB's Lead Analyst for Livestock) and Patty Clayton (AHDB's Lead Analyst Dairy) about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on supply chains as well as the knock-on effects of leaving the EU.

Phil then speaks to Jon Foot (AHDB's Head of Environment) about the work he and his team are doing with farmers to help reduce their carbon footprint and how to become eligible for future funding schemes.

What is the Agri-Market Outlook? Read the full reports for each sector here: Agri Market Outlook | AHDB

Useful links:
Beef Market Outlook: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/beef-market-outlook-july-2021-now-online
Lamb Market Outlook: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/outlook-for-uk-lamb-market-july-2021
Horizon Blog: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/trade-and-policy/horizon-blog-trade-deals-food-standards
Carbon Outlook: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/environment-sustainable-farming-incentive-and-carbon-outlook

290: AHDB Beef & Lamb: A look towards autumn grazing

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, Nic Renison talks to Colina Humphrey, sheep farmer and self-confessed grass addict! They talk about about Colina’s passion for farming with a focus on rotational grazing and all things grass. Colina also stresses the importance of planning grazing for the autumn in the summer time and how she’s met some influential people who have really helped her along the way with her grass journey.

For more information on all things grass visit our AHDB Grass page.

If you would like to follow Colina she’s on Twitter @HumphColina

This podcast was hosted by Nic Renison and produced and edited by Gemma Pamment.

289: Partnership is key to an education in food & farming

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to AHDBs Food & Farming podcast.

No one would argue a good education provides young people with a great start in life and as the years tick by it’s not unusual for people to fondly remember those teachers who provided knowledge and even acted as a role models, shaping the course for the future.

For those charged with the responsibility to get our children ready for the world, they must remain on top of current affairs and a shifting agenda, as a society and the world changes.

One such topic is food production and where our food comes from. John Bates speaks to Roy Ballam from the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), Elsa Healey and Christine Watts from AHDB about the successes achieved through the BNF and AHDB education partnership and the benefits to farmers and other levy payers.

Take a listen and a few moments to look at the website www.foodafactoflife.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

288: Training and development: cost or asset?

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:00:00 +0100

This week’s guest is Richard Longthorp. Richard is a cereals and pig farmer from Yorkshire and employees 20 people across his business.

In this episode, we delve into the topic of training and development within farming businesses – why it is important, it’s value and how to go about it.

Richard is a strong believer that providing learning and development opportunities for staff is a vital investment that all businesses, farming or otherwise, need to make.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

1. Be proactive

2. Begin with the end in mind

3. Put first things first

4. Think win-win

5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood

6. Synergize

7. Sharpen the saw

AgriLeader

Our AgriLeader programme challenges individuals from leading farms and businesses to develop the skills they need to drive their businesses forward. To support this, we ran #AgriLeadershipWeek in May 2021. #AgriLeadershipWeek was a cross-organisation campaign which aimed to raise awareness of the importance of, and opportunities for, leadership training across the agricultural sector.

Find out how you can get involved and take your business to the next level:

Business and leadership courses for farmers and growers: ahdb.org.uk/business-leadership-courses-for-farmers-and-growers

AgriLeader: ahdb.org.uk/agrileader

#AgriLeadership Week: ahdb.org.uk/agrileadership-week

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about AgriLeader, or talk through the options for taking your career to the next level, get in touch with one of the team.

Mark Campbell: mark.campbell@ahdb.org.uk

Izak Van Heerden: izak.vanheerden@ahdb.org.uk

Amie Burke: amie.burke@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email John Bates: john.bates@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

287: Pork: Pig sector launches new welfare training platform

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 05:30:00 +0100

This week’s guests
Mandy Nevel, Head of Animal Health & Welfare, AHDB
Jen Waters, Head of Knowledge Exchange (Pork), AHDB
Georgina Crayford, Technical Manager for Pigs, Red Tractor
Zoe Davies, Chief Executive, NPA

In this episode we focus on welfare training for the pig sector. Our guests explain and discuss a new training platform that we’ve developed with the wider pig industry, and which will be launched later this month. The first module will cover moving and handling of pigs and will become part of Red Tractor standards in November 2021.

Listen to the episode to find out what this training will involve, who will need to complete it and why it has been developed.

Follow our guests on Twitter:
Jen Waters: @WatersJen
Georgina Crayford: @porgie_pig
Zoe Davies: @Mrs_Pig

Useful links
Husbandry and welfare of pigs (AHDB resources)
PigPro online training record
PigPro user videos
Red Tractor standards for Pork
National Pig Association

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

286: Creating the perfect environment for dairy calves

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Hannah Lilburn is joined by Jamie Robertson from the University of Aberdeen to discuss how to create the perfect environment for calves to get them off to the best start in life.

Find out more about dairy calf management.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

285: Potatoes: Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research – what next?

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In this AHDB Food & Farming episode, Jimmy Phillips interviews Rob Clayton, our Sector Strategy Director for Potatoes, to discuss how the planned wind down and transition of AHDB Potatoes activities will impact potato storage research.

While Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research has built an international reputation for the quality of its work, the voting outcome of the ballot on the statutory levy in potatoes means that research activity at the centre will stop this autumn.

For further information, visit:

This episode was produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

284: Fire up for summer

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0100

In this AHDB Food & Farming episode, catch up with John Bates as he talks about our new summertime BBQ campaign, Fire up for summer. We're encouraging Brits to elevate their barbecues with an array of inspiring recipes featuring a range of cuts – from BBQ classics like sausages and burgers to beef, pork and lamb steaks.

Led by our talented apprentices, Chris Gravett and Haydon Davis - they've done a fantastic job of creating a digital campaign to inspire consumers to use premium cuts, showing off the ease and versatility of cooking with red meat.

In this episode, you will hear from:

Karl Pendlebury, Senior Manager (Quality Schemes)
Greg Emmerson, MasterChef 2018
Sue Stoneman, South West Home Cook of the Year 2017 & 2016

This episode was produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam, Marcomms Executive (Pork).

283: Biopesticide research for cabbage stem flea beetle control

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 13:57:00 +0100

In this month's Cereals & Oilseeds podcast, Teresa Meadows, AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange Manager for East Anglia, talks to Claire Hoarau, who is carrying out a PhD at Harper Adams University on biopesticide options for CSFB. Hear about the existing work in this area, the research to date and planned experiments for the season ahead in this innovative area – might this be the future of CSFB control?

To subscribe to the AHDB podcast, please click here.

282: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Finding the balance between productivity and the environment

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 09:54:25 +0100

In this episode, AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange Manager Nicola Renison speaks to Tom Vickers, a hill and upland sheep and suckler beef farmer from County Durham about finding a balance between production and the environment. Tom is 26 years old and has been farming in partnership with his mother for five years since studying Agriculture with Environmental Management at Harper Adams University. The farm itself has been involved in agri-environment schemes since 1989 and Tom is keen to continue the emphasis on environment and land management to qualify for the new ELMS scheme.

In their sheep system Tom runs Pedigree Swaledales and produces north of England mules. In the suckler herd he is looking at developing the breed to introduce hardier traits. Traditionally he has used a set stock grazing system but has recently introduced rotational grazing to try to improve grass growth and quality. Tom has also been working on improving his soil health on the farm through testing soil samples and comparing it to samples off farm as well.

Tom says: “There is definitely space for us to be farming within an eco-system but it has to compliment the eco-system. We have to change our methods to suit the environment more; reduce fossil fuels, work with nature rather than against it and do this in a sustainable way that is beneficial for the environment, the communities and is financially viable for the business.

“I am very conscious that everyone who passes through our farm footpaths is a customer and we would like to give them some information about what we are doing and why we are doing it. So we put up some signs along the footpath which explain a bit about what we do and where they can get more information from.”

Follow Tom on Instagram: @northernnativeproduce
Visit the AHDB Environment page https://ahdb.org.uk/the-environment

281: The value of making time for self-development

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0100

This week’s guest was Dan Burdett, follow him on Twitter: @farmerdanb

Managers and leaders need to be fit for the future to lead themselves, their teams, and their businesses. In this episode, we hear from organic dairy farmer Dan Burdett about how being part of a leadership and management group has helped him in his role. He talks about his experiences and the benefits of investing in himself and others.

AgriLeader

Our AgriLeader programme challenges individuals from leading farms and businesses to develop the skills they need to drive their businesses forward. To support this, we ran #AgriLeadershipWeek in May 2021.

#AgriLeadershipWeek was a cross-organisation campaign which aimed to raise awareness of the importance of, and opportunities for, leadership training across the agricultural sector.

Find out how you can get involved and take your business to the next level:

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about AgriLeader, or talk through the options for taking your career to the next level, get in touch with one of the team.

Mark Campbell: mark.campbell@ahdb.org.uk

Izak Van Heerden: izak.vanheerden@ahdb.org.uk

Amie Burke: amie.burke@ahdb.org.uk

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email John Bates: john.bates@ahdb.org.uk

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

280: Getting to grips with vine weevil

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0100

This podcast outlines the issue of vine weevil in container-grown hardy nursery stock and the available control methods. The outputs from AHDB funded project HNS 195 ‘Improving vine weevil control in HNS’ (a 5 year trial) are currently being applied on a commercial nursery and will culminate in a demonstration event in September 2021, the podcast also covers this project and the topics examined – pest monitoring and crop risk assessments, control measures (cultural, biological and chemical) and application techniques, to achieve an holistic approach to vine weevil control.

Speakers:

Selchuk Kurtev, consultant, Zest-ICM
James Moffat, Production Manager, James Coles Nurseries
Wayne Brough, Knowledge Exchange Manager, AHDB

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

Podcast produced and edited by Amna Yusaf - Marketing and Communications Executive

279: Getting the most from your carbon audit

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager Doreen Anderson is joined by Wallace and James Hendrie, dairy farmers at Millands Farm in Ayrshire, and Colin MacPhail and Ian Cairns, independent consultants from 5 Agri.

Millands Farm is a strategic dairy farm and recently had a carbon audit and agribusiness appraisal carried out. In this episode James and Wallace will discuss the results and explore what this means to them from a practical approach on farm, and what plans they will put in place on the back of this.

You can find out more about carbon emissions from agriculture here.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

278: How to reduce energy consumption when drying your grain

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In this month's podcast, Michelle Nuttall, AHDB Arable Knowledge Exchange Manager for the North West and Northern Ireland, hosts a discussion with Ed Shuldham and Jon Swain of NFU Energy. This episode discusses a recently completed review looking at grain drying and storage from an energy perspective, covering what we know, what we don’t know and how the information and guidance available could be improved to increase efficiency.

Speakers:

Jon Swain – Technical Director (NFU Energy)
Ed Shuldham – Project Engineer (NFU Energy)

Learn more about growssave porject: GrowSave | AHDB

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

Podcast produced and edited by Maria Covlea - Marketing and Communications Executive

276: Maleic hydrazide – getting ready for the next potato storage season

Mon, 31 May 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Maleic hydrazide is a growth regulator that has been on the market for many years. The true value of it is now becoming apparent, with the demise of chlorpropham (CIPC). Previously it was used mainly for volunteer control. Nowadays it is especially important in storage. Here it can provide sprout control as a standalone product, or as a cost-saving foundation for other, post-harvest treatments. Maleic hydrazide is a foliar treatment that needs to be translocated to the tubers. Successful treatments are therefore dependent on plant, weather and application conditions.

This podcast talks about some of those conditions and introduces a webinar on maleic hydrazide, that will take place on June 15th.

Speakers:

Adrian Briddon - Crop Storage Senior Scientist at Sutton Bridge
Andrew Webster - Potato grower

Learn more about storage: https://ahdb.org.uk/storage-hub
Sign-up for the storage webinar: https://ahdb.org.uk/events/maleic-hydrazide-a-foundation-for-potato-storage

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

Podcast produced and edited by Amna Yusaf - Marketing and Communications Executive

277: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Worm control in livestock

Fri, 28 May 2021 09:07:35 +0100

*Please note this podcast was recorded in the vets practice, so there may some background noise

In this podcast Tabitha Allen, talks to our North East Strategic Farmer, Steven Lawson, on how he manages worms and other parasites in his livestock. They are also joined by Steven’s vet, Lee-Anne Oliver, from The Fold Farm Vets who gives advice on what to look out for at this time of year and the importance of developing a parasite plan.

Resources
· Worm control in sheep for better returns

· Grazing Strategies for worm control

· Controlling worms and liver fluke in cattle for better returns

· SCOPS

· Cattle parasites

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

This episode was produced and edited by Gemma Pamment, Marcomms Executive (Beef & Lamb).

275: Spotted wing drosophila: Research and development up-date

Mon, 17 May 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Since it first arrived in the UK in 2012, AHDB has spent more than £1.6 million to improve our knowledge, management and control of spotted wing drosophila (SWD). Join Scott Raffle in this podcast to learn more about the pest, its impact on the UK fruit industry and the work that AHDB continues to fund to develop improved management strategies.

Our panel:

Harriet Duncalfe: Soft fruit grower and chair of the industry SWD Working Group

Marion Regan: Kent fruit grower and owner of Hugh Lowe Farms

Bethan Shaw: Entomologist and horticultural researcher at NIAB EMR

Adam Doxford: Crop protection scientist at AHDB

275: Grazing a high yielding dairy herd

Fri, 14 May 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Grazing dairy cows is nothing new so you might wonder why there is so much focus on it in the dairy sector. The influence of the New Zealand style system over recent years can’t be denied – however, grass can also form a vital part of our system if you are calving AYR or managing a herd of high yielding cows.

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Becky Miles is joined by Robert Mallett, a dairy farmer from Wiltshire, to talk about his experience of grazing a high yielding herd and how grass has become a fundamental foundation to his system.

Learn more about grazing in our new Forage First guide or by signing up to our weekly Forage for Knowledge emails.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

274: Pork: Choosing a sward mix for 'grazing' pigs

Mon, 10 May 2021 06:00:00 +0100

This week’s guests:
Andrew Palmer, Knowledge Exchange Manager, AHDB
Ed Bramham-Jones, Head of Farming and Water, Norfolk Rivers Trust
Rob McGregor, Outdoor pig farmer
Chris Gooderham, Head of Market Specialists (Dairy & Livestock), AHDB

Over the last few years, AHDB has held several meetings to bring together pig producers, landlords, arable producers and other key stakeholders to look at ways they can work more closely together to benefit each other and the environment, with a specific focus on including livestock and grass in arable rotations.

In this episode, AHDB’s Andrew Palmer speaks to Ed Bramham-Jones, Head of Farming and Water at Norfolk Rivers Trust and Rob McGregor, an outdoor pig farmer in the East of England. They discuss a grass trial which is underway on Rob’s unit using different sward mixes with varying establishment periods. Hear how forward planning and good relationships with landlords have resulted in positive impacts for the pigs, the staff and the environment.

The episode also includes a market update from Chris Gooderham in our market intelligence team.

Follow our guests on Twitter:
Andrew Palmer: @AMPSalisbury
Ed Bramham-Jones: @NRTEdBJ
Rob McGregor: @robonthefarm1

Useful links
Livestock and the arable rotation: Targeted at managers of arable-based systems who are thinking about livestock opportunities for the first time, our guide includes sections on leys, cover crops, forage crops, maize, outdoor pig production and manures.

Listen to our previous podcast on this topic: Pigs in the arable rotation
Norfolk Rivers Trust: https://norfolkriverstrust.org/
Find out more about working with producers and landlords
Sward mixtures: find out how they can be incorporated effectively into rotations

Pig prices and market news
Pork markets: https://ahdb.org.uk/pork/pork-markets
GB deadweight pig prices (EU spec): https://ahdb.org.uk/pork/gb-deadweight-pig-prices-eu-spec

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

273: What do plants really need?

Fri, 07 May 2021 10:48:15 +0100

In this latest Cereals & Oilseeds podcast, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Chris Leslie is joined by David Aglen (Strategic Farm Scotland host), David Cunningham (Dods of Haddington) and James Hopkinson (Arable Ventures) to discuss what it is that plants really need from a nutrition perspective to thrive.

The AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) provides useful information to assist with nutrition decisions on farm. For more information, please visit: ahdb.org.uk/nutrient-management-guide-rb209

263: Potatoes: How to optimise irrigation to reduce soil erosion

Tue, 04 May 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode Antonia Walker, AHDB Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager, speaks to Nigel Simpson of Catchment Sensitive Farming about how following a best practice when it comes to irrigation can reduce soil erosion and mitigate pollution risks.

Host: Antonia Walker - AHDB Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager
Guest: Nigel Simpson - Catchment Sensitive Farming Coordinator

Producer & Feedback
If you would like to share your feedback about this episode, or if you have any suggestions, please contact podcast producer Maria Covlea at maria.covlea@ahdb.org.uk

Grants
The Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) partnership can support applications for Mid Tier capital grants to improve water and air quality in a high priority area. Some capital items require written support from a CSF Officer as part of the evidence requirement. Check the capital grant requirements to find our when this applies. If your holding is in a High Water Quality Priority Area, contact your local CSF Officer for advice by 31 May.

Each application will be done a case by case basis and more details can be found here. Applicants will need to first check they are in a high water priority area. Please refer to the website for further details.

Irrigation

Visit our website to learn more about irrigation best practice.
Previous podcast episode discussing irrigation best practice with Mark Stalham.

272: Meet Tim Rycroft, AHDB's New CEO

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Tim Rycroft has been appointed to lead the AHDB team and takes up the role of Chief Executive on Tuesday 31 August 2021.

Tim joins us having recently stepped down from the Food and Drink Federation and in this ‘getting to know you’ interview, John Bates asks about his career and why he was attracted to lead the AHDB.

Read the full news story here.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

Podcast produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam.

271: Pork: The four pillars of pork production

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In a rapidly changing world, what do you think makes your business stand out? And most importantly how do you measure success? Key performance indicators can be mistaken to be complex but in fact, once adapted to your business model – the results are prolific!

In this podcast, John Bates interviews Ben William AHDB’s Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager will introduce the four pillars of efficient pork production, why they’re important and how you can begin adapting the four KPIs to achieve the maximum outcome of your pork production.

Tools and resources:

Visit the SmartPork page
Take a look at the Pork KPIs
Explore our Lean management webpage
Contact Ben Williams for further information

270: Celebrating Great British Beef Week

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0100

This special podcast will focus on Great British Beef Week, which will place on Friday 23 until Friday 30 April.

Now in its 11th year, the campaign aims to highlight and celebrate the sustainable practices of British beef farmers. GBBW is a Ladies in Beef initiative, working with industry partners.

John Bates talks to co-founder of Ladies in Beef, Jilly Greed, as well as two beef farmers, Anna Blumfield and Paula Matthews who share their sustainable beef farming stories

For more information on the campaign visit the Ladies in Beef website

Hosted by John Bates and produced by Gemma Pamment.

269: How using the Pest Bulletin helps to forecast, monitor and protect crops

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 11:06:18 +0100

The AHDB Pest Bulletin, hosted by Syngenta, provides forecasts and up-to-date reports for most key field crop pests.

This podcast looks at the Pest bulletin tool and new tools in development and how they fit within the wider IPM programme. Dawn Teverson and Rosemary Collier discuss the Pest Bulletin and latest trends in pests, while Bastiaan Brak looks at the latest tools that utilise data and how that might develop in the future, and Carolyn Coxe talks about grower concerns and what they’re saying about their pest monitoring needs.

Our panel:

Dawn Teverson, AHDB Horticulture Knowledge Exchange Manager for Field Vegetables is joined by Rosemary Collier, Entomologist and Professor at Warwick University. Also joining is Carolyn Coxe, Agronomist at Green Grow Consultancy Ltd, and Bastiaan Brak, Crop Protection Systems Scientist at AHDB.

If you are interested in finding out more, our panel can be contacted at:

Bastiaan Brak – e-mail at Bastiaan.brak@ahdb.org.uk

Rosemary Collier – e-mail at Rosemary.Collier@warwick.ac.uk

Carolyn Coxe – e-mail at carolyn@green-grow.co.uk or follow on Twitter at @carolyncoxe

Dawn Teverson – e-mail at dawn.teverson@ahdb.org.uk

About the Pest Bulletin:

The forecasts are designed to provide growers with the opportunity for early intervention, to help inform pest control decisions to protect crops.

Data is collected from various locations around the UK, giving local and reliable information, as well as historical data to provide year-on-year comparisons of pest numbers.

Visit the Pest Bulletin: www.syngenta.co.uk/ahdb-pest-bulletin
Sign-up to the weekly update e-mail: www.ahdb.org.uk/keeping-in-touch

268: Cattle handling: keep calm and keep moo-ving

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Cattle handling can be stressful for cows and farmers and the speakers on our recent series of webinars on this topic have given us a better understanding of how our cows see and think and what we can do to make handling them safer and less stressful for all concerned.

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Becky Miles talks to Joep Driessen from Cow Signals in the Netherlands to find out how he became a ‘cowmunicator’ and some tips on handling cattle.

Watch our cattle handling webinar with Temple Grandin.

267: Fungicide Challenge 2021

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Philip Dolbear, AHDB's South West Knowledge Exchange Manager, talks about the Fungicide Challenge with Chloe Morgan and Jonathan Blake of ADAS, and AHDB Monitor Farm host Ashley Jones from Saltash, Cornwall. They explain the Fungicide Challenge in which groups of farmers across the country compete to achieve the best margin over fungicide programme costs in a local wheat crop. Last year was a question of 'less is more' but will that be the case for harvest 2021?

Image copyright: www.paulslaterimages.com Paul Slater Images

266: Beef & Lamb: 'My Strategic Farm journey' with Ian Norbury

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 15:33:17 +0100

In this episode we hear from Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmer Ian Norbury as he reflects on the changes he has implemented and the lessons he has learnt during the past three years being a part of the project.

Running a beef farm in Mobberley Cheshire, Ian now works full-time on the farm alongside his father to look after the 250 acres of land, located close to Runway 2 at Manchester Airport. Since beginning his journey as a Strategic Farmer with AHDB in 2017, Ian explains that one of the biggest and most effective changes he has implemented is rotational grazing, as well as colostrum testing, taking egg fluke counts instead of routine worming, using EID tags, increasing numbers and reducing the calving period to 12 weeks. Take a listen to find out more about his journey.

Useful links:
https://ahdb.org.uk/dairy-farm-beef-lamb-strategic-farm
https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence

265: AHDB Beef & Lamb: Sheep Horizon Report Podcast

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 11:23:00 +0100

AHDB has released the latest in a series of Horizon reports which scan the landscape ahead, and in this podcast we are going to look at the report, which takes a look at the key opportunities for the sheep sector over the next 10 years.

There are around 33.5 million sheep in the UK, spread over 78,000 farm holdings.

The average number of sheep and lambs on each holding is 430.
About 10,400 holdings have fewer than 20 head of sheep, and 9,400 have more than 1000 head.

In this podcast John Bates chats to Rebecca Miah, AHDB Beef & lamb sector strategy director and David Swales, Head of Strategic Insight about the report and what it means for sheep farmers.

Links

MI Sheep Horizon Report

MI Sheep Horizon press release

KPI Beef & Lamb calculator

AHDB Market Information

This episode was hosted by John Bates and producer by Gemma Pamment.

264: Voting Report on AHDB Potato ballot now with Ministers

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0100

A ballot to decide the future of the AHDB Potato levy has concluded and the voting report has been passed to Ministers in London and the devolved administrations for a decision on what happens next.

In this podcast, John Bates gets AHDB Chairman Nicholas Saphir's reaction to the voting outturn.

The Independent company UK Engage was appointed to run the ballot and the outturn has been published on the AHDB website.

262: Improving cow flow in the dairy herd

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Managers Hannah Lilburn and Kate Harris talk to New Zealand vet Neil Chesterton about understanding cow behaviours, and how we can change our behaviour to make the cattle handling process less stressful on all of us.

Read the summary article of the webinar with Neil Chesterton.

Watch our cattle handling webinar with Temple Grandin.

261: Spring Grain Market Outlook - where do we go from here?

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0100

On 9 March, our team of Cereals & Oilseeds Market Specialists presented on the key drivers for global and domestic markets, the path for fuel, fertiliser and interest rates and the future of farm policy. This podcast focuses on some of the key messages from that session.

260: Jacket potatoes marketing campaign: how we reach out to millions using social media

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0100

John Bates speaks to Louise Woodward from the AHDB marketing team

behind the campaign and potato sector chair Alison Levett about why the humble jacket potato has taken centre stage in The new packed lunch AHDB campaign.

The six week campaign (the campaign has now been extended until end of March 2021) talks about

the versatility of baked potatoes in health conscious and delicious looking recipes with some great cooking tips all as part of the campaign.

Host: John Bates

Speakers:

Louise Woodward
Alison Levett

Useful links:

Feedback
If you would like to share your feedback about this episode, or if you have any suggestions, please contact podcast producer Maria Covlea at maria.covlea@ahdb.org.uk

259: Temple Grandin’s top tips for cattle handling

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 08:54:22 +0100

In this podcast Stephen West, AHDB knowledge exchange manager for AHDB Dairy talks to Dr. Temple Grandin, a globally respected animal behaviourist from Colorado State University, who changed the way the US handled cattle. He finds out Grandin’s top tips for handling both beef and dairy cattle.

We also held a webinar in February, which can be viewed on YouTube Cattle handling with Temple Grandin.

More information

Improving cattle handling for better returns

templegrandin.com

About Temple Grandin, Ph.D

Dr. Grandin is a designer of livestock handling facilities and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Facilities she has designed are located in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. In North America, almost half of the cattle are handled in a center track restrainer system that she designed for meat plants. Curved chute and race systems she has designed for cattle are used worldwide and her writings on the flight zone and other principles of grazing animal behavior have helped many people to reduce stress on their animals during handling.

She has also developed an objective scoring system for assessing handling of cattle and pigs at meat plants. This scoring system is being used by many large corporations to improve animal welfare. Other areas of research are: cattle temperament, environmental enrichment for pigs, reducing dark cutters and bruises, bull fertility, training procedures, and effective stunning methods for cattle and pigs at meat plants.

She obtained her B.A. at Franklin Pierce College and her M.S. in Animal Science at Arizona State University. Dr. Grandin received her Ph.D in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1989. Today she teaches courses on livestock behaviour and facility design at Colorado State University and consults with the livestock industry on facility design, livestock handling, and animal welfare. She has appeared on television shows such as 20/20, 48 Hours, CNN Larry King Live, PrimeTime Live, 60 Minutes, the Today Show, and many shows in other countries. She has been featured in People Magazine, the New York Times, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, Time Magazine, the New York Times book review, and Discover magazine. In 2010, Time Magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people. Interviews with Dr. Grandin have been broadcast on National Public Radio and she has a 2010 TED Lecture titled "The World Needs ALL Kinds of Minds." She has also authored over 400 articles in both scientific journals and livestock periodicals on animal handling, welfare, and facility design. She is the author of "Thinking in Pictures", "Livestock Handling and Transport," "Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals," "Guide to Working with Farm Animals," and "Humane Livestock Handling." Her books "Animals in Translation" and "Animals Make Us Human" were both on the New York Times best seller list. "Animals Make Us Human" was also on the Canadian best seller list. Her latest book, Calling All Minds, was a New York Times best seller for middle school students. Her life story has also been made into an HBO movie titled "Temple Grandin, staring Claire Danes," which won seven Emmy awards and a Golden Globe. The movie shows her life as a teenager and how she started her career. In 2017, she was inducted into The Women's Hall of Fame and in 2018 made a fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

258: Border Friction

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Two months ago the transition period from Britain being a full-blown member of the European Union came to an end. Over several weeks since we have seen reports and comments about increased paperwork, delays and the slow resumption of normal levels of traffic, at the borders.

In this podcast, John Bates interviews Sarah Baker, AHDB’s agricultural economist who explains the implications of new policies for farmers, growers and exporters since leaving the EU. Our special guest, Rizvan Khalid MD from Euro Quality Lamb will also join us to share his experience as a meat exporter and if the theory matches reality.

257: Carbon Week 2021 – how farming is reducing its carbon footprint

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 10:00:33 +0100

Being part of an industry, which is frequently criticised for not doing enough to reduce its impact on the environment, it can be tough to know what and who to listen to. The more we all understand about the carbon cycle, and where we as farmers fit into it, the sooner we can understand how we can make a difference.

This year, AHDB has launched Carbon Week, which takes place the first week in March (1 – 5 March) with the aim of sharing factual and practical information about what farmers can do to reduce carbon emissions on their farm.

Farming in the UK is responsible for 10% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But the incredible thing about farming is that we have the ability to enhance the environment too, through sustainable land-use and management practices. For example, soils are for the third largest store of carbon, with the ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere and locking it into the ground.

In this podcast we begin with an overview of what greenhouse gases are and where farming fits into the equation with Jon Foot, Head of AHDB’s environment team. We are then joined by two farmers Tom Pearson and Phil White to tell us about their journey so far with reducing their carbon footprint on farm and changes they have made to their business. Finally, we speak to one of AHDB's senior scientists Harley Stoddart to explain what each sector can do to help make a difference.

Tom Pearson tips: Things as simple as not cutting your hedgerow every year and rainwater harvesting. If you are combining carbon footprinting with a regenerative agriculture approach then there are some incredible opportunities. Lots of other industries are having to publish their carbon footprint for their product, we should be publishing ours.

Phil White tips: One of the biggest changes so far has been implementing rotational grazing. I am convinced that this have lead to significant improvement in pasture quality and quantity and well as soil organic matter. Another immediate change is a move from a more intensive system where we housed our livestock through winter, to an outwintering and bale grazing approach. It has to make sense financially as well but from what I have seen so far I have seen the financial benefits already.

Useful links:

Carbon week https://ahdb.org.uk/carbon-week

Carbon footprinting https://ahdb.org.uk/news/ahdb-launches-on-farm-carbon-footprinting

Calculating your carbon footprint https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/Coton-Wood-Farm/calculating-and-reducing-your-carbon-footprint

ELMS https://ahdb.org.uk/news/new-details-on-elms-design

Carbon https://ahdb.org.uk/carbon

Rethinking Methane video https://youtu.be/UOPrF8oyDYw

256: Growsave-ing carbon? Net zero and what it means for horticultural production

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 08:24:13 +0100

Nathalie Key, AHDB Horticulture Knowledge Exchange Manager for Protected Edibles and Mushrooms is joined by Jonathan Swain, Technical Director at NFU Energy, leader of the Growsave project. Also joining is Eirinn Rusbridge, Project Manager at NFU Energy, Rebecca Fry, Development Manager at Neame Lea (an ornamentals growing business) and Georgia Whitehouse, a geography student at Leeds University specialising in carbon emissions and who has been working at Neame Lea.

The group explore the carbon emissions targets of net zero, carbon auditing work in an ornamental commercial environment including the relationship with wider retail, and what this could mean for the wider horticulture industry.

Useful links:

· https://ahdb.org.uk/growsave

· https://www.nfuenergy.co.uk/

· https://www.bridgefarmgroup.co.uk/the-group/neame-lea/

254: The Red Tractor consultation on proposed new standards

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

The evidence suggests shoppers are becoming increasingly curious about where their food comes from.

Red Tractor says the logo is seen on around £14bn worth of food products sold each year, and many retailers incorporate the logo on their advertising as the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme famously covers from farm-to-fork.

Behind the scenes, 46,000 farms are members and inspected by independent assessors and standards enforced by the Red Tractor team. Chief Executive Jim Mosely joins the podcast to explain proposed changes to standards and the chance farmers and stakeholders have to be a part of the consultation.

Jim Moseley says the consultation is genuine and Red Tractor are listening but it’s fair to say some members have not welcomed the proposals – hear the facts behind this story.

Read the full news story and have your say.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

Podcast produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam
Email: Aisha.Shabnam@ahdb.org.uk

255: Assessing land for future potato production

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Antonia Walker, AHDB Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager, talks to agronomist Andy Steven and Agri‑Business Consultant Philip Dunn, about the things potato growers should take in consideration when renting land.

The conversation looks at aspects such as soil quality but also legal aspects regarding the contracts.

Host: Antonia Walker - AHDB Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager

Speakers:

Andy Steven - Agronomist
Philip Dunn - Agri‑Business Consultant

Useful link:

Feedback
If you would like to share your feedback about this episode, or if you have any suggestions, please contact podcast producer Maria Covlea at maria.covlea@ahdb.org.uk

253: Horticulture Ballot Outturn

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

A ballot to decide the future of AHDB Horticulture has concluded and the outturn has been passed to Ministers for a decision on what happens next.

In this podcast, John Bates interviews Nicholas Saphir, AHDB's Chair on the outcome of the horticulture ballot results. The voting information reported by UK Engage shows different sentiment across different crop sectors and size of business – it is really a very complex picture. Learn what the results are and the next steps for growers.

Ballot results:

The overall voter turnout was 69%. By individual votes cast, the No vote was 61% versus the Yes vote of 39%. Voting analysis by UK Engage according to value of levy paid, showed a reverse picture of 57% Yes votes versus No votes of 43%.

252: Potatoes ballot: Start the vote!

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Potato sector levy payers have a ballot and between the 17 February and 17 March 2021 AHDB want you to cast a vote.

To help make a judgement about whether you vote Yes or No, as well as this podcast AHDB is running meetings, sending information to levy payers and answering questions to guide levy payers towards the necessary information about how and why to vote.

In this podcast hear Alison Levett, potato sector board chair and Nicholas Saphir, AHDB chairman talk to John Bates about why it’s important to vote yes – a yes vote is for change.

Host: John Bates
Speakers:

Alison Levett - AHDB Potatoes Chair
Nicholas Saphir - AHDB Chair

Useful links:

If you would like to share your feedback about this episode, or if you have any suggestions, please contact podcast producer Maria Covlea at maria.covlea@ahdb.org.uk

251: Pork: What effect do heavy pigs have on the SPP?

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

This week’s guests:
Jen Waters, Head of Knowledge Exchange (Pork)
Duncan Wyatt, Lead Analyst (Livestock)
Lauren Dimmack, Animal Health & Welfare Scientist
Christine Walsh, Head of Transitional Support
Felicity Rusk, Analyst (Dairy & Livestock)

In this pork-focused episode, we discuss the standard pig price (SPP) with Duncan Wyatt and Jen waters. We talk about out what does and doesn’t contribute to it, the impact of heavy pigs, and whether the price rises as quickly as it falls.

We also talk about export health certificates (EHC) – what’s changed, what you need to do to comply, and the latest position with Trichinella testing.

Useful links

Pig prices and market news
Pork markets
GB deadweight pig prices (EU spec)
'What effect do heavy pigs have on the SPP?' article

Export Health Certificates for pork
Information and FAQs
'Use of Export Health Certificates to be extended' article
Information from Defra if you export or move food, drink and agricultural products
Webinars for exporters of products of animal origin, live animals, plants and plant products to the EU

Contact Defra directly: traders@defra.gov.uk

PigHub
Login page: https://www.pighub.org.uk/iip/home.eb
User guides: https://www.pighub.org.uk/iip/global_nav/help.eb
eAML2 helpline number: 0844 335 8400

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Drewett, Marcomms Manager (Pork).

250: Improving fertility to reduce the calving block

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Shirley Macmillan talks to autumn block calver George Wade from Honeypot Farm about what changes he made to his mating programme following an online fertility workshop, and whether he still wants to achieve a six week calving block.

We also hear from Dave Gilbert, consultant vet from Dairy Insight who worked with George, about what he found at Honeypot Farm and the benefits of reviewing fertility on farm.

Find more information and resources to help you improve fertility.

249: Potatoes Special: Keeping positive during challenging times

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Claire Hodge, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager (Scotland) speaks with her guests about mental health and tips for maintaining positivity.

In the first part of this episode we speak to Jim Reid, our SPot Scotland host, who will talk about overcoming challenges in the potato sector, life on a family farm and taking on the mantle of SPot farm host. In the second part we speak to Mags Granger from RSABI who will talk about the isolation of farming and ways to overcome this issue.

USEFUL LINKS:

Podcast Producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Communications Executive
Email: maria.covlea@ahdb.org.uk

248: Regenerative agriculture in the UK: what's the score?

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Harry Henderson focuses on regenerative agriculture. Harry chats to farmer David Miller, who has embraced regenerative agriculture on his farm, about his experiences of using it in the UK.

247: A focus on ornamentals

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Wayne Brough, AHDB Horticulture Knowledge Exchange Manager for Ornamentals is joined by Georgina Key, AHDB Research Manager, Alistair Hazel, Operations Manager at Darby Nurseries, and Gary Woodruffe, Growing Manager at Bordon Hill Nurseries.

The group explore a wide range of subjects including everything vine weevil control to pansy mottle syndrome, weed control to regular deficit irrigation, bedding and pot plant centre and growing media.

Georgina provides an overview of AHDB research into these areas, and Alistair and Gary give us an insight into the grower’s perspective on how they approach these issues and what value they’ve found in using AHDB’s research and products.

246: #ColostrumIsGold - optimising colostrum management in cattle (beef & dairy), sheep and pigs

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:06:19 +0100

This episode focuses on the importance of good colostrum management, the effect it has on the new born animal's health and shares practical advice to help you to optimise your management protocol.

Receiving good quality colostrum, quickly enough and in the right quantity, could eliminate illnesses such as Watery Mouth in lambs, halve cases of pneumonia in calves, improve the survival rate in new-born pigs up to weaning age and beyond. It also supports the responsible use of antibiotics. But at busy times of year, we don’t always have time or resources to make sure every animal gets enough colostrum or gets it quickly enough.

The award winning Colostrum is Gold campaign, led by AHDB, collaborates with the industry to highlight the importance of colostrum in cows, sheep and pigs. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother following birth and is full of antibodies, energy and essential nutrients that can benefit the newborn animal.

On this podcast hosted by AHDB's Head of Animal Health & Welfare, Mandy Nevel, we are joined by speakers Emily Gascoigne and Tim Potter who are both farm vets and Pete Webster who farms both beef and dairy cattle as well as running a sheep enterprise in Cumbria. Pete is also part of the Challenge Sheep research project funded by AHDB.

Useful resources:

245: Agri Market Outlook for Crops | 01.02.2021

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0100

This podcast introduces AHDB’s analysis of the prospects for the UK’s farming industry over the coming months. Covering crops (potatoes, cereals and oilseeds), it explores production, trade and consumption for the year ahead.

John Bates invites Vikki Campbell (Senior Market Specialist Manager for Arable) and Sarah Baker (Senior Market Intelligence Manager).

What is the Agri-Market Outlook?

Our Agri-Market Outlook is produced every six months and is based on the most up-to-date information and insight, combining feedback from experts across the Agri-food industry with AHDB Market Intelligence (MI) expertise.

It is intended to cut through some of the uncertainty and help farm businesses and wider industry plan for the future.

Phil Bicknell, MI director said: “As 2021 gathers pace, Agri-Market Outlook highlights the elements that will shape farming’s fortunes over the next 12-18 months, as well as the longer-term policy and economic drivers.”

“The bottom line is that there won’t be a one-size-fits-all roadmap for navigating the potential impacts on farming sectors and individual businesses, but our evidence and insight can help the industry plan, prepare and budget for the challenges ahead.”

Learn more about the Agri Market Outlook by visiting: https://ahdb.org.uk/agri-market-outlook

Podcast produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam
Email: Aisha.Shabnam@ahdb.org.uk

244: Agri Market Outlook for Livestock | 29.02.2021

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

This podcast introduces AHDB’s analysis of the prospects for the UK’s farming industry over the coming months. Covering red meat (pork, beef and lamb) and dairy, it explores production, trade and consumption for the year ahead.

John Bates invites Richard King from Andersons Consulting, David Swales (Head of Strategic Insight), Patty Clayton (Lead Analyst Dairy) and Duncan Wyatt (Lead Analyst for Livestock).

What is the Agri-Market Outlook?

It is intended to cut through some of the uncertainty and help farm businesses and wider industry plan for the future.

“The bottom line is that there won’t be a one-size-fits-all roadmap for navigating the potential impacts on farming sectors and individual businesses, but our evidence and insight can help the industry plan, prepare and budget for the challenges ahead.”

Podcast produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam
Email: Aisha.Shabnam@ahdb.org.uk

243: Pork: Everything you need to know about environmental permitting regulations (EPR)

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

This week’s guests:
Zanita Markham, AHDB Knowledge Transfer Manager
Mella Waitt, Environment Agency
Alison Frogley, Environment Agency

Since 2007, the Environment Agency has regulated large intensive farming installations under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR), formerly referred to as IPPC, and today (January 2021), there are 225 pig farms permitted in England.

In 2017, a new Best Available Techniques Reference Document (BREF) was released which included a series of Best Available Techniques (BAT) Conclusions.

These BAT Conclusions come into force for all permitted farms on 21 February 2021. The BAT Conclusions are the techniques to prevent or, where this is not practicable, reduce emissions from pig and poultry farms.

In this episode, we hear about the EPR application process, find out where to go for information specific to your site, and find out more about the changes being introduced through the BAT Conclusions.

Useful links

Completing an application
Use this information to help complete an EPR application when planning new pig housing or slurry storage facilities.
https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/environmental-permitting-regulations

Intensive farming environmental permitting guidance
How to comply with your environmental permit, IPPC noise management and example EPR application forms.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/intensive-farming-introduction-and-chapters

Pre-application advice form, including heritage and nature conservation screening
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-permit-pre-application-advice-form

Environmental permitting charging scheme
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-permitting-charging-scheme-2019

Intensive farming risk assessment for your environmental permit
What you must do to carry out a risk assessment if you're a farmer applying for a bespoke permit for intensive farming.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/intensive-farming-risk-assessment-for-your-environmental-permit

Farming rules for water
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farming-rules-for-water-in-england

Storing silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil (SSAFO)
Rules you must follow, who’s responsible and when to notify the Environment Agency.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/storing-silage-slurry-and-agricultural-fuel-oil

Find your local Environment Agency officer
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY
Email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 03708 506 506

242: Growing bright futures

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Growing bright futures: an interview with three successful AHDB crops PhD students about their different PhDs experiences, careers and future plans

Education, education, education! Our latest podcast discusses the importance of AHDB-funded studentships for the crop industry and to future students. John Bates and Rachel McGauley our Crop Protection Scientist invite three special external guests, who share life after their AHDB–funded PhD, opening them to multiple opportunities to support the UK agriculture and horticulture industry.

At times students might find that is worth the hassle and struggle. Let’s find out from our guests how successful their careers have been once their PhD has been complete.

John Bates interviews:

Johnathan Menary

Jonathan is a senior research associate at Lancaster Environment Centre and the St George’s University of London, where he’s involved in two European Union Horizon 2020 projects focussed on plant breeding. He finished his PhD – “Innovation in the Fresh Produce Industry – in 2017, which was funded by the AHDB. In that project, he explored what helped and hindered innovation in the sector, with a particular emphasis on research and communication.
Alex McCormack

Alex is Scientific Support Coordinator at Crop Health and Protection Ltd. (CHAP) one of the four UK AgriTech Centres funded by Innovate UK. In this role he acts as the key scientific and technical contact for CHAP, along with developing its network of academic and industrial partners, to build innovative research projects and new capabilities. In 2018 he completed his AHDB funded PhD at Harper Adams University, which examined soil-borne diseases in oilseed rape and their role in yield decline, using cutting edge molecular tools such as real-time PCR and Next Generation Sequencing.
Bethan Shaw

Bethan Shaw has worked in horticultural entomology since 2012, after taking a summer job doing data collection and unexpectantly falling in love with the topic. She undertook a PhD between 2015-2018 at the University of Southampton and NIAB EMR, co-funded by the AHDB investigating behavioural patterns in spotted wing Drosophila. Since graduating, Bethan has returned to NIAB EMR as research leading in the entomology department and am responsible for the day-to-day management of a wide range of projects. Bethan is also active in applying for my funding and developing new international collaborations.

If you’d like to learn more about these projects contact: Rachel.McGauley@ahdb.org.uk or visit ahdb.org.uk

Podcast produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam
Email: Aisha.Shabnam@ahdb.org.uk

241: Improving dairy herd mobility

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Lameness is one of the most important and costly diseases on dairy farms.

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Jamie McCoy talks to Owen Atkinson from Dairy Veterinary Consultancy about tackling mobility issues, why it’s something the industry needs to focus on now and what help there is available.

You can find more information to help you manage lameness on our dedicated lameness webpages.

Use our Lameness Cost Calculator to calculate the impact of lameness on your farm.

240: SmartHort: Lean management in practice

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Gracie Emeny, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager for SmartHORT, chats to Neil Fedden (Fedden-USP), Darryl Beck (Kernock Park Plants) and Virginia Aurora Colquhoun-Gonzalez (Allensmore Nurseries) about the delivery of Lean management training on the AHDB SmartHort programme, their experiences of Lean management and how the training can help business operations.

The AHDB website provides more information about our SmartHORT programme, as well as the principles of Lean and Lean management methods for growers and farmers.

239: Beef & Lamb: the work that goes on behind the scenes

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

#WeEatBalanced is an exciting new TV campaign we hope you have all seen representing facts not fear on red meat and dairy, but have you ever wondered what goes into making sure campaigns like this work, and how we can all pull together to support our reputation and get ready for the post Brexit era?

In this podcast Rebecca Miah, AHDB Beef & Lamb Sector Strategy Director, talks to Jon Foot, Head of Environment and Sarah Baker, Senior Strategic Insight Manager about how their work informs AHDB campaigns.

Links

238: Millions of children have learned that potatoes don't grow on trees

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Over the last 16 years your levy has made it possible to deliver positive messages about potatoes, to more than five million primary school children in the UK, via AHDB’s Grow Your Own Potatoes programme.

This programme teaches young pupils all about potatoes: where they come from, how they grow and their health benefits.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic GYOP continued throughout 2020, and Sue Lawton, AHDB Education Manager, has got big plans for the 2021 growing season.

Host: John Bates

Speakers:

Sue Lawton - Education Manager, AHDB
Allegra Benita - Teacher, Nancy Reuben School, London
Becky Abbott - Teaching Assistant, Leamington Hastings Church of England Academy
Rita Griggs - Teacher, Faldingworth Community Primary School
Ian Whitehouse - Teacher, Fiddlers Lane
Kerry Wheatley - Teacher, Chaucer Junior School Cranmer Street, Ilkeston
Richard Park - Potato Grower and Seed Supplier
Jackie Baker - Communications Manager, Branston (Seed Supplier)

Let us know what you think about this episode - Feedback form
Learn more about GYOP: Grow Your Own Potatoes Website

We work closely with Food Fact of Life (FFL). FFL is a comprehensive, progressive education programme which communicates up-to-date, evidence-based, consistent and accurate messages around ‘food’ to all those involved in education. Learn more

237: Ringing in the change: evidence-based decisions

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, AHBD Farm Economics Knowledge Exchange Manager Tabitha Allen chats to fellow Knowledge Exchange Manager Julie Clark about how AHDB's Farmbench can help you make changes on farm. They also chat to two farmers, David Fuller-Shapcott and John Billington, about the changes they have made on their farms as a result of using Farmbench.

For more information about Farmbench, please visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/farmbench

234: What does AHDB do for you? Cereals & Oilseeds special

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0100

Pembrokeshire Monitor Farm host Tom Rees interviews AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds board member David Bell. They discuss how the AHDB board works; the importance of farm assurance; Monitor Farms and more.

Find out more about the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds board: https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-board

236: EU exit: are you prepared for the changes that lie ahead?

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

This week’s guests
Sarah Baker, Senior Strategic Insight Manager
Phil Bicknell, Market Intelligence Director
David Eudall, Head of Market Specialists (Arable)

If you are an arable or livestock farmer this podcast is for you.

The guests in this episode of the AHDB podcast share their insight to help you make informed decisions about your business now we have left the EU and move towards the uncertainties created by the arrival of ELMS payments.

Later this month, we'll also be looking at how our exit from the EU is shaping farming's future in a number of webinars, whether that's emerging agricultural policy, trade prospects, or the new opportunities that British farming will have – keep an eye on our events page for all the details.

Useful links
EU exit: food, farming and agriculture
The latest industry news, insights, government guidance and technical advice.

Business Impact Calculator
This tool can be used to simply calculate how BPS payment reductions in England will impact your farm business.

Preparing for change: The characteristics of top performing farms
Learn the things which set the highest-performing farms apart from the rest and improve your own farm performance

AHDB change programme and strategy 2021–2026

We are embarking on major change at AHDB to improve value for levy payers, find out what this means for you and how you can give us feedback.

Join one of our town hall meetings to find out more: https://ahdb.org.uk/events

235: How does exports bring value to your levy?

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast John Bates speaks to AHDB exports staff across a number of sectors to see what exports activities your levy is spent on. We also discover how the team is working with international markets to create demand for our products during 2020 and going forwards in 2021.

For more information visit:

AHDB exports website

Book your place on the British dairy opportunities in Vietnam webinar

232: Rearing animals to high welfare standards

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Animal health and welfare is at top of agenda matter for livestock farmers and for all the right reasons. As the Brexit transition period closes at the end of 2020, Britain thereafter will be trading and operating differently than for the last few decades. Unions and others have been lobbying Government to prevent cheap and poorly produced food from flooding into the UK.

In this episode John Bates talks to Mandy Nevel, vet and Head of Animal Health & Welfare at AHDB, Amy Jackson, Communications Specialist at Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA), and Georgina Crayford, Technical Manager for Pigs at Red Tractor, about animal health and welfare in the UK.

231: What's on the cards for Farm Excellence in 2021?

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0100

AHDB is here to support levy payers’ businesses with key services, tools and benchmarking to improve productivity and shape environmental solutions. On-farm performance and sustainability are areas of focus as well as marketing, exports and research partnerships; all intended to drive excellence and growth.

John Bates speaks to Rebecca Geraghty, chief technical officer at AHDB about the organisation's ambitions to further develop the current Farm Excellence programme which cascades good practice and shares best ways of working with farmers and growers.

Rebecca also discusses the introduction of the Farm 360 programme planned to be rolled out in 2021.

Find out about the strategy and change programme: ahdb.org.uk/strategy

Find out about Farm Excellence: ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence

233: Potatoes: What do I get for my levy?

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we speak to three levy payers about areas of AHDB’s most important and valuable work: marketing, storage and SPot farms.

The growers ask questions and challenge the work being done by AHDB.

Speakers:
First part - Marketing

Alison Levett – AHDB Potatoes Interim Chair
Nicola Dodd – Senior Marketing Manager for Diary and Crops
Michael Welham - Farm Manager for Fairfields Farming Company

Second part - Storage

Adrian Cunnington – Head of Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research
Tim Rooke - Grower North Yorkshire

Third part - SPot farms

Tim Isaac - Knowledge Exchange Director
Danny Nichols - grower from Beeswax Farming

Useful links:
What do I get for my levy - See full details
Let us know what you think about this episode - Feedback form
Join SPot Farm Winter Results Week - Booking form
Join Town Hall Meetings - See full details
Watch previous webinars - Events Achieve
Find out who is your local KE Manager - Meet the team
Lean more about the marketing work we do - Love potatoes website
Learn more about the storage work we do - Storage Hub
Learn more about SPot farms - SPot farms page

230: We Eat Balanced | Promoting dairy and red meat’s reputation

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Our world feels out of balance. The decisions we make about food are often loaded with implications, for our health or the environment.

On 4 January 2021, we'll be launching a £1.5 million TV led marketing campaign, to protect meat and dairy’s reputation in a healthy balanced diet aired across terrestrial and digital channels. With numerous fad diets swimming around social media, we’re finally taking a stance to represent an authentic, positive and healthy image of pork, dairy, beef and lamb.

John Bates invites Christine Watts, Liam Byrne and Susie Stannard to discuss how they aim to change consumers hearts and minds by providing them with the facts and reassuring our audience that the foods they enjoy – red meat and dairy – can play a role in a healthy and sustainable balanced diet.

For further information, please visit ahdb.org.uk/weeatbalanced.

229: Could mixing livestock and arable help your business become more sustainable?

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 18:20:48 +0100

In this podcast we explore the potential benefits of introducing beef systems into arable rotations. An AHDB research project which investigates just that, is now five years in and the farmers involved with the study have seen noticeable improvements. With the new Environmental Land Management (ELMS) scheme coming into effect, set to incentivise sustainable farming practices, it begs the question 'would your business benefit economically and environmentally from bringing livestock and arable together?'

Our speakers include; Dr Lizzie Sagoo Principal soil scientist for ADAS, who is involved in the research side of the project. Peter Lord who runs the host farm down near Bath in Somerset, and Joe Howard who is an AHDB Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmer who has introduced livestock back into his arable system after a period of intensive irrigation. Combining the two systems has positive benefits by improving soil structure and content, introducing herbal leys and achieving better utilisation of land. Take a listen to find out if this could benefit your business and for advice on how to get started.

Additional resources:

For more information on the project, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/sustainable-beef-systems-on-arable-units
For a practical guide on how and why to mix livestock and the arable rotation, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/livestock-and-the-arable-rotation
For information on introducing pigs to the arable rotation, listen to this podcast from 2019 https://audioboom.com/posts/7325267-pigs-in-the-arable-rotation
To watch our recent webinar, in partnership with Farmers Weekly, entitled; From BPS to ELM – Get ready for the changes coming to farm support, watch online

We'd love to hear your feedback on our podcast series. Please take 2 minutes to fill out our feedback form

225: Programme for change | 2021-2026 Strategy

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Nicholas Saphir, AHDB Chair: "We have listened carefully to our levy payers, and we will now embark on major change at AHDB. Our new change and strategy programme puts farmers and growers at the heart of what we do, and we want to hear from you. Together we can make the most of the opportunities which lie ahead for British food and farming"

Find out more and have your say by visiting ahdb.org.uk/strategy

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

224: Future-proofing your dairy farm for the next generation

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Shirley Macmillan talks to Strategic Dairy Farmer Dan Burdett and Andersons’ Business consultant Tony Evans about the modern pressures of dairy farming, and how to set up and manage your dairy farm around a sound business structure.

You can find more information on our dedicated Business change and succession webpage.

223: You ask the questions: What does the AHDB Board do for you?

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 07:30:00 +0100

Northern Ireland's AHDB Monitor Farm host Richard Orr interviews new Cereals & Oilseeds Board member David Walston. They talk about what the Board does for levy payers, market intelligence, communications and more. They start off talking about the year they've both had at their farms.

Board members: ahdb.org.uk/cereals-board

Markets and prices: ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets

Register for AHDB communications

223: Red Tractor | Traceable, Safe and Farmed with Care

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Did you know almost 70% of consumers say the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme, positively influences their shopping? Jim Mosely, the Red Tractor Assurance CEO, states 73% of consumers trust the Red Tractor Scheme and that’s just the beginning. It’s safe to say, the little red tractor is a key player in the farming industry and its journey to our consumer's dinner table.

John Bates talks to the CEO of one of the largest farming assurance schemes, Red Tractor – about the nitty-gritty details and the importance of the scheme and how this helps farmers.

Find out how the organisation deals with bad publicity and how Red Tractor is preparing in light of the current economic stress caused by the pandemic and as we plan to leave the EU - discussing what this means for Britain’s food producers.

Would you like to know more about The Red Tractor Assurance Scheme? Visit, assurance.redtractor.org.uk
________________________________________________________________________________
Created in the aftermath of the BSE and Salmonella disasters two decades ago. Red Tractor’s core purpose was to reassure consumers at a time when trust in our industry was at an all-time low. It has since grown to become the UK's biggest farm and food standards scheme, with almost 50,000 members. Covering all of animal welfare, food safety, traceability and environmental protection, this not for profit company, has helped to establish British food and farming as the benchmark for quality across the world.

222: New non-red poinsettia varieties: AHDB's trials and research

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0100

For this week's horticulture podcast we are looking at poinsettias and AHDB's trials and research work into new varieties of non-red poinsettias. In this episode, Wayne Brough, AHDB's Knowledge Exchange Manager for Ornamentals , leads the conversation and chats to poinsettia growers Andrew Fuller, Graeme Edwards and James Lisher for their thoughts on the findings from these AHDB trials.

For more information on these trials and this research, please visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/PoinsettiaVarieties

221: Agricultural research at Strategic Cereal Farms

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0100

It’s Strategic Farm Week at AHDB! In this special edition of the podcast, we’ll discuss the research taking place at our host farms across the UK.

Strategic Cereal Farm East host Brian Barker hosts a panel of researchers responsible for overseeing the harvest 2021 trials. Tune in to listen to:

Emily Pope, Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager (Cereals & Oilseeds) at AHDB, providing an overview of the Strategic Cereal Farm programme (06.46 – 10.16 and 38.10 – 40.16)
David Clarke, Soils and Farming Systems Technician at NIAB, on maximising the value of marginal land (10.18 – 15.57)
Dr Lorna Cole, Agricultural Ecologist/Lecturer at SRUC, on monitoring and nurturing beneficial insects (16.28 – 23.17)
Kate Smith, Soil Scientist at ADAS, on soil cultivations and cover crops (23.31 – 32.39)
Professor Fiona Burnett, Group Manager for Crop & Soil Systems at SRUC, on reducing fungicides in wheat (32.55 – 38.07)

For more information about Strategic Farm Week – Winter 2020 visit: ahdb.org.uk/sfweek-winter-2020.

You can find results from all this years’ trials at ahdb.org.uk/sfweek-winter-2020/results.

You can watch recordings by visiting ahdb.org.uk/cerealswebinars

To learn more about our three Strategic Cereal Farms, please find links to each farm below:

You can find key AHDB publications visiting the AHDB Knowledge Library: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library

220: Is the future of potato growing organic?

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we speak to Brendon Rockey, who will be the key note speaker at the Potato Industry Conference Day, which will be held online on 24th of November. He will speak about the way he farms and what made him choose a non-chemical way of farming.

In the second part of this episode we speak to Claire Hodge, Senior Arable Knowledge Exchange Manager for Scotland. Claire will speak about the morning session at the Potato Conference as well as offering a preview of the SPot Winter Results Events.

Guests:

Brendon Rockey - Potato grower (Colorado, North America)
Claire Hodge, Senior Arable Knowledge Exchange Manager (Scotland)

Host:

Maria Covlea

REGISTER FOR THE POTATO INDUSTRY CONFERENCE DAY

Let us know what you think about this podcast episode: We'd love to hear your feedback

218: Pork: Principles of pig production, abattoir closures and market news

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0100

This week’s guests
Emily Boyce, Knowledge Exchange Manager
Lauren Dimmack, Animal Health & Welfare Scientist
Charlie Reeve, Market Analyst

Principles of pig production
Our principles of pig production webinar series is aimed at anyone looking to upskill or refresh their knowledge on pig production, both small-scale producers and stockpeople alike.
Register for the next webinar on 24 November
AHDB event archive: https://ahdb.org.uk/pork-events-archive

Threat of abattoir closures
Have you got a contingency plan? Think about your options for alternative/temporary accommodation now and speak to your key suppliers e.g. feed and bedding.
If concerned, speak to your vet and, if you need to, speak to your assurance scheme as early as possible.
Download our contingency planning guide

EU production revival as ASF concerns grow
An overview of the latest developments for pig meat markets both globally and in the domestic market.
Contact our analysts: redmeat.mi@ahdb.org.uk
Pork market analysis: https://ahdb.org.uk/pork/market-analysis

Feedback survey
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

219: Farm business succession planning

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:50:24 +0100

In this episode Leah Shanks, Knowledge Exchange Manager for the South West, talks to a number of farmers about the sometimes controversial topic of succession planning and asks about their experiences, as well as sourcing some key advice.

For more information visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/business-planning/changing-your-business/talking-things-through

212: From basil downy mildew to flavoursome herbs: AHDB's crop protection, IPM and flavour research in herbs

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0100

For our protected edibles and mushrooms showcase week, this special edition podcast is hosted by Grace Choto, AHDB's Knowledge Exchange Manager for Field Vegetables (Leafy salads, herbs and speciality veg) and looks at our recent and current work with herbs. In particular, this episode looks at where levy payers' money has been invested and the benefits of both research and knowledge exchange work in this area. Grace is joined by Simon Budge (Head of Research for Agronomy and Crop Protection at Vitacress Herbs and AHDB panel member), Claire Donkin (Technical Officer for British Herbs and independent agronomist), and Kim Parker (AHDB Crop Protection Scientist).

211: Brexit | Impact of leaving the EU on livestock markets 09.11.2020

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0100

As the UK prepares for Brexit and the end of the transition in January 2021, we bring you an insight of upcoming changes that farmers and growers need to prepare for - ensuring agriculture is fit for the future.

In this podcast, John Bates welcomes special guests, Sarah Baker and Duncan Wyatt to provide an insight into what the impact of leaving EU will be on livestock markets. With the latest news discussing EU trade talks – it's vital to understand what will this mean for dairy and red meat sectors.

Listen to discover:

Where the UK sits in terms of trade and self-sufficiency on each of the red meats, and what implications does this have as we leave the EU?
Is there anything that will change, whether we get a trade deal or not?
What do our levy payers need to think about as we approach the deadline at the end of the year?

If you'd like more information:

Check out the characteristics of High Performing Farms in the UK
Discover the Brexit Calculator
AHDB's EU Exit webpage to explore useful tools and resources, including latest Brexit-focused webinars

210: Milk Your Moments marketing campaign delivers for dairy

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Earlier this year some dairy farmers took an unexpected hit when the Coronavirus pandemic closed big parts of the economy and quickly vast quantities of milk, around 2m litres a day usually destined for coffee shops, pubs and cafes, didn’t have a home.

In this podcast John Bates takes a look at how the industry got together and a £1m marketing campaign was whipped up in quick time. The first national TV adverts appeared in 20 years and £100k was raised to support mental health work.

The so-called Milk Your Moments campaign ran from May for 12 weeks, funded with money from AHDB, Dairy UK, Defra, the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments. Hear the story from Judith Bryans CEO Dairy UK, AHDB’s Paul Flannagan, Rebecca Miah and Susie Stannard about how some impressive results followed.

You can find more information about the Milk Your Moments campaign here and read more about the results of the campaign.

209: Brexit | Impact of leaving the EU on crop markets 04.11.2020

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0100

As the UK prepares for Brexit and the end of the transition in January 2021, we bring you an insight of upcoming changes that farmers and growers need to prepare for - ensuring agriculture is fit for the future.

In this podcast, John Bates welcomes special guests, David Swales and David Eudall to provide an insight into what the impact of leaving EU will be on crop markets. With the latest news discussing EU trade talks – it's vital to understand what will this mean for the crops sector. Tune in to find out:

What will be the main changes farmers see on Jan 1?
How will the new trade tariffs impact farmers?
How is agricultural policy changing?
How will this impact farmers financially?

For further resources, please visit:

208: Potatoes: GB planted area by region, sector and variety + Harvest update

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode our Market Intelligence (MI) team discusses their latest reports. Graham Bannister offers an update on how lifting is progressing in the North West and East of England. Finally, Andy Shaw, potato grower in Cheshire, shares with us the struggle growers are facing at the moment due to Coronavirus and the low price for potatoes.

Presenter: John Bates

Guest speakers:

David Eudall - Head of Market Specialists (Arable)
Alice Bailey - Senior Analyst (Potatoes)
Alex Cook - MI Analyst
Graham Bannister - Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager for the North West and North East region
Andy Shaw - Cheshire Grower

Useful links:

We'd love to hear your feedback

206: From spotted wing drosophila to mildew: AHDB's fruit crop protection research

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this special edition podcast for our fruit showcase week, Scott Raffle, AHDB's Knowledge Exchange Manager for Fruit, leads a discussion about our research into fruit crop protection research. Scott is joined by AHDB's Research Manager for fruit crops, Rachel McGauley, agronomist, tree fruit grower and former tree fruit panel Chairman Nigel Kitney and Harriet Duncalfe, a long-established soft fruit grower and former soft fruit panel Chairman. The discussion in this episode focuses on the research into spotted wing drosophila, mildew, western flower thrips and two spotted spider mite.

207: Beef & Lamb: How do I start up a direct selling business?

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Amy Hughes, Knowledge Exchange Manager, finds out more about direct selling. She chats to beef farmer, Andy Rumming, who shares experiences of direct selling from his own business and gives advice on how to get into it. She also talks to AHDB’s Senior Manager of Quality Schemes, Karl Pendlebury, who talks about his work with butchers and the supply chain as well as giving advice on AHDB trade resources.

For more information about direct selling

Visit the trade area for a range of information to help you get set up with direct selling

The direct selling of beef and lamb meat boxes page will help you with supporting material you can download

205: Pork: Behind-the-scenes of our 'Mix Up Midweek with Perfect Pulled Pork' campaign

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0100

Did you know, we invest over £19m in marketing and export development every year?

According to YouGov, typically in the UK, marketing budgets currently account for 9.3% of overall company revenue. Today we speak about the latest campaign, 'Mix Up Midweek with Perfect Pulled Pork', designed to increase pork consumption and overall sales, in the UK.

Pig producers, have you ever wondered how much of your levy is invested in marketing and simply why? We know marketing is important, as it helps to cut through the noise and bring pork at the front and centre of our consumer minds.

This podcast takes a behind the scenes look at the Pulled Pork marketing campaign. I’m John Bates and today we welcome key specialists, who divulge into how we work with stakeholders, influencers, retailers and food specialists to ensure pork is always on everyone's shopping list:

AHDB’s Senior Marketing Manager, Gareth Renowden,
Senior Account Manager, Stasha Napior-Kowska and
Denise Spencer-Walker Food Communications Manager

Interested in more information:

204: Grain markets around the world

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this special edition of the Cereals and Oilseeds podcast the head of AHDB’s Arable Market Specialists David Eudall talks to grain market experts from around the globe.

David’s guests include:

Robert Johansson (01.25 – 23.48), Chief Economist at the US Department of Agriculture. Robert explains how the US is using data to improve market awareness and the big global drivers.

Ben Buckner (23.55 – 33.57), Analyst at AgResource, discusses the details of the US maize and soybean markets, including the prospects for South American crops.

Based in Australia, Andrew Whitelaw (34.08 – 51.58) of Thomas Elder Markets reflects on the Australian barley and oilseed rape outlook and implications for the UK.

Andrey Sizov (52.00 – 1.07.33), SovEcon on the important aspects of the Russian wheat market and impact on global prices.

This podcast forms part of Grain Market Outlook Week – a weeklong series of digital events dedicated to grain markets.

If you missed any of the webinars you can find them on the AHDB website. Visit ahdb.org.uk/cerealswebinars to hear expert analysis on wheat, barley and oilseed markets. This includes the annual market outlook webinar, covering both global and domestic issues for the 2020/21 season.

You can find the latest, up-to-date information on cereals and oilseeds markets by visiting: ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets. Don’t forget to subscribe to our regular email updates (scroll to the bottom of the page to find the link)

AHDB is committed to supporting levy payers with challenges they may face as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. We have a dedicated webpage filled with resources and information. Visit: ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

203: Consumer behaviour- What are its current biggest influencers?

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 06:00:00 +0100

John Bates recently caught up with Kim Malley (Senior Analyst within AHDB's Consumer Insight team) and Sarah Baker (Economist for AHDB).

They discussed the latest changes in consumer behaviour and how views have shifted throughout the year.

Key issues such as COVID-19 and Brexit were on the agenda, with both our experts providing updates on the role they've played in recent times in affecting consumer behaviour.

Webinars

Tuesday 20 October 2020 - A changing market landscape in the dairy industry: What behavioural changes has Coronavirus driven? Sign up here.

Wednesday 21 October 2020 - A changing market landscape in the potatoes industry: What behavioural changes has Coronavirus driven? Sign up here.

Thursday 22 October 2020 - A changing market landscape in the red meat industry: What behavioural changes has Coronavirus driven? Sign up here.

Tuesday 10 November 2020 - A changing consumer landscape: How have consumer attitudes towards dairy shifted during the coronavirus pandemic? Sign up here.

Wednesday 11 November 2020 - A changing consumer landscape: How have consumer attitudes towards fresh produce shifted during the coronavirus pandemic? Sign up here.

Thursday 12 November 2020 - A changing consumer landscape: How have consumer attitudes towards red meat shifted during the coronavirus pandemic? Sign up here.

Useful Resources

AHDB's latest Brexit-related information

Characteristics of top performing farms information

FarmBench information

202: Tackling calf pneumonia in the autumn

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Steve West talks to Jamie Robertson from the University of Aberdeen about how to tackle calf pneumonia during the changing autumn weather.

For more information please visit our Calf Pneumonia webpage or you can access calf resources on our Knowledge Library.

201: Your health is your wealth

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0100

If I told you 84% of farmers under the age 40 are battling with poor mental health what would you say. You’d be shocked, right?

Your health is your wealth, so the saying goes, and the Coronavirus pandemic has certainly tested many individuals and families due to the restrictions and changes in everyday life.

In this episode, John Bates discusses the importance of mental health with those with first-hand experiences within the farming community and a charity anxious to raise awareness of how, triggered by the rural isolation, loneliness and financial uncertainty, depression and anxiety are a real threat. We have some special guests, who are willing and enthusiastic to support those in need. You’ll hear from:

1. Lee Thompson, pig farmer and host of Flat White Chats podcast

2. Emma Picton–Jones, founder of the DPJ Foundation

3. Vicki Beers, National Partnerships Manager from FCN

It’s worth noting #WorldMentalHealthDay is on Saturday 10 Oct, which gives some appreciation of the scale of the problem.

If you have 5 mins spare, take a look at the resources and support network available. Please don’t be afraid to speak about your health:

AHDB Resources:

Check out a list of support and resources available in the farming industry
Watch our mental health and wellbeing webinars, designed to provide guidance and support for any challenging situations you may face:
Listen to our previous podcast ‘How a positive mindset can help work life balance’

External resources:

Contact the anonymous FCN Helpline: 03000 111 999
Visit Farm Well, the dedicated support network, designed for the farming community
Visit the DPJ Foundation, led by Emma Picton-James
If you have a story to share or would like to listen to Flat White Chats, check out this podcast channel, available on multiple platforms

200: Decisions, decisions, decisions

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 08:04:58 +0100

Exiting the EU, the pandemic and economic uncertainty at home and abroad, should farmers and growers plan for the worst and hope for the best?

Also, the weather during the last growing season will not be forgotten anytime soon with farmers and growers now coping with the results of a poor harvest, reduced cash flow and the availability of feed for livestock.

Can AHDB help mitigate the challenges of mother nature and assist you to make decisions to help your business in the future weather the storm?

John Bates speaks to beef farmer and director of market intelligence Phil Bicknell, about how AHDB’s studies and tools, together with the experiences shared by fellow farmers has changed the way he works on his farm.

For further resources please visit:

198: Pork: Why is good handling so important for everyone in the chain?

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Mandy Nevel, Head of Animal Welfare at AHDB speaks to representatives from Morrisons, Red Tractor and the National Pig Association about the importance of good pig handling.

This week’s guests
Sophie Throup, Head of Agriculture, Morrisons
Dr Zoe Davies, Chief Executive, National Pig Association
Dr Georgina Crayford, Technical Manager for Pigs, Red Tractor

Useful links
Moving and handling web page
Use this information to learn why pigs behave in certain ways, how they respond to humans and how to handle them effectively.

For the latest industry data, analysis and insights from the pork sector, to help inform your business decisions visit: ahdb.org.uk/pork/pork-markets
Sign up to our weekly pork e-newsletter: ahdb.org.uk/keeping-in-touch
For information, guidance and support during the coronavirus pandemic, visit our dedicated web page: ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

199: Hayley Campbell-Gibbons: The four future areas of focus

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 13:23:00 +0100

Defra published the government-led Request for Views on AHDB in April 2020 in which, Victoria Prentis’ foreword stated that 64% felt that there was a need for the statutory levy to continue. However, it also identified that there is a desire for an overhaul of the current structure of AHDB and its governance to operate in a more modern way to reflect the needs of the modern market.

In this episode, following the issue of the Commitment to levy payers outlined by Nicholas Saphir, AHDB Chair, Jennifer Morgan talks to AHDB Board and Horticulture Sector Chair, Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, on what that means for levy payers in the horticulture sector.

197: Beef & Lamb: optimising calf health

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode Sarah Pick, Knowledge Exchange Manager for AHDB Beef and Lamb talks to Donall Fahy who manages the dairy calf to beef trial at Teagasc, Ireland.

During the podcast Donall discusses the management practices he recommends to improve animal health and business profitability in calf rearing systems.

Additional resources:

Better returns from calf rearing

196: What makes a good grazing farmer?

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Kate Harris talks to Andre van Barneveld from Graise Consultancy about what makes a good grassland farmer stand out from the average, and what the challenges might be for them in the future.

For the latest research and advice on grass, forage and soil management to help improve grassland productivity on livestock farms, visit our Grass & forage management webpage.

Get the latest grass growth measurements straight from farms to your inbox by signing up to our Forage For Knowledge weekly updates.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

195: The power of discussion: knowing and understanding your costs

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In the latest AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds podcast, James Lamb from our Farm Economics team chats to Knowledge Exchange Managers David Pett and Tabitha Allen about the importance of knowing and understanding your costs. David and Tabitha also speak to two farmers, George Hosford and Tom Jackson, about their experiences of AHDB's discussion groups with regards to the subject of costs and how Farmbench has helped them.

For more information, please visit www.ahdb.org.uk/farmbench

194: Potatoes: Marketing and Education results are up, but the price is still low

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In the first part of this episode we discuss the results of our latest marketing campaign and how our education team continued to teach children about potatoes even when the schools were closed.

In the second part you will hear from our Market Intelligence team. They will explain us why the price of potatoes is still low at the moment and what are the latest trends.

Guest speakers:

Nicola Dodd - AHDB Marketing Manager - Crops & Dairy
Sue Lawton - AHDB Education Manager
Alex Cook - MI Analyst

Resources and links:

193: Pork: Pig clubs, webinars and who’s who in the pork team?

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we hear from Pippa Handley, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager (Pork) and Emily Boyce, Knowledge Exchange Officer – Skills Development (Pork).

Pippa takes us through the recent changes in the knowledge exchange and knowledge transfer teams, as well as outlining the plan for our autumn pig farmer events. Emily then talks about the stockperson training courses and how they might look over the coming months, as well as what we are offering via webinar in the meantime, with a focus on new entrants and small-scale producers.

This week’s guests
Pippa Handley, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager (Pork)
Emily Boyce, Knowledge Exchange Officer – Skills Development (Pork)

Useful links and resources
Find your regional contact and get in touch: ahdb.org.uk/meet-the-team
Meet AHDB’s Pork knowledge exchange team in this short video
Catch up with recent webinars in our event archive: ahdb.org.uk/pork-events-archive
Find upcoming events and webinars in our events hub: ahdb.org.uk/eventsFind out about our stockperson training: ahdb.org.uk/ahdb-pork-skills-training and let us know your thoughts on our training offer for 2021 by completing our short survey here.

For the latest industry data, analysis and insights from the pork sector, to help inform your business decisions visit: ahdb.org.uk/pork/pork-markets
Sign up to our weekly pork e-newsletter: ahdb.org.uk/keeping-in-touch
For information, guidance and support during the coronavirus pandemic, visit our dedicated web page: ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

192: AHDB's new commitment to levy payers

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Defra published a summary and response to the government-led Request for Views on AHDB in April 2020.

In this episode, John Bates talks to AHDB Chair, Nicholas Saphir, on a new pledge to levy payers having listened to feedback. Commitments outlined by Nicholas include a new strategy, featuring key areas of farm performance and marketing (both home and overseas) underpinned with independent evidence, improved communication, a new ballot on the levy and reviews of AHDB’s governance and levy systems.

Listen out for upcoming episodes featuring Nicholas on AHDB's new strategy, and learn more about AHDB’s commitment to levy payers here:
ahdb.org.uk/commitments

191: Beef & Lamb: using marketing campaigns to support our farmers

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are joined by three speakers who discuss the AHDB Beef & Lamb marketing and advertising activity that has taken place this year in response to Covid-19. This activity was supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) as part of the ring fenced funding.

These promotional campaigns include our Make It Steak activity, which was brought in near the beginning of lock down to tackle carcass imbalance, and our ongoing Make It Lamb campaign, which was introduced to coincide with the new season lamb being on shelves. This week (1-7 September) is also Love Lamb Week - an industry-wide initiative to encourage everyone to celebrate the goodness and versatility of lamb.

Speakers:
Gareth Renowden who is AHDB’s senior marketing manager for beef and lamb talks us through what goes into the planning behind the campaigns.

Carrie McDermid who works in the retail engagement team at AHDB tell us about the engagement levels we saw from the campaign and how supermarkets got involved

Karl Pendlebury runs the Quality Standard Mark (QSM) scheme for AHDB and is the link with butchers and the foodservice industry. He talks about how butchers shops adapted to the sudden increase in demand as well as how we maintained engagement with food service and chefs through the Premier Steak Night match initiative on social media.

Useful links:
Love Lamb Week https://ahdb.org.uk/lovelambweek
Make It Lamb https://ahdb.org.uk/make-it-with-lamb-share-the-message
Make It Steak https://ahdb.org.uk/steak-night
Premier Steak Night https://ahdb.org.uk/premier-steak-night
Simply Beef & Lamb https://www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/
AHDB Marketing https://ahdb.org.uk/marketing
Quality Meat Scotland podcast https://www.qmscotland.co.uk/qms-podcast

189: Exploring dairy export opportunities in the Middle East

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0100

The Middle East may not be the first place on your list of markets for foodstuffs produced on UK farms but Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar represent significant opportunities for exports in the coming years. This is according to a report commissioned by the UK Government and produced by Promar.

In this episode John Bates talks to Caroline Dawson from Promar and AHDB’s Senior Exports Manager Lucy Randolph to hear about the AHDB export strategy to connect levy payers with new customers.

You can sign up for the webinars here:

Understanding Dairy Export Opportunities: UAE – Tues 9 Sept, 10-11.30am

Understanding Dairy Export Opportunities: Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait – Thurs 10 Sept, 10-11.30am

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

190: Harvest 2020

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0100

It’s that time of year again, harvest 2020 is underway and farmers are coming to the end of what has been a challenging year for growing crops.

In this episode, we’ll hear from growers from across the country. They’ve had to deal with extreme weather, a global pandemic and the uncertainty Britain’s exit from the EU continues to pose for markets. Despite this, as we’ll hear, there have been mixed fortunes.

You can find information from the AHDB harvest results service on our website. Visit ahdb.org.uk/harvestresults. Here you can find the latest data and commentary from our Recommended Lists trials all around the country.

For the harvest progress in Great Britain visit ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds/gb-harvest-progress. On this page you can find an overview of the latest figures and use our interactive tool below to learn about harvest progress across Great Britain.

Thanks to:

· Richard Payne (Manor Farm, Somerset)

· James and Michael Parker (Sherwood Farms, Leicestershire)

· Andy Bason (Newhouse Farm, Hampshire)

· Pip Robson (Chathill Farm, Northumberland)

· Tom Mead (Bleak House Farm, Cambridgeshire)

· Paul Gosling (AHDB)

· Vikki Campbell (AHDB)

188: Reaping the rewards – weather or not

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 05:00:00 +0100

What a year it has been, too wet then too dry, crops failing to establish, followed by worries about the ground being suitable for getting new seeds sown.

Extreme and severe weather patterns cause more weather worries, too dry, too hot, you know the form and the indications are that the harvest will be a disappointment – who’d be a farmer eh?

In this podcast, John Bates speaks to Dr Toby Willison, Executive Director of Operations at the Environment Agency and Dr Nicola Dunn Resource Management Scientist at AHDB about the impact of flooding and how farmers can use this to their benefit. We are aware the issues extreme weather can cause to farmland, the specialists discuss the support for farmers including the ELMS (Environmental Land Management Scheme) along with other resources to help businesses as well as the community.

Weather impacts all sectors, it’s a time for farmers and growers to come together and encounter extreme weather conditions to help our communities.

Find out more information on the ELMS (Environmental Land Management Scheme)
Check out our GREATsoils programme and ensure you’re managing or upgrading your field drainage
Visit our weather page which includes sector-specific guidance including soils information, weather warnings, heat stress, irrigation management, managing grass and dealing with water supplies
Look at our Weather Hub to find out information on air temperatures, rainfall, relative humidity, sunshine duration, wind speed, soil moisture, soil temperature and solar radiation

For any further information contact our specialist Nicola Dunn.

187: Best practice ahead of store loading

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are discussing how potato growers should prepare their crops and stores for the first season without CIPC.

Guest speakers:

Tom Macfarlane - Farm Manager at Bannister Farms
James Lee - Business Unit Manager at Produce Solutions
Adrian Cunnington - Head of Crop Storage Research at Sutton Bridge

Links:

Register to attend desiccation webinars:

19 August: Desiccation - how to apply diquat alternatives to potato crops
16 September: Desiccation - how effective are diquat alternatives for potato crops

186: Pork: How can pig farmers become more energy efficient as we move towards net zero?

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ben Williams, KT Senior Manager, speaks to three industry experts about some of the work that has been taking place to help farmers become more energy efficient as we move towards net zero. He also discusses AHDB’s strategic aims in terms of the environment with Jon Foot, Head of Environment.

Find out about the potential for releasing energy from slurry, the scope for improving energy efficiency on farm and how to make the most of renewable energy sources.

Featured guests
Jon Foot, Head of Environment, AHDB
Jon Swain, Senior Consultant, NFU Energy
Martin Barker, National Pig Sales Manager, Duynie Feeds

Useful information
Find out more about GrowSave and our technology review: ahdb.org.uk/growsave

Ammonia emissions factors: ahdb.org.uk/news/outdated-ammonia-emissions-factors-set-to-be-revised

For the latest industry data, analysis and insights from the pork sector to help inform your business decisions visit: ahdb.org.uk/pork/pork-markets

Sign up to our weekly pork e-newsletter: ahdb.org.uk/keeping-in-touch

For information, guidance and support during the coronavirus pandemic, visit our dedicated web page: ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

185: Beef & Lamb: Sourcing replacements, forage supply and what to expect at livestock markets

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 09:55:45 +0100

In part one of this episode, independent sheep consultant Liz Genever talks to two of AHDB’s Challenge Sheep farmers, Sam Jones and Rob Hawke, about their approach to sourcing replacements this year, given the restrictions associated with coronavirus. There is also mixed forage supply following a dry spring, so she explores whether this is influencing their decision to retain more animals or opt to buy in replacements. Liz also covers health precautions and things to consider when buying in replacement stock.

In the second part of this episode, Liz is joined by Ted Ogden who is the Farmstock Sales Manager & Auctioneer at CCM Auctions in Skipton, North Yorkshire. As a member of the Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA), Ted gives an update on the availability of sheep sales this autumn within livestock markets and provides reassurance on the changes we can expect to see given the current coronavirus restrictions. There is also the option of sourcing replacements online, such as Signet Breeding Services who are offering the ability to buy pedigree ewes and rams from their website this year.

Further information

Challenge Sheep
Sam Jones and Rob Hawke are part of AHDB’s Challenge Sheep research project. The aim of the project is to understand the influence of the rearing phase of ewe lambs and shearlings, and how it affects their lifetime performance and productivity. Sam Jones runs a third-generation sheep farm in Worcestershire. He has 1,050 breeding ewes and he buys in and breeds his own replacements. Rob Hawke farms with his wife Anna near Salisbury in Wiltshire. They are first-generation farmers and they have been farming for 12 years. They run 1,000 performance recorded Romney ewes and they breed and keep their own replacements. Both farmers discuss their key findings from the project so far. Visit https://ahdb.org.uk/challenge-sheep to find out more about the project.

Signet Breeding Services
Signet Breeding Services are offering the ability to buy pedigree ewes and rams from their website this year with their new sheep for sale page. They also have a flock finder page to identify the nearest recorded flock to you. Visit https://www.signetdata.com/ to find out more.

Livestock markets
The advice from the Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA) is for farmers around the country to continue to support their local livestock markets and engage with them as they try and come out the other side of the pandemic. Vendors are now allowed back in the ring but with only one vendor representing their stock. Buyers need to contact the market to pre-book a place within the sale ring. Social distancing must be observed, and a face covering must be worn. Expect there to be clear perspex screens around the ring. It is a different buying experience, but farmers can still go and sell or buy their livestock. Visit https://www.laa.co.uk/ for more guidance.

If you would like further advice on sourcing the right replacements for your flock, please speak to your regional Knowledge Exchange Manager who can be found at the bottom of our Beef & Lamb homepage https://ahdb.org.uk/beef-lamb

184: Dairy: Confidence to breed the next generation

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0100

The breeding decisions taken by dairy farmers are crucially important to the productivity, health and welfare of our national dairy herd.

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Becky Miles talks to Keith Gue from Huddlestone Farmers in Sussex to understand how he makes his breeding decisions and the impact it’s had on the herd.

Find out more about genetics on our Dairy Breeding & Genetics page.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

183: Cabbage stem flea beetle management in oilseed rape

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Our research has identified various key components for an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy to combat cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) and uses a traffic-light code to indicate the current reliability for control. In this podcast, AHDB pest specialist Charlotte Rowley, ADAS entomologist Sacha White and Richard Ling from Diss Monitor Farm discuss the results and unlock the secrets for effectively controlling this major oilseed rape pest.

Further details of our research can be found via the following links:

182: Pork Midweek Meal Campaign Results 2020

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0100

In a world that’s constantly competing with emerging food trends, diets and changing tastes – it becomes harder for farmers produce to rise above the noise and maintain the front and centre position, on the plate.

The marketing and advertising people do their utmost and headlines, a few weeks ago shouted Porky Brits now fatter than pigs – a topic of a separate podcast – which supports the work being done and the latest research, showing the fat levels in certain cuts of pork have now dropped.

LovePork is an AHDB marketing initiative fashioned to challenge consumer’s perceptions of pork – and in the latest results following the LovePork TV advert, 89% of consumers think Pork is now leaner and a healthier food choice.

John Bates, speaks to AHDB’s Strategy Director for Pork - Angela Christison, Retail Insight Manager - Kim Malley and Marketing Lead - Carrie McDermid. They will take us through how they changed consumer perceptions and how the campaign generated £12.4m of additional spend.

For further information discussed in the podcast visit:

Listen to our 'Thin as a pig' podcast
Listen to our exporting podcast or find out about our upcoming exporting activities
Find our more information on the Love Pork campaign or visit our consumer facing Love Pork website to download recipes and help share the love for pork

181: The UK's raspberry breeding programme - from the perspective of the James Hutton Institute

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 08:30:00 +0100

In our latest episode, AHDB's KE Manager for Soft Fruit and Tree Fruit Scott Raffle sat down with Louise Sutherland - Chair of the Raspberry Breeding Consortium, Nicki Jennings - Raspberry Breeder at the James Hutton Institute and Jeff Layton, a Fruit Agronomist .

They discussed each of their roles, the current state of play and how raspberry varieties may change in the future.

To discover more about AHDB's role in assisting in raspberry-based research through our NIAB EMR Centre, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/WETCentre.

180: Desiccation: solutions for the first season without Diquat

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0100

After losing the approval for Diquat in 2019 growers are looking for alternative solutions for desiccation. Gozai and Spotlight, straight or in combination, along with flailing have shown good results in the 2019 trials.
Trials on desiccation will continue this year at our SPot farms.

In the first part of this episode we will discuss with Mike Shapland, Strategic Potato Farm host in the East region, about how they will tackle desiccation this year. In the second part Dr Mark Stalham will talk about the desiccation trials which took place last year and he will also offer an update on this year’s trials.

Guest speakers:

Mike Shapland – Farm Manager, James Foskett Farms

Dr. Mark Stalham – Head of NIAB CUF

Links:

https://ahdb.org.uk/potatoes

https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/james-foskett-farms

https://ahdb.org.uk/news/the-cost-of-desiccation-without-diquat

179: 2020 Dairy and red meat market outlook

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode John Bates talks to Head of Market Specialists Chris Gooderham, and Duncan Wyatt, Lead Analyst, about the challenges faced by the beef, lamb, pork and dairy sectors in 2020 and what the future may hold. They discuss some of the winners and losers of the coronavirus pandemic, and touch on Brexit.

You can find more information on prices and consumer trends, both in the short- and long-term, on our Market Intelligence web pages or by reading the latest Agri-market outlook reports.

If you’d like to sign up to receive our regular e-newsletters, visit: ahdb.org.uk/keeping-in-touch and if you’d like to give feedback on our podcasts, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

178: New chair not sitting on his laurels

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In March 2020 Nicholas Saphir was appointed by the Secretary of State to follow Sir Peter Kendall and become the new chairman of AHDB.

In this episode, John Bates questions AHDB's new chair, Nicholas Saphir on his future plans for the agriculture and horticulture industry. Bringing a strong set of new skills and experience, Nicholas shares the vision of where he wants AHDB to be in the upcoming years. Find out what the means for our industry, staff and allied stakeholders.

Learn more about Nicholas Saphir
If you're interested in our upcoming work, visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/

Keep your eye peeled for our upcoming podcasts featuring Nicholas on AHDB's upcoming strategy and request for views

177: Beef & Lamb: Top tips for outwintering your livestock

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Katie Thorley, AHDB Beef & Lamb’s Knowledge Transfer manager talks to AHDB Beef & Lamb board member, Richard Sparey, about how he has successfully outwintered his stock, as well as advice and top tips on how you can do the same.

Outwintering webinars

Making a success of outwintering cattle

Outwintering options for sheep

176: Agri Market Outlook | Preparing for the future

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode John Bates talks to AHDB Consumer Insight Analysts David Swales and Sarah Baker about the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in 2020 and what the future may hold for the industry.

You can find more information on prices and consumer trends on our Market Intelligence page or by reading the latest Agri Market Outlook report.

175: 2020 Harvest and Market Outlook

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 13:00:00 +0100

In this special edition agri-market podcast, we invite the AHDB Market Intelligence team to review the results from the Spring Planting Variety Survey. This annual survey provides estimates for the planted area in Great Britain ahead of harvest this year.

We look at the headline results from the years’ survey then analyse what this means for main arable crop sectors.

Wheat

We look at the regional figures on wheat planting and discuss the impact on production potential and markets.

Barley

To compensate for the challenges in winter cropping this season, many growers switched to spring barley. Thinking about exports, we discuss what this means for global trade.

Oilseed rape

The survey shows a much smaller planted area for oilseed rape this year. We breakdown the results by region and talk about the impact of a sub 1Mt crop on UK markets.

2020/21 outlook

We round off the episode by discussing the outlook for the rest of the season, both at UK and global level.

With thanks to:

John Bates, AHDB Senior Media & PR Manager
David Eudall, AHDB Head of Market Specialists – Arable
Vikki Campbell, AHDB Senior Market Specialist Manager – Arable
Anthony Speight, AHDB Analyst - Arable

To find the results from this years’ survey visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/planting-variety-survey

If you’re a cereals and oilseeds grower check out our webinar on Grain Marketing available at: https://ahdb.org.uk/cerealswebinars

For market information on cereals visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets

If you grow potatoes, you can watch our latest webinar on Potato Market and Marketing in which AHDB analyst Alice Bailey discusses the latest figures showing the potato planted area in the UK. Visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/potatoes-events-archive

For market information on potatoes visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/potato/potato-markets

174: Pork: "Thin as a pig"

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0100

‘Porky Brits now fatter than pigs’?

The Sunday Times published a front-page story written by science editor Jonathan Leake which read – While Britain’s have been getting heavier, pigs are no longer as fat. It may one day become a compliment to be told “You are as thin as a pig”

In this podcast John Bates addresses how and why the fat levels in UK pork have dropped as new research has revealed, in the first official testing for nearly 30 years. With the support of our AHDB specialists and PHE, we find out in-depth information on how this new change benefits our UK pork levy payers.

Speakers from AHDB:

Roz Reynolds | Head of Strategic Operations, Education and Nutrition
Lauren Dimmack | Animal Health & Welfare Scientist
Gareth Renowden | Senior Marketing Manager

173: MH - the chemical that could reduce potato storage costs this season

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In the first season without CIPC we are looking at alternative sprout suppressant solutions.

In this episode we will discuss more about Maleic Hydrazide, including Sutton Bridge trials, instructions on how this chemical should be applied as well as costs of application.

Speakers:

Jonathan Papworth- Potato grower in Cambridgeshire and AHDB Potatoes Board member
Adrian Briddon - AHDB Crop Storage Senior Scientist
Andy Alexander - Independent Agronomist and Potato Specialist

Useful links:

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/maleic-hydrazide-as-a-potato-sprout-suppressant
https://ahdb.org.uk/storage-hub

171: Mob grazing: A livestock farmer’s view

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast edition Nicola Renison, AHDB Beef & Lamb’s regional manager, from the North West, talks to livestock farmer and consultant, Tom Chapman, all about mob grazing, including how he’s found it to benefit his own farm business.

170: Where are we with our NIAB EMR Plum Demonstration Centre project?

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

AHDB's soft & tree fruit specialist Scott Raffle recently sat down with some key staff at the Plum Demonstration Centre at NIAB EMR in Kent, of which AHDB are part funders. They discussed previous work done at the facilities and future projects going forward, providing an evaluation of the site's progress so far.

169: Trading with US or them? (Special Guest John Wilkes)

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

America represents a massive opportunity for Exports of British produced food. American shoppers love many of the things British farmers are proud of – the way animals are reared and cared for and how other foods such as cheese are produced.

In this podcast, John Bates flips the coin and looks at the story of food from Britain being imported into the USA to see if that ‘special relationship’ could be putting money into British producers’ wallets.

Dr Phil Hadley (AHDB's International Market Development Director) and Susana Morris (AHDB’s senior export manager for the Americas), give us an insight into how we work with some fascinating people across the world, to deliver British produce and increase demand.

Listen to our special guests from the USA, John Wilkes, our AHDB Adviser on US Agriculture policy and associated matters in Washington DC - He joins to share the story behind exporting British red meat, to the USA and why the Americans love our product!

Would you like to be part of the discussion and understand more about our exporting relationship between the UK and USA - then attend our webinar,

"Export Update: View from North America" and get involved!

168: Top tips from cereal breeders

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this edition of the Cereals and Oilseeds podcast, we invite breeders to share their tips on selecting varieties for this autumn.

Hear KWS UK Ltd, RAGT Seeds UK, Senova Ltd, Elsoms Seeds Ltd, Syngenta, Limagrain UK and DSV UK give tips on selecting winter wheat varieties and what things you should be considering.

We also hear from AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange Manager Michelle Nuttall on our upcoming Recommended List Ultimate Guide webinars comprising AHDB’s Arable Connections programme this summer.

Learn about the new Recommended List app from AHDB Communications Manager Jason Pole, allowing you to get the latest varieties data straight to you digital device.

With thanks to:

Kirsty Richards – Knowledge Transfer Manager, KWS Ltd
John Miles – Product Development Manager, KWS Ltd
Tom Dummett - Cereal and OSR Product manager, RAGT Seeds UK
Tom Yewbrey - Seed Sales Manager, Senova Ltd
George Goodwin - Crop Manager, Elsoms Seeds Ltd
Matthew Ball – Seed Technical Manager, Syngenta
Ron Granger – Arable Technical Manager, Limagrain UK Ltd
Dr Matthew Kerton – Wheat Breeder, DSV UK
Michelle Nuttall – Knowledge Exchange Manager, AHDB
Jason Pole – Communications Manager, AHDB

For more information on our Recommended List Ultimate Guide webinars, including how to book, visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/ac2020

To learn how you can download the new Recommended List app visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/rlapp

167: Brexit – prepare for the worst and hope for the best

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Brexit and the transition arrangements are a huge challenge for the British Government.

In this episode, John Bates, AHDB Senior Media & PR Manager, speaks to Tania Gesto-Casas, an AHDB policy manager based in Brussels, and Sarah Baker, AHDB Strategic Insight Manager.

In light of the negotiations advancing, we have reviewed the previous scenarios prepared for farm business managers and updated analysis of how a ‘no-deal’ Brexit will impact UK farmers, reflecting the recently-announced UK Global Tariffs (UKGT). This is available on our Brexit web page: ahdb.org.uk/brexit

For levy payers, the outcomes of discussions with the top players, including on the European Commission’s side, chief negotiator, Michel Barnier and Britain’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, are critical, as these will form the foundations of trading relationships for markets not only in Europe, but perhaps elsewhere in the world.

Useful Brexit resources
Brexit Scenarios: an impact assessment
Characteristics of top performing farms
Brexit impact calculator

Coronavirus
For information, guidance and support during the coronavirus pandemic, visit our dedicated web page: ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

Feedback
We would love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

166: Feeding soil for productivity and health

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Soil health underlies crop productivity. Understanding whole soil health can aid decisions which can benefit both productivity and animal health.

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Sarah Hurford talks to Strategic Dairy Farmer David Cotton from Bridge Farm and Mark Tripney from ISoils about the importance of good soil management and how to get the best from your land.

Follow Bridge Farm’s journey on their Farm Excellence page and learn more about soil management on our Grass & forage management page.

165: Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmer activity update

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast edition Emma Steele, AHDB Beef & Lamb’s regional manager talks to Strategic Farmer, Neil Brown, about what has happened on farm since his last discussion meeting in February and what his top tips are for a successful farming enterprise.

Online Strategic Farm event

How to start direct selling with Strategic Farms Dupath Farm and Chestnut Farm – Thursday 18 June – 7:30pm

Find out more about our Strategic Farmers

164: The Livestock Information Programme (LIP) set to transform the future of traceability

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode we talk to Richard Laverick, who is the Chief Officer for Livestock Information. He updates us on the progress of the Livestock Information Programme (LIP) and the plans for the foreseeable future.

The Livestock Information Programme (LIP) will deliver a new multi-species livestock information, identification and tracking service known as the Livestock Information Service (LIS). It is being developed through an industry-government partnership and will bring world-leading livestock traceability to the UK.

For more information, please visit https://ahdb.org.uk/LIP

164: Tomato brown rugose fruit virus: an update

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 16:15:00 +0100

AHDB's KE manager for protected edibles and mushrooms Nathalie Key managed to catch up with Adrian Fox of Fera Science to discuss all things tomato brown rugose fruit virus.

Access our tomato brown rugose fruit virus hub by visiting https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/tomato-brown-rugose-fruit-virus. There, you can find a range of information including common symptoms, the background of the virus, downloadable resources , videos and best practice guides.

For more of our horticulture-based podcasts, as well as our cross-sector efforts, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/podcast.

163: Driving demand for dairy - our new marketing campaign

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Every household across the UK is being urged to #MilkYourMoments on social media as part of a £1 million joint-funded dairy campaign.

In this episode John Bates talks Rebecca Miah who leads the marketing activity for AHDB Dairy and Paul Flannagan, AHDB Dairy’s strategy director, about the campaign and the reasoning behind it.

You can find more information about the Milk Your Moments campaign here and find support on issues raised by coronavirus on our Dairy Coronavirus webpage.

162: Scotland v England and the #MakeitSteak campaign

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:30:00 +0100

This latest podcast showcases the latest activity as part of the #MakeitSteak campaign. Find out about the new initiative involving football and steaks in a fun competition to get people inspired by cooking prime steaks at home.

Join AHDB's John Bates as he chats to Karl Pendlebury, AHDB's Senior Manager (Quality Schemes) and the chefs Hampden Parks Executive Head Chef Colin Dempsey, Sous Chef Stephen Hampson as well as Harry Lomas MBE, Executive Head Chef at Wembley about the steak dishes they have chosen to cook to win the support of voters in this ‘bit of fun’ competition.

We Brits love to talk about three things – the weather, footie and food.

In this podcast we hear how chefs from England’s Wembley and Scotland’s home stadium, Hampden Park are playing the game in support of beef farmers and butchers, oh and there’s a bit about the weather too!

Scotland v England the #MakeitSteak match is due to be played-out on social media Friday 5 June 2020 at 7pm.

The beautiful game has not escaped the pandemic but the easing of lockdown means football matches and other team sports are due to return soon albeit played behind closed doors without crowds of supporters.

The chefs speak about the importance of great produce and the huge efforts behind the scenes to produce high end and top-quality food and hospitality on match days as well as for functions and events throughout the year.

AHDB’s Karl Pendlebury explains why this social media based competition was created and how the food service sector is a powerhouse driving sales of British produce.

You can join the chefs for your own bit of fun and #makeitsteak at home – visit www.simplybeefandlamb for a video on how to cook the perfect steak.

161: Strategic Farm Week 2020 podcast special

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

With Strategic Farm Week 2020 well underway, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Board Chair, Paul Temple, chats to our three Strategic Farm hosts, Brian Barker, Rob Fox and David Aglen. They discuss the benefits of being part of the Strategic Farm programme and what they are learning as strategic farmers, as well as the challenges they face.

For more information about Strategic Farm Week, and to catch up on any of the webinars or to download the resources, please visit ahdb.org.uk/sfweek2020.

160: Potato irrigation: efficiency, common scab control and new trials

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode we will discuss:

Irrigation systems efficiency
Licensing for abstracting water
Current water levels
How to use irrigation to reduce common scab
An overview of the latest trials looking at use of brackish in potato irrigation

Our guest speakers:

Nicola Dunn - AHDB Resource Management Scientist
Dr. Mark Stalham - Head of NIAB CUF
Mark Taylor - Vice Chair of Nene Potatoes Ltd

Useful links:

ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/potato-irrigation
https://ahdb.org.uk/news/can-brackish-water-be-used-for-potato-irrigation
https://ahdb.org.uk/
ahdb.org.uk/weather
innovativefarmers.org

160: Drought - how to manage the continued dry weather

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:33:41 +0100

Join Leah Shanks, AHDB Beef & Lamb knowledge exchange manager as she chats to colleagues and farmers about how the drought could affect farming this season.

She's joined by livestock farmers Graham Rutherford, Phil White, Phil Kinch, Ben Walker and AHDB Beef & Lamb board member and farmer James Shouler about how they coped with drought in the summer of 2018 and how they are planning to manage the continued dry conditions.

She also chats to independent livestock consultant, Liz Genever and AHDB resource management scientist, Nicola Dunn to find out how you can manage your livestock in the heat and what resources are available.

Resources

AHDB drought page

AHDB Weather Hub

AHDB Weather page

Forage for Knowledge newsletter

159: Food a fact of life | Educating our children about food and nutrition

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Food a fact of Life – As part of our preparation for life alongside, Maths. English and the Sciences it’s imperative our children have a rich understanding of how food is produced, have an accurate and positive impression of farming, an idea of how to cook and the role food plays in a healthy balanced diet.

In this episode John Bates finds out how Roz Reynolds, AHDB’s head of education and nutrition, works with Roy Ballam, Managing Director and Head of education at The British Nutrition Foundation - to offer a compelling education programme, encompassing evidence-based resources and training for teachers across the UK. We also discuss the success of the ‘Grow Your Own Potatoes’ programme.

The programme offers over 2000 resources for children aged 3-16 years old, perfect for home-schooling and teaching them all about locally produced food. Parents and teachers can access material for free by visiting the Food a Fact of Life website. Why not download a recipe of the website and get your children involved?

Special thanks to our guest, Roy Ballam.

158: Pork: Managing heat stress in pigs – are you ready for summer?

Fri, 29 May 2020 05:55:00 +0100

In this episode, we talk about heat stress in pigs. From what this actually means, to how it can affect pigs and what you can do to minimise the impact. We hear from Lauren Dimmack, Animal Health & Welfare Scientist, and Andrew Palmer, Knowledge Exchange Manager for the East of England.

More information
You can find a variety of useful resources related to heat stress in livestock on our website: https://ahdb.org.uk/drought-reducing-heat-stress

EU PiG project – high-pressure fogging: https://www.eupig.eu/animal-welfare/high-pressure-fogging

Webinar: Managing heat stress in pigs – behaviour, environment, and nutrition

Pork markets, the latest industry data, analysis and insights from the pork sector to help inform your business decisions.

For information, guidance and support during the coronavirus pandemic, visit our dedicated web page: ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

157: Maintaining consistency in youngstock

Fri, 22 May 2020 06:00:00 +0100

During this challenging time it is still vitally important to maintain consistent protocols and growth rates in your youngstock to ensure the enterprise stays on track.

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Bryan Nicholson talks to Andy Dodd from the Farm Consultancy Group about the importance of correctly managing youngstock and how the upbringing of a calf affects production in later life.

You can find more information on the topics discussed today in our Calf management guide.

156: Regenerative Agriculture: lessons from the USA

Tue, 19 May 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Regenerative Agriculture comprises principles and practices aiming to: improve soil health, increase biodiversity and nurture resilient crops in an environmentally sustainable way.

A growing number of farmers around the UK are enthusiastically embracing regenerative agriculture and overhauling their farming systems.

One such farmer is East Anglian cereals and oilseeds grower Russell McKenzie. He recently went to the USA to attend an event run by No Till on the Plains, a charity dedicated to helping farmers work with nature.

AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Harry Henderson, who also attended the event, caught up with Russell to see what he learned from the Americans.
If you have 5 minutes, please fill out the AHDB Spring Planting and Variety Survey.

The survey provides an estimate of the area of cereals and oilseed rape intended for harvest in 2020 in Great Britain. AHDB will use the data to support levy payers in their marketing decisions.

155: Herbicides season 2020 – what is the best practice?

Fri, 08 May 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode we will discuss which herbicides have shown good results during SPot Farm trials, after linuron was banned in 2017. We will speak with representatives of FMC and Bayer about best practice when applying Shark or Emerger.

Speakers:

Joe Martin – AHDB Crop Protection Senior Scientist - Weeds

Jeff Fieldsend – Agronomy Manager FMC

Edward Hagues – Campaign Manager – Potatoes and Industrial Crops

Useful links:

Learn more about Emerger (including the tank mix sheet): https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/our-products/herbicides/emerger/

Learn more about Shark: https://fmc-agro.co.uk/herbicides/shark

For SPot farm trials results and more information on weeds control: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/weeds-and-volunteer-control-in-potatoes

154: Covid-19 Special: Coronavirus update for beef & lamb markets plus a new £1.2m advertising campaign

Wed, 06 May 2020 15:08:20 +0100

In this podcast we hear from Duncan Wyatt, one of our lead analysts in the market intelligence team. He speaks with colleagues Rebecca Wright who is also a market analyst, and Rebecca Gladman who is our retail insight manager here at AHDB. Together, they provide an update on the effects they are seeing in the data and the impact this is having on markets and prices. We also hear from AHDB's Senior Marketing Manager, Gareth Renowden, who tells us a bit about the new £1.2m investment given to the #MakeIt #SteakNight campaign aimed to aid carcass balance.

For more information:

https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

https://ahdb.org.uk/retail-and-consumer-insight

https://www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/

https://ahdb.org.uk/steak-night

153: Multimillion-pound campaigns to reignite demand for pork, beef and dairy

Wed, 06 May 2020 05:00:00 +0100

Things have changed, for the short term at least and today’s podcast will share a peek into the multimillion-pound marketing campaigns the agriculture industry has spent to boost sales and demand for these products nationally and globally.

John Bates asks Christine Watts, our Chief Communications and Market Development Officer, what is the state of play in pork and is it only that sector which is facing challenges? But most importantly, what are we doing right now to make sure our UK farmers continue to stay sustainable and productive.

Karl Pendlebury, our Senior Manager for Marketing, shares his experience of working with butchers and high-profiled chefs to develop shoppers’ interest and boost sales of different joints and cuts of meats, across social media and by providing recipe cards at your local butchers! To order your butchers kit contact our team.

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, to help us improve our future podcasts.

152: Worm control in lambs

Fri, 01 May 2020 08:37:28 +0100

In this edition Nerys Wright, knowledge exchange manager for the South East and Eastern regions, talks to farmer, Chris Elkington, our 2019 Strategic Farmer and Hefin Rowlands, a farm animal SQP from Techion about worm control with a particular emphasis on lambs.

For more information:

SCOPS website

Nematodirus forecast

Worm control in sheep for Better Returns

Parasite control guide

151: Covid-19 Special: The impact of Coronavirus on the dairy industry

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:00:00 +0100

After several years of stability, dairy markets have seen rapid shifts over the last few weeks driven by the outbreak of Coronavirus. A changing consumer landscape has hit demand and the knock-on effect is being felt by processors and farmers alike.

In this episode Alistair McLaren spoke with Chris Gooderham, AHDB’s Head of Market Specialists, to understand how the industry is being affected under the cloud of Coronavirus.

For information, guidance and support around Coronavirus, visit our dedicated web page: https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

Check the latest on dairy markets and sign up to the newsletter here: https://ahdb.org.uk/dairy-markets

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis

150: How to avoid clamp silage slippage this season

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode AHDB’s Grass and Forage Scientist Siwan Howatson talks to silage expert and researcher Dr. Dave Davies about the results of a recent AHDB funded project investigating clamp silage slippage and how to avoid silage slippage this season.

You can learn more about the findings from the study by watching our webinar.

For the latest research and advice on grass, forage and soil management to help improve grassland productivity on livestock farms, visit our Grass webpage.

Get the latest grass growth measurements straight from farms to your inbox by signing up to our Forage For Knowledge weekly updates.

149: Covid-19 special: How is coronavirus affecting the pork market?

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we hear from two of our market analysts about the impact of coronavirus on pork markets, both in the UK and around the world.

Demand
Pork demand has fared better than some of the other proteins, with an uplift in supermarket sales compensating in some way for the loss in the foodservice market.

However, fresh pork sales have dropped in more recent weeks and we are beginning to see a build-up in stocks of shoulder and belly, much of which would usually go into foodservice.

Global prices
There has been a fall in hog futures and farm gate prices in the US, and the loss of foodservice has had a much bigger impact on the US market than it has in the UK. A number of major US processing plants have also closed, which is putting pressure on their market. Despite these issues, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage in pork, so when the processors and foodservice markets re-open, there could be an oversupply. This will probably result in competition for the Chinese market.

UK and EU processing plants
On the whole, processors have remained open and there have been very few reports of difficulties.

Outlook for the economy
The outlook for the economy remains uncertain and no one knows what ‘normal’ will look like after the pandemic. However, based on China’s experience, there probably won’t be a sudden resurgence in eating out once restrictions are lifted.

More information
For information, guidance and support during this pandemic, visit our dedicated web page: ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

We’re tracking GB retail sales of pork, beef, lamb, dairy and potatoes on a weekly basis to help the industry understand how shopping behaviour is changing. Find the latest data at: ahdb.org.uk/consumer-insight-coronavirus-weekly-retail-tracker

For the latest industry data, analysis and insights visit our pork market page: ahdb.org.uk/pork/pork-markets

On 22 April, we launched a new pulled pork campaign to support sales of pork shoulder. Find out how you can get involved: ahdb.org.uk/pulled-pork

Feedback
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

148: Where are we with aphid control?

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

We caught up with Professor Rosemary Collier of the Warwick Crop Centre and discussed the work being done at Wellesbourne through live projects to advance current aphid control methods.

147: Social Distancing - How farmers & growers are making it work within their businesses

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Farmers and growers are used to managing changing situations, weather, pests and crop diseases. But how to manage the human health implications of the Coronavirus pandemic is a whole different matter. Or is it?

Protecting people’s health alongside the need to keep the tractor wheels turning and the pickers working has taken some dynamic management.

Suffolk-based, Velcourt Farm manager Ben Martin and Berkshire-based, Valley Produce grower Chris Daking talk to AHDB's John Bates about the practical decisions and changes made on their farms and in their businesses to ensure people’s health and wellbeing is taken care of.

For social distancing guidance and information visit www.ahdb.org.uk .

146: Cereals & Oilseeds market update 23.4.20

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to another short episode of the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds podcast on markets

Following this week’s news about the unprecedented drop in the price of oil, AHDB’s arable market specialists discuss what this means for the cereals and oilseeds sector.

The team discuss both the domestic and global trends, as well as the latest on how coronavirus continues to affect markets.

For more information on cereals and oilseeds markets visit ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets.

For support during the coronavirus outbreak you can visit ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus.

145: Life after lockdown in China (with Special Guest Holly Chen)

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

The so-called farm to fork journey is sometimes brief and straight forward, when food is sold via local farm shops or butchers but some markets are thousands of miles away.

In this podcast John Bates talks to a special guest, live from Beijing who work with us to put British produce on tables, in front of families, in China. Holly Chen, our China representative based in Beijing, shares her personal experience during this epidemic and the impact it's caused the country economically and her personally.

We will also hear from Jonathan Eckley, Head of Market Development

at AHDB in the Asia Pacific region, share some of the upcoming work and opportunity for our UK exporters.

You can find out more by reading her blog.

144: Covid-19 Special: Maximising cashflow when milk price is low

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

The closure of restaurants and cafes during the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on dairy farmers supplying milk to the food service.

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Steve West talks to business consultant Neil Wilson (SAB Advisory Ltd.) about how to reduce input costs and manage cashflow during periods of low milk price.

You can hear more from Neil along with Veterinary expert Owen Atkinson (Dairy Veterinary Consultancy) and Nutritionist Hefin Richards (Rumenation Ltd) in our Managing Through Current Milk Challenges webinar.

For information, guidance and support around Coronavirus, visit our dedicated web page: https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

143: Covid-19 Special: Effects of coronavirus on current retail trends in Beef & Lamb and what AHDB are doing to help

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:20:46 +0100

Welcome to the second podcast in our series which focuses purely on how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting the beef and lamb sector. In this episode we hear from AHDB’s Retail Insight Manager, Rebecca Gladman, who provides an update on current retail trends and meat category performance in-store, as well as our Senior Consumer Insight Manager, Steven Evans, who discusses the effect in which the lockdown has had on our eating habits in the home and the future impact this may have over the coming months. To round things off, AHDB’s Strategy Director for Beef and Lamb, Will Jackson, speaks about some of the work that is going on in the sector to address these consumer challenges and, in particular, our new #SteakNight campaign.

For more information:

https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

https://ahdb.org.uk/retail-and-consumer-insight

https://www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/

https://ahdb.org.uk/steak-night

142: How Coronavirus has changed the potato market and the way we support you

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode you will hear from Sophie Churchill, chair of Potato board, who will offer an overview of the work that underway to support the potato industry. Then we talk to our MI and marketing team for a fresh update on the markets and the campaigns we have been running. At the end of the podcast we will talk about how our monitoring systems and SPot farm trails have been affected by this crisis.

In this episode we will speak with:

Sophie Churchill – Chair, AHDB Potato Board

Aidan Wright – MI Analyst

Stu Baker - Senior Marketing Manager - Crops & Dairy

Sue Cowgill - Crop Protection Senior Scientist – Pests

Amber Barton - KE Manager East Midlands

Links:

Overall AHDB Coronavirus support: https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus-advice-for-farmers-and-growers

Potatoes homepage: https://ahdb.org.uk/potatoes

Potato Market Analysis: https://ahdb.org.uk/potato-market-insight

Our consumer marketing work: https://ahdb.org.uk/marketing

Retail and consumer insight: https://ahdb.org.uk/retail-and-consumer-insight

Aphid and virus: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/aphid-and-virus-potatoes

Late blight: https://ahdb.org.uk/late-blight

141: How are cereals and oilseed markets reacting to coronavirus?

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

The coronavirus crisis means things are moving quickly, having a big impact on markets. This episode features David Eudall, head of our Arable Market Intelligence team, discussing the latest trends. David is joined by analysts Anthony Speight and Alex Cook.

For the latest information on cereals and oilseeds markets from AHDB visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets

For information on how AHDB can support you through the coronavirus outbreak visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

140: The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme - What does this mean for levy payers?

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we chat to industry experts about the creation of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and what the £330 million endeavour means for levy payers up and down the country. To find out more, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses.

During this uncertain time for farm businesses, we also discuss the importance of AHDB's Farm Excellence program. For more information, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence.

For information, guidance and support around Coronavirus, visit our dedicated web page: https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus.

139: Can liver fluke survive in silage?

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this edition Chloe Mckee, Knowledge Exchange Officer talks to Bethan John from Liverpool University about her PhD research on liver fluke in silage and how through good fermentation you can prevent the risk the livestock. She also gives practical tips on how best to ensile to prevent liver fluke contamination.

For more information

Making grass silage for Better Returns manual for more info on silage making

SCOPS website - liver fluke

138: Special episode: Covid-19 impact on the Potato sector

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 19:00:00 +0100

In this special issue of the Potatoes Podcast we will discuss the impact of Coronavirus on the Potato Markets. A fresh update on how Covid-19 has resulted in an increased demand on the retail market, while the chipping market has suffered the hardest hit. The uncertainty of the current situation will force businesses to seek alternative markets, listen to this episode find out what are the tools and resources available.

We will speak with:
• Alice Bailey, AHDB Senior Marketing Intelligence Analyst for Potatoes
• Rob Clayton, AHDB Strategy Director for Potatoes

Link: https://ahdb.org.uk/potatoes

137: How COVID-19 has impacted on the ornamentals sub-sector – from the perspective of three ornamental businesses

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0100

In this episode we discover how our participants are dealing with the effects of COVD-19.

Our guests discuss recent production issues, the fluctuation of sales, duty of care to staff and how operations have been adapted to suit the current climate.

For information, guidance and support around Coronavirus, visit our dedicated web page: https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus.

136: Covid-19 Special: What’s happened to dairy markets and consumption?

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Life largely carries on as normal for most of Britain’s dairy farmers during the current Covid-19 outbreak, however there’s certainly been upheaval beyond the farmgate with a seismic shift in the normal patterns of behaviour.

Alistair McLaren spoke with AHDB’s Lead Dairy Analyst Patty Clayton and Susie Stannard, Consumer Insight Manager for an update on how the current situation is affecting dairy markets and patterns of consumption.

For information, guidance and support around Coronavirus, visit our dedicated web page: https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

Check the latest on dairy markets here: https://ahdb.org.uk/dairy-markets

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

135: Covid-19 Special: How Beef & Lamb markets have been affected by coronavirus

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 08:25:44 +0100

In this episode we focus purely on the effects of Covid-19 on the beef and lamb market place, prices and exports. We hear from Duncan Wyatt who is our lead analyst for red meat in our Market Intelligence team. Duncan talks about the impact which the coronavirus outbreak has had so far on the beef and lamb markets, both domestically and globally. We also hear about the change in demand, market requirements and what affect this is all having on our exports.

For more information:

https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus

https://ahdb.org.uk/markets-and-prices

134: What's happening in cereals and oilseeds markets?

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Our Arable Market Intelligence team take a look at what's happening in cereals and oilseeds markets. They discuss the impact of coronavirus in the short and long term, both domestically and globally.

As well as grains, the team discuss the outlook for oilseeds markets – including oilseed rape. With a rise in spring cropping this year, we hear what to watch out for in the months ahead.

For lots more information on cereals and oilseeds markets visit https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets

For the latest information on how AHDB is supporting the industry through the coronavirus crisis visit https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus. Here you can view the latest updates, advice and resources.

133: Coronavirus | Supporting our industry

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 10:30:00 +0100

As the world wrestles with Coronavirus and the scientists seek a COVID-19 vaccine the farming and food industries, for a host of reasons have come into sharp focus – not least as they deal with the consequences of the changes imposed by Government on people’s day to day lives.

In this episode, our guest, Jane King the Chief Executive of AHDB, will talk about the new normal, the information and support which is available to help farmers, growers and the supply chain cope with the increasing pressures and inevitable angst this new threat brings to societies health.

For further support and guidance, visit our dedicated page on Coronavirus.

If you have a question you'd like answered, please email: coronavirus.helpdesk@ahdb.org.uk or call our help desk: 024 7601 9361

132: Good Morning Vietnam!

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 06:00:00 +0100

As if anyone needed reminding an important element of the economy is the multi-million-pound exports trade Britain has with the rest of the world.

Vietnam is an emerging market and in this podcast John Bates speaks to AHDB experts about key markets and the efforts made throughout the year to gain access to countries and grow trade, so that farmers goods from here at home can be sold to almost every corner of the globe.

We hear how AHDB identifies opportunities, analyses diet and meal trends as well as shoppers buying behaviours and works with exporters to attend trade shows to do deals that matter.

In this podcast you will hear from: Jonathan Eckley (AHDB's Head of Asia Pacific Exports) , Steve Evans (AHDB's Senior Consumer Insight Manager) and Zoe Avison (AHDB's Retail Insight Analyst).

Interested in what we discussed?

Get involved with our Export team
Find out further information from Market Insights team
Read our full news article and access our latest Country Focus reports for Vietnam and Canada

131: How to keep your produce clean - a guide to microbials

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 09:00:00 +0100

We caught up with three of our keynote speakers, who agreed to provide an overview of their areas of speciality.

Mike Hutchison of Hutchison Scientific provides an update on the microbiological organisms of most concern in edible crop production, including how to manage listeria.

Jim Monaghan of Harper Adams University discusses irrigation water quality, application methods and risk management.

Ana Allende of CEBAS-CSIC briefs us on the latest EU microbial regulations and the European approach to thwarting contamination risks during crop production through good hygiene practice.

To discover more about microbials and how to keep your produce protected, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/microbials-keeping-fresh-produce-free-of-pathogens.

130: Potato Virus Y: Protecting the reputation of British seed potatoes

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In the summer of 2019 there was an increased number of reports of issues related to Potato Virus Y, in this episode we look at the industry response and the two main test methods for seed potato virus.

In this episode we will speak with:

Alex Godfrey, chair of NFU’s potato forum and potato grower in North Lincolnshire
Rob Clayton, AHDB Strategy Director for Potatoes
Sue Cowgill, Senior Pest Scientist at AHDB
Adrian Fox, Senior Plant Virologist at Fera.

Find out more about potato viruses here:

https://ahdb.org.uk/aphid-forecasts

https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/aphmon/

Other links:

https://ahdb.org.uk/potatoes

129: Pork: Why is swine dysentery becoming more of a concern?

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 06:59:00 +0100

In this episode, we hear about swine dysentery from Lauren Dimmack, one of our Health and Welfare Scientists. We also find out how coronavirus is impacting pork markets.

In 2019 we saw a spike in cases of swine dysentery and we have seen a couple more this year as well. A new challenge we’re facing is that recent cases haven’t shown the typical clinical signs i.e. bloody diarrhoea, so it’s more difficult for producers to identify and it’s not always being picked up as early as it may have been previously.

We encourage producers to be extra vigilant and if they see any kind of unusual diarrhoea, particularly if it’s twinned with wasting, to call their vet and get it checked out. If you do have an outbreak, make sure you restrict all visitors and movement while undergoing treatment; this applies to shows and events as well.

Sign up to the significant diseases charter
Sign up to the Charter through the Producer or Corporate section of your Pig Hub account at www.pighub.org.uk or find out more here. If you have any queries or need help to access your account, please do not hesitate to email us at pighub@ahdb.org.uk or contact Cheryl Barker, Health Coordinator at cheryl.barker@ahdb.org.uk or telephone 024 7647 8893.

Useful resources
Biosecurity on pig farms: Reducing the spread of disease helps maintain the health of your pig unit, reduces the costs of disease and maintains productivity.

Muck Free Truck campaign

In response to the heightened risk of African swine fever (ASF) reaching the UK, pig producers, processors and hauliers are being reminded that all vehicles must be properly cleaned through the #MuckFreeTruck campaign.

Find out more and get your cab sticker

Find out more about African swine fever

Market information
Pork Talk market update videos
AHDB Brexit hub

Get in touch
Email: comms@ahdb.org.uk
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

128: Lambing in the North

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 14:37:26 +0100

In this episode Samantha Charlton, AHDB Beef & Lamb regional manager, speaks to Challenge Sheep farmer, James Drummond, who farms at Lemmington Hill Head in Northumberland about his lambing system and how he collects his data.

For more information:

Lambing ewe lambs
https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/lambing-ewe-lambs

Challenge Sheep project
http://beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/returns/project-farms/challenge-sheep/

127: Gaining more milk from forage

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Emily Collins talks to dairy farmer Keith Davis about how he adapted his grazing and silage practices and the impact this had on his yield from forage. With feed prices on the rise, increasing the yield from home-grown forage becomes ever more important.

For the latest research and advice on grass, forage and soil management to help improve grassland productivity on livestock farms, visit our Grass webpage.

Get the latest grass growth measurements straight from farms to your inbox by signing up to our Forage For Knowledge weekly updates.

126: Careers in agriculture: there's more than meets the eye

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 09:10:00 +0100

It's Careers Week, so we've been speaking to industry expert Richard Longthorp about recruitment and retention challenges. We also chat to AHDB Skills Manager Amie Burke about the work AHDB is doing to provide training and development opportunities, with two farmers giving their thoughts on a recent leadership and management training course.

For more information on the work of the AHDB Skills team, please visit www.ahdb.org.uk/skills

AHDB also runs a variety of skills-related workshops. You can find out more about these events, and other meetings, at www.ahdb.org.uk/events

125: Why celebrity chefs love potatoes?

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast we hear from high profile chefs about the versatility and varieties which make potatoes great to work with.

At the Lensbury Hotel in Middlesex guests enjoy a special dinner including the #MonsterFries speciality and John Bates speaks to the great chefs who have got together to prepare an eight-course dinner.

The key ingredient at every course is the once humble potato, as a part of the canapes, the starter, main course and even the dessert.

The purpose of the event is to showcase the great flavour and flexibility of potatoes, they will be a main ingredient, at the heart of each course.

Top chefs taking part in the event included:

Rob Kennedy – Gold Medallist at the International Culinary Olympics, broadcaster and executive head chef of The Lensbury Hotel and chef for the Royal family, on numerous occasions

Adam Lestrelle – Head chef at the Roehampton Club and stars in the film for the #MonsterFries innovation

Louisa Ellis – A private chef and MasterChef professional finalist – 2017 (youngest female to make a finals week)

Chris Wheeler – is ambassador chef for Quality Standard Mark

Hari Ghotra – Internet sensation of the Indian Spice World, Private chef and Tutor

Freddie Innes – Senior sous chef, Ockendon Manor Hotel and MasterChef semi-finalist

Ririn Briggs – Head pastry chef, The Lensbury Hotel

Marc Petit – chef at the Lensbury Hotel

124: RB209 nutrient management: new Phosphorus guidance

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0100

RB209 helps you make the most of organic materials and balance the benefits of fertiliser use against the costs – both economic and environmental.

The latest edition of RB209, published this month, contains some of most significant changes to Phosphorus – or P – use in over 30 years.

In this episode we hear from:

Sajjad Awan, AHDB on the updated guidance
Professor Roger Slyvester-Bradley on the 10 year research programme behind the new Phosphorus guidance
Former AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds board member and farmer James Price on his Phosphorus strategy

Find out more about the updated RB209:

ahdb.org.uk/rb209

123: The Transition to Responsibly Sourced Growing Media in UK Horticulture

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Wayne Brough, AHDB's Knowledge Exchange Manager for Ornamentals, talks to Neil Bragg of Substrate Associates, Chloe Whiteside of ADAS and Steve Carter of Tristram Plants about the transition to responsibly sourced growing media.

They chart the history of the move to peat-free growing media, the development of current projects, the ramifications alternative growing media has for manufacturers and growers and its future as we begin a new decade.

If you’re considering moving to peat-reduced or peat-free growing media, check our our top tips for making the transition a success -https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/10-top-tips-for-going-peat-free.

To access a summary of the project, annual progress reports and the aims and objectives of the mission to transition to responsibly sourced growing media use within UK Horticulture - https://ahdb.org.uk/cp-138-transition-to-responsibly-sourced-growing-media-use-within-uk-horticulture.

122: The Future of Agriculture

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0100

A report highlighting how a massive step change in productivity growth is key to unlocking a successful future for UK agriculture was published yesterday by the Food & Drink Sector Council (FDSC).

In this episode we hear from Sir Peter Kendall, Chairman of both AHDB and the FDSC’s Agricultural Productivity Working Group, about his views on farming in the future as well as some of the findings within the report.

You can read the full report here or read the shortened executive summary here.

Update Description

121: Best practice worm control in ewes pre-lambing

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we speak to independent sheep consultant, Lesley Stubbings, and Leicestershire sheep farmer, Gareth Owen. The topic being discussed is best practice worm control leading up to lambing, which includes conversation on faecal egg counts, wormer resistance, testing for and treating liver fluke and the prevalence of sheep scab.

Useful links:

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/worm-control-in-sheep-for-better-returns

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/parasite-control-guide-2020

120: Success in Transition

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Steve West talks to Chris Hudson from the University of Nottingham about how farmers can assess whether there is a problem with transition in their cows, and some of the areas that are important to focus on.

We're running Success in Transition meetings throughout February and March. To find a workshop near you please visit our website.

Learn more about the InCalf process of assessing your own herd situation in our guide.

119: Find out how we’re promoting pork to consumers, butchers and chefs

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 06:55:00 +0100

In this episode, we hear about some of the marketing activity we’re involved with to promote pork to consumers, butchers and chefs from Carrie McDermid (senior marketing manager) and Karl Pendlebury (quality schemes manager).

Below, you’ll find links to all the websites and resources mentioned in the podcast.

Love Pork
Website: https://www.lovepork.co.uk/
Assets for you to download: https://www.lovepork.co.uk/assets/
TV advert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1hQF6WUyxY
Pork is healthy animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixYUvyQlUyk&
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovepork.UK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_pork/

Off the block
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QSMBeefandLamb/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_offtheblock/
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/EBLEXTrade/videos
Pork Henry: https://ahdb.org.uk/pork-henry-whole

Meat trade tools
Everything you need to make the most of Quality Standard Mark meat. Here you will find useful calculator tools to help improve your profit margins, yield and cutting guides full of practical knowledge and of course our essential Meat Purchasing Guide, which features more than 700 quality meat cuts.

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

118: Is ordinary food good enough?

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Ordinary food is good enough

We are constantly informed by media on how to consume food, regardless of the negative mental and health impact it may cause us or our loved ones. In light of these challenges we face daily, the ‘Ordinary Food is Good Enough’ campaign is aiming to fight back these negative and unregulated fed diets which encourage an unbalanced diet.

In this podcast, Christine Watts, Chief Communications & Market Development Officer shares the ideas behind the #OrdinaryFood campaign, along with AHDB’s Senior Nutrition Manager, Maureen Strong explains the importance of a balanced diet.

Show your support by using #OrdinaryFood or visit our website https://ordinaryfood.co.uk/

You can also speak to our Marketing lead, Nicola Dodd who has worked hard in producing a campaign to share some of the challenges we face as an industry.

117: Pre-planting decisions for desiccation

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are focusing on the decisions you will have to make before you plant, to make sure you will be able to desiccate without diquat and store without CIPC.

Sequence of discussions and speakers:

Desiccation talk with Will Gagg (SPot Farm North host)
Knowledge Exchange team’s view on desiccation – Bill Watts, David Wilson and Harry Henderson
Advice on what you can do now to prepare for storing without CIPC – Adrian Cunnington (Sutton Bridge - Head of Crop Storage Research)

Links:

www.ahdb.org.uk/news/the-cost-of-desiccation-without-diquat

https://ahdb.org.uk/storage-hub

116: How a positive mindset can help work-life balance

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0100

For this month’s edition, Nicola Renison, Regional Manager for the North West, chats to Richard Carruthers, one of our Strategic Farmers in Cumbria about how having a positive mind set has helped with his farm business and his work-life balance. He farms just under 1,000 sheep and 60 sucklers.

You can find out more about Richard's farm business here: https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/rawfoot

115: Mastitis turnaround yields growth

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Austin Russell returned to his family dairy farm seven years ago and has since been working on improving mastitis control. Alistair McLaren spoke with him to understand the issues Austin was having, how using AHDB’s Mastitis Pattern Analysis Tool helped him put in place targeted control measures to reduce the rate of new mastitis infection cases on farm, and the benefits this has had to the bottom line.

You can find more information on the Mastitis Pattern Analysis Tool on our website.

We're running QuarterPRO Mastitis workshops throughout January and February. To find a workshop near you please visit our website.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

114: Recommended List updates plus new Variety Selection Tool

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the first AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds podcast of 2020!

In this short episode AHDB Communications Manager Jason Pole explains the recent changes to the Recommended List (RL). Speaking to Paul Gosling, head of the Recommended List team, the two discuss the launch of the online Variety Selection tool and how it works. The new tool brings the features of the RL into a digital format and includes a new metric: ‘Agronomic Merit’ which combines a number of agronomic statistics into a single measure. Looking ahead, this spring will see the launch of the RL app for smartphones.

Jason also gives a run-down of updates to the RL, including the inclusion of 28 new varieties, with highlights including improved disease resistance and more specialist and quality traits.

We are also currently recruiting for two vacancies for the RL crop committee: a wheat trader for the Wheat Crop Committee and an agronomist for the Oilseeds Crop Committee. If you’re interest in either role please visit: ahdb.org.uk/news/candidates-needed-to-recommended-varieties for further information and how to apply.

All the information about the RL can be found on the AHDB website at: ahdb.org.uk/rl, as well as the harvest results and videos explaining how to use the tables. Scroll further down the page to link to the new Variety Selection Tool discussed in this week’s podcast.

113: Having positive conversations about meat and dairy

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0100

January 2020 should be seen as a huge opportunity to set the record straight, hold our heads high and shout about the positives of livestock farming in the UK.

How can we do this together?

We've produced a pack of support materials to help positively manage the reputation of meat and dairy during January 2020 and beyond.

The packs contain evidence-based resources and social media infographics to support the meat and dairy industry in having positive conversations with a consistent narrative. Visit here for further information.

As with meat, the key message with dairy is balance. Different food groups work best when consumed together in moderation as part of a balanced plate approach. Milk and dairy foods are important sources of several nutrients which contribute to our positive well being, including calcium, iodine and protein.

Read the recent blog from Will Jackson, AHDB's Strategy Director Beef & Lamb here.

Our team will be monitoring social feeds and press, and encourage everyone to follow and share content from the AHDB social feeds.

112: Building a stronger dairy industry

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the AHDB Dairy Strategic Farm podcast, part of our Farm Excellence podcast series. Throughout December, you will hear from a number of farmers in our Farm Excellence network, who will tell their story of the inspirational work they are doing with the help of AHDB to improve the performance and profitability of their business.

In this episode, we hear from Karen Halton and Joe Carter about their experiences as Strategic Dairy Farms and why they think dairy farmers should make the most of the opportunity. We also hear from Nic Parsons, AHDB’s Head of Dairy Development, who provides a broader picture of the Strategic Dairy Farm work and gives a glimpse of the exciting things to come in 2020.

For further information on how to get involved with our Farm-Excellence network visit ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence. Get involved today!

We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

To find events near you, visit: ahdb.org.uk/events

111: Pork: Farmer-to-farmer learning in the pig industry

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0100

This podcast is part of our Farm Excellence podcast series. Throughout December, you will hear from a number of farmers in our Farm Excellence network, who will tell their story of the inspirational work they are doing with the help of AHDB to improve the performance and profitability of their business.

In this episode, we hear from Jen Waters and Richard Bows, who are both part of our Pork knowledge exchange team. Jen talks about the work we are doing on Pork strategic farms and our three main themes – water, tails and precision. Richard tells us about our Gilt Watch campaign, which has brought together more than 30 independent producers to monitor gilt performance.

Useful links
To find events near you, visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/events

Find our water-related resources at: https://pork.ahdb.org.uk/environment-buildings/water-soil-and-air/water-quality-and-quantity/

The Tail Biting WebHAT (Web based Husbandry Advisory Tool) provides information about the key risks in pigs and practical suggestions to help reduce them on-farm.

Download our practical guide to environmental enrichment for pigs.

110: Building farmer-to-farmer networks

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the AHDB Beef & Lamb Strategic Farm podcast, part of the Farm Excellence podcast series. Throughout December, you will hear from a number of farmers in our Farm Excellence network, who will tell their story of the inspirational work they are doing with the help of AHDB to improve the performance and profitability of their business.

In this episode, we will speak to two strategic farmers; one who has been part of the programme for two years, and one who has only just embarked on his journey with the AHDB initiative.

Sequence of speakers:

Joseph Keating (AHDB Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager)
Sarah Pick (AHDB KE Manager) speaks to Mark Jelley from Perkins Lodge Farm in Northamptonshire
Leah Shanks (AHDB KE Manager) speaks to Adrian Coombe from Dupath Farm in Cornwall

For further information on how to get involved with our Farm-Excellence network visit ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence. Get involved today!

109: Monitor Farm takeover

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0100

The first episode in the Farm Excellence series of the AHDB podcast focuses on cereals & oilseeds. The Monitor Farm programme comprises a network of farmers from across the UK and Northern Ireland committed to driving innovation and best practice. They host regular meetings at their farms in which they discuss issues facing agriculture in their region.

This November saw the Monitor Farm Conference take place in Nottingham: an event for Monitor Farmers to come together and collaborate. We caught up with three of our newest Monitor Farmers: Richard Ling (Diss Monitor Farm in Norfolk), Rory Lay (Loppington Monitor Farm in the West Midlands) and Ashley Jones (Saltash Monitor Farm in the West Country). They discussed their views on this years’ conference, what makes a good leader and why they decided to become Monitor Farmers.

Visit the website to find out more information about our Farm Excellence programme.

108: Driving improvements together

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 18:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the Farm-Excellence podcast series produced to tell the story of the inspirational work farmers, growers and AHDB are doing under the umbrella of Farm-Excellence.

The pace of change in the agriculture sector seems only to increase as all farming businesses adapt to address the challenges and opportunities.

This 7-part series aims to spill all the inspirational work these farms are doing to drive positive change within the agriculture and horticulture industry.

We will speak to:

Tim Isaac, AHDB's Knowledge Exchange Director
Derek Carless , AHDB's Head of Farm Economics
Susannah Bolton, AHDB's Director of Research

For further information on how to get involved with our Farm-Excellence network visit ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence. Get involved today!

Our next episode will speak to our Cereals and Oilseeds monitor farm, Rory Lay on 13th December 2019.

107: Autumn weather brings uncharted territory for farmers

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:00:00 +0100

Could this be one of the wettest autumns on record? Two farmers tell us about the actions they’ve taken to keep their farms afloat during extreme rainfall.

Five years on from the Somerset Levels floods, cereals and beef farmer James Winslade reveals how social media anchored the news agenda around the troubles, which helped protect his business today.

With reservoirs fully topped up after the drought, South Lincolnshire grower David Hoyles tells us about the decisions he’s made to reduce damage to water logged land and manage labour.

Using insight from the markets, AHDB’s Phil Bicknell will share how this season’s potato harvest has fared. He talks about the relationship of farmgate prices with retail and the implications for early season planting and livestock production.

For more information please visit:

106: Liquid milk market dynamics

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 09:51:12 +0100

We take look at the factors affecting the British liquid milk market with Patty Clayton, AHDB’s lead analyst for dairy.

In this episode we discuss how much milk is produced, where it’s processed, the challenges affecting Wales and Scotland as well as resources available to help dairy farmers plan for the future.

For the latest industry data, analysis and insights from the dairy sector, visit our market web pages.

Sign up for our weekly Dairy Market Weekly email for the latest market news and analysis.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

105: Pork: What does the new Welfare Code mean for you?

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 07:00:00 +0100

In this month’s Pork-focused episode, we’ll be focusing on welfare and looking at what Defra’s updated Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock means in practice for pig keepers. We’ll also be hearing about some of the key highlights from last month’s meetings for small-scale pig keepers and finish with a quick look at the Chinese pig market.

The updated Welfare Code sets out a number of new requirements for pig producers, but for the vast majority, it should not be too onerous. It will come into force on 1 March 2020.

The Code can be used by enforcement bodies, including Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors and local authorities, when investigating allegations of poor welfare, to look at whether animal welfare standards are being met. It applies to England only, although devolved administrations will aim to align their new codes as closely as possible to Defra’s.

There are new elements, notably related to tail docking, enrichment and record keeping, as well as a clear signal from Government that it would like to see farrowing crates phased out over time.

Useful links and information
Tail Biting WebHAT: The Tail Biting WebHAT (Web based Husbandry Advisory Tool) provides information about the key risks in pigs and practical suggestions to help reduce them on-farm. It takes you through a series of steps, to repeat on an ongoing basis, to help you and your vet monitor and reduce the risks.
Environmental enrichment for pigs: This guide aims to give practical advice to pig farmers surrounding the complex issue of providing suitable environmental enrichment to pigs.
Defra code of practice for the welfare of pigs
Lux meter: A light (lux) meter is used to measure the amount of light distributed over a particular area at a specified distance from the light source. For information on lighting for pig buildings, click here.
Pig Hub: https://www.pighub.org.uk

Real Welfare: Real Welfare involves on-farm assessment of pig welfare using a set of five objective and repeatable measures.
APHA disease surveillance
PED testing

Get in touch
Claire Barber: Claire.barber@ahdb.org.uk or 0247 647 8913

Emily Boyce: Emily.boyce@ahdb.org.uk or 07776 594790
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

104: A look at home-grown forage production and the importance of mineral supplementation in cattle

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 13:56:13 +0100

In this short podcast, Rebecca Small, AHDB Beef Scientist, is in Shropshire with Robert Wilkinson from Harper Adams University, who led on the Protein and Mixed Forage Research project. She talks to him about preliminary findings of the project and how this can be applied on farm. She also chats to Andrew Schofield who looked at Mineral audits in finishing cattle.

103: BP2019: What's in store?

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 15:25:00 +0100

With BP2019 taking place in Harrogate next week, we hear from Jimmy Phillips and Adrian Cunnington about what information will be available at BP2019 regarding potato storage. Rob Clayton and Graham Bannister then discuss what else people can expect from AHDB at this year's show.

If you would like to attend this event and haven't booked, please click the following link to book your place at BP2019: https://ahdb.org.uk/events/bp2019-harrogate

102: Experts view on soil management

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we focus on soils. After the recent wet weather, it has made getting crops into the ground almost impossible.

Managing soils in this condition requires planning and coordination before during and after major weather events. We will hear from two soil experts, both who have spoken at recent Monitor Farm events.

Philip Wright from Wrights Resolutions Ltd has been working on our new Cultivations Guide. Philip will give his views on what we should be thinking about now with soils being so wet.

We also hear from Joel Williams from Integrated Soils, an independent plant and soil health educator and a healthy soils advocate.

Useful links
The AHDB GREATsoils programme is your one stop shop for soils knowledge and resources, visit www.ahdb.org.uk/greatsoils

Get in touch

Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB
Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

101: Learn more about the Livestock Information Programme

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:34:00 +0100

This podcast looks at the Livestock Information Programme. (LIP) It’s a joint effort between Defra and AHDB to create a new system of tracing and managing livestock data, and is backed by an industry design group comprising representatives from all parts of the livestock and meat production industry. Hear from Richard Laverick, Chief Officer for the Livestock Information Programme and Ray Keatinge, Livestock Information Product Manager who talk about what the programme is and how it will benefit the industry.

For more information, visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/LIP

100: Getting the most from on-farm breeding decisions

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 07:00:00 +0100

Andy Rutter was the breeding manager at Genus for 18 years before re-joining the family dairy farm 18 months ago. Alistair McLaren spoke with him to understand how he makes his breeding decisions, the tools he uses and the impact it’s had on his herd.

For any farmers out there wanting to know more about how genetics can help their business, hear from other farmers and access helpful tools and resources visit ahdb.org.uk/breedingblocks

We're running Breeding Blocks workshops throughout November. To find a workshop near you please visit our website.

Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

99: How can growers and farmers make their business more energy efficient?

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0100

Especially during current times with uncertainty looming over us, it is vital growers and farmers need to consider methods in cutting down on resources and business costs.

Experts at the NFU have been working with the GrowSave project and working closely with growers and farmers to reduce energy costs. We speak to AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange Manager, Nathalie Key and NFU’s Senior Energy Expert, Jon Swain who provide us with an insight into the 10 year programme and what growers and farmers can do to ensure they are making the most of their energy.

We will also hear from James Broekhuizen, Nursery Manager at Anchor Nurseries. He will share his experience and the changes they made at the nursery to make their business more efficient.

For further information:

97: What would a no deal Brexit mean for the UK beef and lamb industry?

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we talk about the potential impact of a no deal Brexit. It was recorded before the announcement of the new deal on 17 October, which still needs to be passed by both UK and EU parliaments and so leaves “no deal” as a possibility.

We hear from Will Jackson, Strategy Director (Beef & Lamb), Duncan Wyatt, Lead Analyst for red meat, and Liam Byrne, Head of Meat Marketing.

Useful links and information

Lamb consumer campaign

Get in touch

Submit questions to our experts at brexit.questions@ahdb.org.uk
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB
Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

96: What would a no deal Brexit mean for the UK pork industry?

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we talk about the potential impact of a no deal Brexit. It was recorded before the announcement of the new deal on 17 October, which still needs to be passed by both UK and EU parliaments and so leaves “no deal” as a possibility.

We hear from Angela Christison, Strategy Director (Pork), Duncan Wyatt, Lead Analyst for red meat, and Liam Byrne, Head of Meat Marketing.

Useful links and information

Love Pork marketing campaign

TV advert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W7XXbX3AJo
Campaign information: https://ahdb.org.uk/shoppers-swipe-for-pork

Get in touch

Submit questions to our experts at brexit.questions@ahdb.org.uk
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB
Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

95: Grain Market Outlook Conference 2019

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0100

“As delegates gather in London for the annual Grain Market Outlook Conference today, David Eudall and Peter Collier of AHDB’s Market Intelligence sit down to review the latest market data.

David and Peter discuss global issues, with lower prices resulting from trade surpluses meaning plenty of export competition for cereals. Meanwhile it’s a varied picture for oilseeds with plenty of soya beans coming from the US but a significantly reduced rapeseed crop across Europe.

Turning to the UK, David and Peter are almost knocked of their chairs by the sheer size of the UK barley crop, piling on the pressure to find export opportunities but with Brexit looming finding demand is going to be a big challenge.

Catch up with the latest on cereals and oilseeds markets at https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets. Check out Twitter for our weekly market snapshot videos: @AHDB_Cereals.

We hope you enjoy the episode. If you’ve got 5 minutes do let us know what you think by completing our short feedback survey: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=S-UsoT09RkOV7_8Tyl3UfSY0mE5-VsRLr3CrMaFf9dtUNUZHSERTT0VUVDNRMzhVNk9HQk02U1pPRy4u”

94: Maximising the value of herbal leys

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 08:39:51 +0100

In this episode, Danny Fanning, a Masters student from University College Dublin spent a two month placement at AHDB looking at Herbal Leys. During this time he spoke to Ian Wilkinson of Costwolds seeds about his farming practices and how he manages his herbal lays.

* Please note this episode was filmed outside, so in parts it can be quite windy!

Further information on the extensive opportunities for including livestock within the arable rotation, including the grazing of arable land, growing crops for silage or hay and arranging muck-for-straw deals, can be accessed from the AHDB ‘Livestock and the arable rotation’ guide – cereals.ahdb.org.uk/livestock

93: The benefits of growing Lucerne for dairy cow diets

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 10:51:42 +0100

Ben Stroud’s family farm in Leicestershire incorporates a 190 dairy cow herd, 140 hectares of arable crops and 80 hectares of forage and grazing. The farm grows Lucerne as a cheaper source of protein for the dairy cows, which is also helping to control blackgrass. With plenty of muck and slurry produced by the cows and youngstock, making use of this on both forage land and crops is important for both soil biology and cutting input costs.

AHDB’s Tom Hebbert met with Ben to discover more about the benefits of growing Lucerne, and to discover how arable farmers can also benefit by working alongside a local dairy farmer.

AHDB's ‘Livestock and the arable rotation’ guide looks to inspire farmers to work together for mutual benefit. It looks at the opportunities available, including the grazing of arable land, growing crops for silage or hay and arranging muck-for-straw deals.

92: How to prepare for Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus was reported in the UK this year for the first time. And while no further outbreaks have currently been recorded in the UK, the virus has the potential to cause significant impact for tomato growers.

In this episode Adrian Fox, the Senior Plant Virologist at Fera will be discussing how growers can prevent Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus along with an update from Phil Morley, Director of Agronomy at APS Produce Ltd and Nathalie Key, AHDBs Knowledge Exchange Manager.

91: Pork: Why is it important we work with small-scale pig keepers?

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 06:00:00 +0100

The pig industry is made up of a variety of systems, with herds ranging from a handful of sows to thousands. In this episode, we hear from Luchia Gregson, about the work we’re doing with small-scale pig keepers and why it’s so important. We also get an update on the pork market from Bethan Wilkins, one of our analysts.

Small-scale producer meetings

Information for small-scale pig keepers

New pig keepers guide

Contingency planning guide

Pig clubs and events

Stockperson training

Prices and stats

Love Pork marketing campaign

Get in touch
Luchia Gregson: Luchia.Gregson@ahdb.org.uk or 07990 442798
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Feedback survey
We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.

88: What data tells us about consumer habits

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:00:00 +0100

The Consumer Insight conference has taken place in Warwick. About 150 delegates packed a conference venue to hear from a range of speakers about changing diets, eating habits, the so called shopper journey and how retailers can adapt to attract shoppers of the future.

Delegates heard about the value of consumer data. Knowledge comes from data and that data is being collected and harvested, all the time.

John Bates speaks to AHDB analysts and they explain what we can learn from data and why it is so highly prized.

Hear what Steve Evans AHDB’s Consumer Insight manager and senior analyst Susie Stannard have to say.

(Please bear with the noisy background!)

Find out more about AHDB consumer insight

90: Consumer insight: A focus on crisps and chilled potatoes

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 15:21:08 +0100

This episode looks closely at the Consumer Marketing team at AHDB - with a specific focus on the crisping and chilled potatoes sectors.

Hear Analysts, Grace Randall and Zoe Avison give their insight into sales, consumption, trends and the development of the market as the delve into the consumer end of the market.

Links will appear in due course

89: Reducing the risk of pneumonia in youngstock

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 10:32:09 +0100

Sarah Pick, Knowledge Exchange Manager for AHDB, speaks to Nick Gibbon of Belmont Farm and Equine Vets about calf rearing and how to offset the risk of pneumonia. Nick facilitates a discussion group funded by AHDB, consisting of seven meadow quality calf rearers who have been collecting data over the past 18 months on the calf’s performance and health treatments they received. The data from the project has then been analysed and presented back to the group to look at risk factors for pneumonia and measures which can be taken to prevent it.

You can also find out more information on our youngstock webpage:
https://ahdb.org.uk/youngstock-health

87: Top tip(ple)s: growing malting barley for beer and whisky

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:00:00 +0100

With the vast majority of spring barley now safely in storage, this episode we're looking at opportunities and challenges for growing malting barley in the UK. How can you get the most out of your crop? Where might you be able to get a commercial advantage? What new varieties are coming up?

We hear from:

Mark McCallum, Black Isle barley grower and chair of Highland Grain
Bob King, Crisp Malt
Rick Davies, Northampton Monitor Farm host who grows barley for Budweiser
Julian South, MAGB
Steve Hoad, SRUC
David Eudall, AHDB market analyst

Find out more:

Always drink responsibly. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

87: Off the block: New campaign to encourage carcase utilisation

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Listen to Karl Pendlebury, AHDB’s Senior Manager for Quality Schemes who talks about our latest campaign for Beef and Lamb called ‘Off the block’

15 top British chefs have revealed how they utilise all cuts of meat in dishes, to provide increased depth of flavour, reduce waste and get maximum value for money.

The series will consist of 26 episodes across the year so tune in here from August 30.

You will hear from Yorkshire farmer’s daughter and Great British Menu chef, Stephanie Moon who shares her dish, ‘Lamb Feast,’ a simple barbecue dish designed to make cooking with lesser used lamb cuts such as breast, kidney and tongue more accessible. Catch the latest episode by visiting https://www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/off-the-block

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

86: What would a no deal Brexit mean for dairy markets?

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 08:34:41 +0100

Alistair McLaren talks to AHDB's Head of Livestock Market Specialists, Chris Gooderham about the potential impact of a no deal Brexit on dairy markets.

Access support around Brexit including analysis, impact calculator and resilience checklist: https://ahdb.org.uk/brexit

For the latest market news and analysis, sign up to receive our Dairy Market Weekly email: https://ahdb.org.uk/keeping-in-touch

85: How field vegetable grower could benefit from four new strategic centres

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Listen to Dawn Teverson (AHDB) and Bruce Napier (NIAB) explain how four new Strategic Centres for Field Vegetables will demonstrate the latest horticultural research in practice. Launched this year, they will showcase the latest ideas, science and technology to improve integrated pest management strategies.

Swede midge control in brassica crops. Read more.
Four new Strategic Centres for field vegetable crops. Read more.
Minor pests of Brassicas. Read more.
Join us at UK Vining Pea Conference: Peterborough. Find out more.
Join us at Onion & Carrot Conference. Book now.

84: Pork: How can we recruit new entrants to the pig industry?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 05:45:00 +0100

The pig industry scholarship recruits highly-qualified and committed young entrants into the pig industry. The scheme is open to students studying at Harper Adams University in their second year BSc and first year FdSc.

Useful links and information
Find out more about the scholarship
Harper Adams Development Trust
Pork Market News
Countryside Productivity Small Grants scheme

Get in touch
Emily Boyce: emily.boyce@ahdb.org.uk or 07776 594790
Sam Bradley: Samantha.Bradley@ahdb.org.uk or 07976 980753
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

82: Harvest 2019: Recommended Lists, updates, safety and technology

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 06:02:00 +0100

Listen in for cereals and oilseeds harvest updates from around the country, featuring the AHDB Recommended Lists harvest results and Roger Wilson from AHDB's Malmesbury Monitor Farm and Richard Ling from our Diss Monitor Farm. We also talk harvest safety, and technology with Harry Henderson.

AHDB Recommended Lists harvest results

Farm Safety Foundation

83: What to look for when choosing a ram for your farm business

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 08:51:33 +0100

In this edition Emma Steele, Breeding Specialist for Signet Services talks to farmers Jamie Wilde and Andrew Walton about what traits they would look for when buying a Signet recorded ram, as well as their involvement with Signet and the RamCompare project.

For more information about buying a ram please visit the Signet website: http://www.signetfbc.co.uk/

81: Potatoes in Practice: The big issues for the industry

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 11:00:00 +0100

Below you can find information on each of the speakers and their subject by using the links below:

Potatoes in Practice - https://www.hutton.ac.uk/events/potatoes-practice-2019 -
Greg Dawson Scottish Agronomy - https://www.hutton.ac.uk/news/future-chemistry-focus-potatoes-practice -
Prof Derek Stewart, James Hutton Institute - https://www.hutton.ac.uk/staff/derek-stewart -
Gerry Sadler SASA - https://www.sasa.gov.uk/content/professor-gerry-saddler

80: Marketing campaign reignites love of dairy

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 16:01:11 +0100

John Bates talks to AHDB's Marketing Manager Stu Baker and Analyst Susie Stannard about the results from the recent marketing campaign with Dairy UK through the spoof organisation 'The Department of Dairy Related Scrumptious Affairs.'

Find out more about the campaign and watch the adverts

79: Deal or no deal? The impact of Brexit on the red meat trade

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 06:00:00 +0100

AHDB's John Bates and Michael Haverty from the Andersons Centre talk through the findings of a report into the impact of various Brexit scenarios on the red meat trade.

Download the full 'Red meat route to market' report

Find out more about AHDB's Brexit analysis work

78: How will new technology future-proof the soft fruit industry?

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the next horticulture focused podcast and in today’s episode Scott Raffle our Knowledge Exchange manager for soft fruit and Mark Else from NIAB EMR, will be sharing some of their fascinating work currently taking place at the WET Centre in Kent.

If you would like more information on the WET Centre and the current soft fruit projects please visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/wet-centre

Information on the Precision Irrigation Package please visit NIAB EMR’s WET Centre website.

There are plenty of upcoming and events coming up, click here to find out more information.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel by searching for 'AHDB' on your favourite podcast app. For any further feedback please email me at Aisha.Shabnam@ahdb.org.uk.

Enjoy.

75: Pork: Pigs in the arable rotation

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Do you use pigs in your arable rotation? Or perhaps your pigs form part of someone else’s rotation? In this episode, we hear how producers and landlords can work together to benefit not only each other, but the environment as well.

Useful links and information

Livestock and the arable rotation
Targeted at managers of arable-based systems who are thinking about livestock opportunities for the first time, this guide includes sections on leys, cover crops, forage crops, maize, outdoor pig production and manures.

Cover crops
A cover crop is a non-cash crop grown primarily for the purpose of ‘protecting or improving’ between periods of regular crop production. Take a look at our resources and farmer case studies.

Presentations from the meeting: https://ahdb.org.uk/events/pigs-in-the-rotation-swaffham-norfolk

Get in touch
Order a free cab sticker with a reminder of how far away from water courses muck heaps need to be situated.

Andrew Palmer, AHDB: andrew.palmer@ahdb.org.uk
Email: comms@ahdb.org.uk and sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB.

Key stakeholders involved with this activity:
Norfolk Rivers Trust: https://norfolkriverstrust.org/

Anglian Water: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/in-the-community/protecting-our-environment/

Environment Agency: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency

Suffolk FWAG: https://www.suffolkfwag.co.uk/

Natural England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england

Catchment Sensitive Farming: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/catchment-sensitive-farming-reduce-agricultural-water-pollution

Kings Crops: https://www.kingscrops.co.uk/contact

77: Martin Williams interviews the AHDB

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 15:25:23 +0100

Monitor Farmer, Martin Williams speaks to AHDB's Market Intelligence Analyst, Peter Collier in an open discussion about his role at the AHDB, his thoughts on exports and the global market.

For more detailed information please go to https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets

76: How to Body Condition Score your flock

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:17:35 +0100

In this edition Nerys Wright, Knowledge Exchange Manager talks to Challenge Sheep farmer, Matt Blyth from Didling farms about how he Body Condition Scores his flock and, along with tips and tricks for other sheep farmers.

For more information read our BRP Manual: Managing ewes for Better Returns

74: Integrated pest management (IPM) with Jon Knight, Rob Fox, Emma Hamer and Alison Stewart

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a hot topic, but it's not a new idea. In this episode we find out who's doing what, and why, along the road towards integrated pest management. We hear from Warwickshire arable farmer Rob Fox, AHDB's Jon Knight, Emma Hamer from the NFU and Alison Stewart, all the way from New Zealand's Foundation for Arable Research.

View AHDB resources on IPM

The AHDB Agronomists' Conference 2019 will focus on ways to achieve integrated pest management.

Image: Natural enemy Asilidae Diotctria rufipes, by Ian Andrews. The larvae predate the larvae of other insects and the adults predate other insects on the wing. Find out more in the Encyclopaedia of pests and natural enemies

73: Meat and health

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we find out whether you can, or should, believe all that is written and claimed by those who position the future as a place away from meat in the diet.

Useful links and information

AHDB news
Levy bodies’ £2m campaign boosts positive messaging on meat
Millions more people across Great Britain are being exposed to positive messaging on meat as a result of a joint project from the levy bodies in England, Scotland and Wales, now entering its second year.

Share the facts about red meat and health

To help you share that message, we've put together a number of fact-based tools with the Meat Advisory Panel (MAP) which help highlight the positive health benefits of eating red meat.

Meat Advisory Panel (MAP)
MAP is a group of healthcare professionals, scientists and researchers who provide independent and objective information about red meat and its role as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

NHS Eatwell guide
The Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

World Cancer Research fund
World Cancer Research Fund UK is a UK cancer charity which funds and supports scientific research on how to prevent cancer with exercise, alcohol and diet.

World Health Organisation
WHO's primary role is to direct international health within the United Nations' system and to lead partners in global health response

International Agency for Research on Cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.

Get in touch
Email: comms@ahdb.org.uk and sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB.

72: Breeding policies and the use of sexed semen

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 11:30:18 +0100

Steve West from our Knowledge Exchange team talks to dairy farmer Andrew Gilman about his breeding policies and goals, and how his herd has evolved over recent years.

This episode is part of AHDB's #Breed4Better campaign and covers fertility, the role of genetics, heat detection and the use of sexed semen.

Useful tools and resources:

71: Why it's crucial for farmers to explore new business opportunities?

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 15:10:00 +0100

In this episode we’ll be hearing from Doreen Anderson, AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange Manager for Farmbench and will share with us the key highlights from the Arable Scotland Study Tour. Doreen will explain why ‘change’ is key and the important of mind-set when farmers are exploring new business opportunities.

We will hear from Richard and Anna Black, Arable farmers who carry multiple new and exciting enterprises as well as running their main business in arable farming. Find out how Richard and Anna began their journey as well as the change in mind-set required to take on the new venture.

Richard Orr, also an arable farmer and Northern Ireland Monitor Farmer will be on this episode to share the new opportunities he has taken. Richard farms with his father at Meadow Farm in Downpatrick. Stay tuned to find out more.

For further information please contact Doreen Anderson or visit ahdb.org.uk.

Don't forget to listen to our next dairy focused episode. Alistair will focus on their new dairy campaign, #Breed4Better.

69: Pork: Farming rules for water

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 05:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Zanita Markham talks to the Environment Agency about farming rules for water and the measures you can take to manage manure, fertiliser and soil to prevent runoff, erosion and leaching, building on the good practice already in operation.

Find out more on the rules for farmers and land managers to prevent water pollution

AHDB guidance to help with farming rules for water

Request a cab sticker

Environment Agency national customer contact centre
Email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 03708 506 506

Nutrient Management Guide (RB209)
The Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) helps you make the most of organic materials and balance the benefits of fertiliser use against the costs – both economic and environmental.

African swine fever
Find out more about African swine fever (AHDB)
Defra information on African swine fever

Market information
Pork Talk market update videos
AHDB Brexit hub

Get in touch
Get in touch: comms@ahdb.org.uk
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

70: Introducing the Education team

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 11:53:56 +0100

In this episode we provide an overview of AHDB's Education team. We find out what is going on across all sectors with a look at the Education Strategy with a specific look at the Grow Your Own Potatoes scheme.

The information given in this podcast can be found on the following:
www.ahdb.org.uk/education
www.growyourownpotatoes.org.uk
www.foodafactoflife.org.uk

For any further information, please email Sue Lawton - sue.lawton@ahdb.org.uk

68: Grazing strategies: a chat with Cumbrian beef and lamb farmer, Paul Renison

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 13:45:18 +0100

In this edition Chloe McKee, Knowledge Transfer Officer talks to beef and sheep farmer, Paul Renison, on how he has gone from set stocking to rotational grazing on Cannerheugh farm in Cumbria.

67: Barley innovation at 60 degrees North #Shetland

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 06:12:00 +0100

Shetland farmers Kirsty and Aimee Budge of Bigton Farm; Jamie Leslie, Scholland Farm; and Monitor Farm facilitator Graham Fraser, talk to AHDB's Sarah Hunter-Argyle about their work to improve barley yields, as part of the AHDB and QMS Monitor Farm project.

Find out more about:

Scottish Monitor Farm project: https://www.monitorfarms.co.uk/
Barley varieties on the AHDB Recommended Lists: https://ahdb.org.uk/rl

The three-year Scottish Monitor Farm project, which is funded by £1.25 million secured from the Scottish Government and European Union’s Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund, is being run jointly by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds.

66: How marketing campaigns help your farm business

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 12:47:00 +0100

John Bates talks to AHDB’s pork, beef and lamb marketing manager Liam Byrne on how levy-funded marketing campaigns are helping to promote UK farming produce to consumers. The episode includes a sneak preview of a new radio advert on lamb.

For more information visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/retail-and-consumer-insight and https://ahdb.org.uk/marketing

65: Making the most of the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 08:51:51 +0100

In this edition of our dairy podcast we look at the latest Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL) which aims to help farmers make informed decisions about the varieties that perform well for their system.

Siwan Howatson, AHDB Dairy Scientist travelled to the Royal Welsh Grassland event in Pembrokeshire and spoke with NIAB's Ellie Sweatman, Elaine Jewelled from BGS, farmer Joey Malone, Germinal's Helen Mathias and Danny from UCD.

The 2019/2020 edition of the RGCL sees eight new varieties of ryegrass and one red and one white clover alongside existing listings.

Only grasses and clovers that have undergone at least four years of independent testing are included in the lists. Varieties are rigorously tested for factors such as total and seasonal yield, feed quality, disease and persistence before making the RGCL.

In addition to providing information on the varieties, the RGCL also includes a range of technical information for farmers on how they can manage their reseed and maximise the productivity of their grassland.

The 2019/2020 RGCL handbook and the full lists for merchants is now available to download or use the online interactive version for perennial ryegrasses.

64: Who are the first three horticulture Strategic SmartHort Centres?

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the next edition of the AHDB Horticulture podcast. In this next edition, we will be announcing the launch of three Strategic SmartHort Centres across the UK. These farmers and growers will be part of a fantastic opportunity to help growers face the challenges around labour shortages and rising input costs.

We’ll be hearing from Grace Emeny, AHDBs Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager who will be providing us with an insight into what the Strategic SmartHort Centres all about. Neil Fedden from Fedden-USP will be leading the programme and will explain the methods behind LEAN and what growers should be expecting from the centre’s and finally, we will hear from one of the Strategic SmartHort Centres hosts who shares why they decided to become a Strategic SmartHort Centre.

Our first Strategic SmartHort Centres will be used as a live platform to improve labour efficiency and practice the methods of LEAN. This practical way of learning will implement the theory of LEAN to drive business benefit.

Find out who our three Strategic SmartHort Centres are and what the future holds for horticulture growers. For further information, please visit: ahdb.org.uk/smarthort

63: Pork: #MuckFreeTruck

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 08:22:40 +0100

In this edition of the AHDB podcast, we hear about the new #MuckFreeTruck campaign which is urging pig producers, processors and hauliers to ensure livestock lorries are properly cleaned.

Launched by ourselves and the National Pig Association (NPA), in conjunction with other key stakeholders, the campaign is a response to the threat posed by African swine fever (ASF), which is causing hug problems in Asia and eastern Europe.

African swine fever and the MuckFreeTruck campaign

62: Potatoes: Storage Network launch

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 16:12:28 +0100

To book a free consultation, levy payers are advised to call the AHDB Storage Network booking desk on 01406 359419. Alternatively you can call the AHDB Storage Advice line for the over-the-phone advice on 0800 02 82 111.
For all the latest storage advice please go to - https://ahdb.org.uk/Search?q=storage+hub

61: Promoting lamb to the consumer: An overview of AHDB's lamb campaign

Fri, 31 May 2019 10:27:18 +0100

This episode Gareth Renowden, Senior Marketing Manager for AHDB Beef & Lamb and Stasha Napior-Kowska, Senior Account Manager in the market development team talk about the up coming lamb campaign and what AHDB is doing to get both consumers and the industry excited about lamb.

We will also be running the annual Love Lamb Week that takes place 1- 7 September.

For more information about all of AHDB's marketing activity visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/marketing

60: Helping your staff and your business (and a market update)

Tue, 28 May 2019 06:25:00 +0100

How did improving farm staff management skills make James Orr’s job easier and more enjoyable? In this episode, James talks to AHDB Skills Manager Amie Burke about what he learnt from some staff management workshops and the benefits it brought to his farm in Fife.

Amie also tells us about her work with farmers across the country on business skills development, as well as her involvement in the new Agrespect organisation.

To finish up, Peter Collier has a very quick update on our grain and oilseeds markets.

Find out more:

AHDB skills programme
AHDB cereals and oilseeds market information
Agrespect

(pictured: James Orr with modern apprentice Erica Taylor)

59: How to write your farm business plan

Thu, 23 May 2019 09:22:39 +0100

Our host for this episode, John Bates, takes us through how to write your own farm business plan with AHDB’s Tess Howe and Oliver McEntyre of Barclays. To finish up, Amandeep Kaur Purewal talks about an updated tool to help your farm business.

Find out more about AHDB Business Planning tools: https://ahdb.org.uk/business-planning

58: Breeding and genetics for dairy herds

Fri, 17 May 2019 14:36:46 +0100

In this edition, we hear from strategic dairy farmer Willie Baillie, on his herd breeding strategy, as well as AHDB genetics experts Marco Winter and Fern Pearston, who take us through the genetics indexes and AHDB tools for supporting breeding decisions, such as our herd genetics reports.

We’ll also hear more about the benefits of genomic testing, and how farmers can use those results to better inform their breeding strategy.

Useful links:

AHDB herd genetic reports

AHDB genetics and breeding pages

AHDB strategic dairy farms

Zoetis genomic testing

57: Pick pork for a midweek meal in minutes

Tue, 14 May 2019 10:45:00 +0100

In this edition of the AHDB podcast, we hear from Liam Byrne, head of meat marketing at AHDB. Liam talks about the midweek meal campaign, which is a three-year campaign aiming to inspire more people to cook with pork or to cook with pork more often. We also hear from a processor and two producers, who tell us their views on the success of the campaign to date.

We finish up with a quick market update from Tom Forshaw, one of our analysts, who considers why European pig prices might be rising more quickly than here in the UK.

Useful links

Love Pork
Website: www.lovepork.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lovepork.UK
Instagram: www.instagram.com/love_pork

Pick Pork TV advert: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMJTbFcUjGw

Butchers and farm shop owners, order your free point-of-sale kits from: www.lovepork.co.uk/butchers-kits

Turmeric pork skewers recipe: www.lovepork.co.uk/recipes/turmeric-pork-skewers-with-supergrain-salad/

Download the full Pick Pork recipe booklet here, or order a printed copy via: comms@ahdb.org.uk

Market information

Pork Talk market update videos
AHDB Brexit hub

Get in touch
Get in touch with our marketing team: lovepork@ahdb.org.uk
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

56: New beginnings for horticulture

Fri, 10 May 2019 11:38:38 +0100

Welcome to the next edition of the horticulture podcast. Today we have a special guest, Vivian Powell, Crop Protection Senior Scientist from AHDB who has served the horticulture industry for 40 years of her life and 18 years working for AHDB delivering some fantastic work. She has helped many growers and businesses save resources, money and time.

Bolette Nave, Crop Protection Scientist from AHDB will be interviewing Vivian Powell. She will be sharing some of her key moments in the industry and what the future holds for the minor use programme project.

We will also hear an update from Joe Martin, our Crop Protection Senior Scientist at AHDB will share an interesting insight into SCEPTREplus and what growers should look forward to.

For further information on SCEPTREplus or Minor Use Programme visit: ahdb.org.uk

In the next episode, we’ll be finding out what the results from our latest Pork marketing campaign tell us, along with what plans there are for future activity. We’ll discover whether more people have been buying pork as a result of the campaign and what this means in financial terms.

55: AHDB Strategic Potato Farm network 2019 preview

Thu, 09 May 2019 10:29:19 +0100

For all of the information in this podcast, please visit the AHDB Strategic Potato Farm pages for all event listings please go to AHDB Events

For anything else or suggestions for upcoming podcasts, please contact stuart.baxter@ahdb.org.uk

54: DIY Artificial Insemination and Synchronisation in the suckler herd

Fri, 03 May 2019 13:14:07 +0100

In this edition Amy Hughes, Knowledge Exchange Manager, has a chat with farmer Eddie Rooke about how he is using synchronisation and Artificial Insemination on his suckler herd. We’re offering 50 % funding towards a number of DIY AI courses for suckler farmers. Courses are being held across the country with various training providers. Check the AHDB Beef & Lamb website for dates and locations. beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/returns/diy-ai-course/

53: What's driving UK grain and oilseed markets?

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 06:30:00 +0100

AHDB market specialists David Eudall, James Webster, Peter Collier, Alice Bailey and Alex Cook discuss the drivers of UK domestic grain and oilseed markets.

Get the latest market information

52: Weather-savvy farming

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:19:30 +0100

AHDB’s John Bates speaks to Lincolnshire farmer and grower David Hoyles, to learn what conditions are like and what he’s doing differently this year to get the most from the water he has on farm. Our Market Intelligence Director, Phil Bicknell shares insight from the markets on the impact of the weather and tools which livestock farmers can use to manage. And, Water Resources expert, Nicola Dunn updates us on the current water situation across the country, with options for farmers and growers to consider to prepare for a summer with little rainfall.

Find out more

51: The essentials of a successful dairy business

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode Steve West from the AHDB chats to Lloyd Holterman, a dairy farmer from Wisconsin USA.

Lloyd and his wife Daphne are recognised on the global stage as exceptional dairy producers who consistently achieve excellences within both their business performance and dairy cow management. Much of this success can be attributed to their over-arching business ethos: Great People – Great Cows – Great Returns.

If you attended the recent workshops with Lloyd and Dapne, or have listened to the podcast and would like to find out more about the tools mentioned, you can find out more by clicking on the following links:

50: SmartHort Part 4: What are the next steps for horticulture growers to invest in robotics and AI?

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the fourth SmartHort podcast. In this episode Sarah Hunter-Argyle will be interviewing Calum Murray from Innovate UK. He provides a better understanding of what growers should consider when applying for funding, the process and other factors which growers need to consider before investing, including grants.

Andrey provides a real insight into how he got involved with the University of Essex and Dr Vishuu Mohan answers whether robotics is the future of horticulture. Listen now

Jacob Kirwan from G’s Growers discusses the challenges that G’s Growers have faced and how they have overcome this through some of their current projects on robotics and automation. Listen now

Chris Danks from KTN explains how they can help growers invest money in innovative projects. He shares a range of advice, support and knowledge about helping your business step into the robotic world. Listen now

For further information please visit: ahdb.org.uk/smarthort

49: SmartHort Part 3: G's Growers share business challenges and opportunities when investing in robotics

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the third SmartHort podcast. In this episode Sarah Hunter-Argyle will be interviewing Jacob Kirwan from G’s Growers. We look at the challenges that G’s Growers have faced and how they have overcome this through some of their current projects on robotics and automation.

You can also listen to the following special SmartHort podcasts:

Calum Murray from Innovate UK provides a better understanding of what growers should consider when applying for funding, the process and other factors which growers nee d to consider before investing, including grants. Listen now

Andrey provides a real insight into how he got involved with the University of Essex and Dr Vishuu Mohan answers whether robotics is the future of horticulture. Listen now

Chris Danks from KTN explains how they can help growers invest money in innovative projects. He shares a range of advice, support and knowledge about helping your business step into the robotic world. Listen now

For further information please visit: ahdb.org.uk/smarthort

48: SmartHort Part 2: KTN specialist explains how to invest your money in innovative projects

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the second SmartHort podcast. In this episode Sarah Hunter-Argyle will be interviewing Chris Danks from KTN explains how they can help growers invest money in innovative projects. He shares a range of advice, support and knowledge about helping your business step into the robotic world.

You can also listen to the following special SmartHort podcasts:

Calum Murray from Innovate UK provides a better understanding of what growers should consider when applying for funding, the process and other factors which growers nee d to consider before investing, including grants. Listen now

Jacob Kirwan from G’s Growers looks at the challenges that G’s Growers have faced and how they have overcome this through some of their current projects on robotics and automation. Listen now

Andrey provides a real insight into how he got involved with the University of Essex and Dr Vishuu Mohan answers whether robotics is the future of horticulture. Listen now

For further information please visit: ahdb.org.uk/smarthort

47: SmartHort Part 1: University of Essex and Tiptree on developing a robotic strawberry harvester

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the first of a four-part SmartHort podcast. In this episode Sarah Hunter-Argyle will be interviewing Andrey Ivanov from Tiptree and Dr Vishuu Mohan from the University of Essex and will discuss in detail about their collaboration to develop a robotic strawberry harvester.

Andrey provides a real insight into how he got involved with the University of Essex and Dr Vishuu Mohan answers whether robotics is the future of horticulture.

You can also listen to the following special SmartHort podcasts:

Chris Danks from KTN: Chris Danks from KTN explains how they can help growers invest money in innovative projects. He shares a range of advice, support and knowledge about helping your business step into the robotic world. Listen now

Calum Murray from Innovate UK: Calum provides a better understanding of what growers should consider when applying for funding, the process and other factors which growers nee d to consider before investing, including grants. Listen now

Jacob Kirwan from G’s Growers: We look at the challenges that G’s Growers have faced and how they have overcome this through some of their current projects on robotics and automation. Listen now

For further information please visit: ahdb.org.uk/smarthort

Also, don’t forget to catch our next AHDB podcast with Lloyd Holterman from Rosy Lane Holsteins in Winsconsin, USA. Lloyd shares his thoughts on managing the modern dairy cow, including the use of genetics, biosecurity and disease control and the importance of measuring performanc e and good record keeping.

46: Pork: Environmental permitting for pig farmers: what does it mean for you?

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 08:08:04 +0100

We hear from Emma Slater (AHDB) and Mella Waitt and Alison Frogley from the Environment Agency.

We finish up with a quick update on the outlook for pig prices and feed costs from Bethan Wilkins, one of our analysts.

Useful links

Environment Agency supporting information

Information on permitted agriculture (EPR/IPPC)

Model application templates

Government guidance on environmental permitting

Webinar: Important changes to environmental permitting

Pork Talk market update videos

AHDB Brexit hub

Get in touch

AHDB Environment and Buildings team: pork.environment@ahdb.org.uk

Environment Agency: 03708 506 506

45: AHDB Potatoes: Fight Against Blight update

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 15:23:00 +0100

Listen to this update on the changes to AHDB Potatoes Fight Against Blight campaign. Hear an overview of the 2018 season, with information on A_36 and A_37.

See the FRAG guidelines on fungicide resistance on potato late blight here
if you have any questions then please feel free to contact us via Twitter @AHDB_potatoes

44: GrasscheckGB: How to manage your grassland

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 16:24:46 +0100

In this edition Lis King, AHDB’s Senior Research Scientist, talks to Debbie McConnell, Dairy grassland researcher at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in Northern Ireland about GrassCheckGB. The project is aiming to improve animal performance and farm profitability in pasture based systems by understanding the potential and variation in grass growth across 50 farms in Great Britain.

43: Do you really need that tractor? Using data to make decisions on your farm

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 06:30:00 +0100

Join AHDB's machinery guru Harry Henderson and Monitor Farm hosts Richard Orr and Tom Rees to hear all about how you can use a machinery and labour review on your farm, to help you make more informed decisions.

Do your own machinery review

Find out about Richard Orr, Downpatrick Monitor Farm host

42: Brexit: what now for UK farming

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 15:50:46 +0100

AHDB’s John Bates discusses the unfolding Brexit situation with a panel of experts at home and in Brussels. With Phil Bicknell and Sarah Baker at Stoneleigh along with Kathy Roussel and Tania Gesto-Casas from AHDB’s office at the heart of the EU, the panel discusses the key issues and impacts of Brexit on the UK’s agricultural and horticultural sectors and what the latest policy indications mean for UK food and farming.

Find out what Brexit means to individual farm profitability and what sets apart those businesses best placed to weather any Brexit scenario. For all the tools and analysis referenced in this podcast, visit www.ahdb.org.uk/brexit

41: Resource Efficiency: Maximising the use of home-grown forage

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 09:00:00 +0100

Feed forage is one of the biggest cost for British farmers, accounting for 33% of total cost of production. Maximising home-grown forage and reducing the cost remains to be the biggest driver for farm profitability.

AHDB's Siwan Howaston brings us this final EuroDairy podcast, focusing on resource efficiency and asking the question; how farmers can maximise their use of home-grown forage?

Although the EuroDairy network has now come to an end, you can still make use of the valuable research and information from dairy farmers across Europe by going to eurodairy.eu.

40: What are the current labour challenges horticulture growers are facing?

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the first horticulture podcast, I’m Aisha and in this episode Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, the horticulture Chair, will provide an insight into the labour challenges that growers are currently facing due to Brexit.

For those who missed the SmartHort conference, Hayley touches on how successful the event was and the exciting projects AHDB have planned for horticulture growers.

Tom Hind, our Chief Strategy Officer gives us an insight into the current issues around Brexit and what this means for growers. Listen now to find out what this means for your business and how we can help you.

For further information please visit: ahdb.org.uk/smarthort or ahdb.org.uk/brexit

39: Pork: A practical approach to delivering clean water to your pigs

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 11:45:23 +0100

In the first AHDB Pork podcast we focus on water.

We hear from Zanita Markham (AHDB) and Mark Jagger (Tulip) as we look at the importance and impact of cleaning water systems on pig performance, along with how water can be used to deliver medication.

We also find out about some of the work we are doing on one of our strategic farms from Andrew Palmer, AHDB knowledge exchange manager.

We finish up with a quick update on the outlook for pig prices and feed costs from Bethan Wilkins, one of our analysts.

Useful links

Water sampling for microbiology, minerals and flow rate video

A guide to designing a water supply system for livestock

Acceptable drinking water parameters for pigs factsheet

Standard operating procedure (SOP) for collecting water samples

Strategic farms

Pork Talk market update videos

AHDB Brexit hub

Get in touch

Email: comms@ahdb.org.uk

37: The loss of CIPC and the future of sprout suppression

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 15:49:38 +0100

In the episode; AHDB's Laura Bouvet and Adrian Cunnington of Sutton Bridge Crop Storage research discuss the impact of losing CIPC could have on the potato industry.

You can find out more information on this by visiting our Storage Hub

36: Nematodirus: how best to prevent and treat the disease in new born lambs

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 10:57:36 +0100

We hear from Nerys Wright, Knowledge Exchange Manager for the East and South East regions. She speaks to Lesley Stubbings, Independent sheep consultant on the timely topic of Nematodirus and how best to prevent and treat the disease in new born lambs.

For more information you can check out the Nemotodirus forecast that is available on the sustainable control of parasites group (SCOPS) website: www.scops.org.uk

35: Making spring cropping work for you

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 08:00:00 +0100

We hear all things spring cropping from a recent Cereals & Oilseeds Monitor Farm meeting in Duxford, featuring farmers Tom Mead and David Hurst, AHDB market analyst James Webster, as well as oat miller Brin Hughes and Peter Smith from Agrii.

Find out more about the Duxford Monitor Farm

Read the latest AHDB Market Information

*Correction - We erroneously named the two farmers in the podcast as Tom Hurst and David Mead. This should have been Tom Mead and David Hurst.

34: What to do when your herd has been infected with TB

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 10:45:40 +0100

Katie Thorley, Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager asks farmer Catherine Bunting and vet Sarah Tomlinson from Westpoint vets about what you should do once your farm has been shut down due to TB. For more information please visit the TB hub

33: Fungicide futures: resistance, alternatives and a managed lower-input try-out

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 08:00:00 +0100

This episode we look at the latest in fungicides, starting with Jason Pole and Paul Gosling on fungicide resistance, varietal disease resistance and the alternatives to chemical disease control.

We also hear from Stowmarket farmer and AHDB Strategic Farm host Brian Barker on some managed lower inputs try-outs at his farm.

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/fungicide-futures

32: Ewe nutrition in mid to late pregnancy

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 15:47:58 +0100

In the first AHDB Beef & Lamb podcast of 2019, Lis King, sheep scientist, talks to sheep consultant, Kate Phillips, about nutrition in sheep in mid to late pregnancy.

31: Looking beyond headline yields, learning from organic, cover crops and sulphur rates guidance.

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 11:40:21 +0100

In this episode, we look at results from AHDB's Look Ahead survey of the Recommended Lists; what our Sittingbourne Monitor Farm group discussed around learning from organic and some interim cover crop findings; and sulphur guidance updated in the AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209).

cereals.ahdb.org.uk

Soundtrack files were created by: sangtao, eltenjohn, edtijo, serylis, rutgermuller and 4barrelcarb via Freesound.

13: Looking at suckler cow nutrition with Alex Corbishley

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 15:00:13 +0100

In the last podcast of 2018, Sarah Pick, talks to Alex Corbishley from Edinburgh University about a study that investigated the effect of dry cow nutrition on colostrum quality and passive transfer to the calf, where our Strategic Farmers were involved in the project.

30: Don't waste a good crisis / resilience

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 08:44:00 +0100

Chelmsford Monitor Farm hosts Christy and Hew Willett take over this episode of the podcast, coming to you from the AHDB Monitor Farm conference on 19 and 20 November 2018.

They talk through what they learned on the theme of resilience during the conference.

cereals.ahdb.org.uk/monitorfarms

12: Resilience in dairy farm businesses – bounce without breaking

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:18:35 +0100

In this episode, Nicola Shadbolt of Massey University, New Zealand joins our Knowledge Transfer manager Kate McKenzie to discuss how farmers in New Zealand and others internationally have adapted to be more resilient and strategic –in other words, how can we put the buzz words into practice?

11: Suckler cow nutrition, rotational grazing and being part of the Strategic Farm network

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 16:11:44 +0100

In the latest podcast, Sarah Pick, talks to Johnny Haimes, our Strategic farmer in Plymouth about being part of the Strategic Farm network and the recent suckler cow nutrition event, which was held at West Sherford Farm.

10: Festive food and farming 2018

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 14:42:31 +0100

With Christmas round the corner, AHDB has released a new podcast looking at what consumers will be looking out for in the shops this year and what farmers are doing to prepare for the change to come in the New Year.

Listen to John Bates discuss the gamut of hot topics in food and farming with AHDB Market Intelligence’s Phil Bicknell and David Swales.

Find about how this year’s challenging weather has affected key products on the Christmas dinner plate, which retailers are this year’s likely winners and how Brexit could influence next year’s festive feasts – including what AHDB, farmers and supply chains are doing to prepare.

Find out more about AHDB's market intelligence work

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Soundtrack files were created by mamax and 4barrelcarb, via Freesound.

29: Soil health special

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 12:30:08 +0100

Join AHDB's Amanda Bennett and Jason Pole, soil scientist extraordinaire Elizabeth Stockdale and farmer Edward Reynolds as they discuss some of the latest practical research on soil health.

To find out more, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/GREATsoils

Soundtrack files were created by: edtijo, sangtao, leossom, walter-odington, Serylis, Rutgermuller and Barrelcarb via Freesound.

28: Grain Market Outlook 2018

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 08:29:00 +0100

In this episode, AHDB Market Specialists Manager Vikki Campbell explores the key messages from AHDB's 2018 Grain Market Outlook Conference. Speakers include Phil Bicknell, Seth Meyer, Charles Clack and Christof Walter.

cereals.ahdb.org.uk/markets

Soundtrack files were created by: mf13z, qubodup, edtijo, gaffacan and solis2, via Freesound.

9: How being part of the Strategic Farm project has helped me to improve my finishing system

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:51:29 +0100

Joseph Keating, chats to our Strategic Finisher farmer, Phil Kent following his launch meeting about why he wanted to join the project and the improvements he’s been making to his finishing system.

8: Planning winter feed for sheep

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 16:29:00 +0100

Liz Genever, chats to Phil Creighton from Teagasc, about planning winter feed options and how to set up grazing rotations for the spring

7: Antimicrobial resistance

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 09:15:00 +0100

In the latest podcast we’re looking at antimicrobial resistance and the use of antibiotics on farm. This is one of the biggest challenges facing human and animal health professionals to try and ensure the resistance doesn’t build up in humans for the critically important antibiotics.

The episode features a EuroDairy French exchange visit to a GB pilot farm and the finale meeting of the Farmer Action group: reducing reliance on antimicrobials.

28: Skills and succession

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 08:30:00 +0100

In the latest AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds podcast we’re looking at business skills for farmers; taking us away from the roots and shoots to look at focus on some other topics that can have a huge impact on your business.

The episode features Sian Bushell and her recent workshops on succession planning; an interview with farmer Alex Baines on professional development; and Taunton Monitor Farm host Richard Payne.

Find out more:

AHDB skills training

Succession webinar, 25 October 2018

AHDB Monitor Farm programme

2: Lameness, the Five Point Plan and top tips

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 15:30:00 +0100

Lis King, AHDB Sheep Scientist, talks to Bryan and Liz Griffiths about the challenges of sheep lameness on Southcott farm in Devon.

6: Drought and dairy

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 11:25:26 +0100

Kate Mackenzie, AHDB Knowledge Transfer Manager, joins Andre Van Barneveld from Graise Consultancy at one of our Grow More, Graze More, Earn More on-farm events. We find out what measures farmers can take following the summer’s drought conditions. She also catches up with other local farmers to share their experiences and what the next steps are for the autumn and beyond.

dairy.ahdb.org.uk

27: The future of milling and malting

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 11:54:14 +0100

AHDB's Amandeep Kaur Purewal. Martin Grantley-Smith and Eleanor Holdsworth discuss results from an AHDB-funded report into the future of the milling and malting industries.

Scrutinising future of UK milling and malting

A new report suggests Brexit will have a considerable impact on the UK’s milling industry under a range of trade scenarios but the malting sector is in a far better position to weather the storm.

The ‘what-if’ analysis was commissioned by AHDB to help millers and maltsters with their business strategies ahead of Brexit.

It also aims to help give insight into long-term implications on planting and highlight potential impacts on grain prices.

The report – Brexit scenarios: Impacts on the UK’s milling and malting sectors – assesses the impact of three post-Brexit trade scenarios on supply and demand for milling wheat, malting barley, flour and malt.

Firstly, a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU agreeing zero tariffs, secondly a unilateral approach where imports are tariff free but exports are subject to tariffs and thirdly mutual application of World Trade Organisation (WTO) tariffs in the case of a ‘hard Brexit’.

UK flour trade is likely to experience significant disruption post-Brexit, even if a FTA is negotiated. This is partly due to UK mills’ reliance on global imports of high-quality milling wheat, which may which may disqualify UK flour from preferential access to EU market.

This will impact mills on the British mainland if they lose free access to this market via the cross-border trade. By far the biggest impact could be the loss of trade with the Republic of Ireland, which currently receives two thirds of its flour from mainland British mills.

The outlook is more positive for the malting sector. With almost all UK malt currently exported to non-EU countries, trading arrangements with the EU would have little impact.

Brexit may also provide an opportunity for UK growers to displace malting barley imports by growing six-row malting varieties.

Dr Martin Grantley-Smith, Strategy Director for Cereals & Oilseeds, said: “There could be some tough decisions to be made by UK millers and maltsters in the near future depending on how Brexit pans out.

“This is a timely report providing some early warning of how the challenges may play out, so that businesses can revisit some of their options for post-march 2019.

“Up to now our trading arrangements with the EU have been of critical importance and this report clearly shows, whatever the outcome of Brexit, business-as-usual is not going to be an option.”

To download the report, alongside all AHDB’s Brexit tools and resources, visit www.ahdb.org.uk/brexit

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

5: Drought, challenges and Farmax: Liz Genever talks to Challenge Sheep farmer Matt Blyth

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 15:49:19 +0100

Liz Genever, AHDB Senior Beef & Lamb Scientist, talks to Matt Blyth, one of our Challenge Sheep farmers, at Didling farm in West Sussex. She finds out what decisions Matt has had to make as a result the hot weather and how using Farmax has helped him to better plan and analyse his farm enterprise.

Find out more about AHDB's Challenge Sheep programme

8: Combine Time with Richard Orr: worst yields, best incomes and more

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 07:39:00 +0100

AHDB's Downpatrick Monitor Farm host Richard Orr talks through his harvest experiences over the years, from best to worst. He explains how the worst yielding years aren't always the least productive - in 2012 the price of wheat more than made up for the abysmal harvest he experienced.

For more harvest resources and information, visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/harvest

7: Combine Time: oil, archaeology and harvest experiences with Rick Davies

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 07:45:00 +0100

In this episode of the AHDB harvest podcast miniseries, we talk to Northampton Monitor Farm host Rick Davies while he cut oilseed rape.

Rick grows barley for Budweiser, oil for use in frying at McDonalds and KFC and wheat for Heygates.

He talks about his harvest experiences, machinery, safety, memories, a new iron age fort found on the farm and his dreams of an automatic grain store cleaner.

Find out more about AHDB's harvest resources at cereals.ahdb.org.uk/harvest

6: Combine Time: harvest at Malmesbury Monitor Farm

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 07:45:00 +0100

Today we hear from AHDB's Philip Dolbear and Monitor Farm host Roger Wilson near Malmesbury.

Philip and Roger talk about harvest strategies, experiences and new developments.

For more harvest resources and information, visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/harvest

Find out more about benchmarking with Farmbench

Recorded on 11 July 2018

5: Combine Time: the history of harvest

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 07:45:00 +0100

AHDB machinery guru Harry Henderson talks us through the history of harvest, from wooden combines to robotic, automated crop processing.

For more harvest resources and information, visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/harvest

26: Livestock in arable rotations

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 07:49:00 +0100

In this episode, join AHDB's Jason Pole, Teresa Meadows and Liz Genever, as well as West Essex farmer Ian Metson, as they discuss the ins and outs of introducing livestock into arable rotations.

For more information, visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/livestock

Soundtrack files were created by: Serylis, Rutgermuller, Barrelcarb, dvideoguy, growingup_fawn and sangtao via Freesound.

4: Combine Time: mobile phones and the freedom to fail

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 07:45:00 +0100

Today we hear from AHDB's Philip Dolbear and Monitor Farm host Richard Payne near Taunton.

Philip and Richard talk about harvest strategies, experiences and new developments.

For more harvest resources and information, visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/harvest

Recorded on 10 July 2018

3: Combine Time with Martin Williams

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 07:45:00 +0100

For this week's harvest podcast mini-series we hear from AHDB Hereford Monitor Farm host Martin Williams.

For AHDB's harvest resources, including RL harvest results, storage guidelines, markets and more, visit https://cereals.ahdb.org.uk/harvest

4: Autumn block calving is on the rise

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 13:39:01 +0100

Alistair McLaren from AHDB’s communications team visited Buscot Wick Farm - an autumn calving unit in Oxfordshire – for the launch of AHDB’s latest strategic farm and spoke to farmers about why they choose to calve in the autumn.

2: Combine Time: the Recommended Lists

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 07:45:00 +0100

For the second episode in our harvest podcast mini-series, we talk to AHDB experts Ellie Marshall and Jenna Watts about the Recommended Lists.

For AHDB's harvest resources, including RL harvest results, storage guidelines, markets and more, visit https://cereals.ahdb.org.uk/harvest

1: Combine Time with Brigg Monitor Farm

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:45:00 +0100

In the first of our harvest mini-series, we talk to Colin Chappell, AHDB Monitor Farm host in Brigg.

To access AHDB's harvest resources, visit https://cereals.ahdb.org.uk/harvest

25: The US-China trade dispute part 2 and what's for harvest 2018?

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 11:23:48 +0100

This episode, AHDB analyst gives a quick update on the US-China trade dispute now that tariffs have been announced; and analyst Peter Collier talks about the survey showing what's been planted for harvest 2018.

Get more information about the Planting and Variety Survey

Visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/markets for more analysis and information

24: The US-China trade dispute (part 1)

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 15:19:02 +0100

AHDB's analysts Zoe Avison, Daniel Rooney and Aidan Wright discuss the latest developments in the trade dispute between the US and China, soyabean markets, and what it all means for UK oilseeds growers.

For more market information, visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/markets

Soundtrack files were created by: Gaffacan and solis2 via Freesound.

Photo by szacchi - Fotolia

23: Preparing for harvest, Saltburn Monitor Farm & glyphosate stewardship

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:34:18 +0100

This month's episode, focusing on harvest preparation, comes to you from the Saltburn Monitor Farm and also features a piece on glyphosate stewardship with Jason Pole and Paul Gosling. It is hosted by AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Judith Stafford.

For more harvest resources from AHDB visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/harvest

Find out more about the Monitor Farm programme

Glyphosate stewardship: cereals.ahdb.org.uk/glyphosate

Soundtrack files were created by Serylis, Rutgermuller, Barrelcarb and Edtijo via Freesound.

22: Talking tillage

Fri, 04 May 2018 11:10:00 +0100

This month, AHDB machinery guru Harry Henderson hears from five different farmers on their different approaches to tilling. Is no-till for you? Listen and see what you think.

We also hear from AHDB's Sajjad Awan and Jason Pole on a review of autumn N applications.

For more on no-till, visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/notill

Soundtrack files created by: Serylis, Rutgermuller, Barrelcarb , Eltenjohn, Digifishmusic, Growingup_fawn, Sangtao, Edtijo and others via Freesound

3: Meet the new Strategic Dairy Farm

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 10:31:50 +0100

AHDB Communications Manager Alistair McLaren reports from the recent launch of AHDB's Strategic Dairy Farm in Tiverton.

https://dairy.ahdb.org.uk/

Soundtrack file from Maurolopo via Freesound.

21: Wheat growth guide, market update, staff management and new Monitor Farms

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 06:07:00 +0100

AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager for the South East, Paul Hill, hosts this month's episode covering what's in a new wheat growth guide, UK supply and demand, the six new Monitor Farms across the UK, and some key learning from the Monitor Farm meetings and webinars on staff management.

Soundtrack files were created by: andy-gardner, beeproductive, eltenjohn, sangtao, digifishmusic, Serylis, Rutgermuller, Barrelcarb and valentinsosnitskiy via Freesound, with additional music created by Jason Pole.

20: All things milling wheat

Fri, 02 Mar 2018 13:45:00 +0100

Harry Henderson, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager for the East Midlands, hosts this month's AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds podcast looking at all things milling wheat. It features the current state of consumer demand, global markets, the Recommended Lists and more. We also hear from Basingstoke Monitor Farm host Hugh Crosbie-Dawson.

19: Planning your fungicide programme

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 08:09:00 +0100

In this episode we hear from Paul Gosling and Jason Pole, AHDB, Jonathan Blake, ADAS, and former Monitor Farm host Mark Wood on planning fungicide programmes to give good control and protect efficacy.

cereals.ahdb.org.uk/fungicidefutures

18: 12 months of Trump

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 12:01:00 +0100

In the second of our bonus podcast episodes this month we look at the impact of Donald Trump's policies on cereals and oilseeds markets during the first 12 months of his term.

Read the full analysis (part 1)

Photo by Gage Skidmore

17: Strong return to oilseed rape for UK harvest 2018

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:55:13 +0100

Daniel Rooney, AHDB market analyst, gives a quick update on the findings of the AHDB Early Bird Survey.

For more information visit cereals.ahdb.org.uk/markets

Soundtrack files in this episode were created by Serylis, Rutgermuller, Barrelcarb and Valentinsosnitsky via Freesound.

Photo credit: Emily Graham

16: Planning ahead: soil P and organic manure

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 10:27:54 +0100

Teresa Meadows, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Knowledge Exchange Manager for East Anglia hosts this episode looking at nutrient management. It features pieces on soil phosphorus and organic manure, with insight from Newark Monitor Farm host John Miller.

cereals.ahdb.org.uk

2: Productivity: why farmers and growers should be concerned

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 09:35:00 +0100

With the turn of the year, the post-Brexit world of the end of March 2019 ebbs ever closer. Hear, in this podcast, how AHDB maintains its focus on the possible impact on farming and why productivity matters, in terms of the economic wellbeing of those involved with producing food for British households. Once again AHDB urges farmers and growers ‘not to sleepwalk into Brexit’ and considers the benefits of collaborative working, as well as whether we can learn from our competitors.

AHDB’s Tom Hind talks with John Bates.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board's (AHDB) assessment of current productivity within UK agriculture is set out in the latest in the series of Horizon reports, titled Driving productivity growth together. www.ahdb.org.uk/brexit

1: Festive food and farming

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 15:00:00 +0100

John Bates hosts this festive special from the AHDB consumer insights team looking at how the season of goodwill changes what and how we buy, how Brexit might impact our favourite festive foods and what farmers and growers need to think about to gear up for Christmas future.

https://ahdb.org.uk/

Photo by Keenan Loo on Unsplash

15: Change your mind, change your business

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 09:26:00 +0100

Martin Williams and Russell Price, AHDB's Hereford monitor farmers, host this special edition of the podcast from the annual Monitor Farm conference.

For more information, visit http://cereals.ahdb.org.uk/monitorfarms

14: Soils and rotations

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 09:41:14 +0100

Jason Pole talks to AHDB scientist Alice Sin about GREATsoils, work being done to identify the impact of different rotations on soils, and more.

13: How to prepare for Brexit

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 09:52:44 +0100

This month’s episode comes from our recent Grain Market Outlook Conference. It focused on how our industry can get ready for the challenges of a post-Brexit market place.

Hosted by Judith Stafford, this episode features snippets from Jack Watts and Amandeep Kaur Purewal's presentations at the conference, as well as AHDB’s latest Horizon document. This recent report sets out the potential impact of three different post-Brexit scenarios for agriculture. We also hear from Phil Bicknell and George Lawrie on how to start preparing for Brexit.

12: Soils special: October 2017

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 08:39:49 +0100

Philip Dolbear, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Knowledge Exchange Manager, presents a soils special podcast, featuring news of an AHDB initiative to measure soil health; Jack Smith from AHDB's Leicester Monitor Farm; growers putting research into practice, and an update from the market intelligence team.

11: What's the impact of Brexit on domestic grain markets? Here's a sneak preview into the Grain Market Outlook Conference

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 11:23:53 +0100

Jack Watts, AHDB Lead Analyst, gives a sneak preview into the topics to be covered during AHDB's Grain Market Outlook Conference on Wednesday 11 October 2017. For more information, visit https://cereals.ahdb.org.uk/grainmarketoutlook

10: Cover crop trials, group 3 soft wheats, Scotland's gluten-free oat processing and the skills business

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 08:48:35 +0100

Harry Henderson, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Knowledge Exchange Manager for the East Midlands, presents this podcast episode featuring news on AHDB's cover crops trials, insight into group 3 soft wheats and an interview with Scottish farmer Andrew Booth on his proposed gluten-free oat processing plant. The episode finishes with a discussion on the importance of business skills in agriculture.

9: Lessons from New Zealand, reduced tillage and a 'Brexit bucket list' for farm businesses

Fri, 11 Aug 2017 12:54:45 +0100

Richard Meredith, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Knowledge Exchange Manager, presents this podcast episode. It features a report into what the UK can learn from New Zealand's subsidy reforms; the impact of different tillage options on soil; and Squab Hall farm manager Rob Fox's take on our 'Brexit bucket list'.

8: Post-brexit prospects for UK grain, the battle against brome, York Monitor Farm and broad-leaved weeds

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 08:43:46 +0100

Paul Hill, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Knowledge Exchange Manager for the South East presents this month's podcast episode, featuring post-Brexit prospects for UK grain, the battle against brome, David Blacker from our York Monitor Farm, AHDB's new strategic farms and broad-leaved weed management.

7: New Nutrient Management Guide (RB209), USDA projections for 2017/18 and T3 sprays

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:50:00 +0100

Teresa Meadows, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Knowledge Exchange Manager for East Anglia, presents this month's podcast featuring the new Nutrient Management Guide (formerly known as RB209), the USDA projections for 2017/2018 and a timely reminder about T3 sprays.

6: UK flour sales, new Malmesbury Monitor Farm, biostimulants and AHDB at Cereals 2017

Fri, 05 May 2017 08:23:00 +0100

Judith Stafford, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager for the North and Northern Ireland hosts May 2017's podcast covering UK flour sales, the new Monitor Farm in Malmesbury, some research into biostimulants, and what AHDB will be focusing on at Cereals 2017.

Soundtrack files from Freesound used were:

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5: AHDB's new strategy, black-grass, pathogen monitoring and market update

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 14:29:55 +0100

AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Knowledge Exchange Manager Philip Dolbear presents an episode featuring AHDB's new strategy; black-grass discussions at Driffield Monitor Farm; the UK's pathogen monitoring network; and what's happening in the markets ahead of this week's big announcements.

4: Integrated pest management: the long and short view

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 09:00:00 +0100

AHDB's Harry Henderson talks to staff, farmers and other experts on topics relating to integrated pest management. The interviews include: - SRUC's Fiona Burnett - SDHIs and net blotch - findings from an AHDB-funded black-grass workshop - a new Monitor Farm in Morayshire

There's also a market update and information on an upcoming Meet the Exporter event.

3: Septoria control, tyres and compaction, UK feed wheat and PPP & Brexit

Fri, 03 Feb 2017 09:43:24 +0100

This month we’re looking at septoria control, tyres and compaction, UK feed wheat on a global stage; and the latest of AHDB’s Horizon reports around planning for a post-Brexit world.

2: Cover crop review, Centre for Applied Crop Science, market update and Newark Monitor Farm

Fri, 06 Jan 2017 08:07:00 +0100

January 2017 podcast from AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds, hosted by Harry Henderson. Harry looks at the AHDB Cover crop review, the new Centre for Applied Crop Science, the latest market update and what happened at the recent Newark Monitor Farm meeting. #farming #monitorfarm #agriculture

1: New AHDB Recommended Lists, nutrient management, grain markets

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 12:09:50 +0100

AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds December 2016 podcast, with news on the new 2017 AHDB Recommended Lists, the most comprehensive review of nutrient management for seven years, a grain market update and an interview with Warrington Monitor Farm host Robert Cross on benchmarking and grain marketing. Hosted by Harry Henderson, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Knowledge Exchange Manager for the East Midlands.

cereals.ahdb.org.uk

#monitorfarm #arable #farming