Tramlines

Agrii and TELUS: Building the Future of Farm Management

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith is joined by Ben Hatton from TELUS and Agrii's Sam Fordham to explore the evolving role of farm management software. From compliance and record keeping to data integration, sustainability reporting and AI-ready decision making, they discuss how modern digital platforms are helping growers spend less time in the office and more time making informed decisions in the field. With agriculture facing increasing cost pressures, legislative change and rapid technological advancement, discover why clean, connected data is becoming one of the most valuable assets on the farm.

Farm management software goes beyond compliance, helping farmers improve sustainability, profitability and business performance.
Agriculture is moving from data collection to data action, using connected technology to support real-time decisions.
Cloud-based platforms are driving adoption through mobile access, easier sharing and improved user experience.
Quality data underpins future technologies, from AI and sensors to variable rate applications and sustainability reporting.
TELUS and Agrii are helping future-proof farm businesses with integrated tools, expert support and simple migration pathways.

For more information visit Crop management software | TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods GB

September vs October Drilling: Balancing Risk and Reward

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Tramlines, inspired by a conversation with our very own customer James Peck from PX Farms, we are joined by Agrii agronomist and technical advisor Craig Simpson to explore one of the most debated topics in arable farming: when is the right time to start drilling winter crops? With an early harvest tempting growers into the field, Craig examines the yield benefits of early September drilling alongside the increased risks from grass weeds, BYDV and disease pressure. Together, they discuss how farmers can balance risk and reward to maximise crop performance in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Key Takeaways:

Early drilling can boost yield potential through stronger establishment, greater tiller numbers and improved rooting, helping crops cope with dry spring conditions.
Delaying drilling can significantly reduce grass weed pressures such as blackgrass and sterile brome, improving long-term weed control.
September-drilled crops face higher BYDV risk, with warmer conditions and increased aphid activity potentially adding further pressure this season.
Earlier drilling can increase disease risk, particularly septoria, as denser canopies allow disease to build more rapidly during wet seasons.
The best approach is a planned, field-by-field strategy, considering weed burden, variety selection, disease resistance and local conditions before drilling begins.

October drilling? Success starts with choosing the right seed for the right timing. Our full seed portfolio can be found in our Grower's Autumn Guide 2026. Click the link in the bio or click here.

https://www.agrii.co.uk/our-services/tools-resources/documents/

Nutrient Use & Compliance: Making Every Nutrient Count with the Environment Agency

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Tramlines, we are joined by William Crookshank from the Environment Agency and Tom Land, Agrii's National Fertiliser Product Manager, to discuss nutrient use, compliance, and why effective nutrient management is essential for both environmental protection and farm profitability. The conversation explores nutrient planning, the management of organic manures, regulatory requirements, and practical steps farmers can take to improve nutrient efficiency while reducing pollution risk.

Nutrient management plans are essential: Good nutrient management starts with a robust, regularly reviewed nutrient plan based on current soil analysis, helping farmers optimise inputs, improve efficiency, and meet regulatory requirements.
Poor nutrient management remains a challenge: The Environment Agency reports that around a third of farms visited lack a nutrient management plan, and a similar proportion do not have adequate soil sampling, increasing the risk of nutrient loss and non-compliance.
Organic manures should be treated as valuable resources, not waste: Testing and understanding the nutrient content of manures, slurries, and digestates allows farmers to maximise their value while avoiding excessive applications of nutrients such as phosphorus.
Timing and application matter: Applying organic nutrients when crops can actively use them reduces losses to air and water, improves nutrient use efficiency, and can deliver significant financial savings through reduced fertiliser purchases.
Technology and advice can improve outcomes: Soil testing, nutrient planning software, manure analysis, precision application equipment, and support from FACTS-qualified advisers can help farmers balance productivity, profitability, compliance, and environmental stewardship.

CPD points:
Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode, date of birth and the podcast title.

From Black-grass to Better Margins: The Sparsholt Story

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Tramlines, our host Tony Smith sits down with the team behind Sparsholt Manor Farm to explore their ongoing journey towards sustainable arable farming. Faced with severe black-grass pressure and rising input costs, farm manager Piers Cowling and Agrii experts Iain Richards and Ian Davy share how a long-term, integrated approach - combining direct drilling, soil health improvements, and smarter crop management - is transforming both productivity and profitability.

Integrated black-grass control is essential
High resistance levels mean success relies on a full system approach - delayed drilling, consistent cultivations, precise seed placement, and stacked residual chemistry.
Direct drilling is driving efficiency gains
Moving from multi-pass cultivations to predominantly direct drilling has reduced fuel use dramatically (from ~45L/ha to under 10L/ha) while maintaining crop performance.
Soil health improvements are delivering real results
Organic matter has increased from under 4% to nearly 7%, improving nutrient cycling, water retention, and enabling reduced fertiliser inputs.
Input reduction is both economic and environmental
Lower nitrogen, fewer pesticides, and reduced fungicide use are cutting costs while supporting more resilient crops and beneficial ecosystems.
Variety choice and system thinking are critical
Selecting varieties for vigour and disease resistance - rather than maximum yield alone - helps optimise performance in later drilling windows and challenging conditions.

To find out more on how Agrii can support your farm business, visit agrii.co.uk/sustainable-farming

The Smart Connected Farm: Turning Data into Decisions at Cereals 2026

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0100

You've got the data, so what?

Today we’re recording live from Cereals 2026 at Diddly Squat Farm. Agrii has just unveiled its vision for the Smart Connected Farm - a system designed to help farmers harness data, technology, and expert insight to improve decision-making and drive performance.

In this episode, Rachel Watling National Marketing Manager at Agrii takes you on a tour of the concept, exploring how people, research, seed, nutrition, and digital tools all connect to create a more profitable and resilient farming business.

Stations:

Agronomy - Kathryn Styan
R&D - Ruth Mann & Jonathan Trotter
Seed - John Miles & Rob Stuart
Nutrition - Tom Land
Digital - Ben Foster & Jonny Kerley

Podcast summary:

The Smart Connected Farm is a system designed to help farmers improve profitability, and navigate the digital tools available - from sensors to satellite imagery
People remain central: agronomists use data and AI to enhance (not replace) expert, on-the-ground decision-making.
Significant R&D investment (450+ trials annually) enables Agrii to reduce risk and provide proven, field-scale insights to growers.
A joined-up approach across seed, nutrition, and agronomy allows more precise, early-stage decision-making to improve crop performance.
Digital platforms like Contour bring complex data together into simple, actionable insights to drive profitability and compliance.

Download insight report: www.agrii.co.uk/insights/smart-connected-farms/

Oilseed Rape: Is It Back on the Agenda for UK Growers?

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Oilseed rape is showing signs of a comeback, with planted area rising significantly last autumn and renewed confidence building across the industry. But with ongoing challenges and changing conditions, is it really back as a profitable option for UK farms?

In this episode, we’re joined by Agrii’s oilseed rape specialists Ian Davey and Will Sanderson.

to explore the latest insights on varieties, establishment, and risk management - you decide whether OSR has a place in your rotation this autumn.

Confidence is returning: improved establishment, reduced pest pressure, and stronger prices are driving renewed interest in OSR.
Profitability goes beyond the crop: OSR remains a valuable break crop, boosting the performance of following cereals.
Establishment is everything: success hinges on moisture, timing, and strong early growth in the first 4–6 weeks.
Success comes from marginal gains: integrated strategies like Agrii’s eight-point plan help manage risk layer by layer.
Variety choice is about risk, not just yield: traits like vigour, disease resilience, and stem health are critical for consistent performance.

Growing Better Berries: Integrated Pest Management in Action

Tue, 26 May 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Tramlines, we head to Emery Soft Fruits Ltd in Hampshire to explore how growers are producing high-quality strawberries and raspberries in an increasingly challenging environment. As reliance on synthetic chemistry declines, integrated pest management (IPM) is taking centre stage. Joined by expert Matt Greep, Horticultural Agronomist at Agrii and Simon Beasley UK Sales Manager, at Bioline, we uncover how biological controls, pollinators and proactive strategies are helping growers stay ahead of pests, improve sustainability, and deliver consistent, premium fruit to UK consumers.

IPM is now central to modern soft fruit production
Consistent quality and flavour drive every decision
Proactive monitoring keeps pest pressure under control
Pollinators improve fruit shape, yield and uniformity
Building beneficial insect populations lowers costs long term

Making Farm Machinery Pay: How Data, Connectivity and Smarter Investment Are Shaping Modern Farming

Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 +0100

From rising machinery costs to variable rate technology and connected farm platforms, this episode of Tramlines explores how growers can improve machinery performance, reduce waste, and make more informed investment decisions.

In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith is joined by farm business consultant Paul Pickford, Jonny Kerley from Origin Digital, and Ben Foster from RHIZA to discuss one of the biggest financial pressures facing UK farming businesses: machinery investment.

With farms in England spending £2.3 billion on machinery in 2023/24, according to DEFRA, the discussion focuses on how growers can improve returns from machinery through better data, improved connectivity, more efficient operations, and a clearer understanding of true operating costs.

Podcast Summary:

Why UK farm machinery investment has slowed despite increasing operational pressures
The true cost of machinery ownership and why many businesses still underestimate it
How telematics and connected platforms are improving machinery efficiency on farm
Why idle time and machine utilisation matter more than ever in tight-margin farming
The growing role of data and connectivity in future machinery purchasing decisions

Climate Resilience: Planning for drought, flooding and everything between

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0100

Farming conditions in the UK are becoming more variable. While there may be opportunities from improved growing conditions in some seasons, these are increasingly offset by extremes such as drought, flooding and unpredictable weather patterns.

In this Tramlines podcast episode, we explore what resilience means in practice and how farm businesses can adapt. The discussion brings together climate science and practical agronomy to help inform decision-making on farm.

Leading the discussion is Dr Mike Rivington of the James Hutton Institute and Andrew Richards, Senior Agronomist at Agrii.

Podcast Summary:

What future climate conditions could look like for UK farming, and why variability matters more than averages
The practical impact of drought, flooding and seasonal extremes on crop performance
How soil structure and organic matter underpin water management and resilience
Where investment decisions, such as drainage, can influence yield and long-term returns
How to approach crop and variety choice in less predictable conditions
The role of modelling and data in supporting better on-farm decisions
Why resilience is as much about business and mindset as it is about agronomy

Subsidy Shake-Up - Making Sense of SFI, SFS and Scottish Rules

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Navigating the complexity of environmental schemes across the UK demands careful consideration to identify the most suitable options for each individual farm. To guide us through these challenges, we’re joined by Agrii’s Amy Watkins, Sustainability and Environmental Services Manager, Liam Wink, Grass and Forage Specialist and Jenny Douglas, an independent advisor on Scottish subsidies.

Podcast Summary:

England, Scotland and Wales are all moving away from BPS at different speeds, making environmental schemes increasingly vital for farm income.
Scotland maintains full BPS for now but with tighter compliance rules, particularly around EFAs, margins and seed mix requirements.
England’s SFI reopens this year with fewer actions, one agreement per farm and a £100k annual cap, so early preparation is essential.
Wales’ new Sustainable Farming Scheme is replacing a significant BPS reduction, with many upland farms choosing it for better income fit.
Additional funding options remain available across the UK—including grants and carbon‑credit opportunities—although competitiveness and long‑term commitments vary.

You can find details of your local Agrii agronomist and environmental specialist at agrii.co.uk/contact.

Spring Decisions: Timing, Nutrition, Results

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Today we’re tackling spring crop decisions. How do you nail the timing, get nutrition spot on, and boost your results? To answer that, we’ve got Ben Foster from RHIZA and Gavin Stewart, Fertiliser Product Manager for Scotland, and George Proctor, Contracting Operations Manager at Agrii.

Summary:

Nitrogen needs to be used more efficiently as prices rise and CBAM fertiliser tax comes in. Many farms only achieve around 60% nitrogen use efficiency, but Agrii trials show variable‑rate, evidence‑based applications can lift this to 70–75%.
Liquid fertiliser offers accuracy and quicker uptake, especially in dry springs. Adding inhibitors like Liqui‑Safe can increase nitrogen use efficiency by ~15% and delivered a 4% yield uplift across 42 winter wheat trials.
Precision starts with understanding variability, not guessing it. Farmers should use Contour satellite imagery, drones, and N‑sensors to judge crop demand, identify differences in biomass, and decide whether to feed weaker or stronger areas.
Contract sprayers give farmers access to variable‑rate technology they may not have on their own kit. Liquid systems and modern sprayers allow accurate, low‑pressure applications that reduce crop damage and support timely operations in narrow weather windows.
Timing and conditions matter as much as rate. Using hyper‑local weather data in Contour helps farmers and contractors judge field conditions, hit application windows, and make sure nitrogen is applied when the crop can use it effectively.

Are Bats the Most Underrated Pest Control on Farm?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Today we’re talking moths and asking a bold question: could bats be the game‑changing IPM tool that protects harvestable yield and boosts the bottom line for this Kent dessert‑apple farm? Richard and Fraiya Chandler of Chandler & Dunn, together with Agrii agronomist Neil Obbard, have been putting this idea to the test.

Summary:

Bats as natural pest control: The farm is exploring whether boosting bat populations can significantly reduce key moth pests in apple orchards, lowering reliance on insecticides and cutting production costs.

High economic impact of moth damage: Moth species like codling moth and tortrix can cause major crop losses, and current chemical control costs the farm £500–£600 per hectare.

Scientific evidence backs the idea: A 2022 study shows that a single brown long‑eared bat can reduce crop loss by 81–83% per hectare - a remarkable potential impact.

Habitat improvement is key: Enhancing hedgerows, tree cover, and installing appropriate bat boxes can help attract and support different bat species, boosting their presence in orchards.

Wider farming benefits: Using bats aligns with sustainable IPM, protects biodiversity, and may translate to benefits across other crops like plums, cherries, and blueberries.

Maize Under Pressure – Building Resilience into the System

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Growing last year’s forage proved challenging, with weather conditions hitting many crops. Maize, in particular, remains highly sensitive to in‑season pressures - yet it continues to offer major advantages when managed well. So what benefits can maize deliver, and how can growers set themselves up for success in 2026? To explore these questions, we're joined by two experts: Ben Lowe, Agrii’s National Forage Manager, and Tom Turner, Regional Sales Manager for KWS.

Podcast summary:

2025 growing season was highly variable, with some regions achieving excellent maize yields while others suffered severe drought and extremely poor performance. Both forage and AD growers faced big inconsistencies.

Resilience and early maturity are key themes for 2026. Experts emphasise strong variety selection, moving to earlier‑maturing genetics, and balancing yield with forage quality to buffer against unpredictable weather.

Seed rate decisions depend on site conditions — sheltered sites can push 100k–110k seeds/ha, exposed or drought‑prone areas benefit from reduced rates to improve stem strength, moisture availability, and harvest timing.

Modern genetics reduce the need for plastic film in marginal areas. Advances mean ultra‑early varieties can now establish reliably even in cooler or challenging regions without film.

Top tips from the experts: choose the right variety for your site, prioritise quality as much as yield, ensure good site selection and maturity matching, and avoid reverting to later varieties despite the temptation after drier years.

View the 2026 maize guide here.

Get Your Crops Right This Spring – Nutrition, Tech and Protection Tips

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Crop resilience is a major talking point, but what does it really mean for this spring and the season ahead? How can farmers set crops up to deliver reliable, consistent results in a challenging growing year?

In this episode, we are joined by Agrii’s John Miles, Seed Technical Manager, Tom Land, National Fertiliser Manager, Jonathan Trotter, Technical Trials Manager, and Jody Littleford, Technical Manager at Combinable Crop Trials. Together, they discuss how varieties, nutrition, Biosolutions and fungicides, and the latest technology can be brought together to build stronger, more resilient crops from the outset.

Summary:

Disease pressure is high, with new yellow rust races overcoming resistance - growers must stay proactive with protectant fungicide strategies.
Nutrition must be precise, using SMN tests and biomass assessments to avoid costly nitrogen mis‑applications.
Tech tools like satellite imagery and variable‑rate nitrogen can improve decision‑making and input efficiency.
Biostimulants, including endophytes and peptide elicitors, can strengthen plant health and bolster resilience but complement, don’t replace, core agronomy.
Overall resilience comes from measuring, monitoring, and staying ahead, combining nutrition, chemistry, tech, and field walking.

Download Agrii's latest insight report beyond the bottom line, tackling rising costs with smarter margins. Visit agrii.co.uk or view here.

Can Carbon Actually Make you Money?

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Considering the unpredictable nature of farm margins, what straightforward opportunities are available for farmers to earn extra income through carbon initiatives?

Today, our experts shed light on this. Agrii’s Amy Hardwick, Sustainability and Environmental Manager, Agrii’s Neil Harper, Agronomist and Arable Technical Manager, and Alan Clifton-Holt, Farms Director at AA Clifton Ltd, who farms on Romney Marsh in Kent.

If you would like to start exploring the initiatives available, click here to see what it could mean for your farm.

Accidental Counsellors and the Future of Farm Wellbeing

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today we explore the Agri Wellbeing Alliance, launched at LAMMA in January to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across agriculture. A recent study led by Professor David Rose at Harper Adams University for the alliance highlights the urgent need to widen the safety net of support for farming communities, including better help for those who find themselves acting as accidental counsellors.

Joining us today are Petra Martin from Agrii, Professor David Rose from Harper Adams University, and Sam Downey from Mates in Mind.

Agrii can help future-proof your farm by growing a diverse range of crops together with comprehensive advice on environmental and sustainable business opportunities. For more information, visit www.agrii.co.uk/sustainability

Autumn Update: Building Crop Resilience to Protect Yield

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today we are asking how can we build better crop resilience and rooting in forward crops to overcome the changes in variety, susceptibility, and changing weather patterns. To help us with those key questions, we have Agrii's Tim Horton, technical Manager for combinable crops, and Jodie Littleford, technical Manager for combinable crop trials. Summary:

Building Resilience:

Strong root systems critical for nutrient and water uptake.
Use of manganese seed treatments and micronutrients (manganese, zinc).
Biostimulants like Inoculate (peptide-based elicitor) shown to boost crop health and yield.

Management Tips:

Monitor crops closely; attention to detail is vital.
Early fungicide treatments for yellow rust; flexible, non-dogmatic programs.
Combine chemistry with nutritional and biostimulant support.

CPD points:
Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode, date of birth and the podcast title.

Beyond the Bottom Line: Strategies for Resilient Farming

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today we’re talking about the challenges facing farm businesses after two very difficult years of crop establishment and a dry summer that has left many under significant financial pressure. That’s the picture here in the UK, but globally we’re seeing record harvests - and it’s not just arable enterprises under strain. Livestock producers have been severely affected too. So, what can farmers do to navigate this period and build resilience? To explore that question, we're joined by Lucy Braithwaite-Exley Scotland Origination Manager with Bunge, and Paul Pickford, Farm Business Consultant. This episode covers:

Create a Clear Financial Plan
Build a realistic budget and gross margin analysis to guide decisions and secure financial support. This helps manage cash flow and ensures you're prepared for seasonal input costs.

Engage Early with Local Buyers and Merchants
Identify local market demand to reduce haulage costs and improve profitability. Regularly speak with merchants and traders to align crop choices with buyer needs.

Diversify Marketing Strategies
Use tools like grain pools to manage price volatility and ensure movement and payment for a portion of your crop. This reduces risk and improves financial predictability.

Adapt Cropping Based on Market Signals
Monitor shifts in demand (e.g. reduced distilling sector needs in Scotland) and adjust crop rotations accordingly - consider alternatives like oats, rye, or oilseed rape where viable.

Leverage Sustainable Practices for Financial Gain
Implement strategies like reduced tillage, cover cropping, and efficient nutrition to unlock environmental and financial benefits. Explore pilot projects and sustainability schemes that offer rewards.

*Please note: This podcast was recorded on 13th October 2025, and market prices may have changed since then.

Feeding the Roots: Phosphorus for Profitable Crops

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

Episode overview:

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

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

TELUS x Agrii: The Digital Backbone of Modern Farming

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

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

Find out more at telus.com/CropManagement or email farmplansales@telusagcg.com to discuss your farm’s needs.

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

Future-Proofing Forage Against Weather Extremes

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

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

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

Live on Farm: The Ripening Story of British Blackcurrants in a Changing Climate

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

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

Resilient Farming in Action: Live from the AgriiFocus Panel

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

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

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

If you have any questions for our speakers, simply email info@agrii.co.uk

Live from Groundswell: A Plain English Policy Update with AIC, AHDB and Agrii

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

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

Guests:

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

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

Guests:

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

CPD points:
Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode, date of birth and the podcast title.

Wheat That Works: Hexton and the Value of Variety Investment

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

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

Rooted in Nutrition: Soil Health and Smarter Inputs

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

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

Keep the Faith in OSR

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode, DOB and title of podcast.

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

The Malting Barley Blueprint: Aligning Breeding, Farming and Market Needs

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

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

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

Gain with Grain: Sustainable Solutions from Agrii, Viterra & Whitworth

Tue, 20 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Today’s topic of discussion is sustainable grain programmes, focussing on a new offer from Agrii, Viterra and Whitworth Brothers Flour Millers. We are delighted to be joined by Amy Watkins from Agrii, Sam Chambers from Viterra and William Butler from Whitworth. We will explore how sustainable grain programmes can benefit both farmers and supply chain partners economically, enhance industry sustainability and offer consumers value through quality and traceability.

Agrii can help you future proof your farming by growing a diverse range of crops together with compressive advice on environmental and sustainable business opportunities. For more information visit agrii.co.uk/sustainability

Blackgrass Battles: How One Idea Sparked a Major Field Trial

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Today we are joined by Agrii's Jamie Lyttle, agronomist, and Greg Taylor, area business manager and agronomist. Our focus is tackling a real challenge - black-grass - and how, through identifying the problem, field-scale trials were able to find real solutions. Let’s hear from the agronomist on that farm about how possible solutions were identified to help manage this persistent problem.

Join us at the Tusmore demo event on 10th June. Book here from 1st May www.agrii.co.uk/events/

Seed Success: Understanding Treatments, Science & Innovation

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Today we are joined by Agrii’s David Leaper, seed technical specialist, and Poppy Bunting, crop inputs specialist. In this episode, we are taking a technical dive into seed treatments. Exploring traditional seed treatments and their viability alongside the new biological offerings, understanding soil borne pathogens, seed borne insects, diseases and pests. We also delve into exclusive seed treatments, backed by Agrii’s extensive R&D trials programme and discuss how we can grow healthy crops.

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

For more information, visit www.agrii.co.uk/our-services/seed/agrii-seeds/

The Reality of SFI: Part 2 - The What, Where and How?

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today we are joined by Agrii’s Adam Simper, national grass, roots and environmental seeds manager and Simon Hobbs, national cover crop, environmental and wildflower seeds technical manager. In this episode our focus is SFI. Is it much more than simply taking the payment? How can SFI also benefit the farm business in terms of both productivity and financial performance.

For more information, look out for our 2025 cover crops brochure and autumn seed yearbook which can be found in the Agrii library. Visit here.

Scottish Farming in Focus: Seasonal Advice from Bee Edge Farm

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today we are talking with Annabel Hamilton from Bee Edge farm in the Scottish borders and Greig Baird head of agronomy teams in Scotland for Agrii. In this episode we are checking in with Bee Edge farm which is also an Agrii iFarm, to see how the season is faring so far, what can be learnt from the previous harvest year and what are the top tips as we start a busy season on farm.

To find out more about Agrii's summer iFarm events and how to book, visit here.

Smart Nutrition: Maximising ROI on Phosphate, Potash & Nitrogen

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today we are talking with Tom Land, national fertiliser manager at Agrii and Peter Scott technical director at Origin Soil Nutrition. The focus for this episode is crop nutrition with a particular focus on phosphate and potash usage, how to optimise the ROI and ensure that the crop can fully utilise nitrogen efficiently as well as other important nutrients.

For more information and useful articles on crop nutrition click here.

Maize Matters: Ensure your variety selection is in Harmony

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today we are talking with Ben Lowe, national forage product manager with Agrii and Tim Richmond, UK and Ireland product manager for Limagrain Field Seeds. Focusing in on the forage maize crop, is that time in the season where making the right variety choices is critical. So let’s ask the experts for some key advice and find out what’s new when it comes to variety choice.

For more information on maize varieties from Agrii, you can find the latest 2025 maize brochure at www.agrii.co.uk/your-crops/forage/maize

Potato Power: Partnerships & Protection for the High Value Crop

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today, we are talking with James Wrinch from East Suffolk Produce, Graham Tomalin from VCS Potatoes, and Don Pendergrast, Technical Manager for Non-Combinable Trials with Agrii. In this episode, we're going to focus in on the potato crop and The Potato Partnership, which looks to find solutions to the most pressing weed, pest, and disease threats facing this high-value crop.

To find out more about The Potato Partnership, visit www.thepotatopartnership.co.uk and for details on upcoming events, click on the events tab to find out more.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Tramlines 2024 Wrapped: Key Podcast Takeaways for 2025

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Tramlines hit a milestone 100 episodes in December 2024.

To kick off the new year, we take a look back at some of the most popular episodes of the past year, listening again to some of the great advice from our expert guests who helped us navigate through an incredibly challenging year for British farming.

In Episode 14, we reflect on key moments from:

Thank you all for being with us on this journey and helping ot make Tramlines a success.

Live from Cotley Farm: The Craft of Growing Christmas Trees

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Today we are recording live on location in East Devon with Lester Bowker of Cotley Farm and Matt Greep, Agrii Area Business Manager for fruit and horticultural agronomist. This episode will be looking at one of the more festive farm enterprises - growing Christmas trees - and exploring the care and maintenance needed as well as the benefits and opportunities that can come from this and other kinds of agritourism.

To find out more about how Agrii can help you with your speciality crops or farm diversification visit agrii.co.uk/contact or email us at info@agrii.co.uk.

Carbon Trading - The Reality

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to be talking with Agrii's Sustainability & Environmental Services Manager, Amy Watkins and Thomas Gent, UK Market Lead for Agreena and regenerative farmer. This episode will focus on the reality of carbon credits, how regenerative farming can be seen as carbon farming, and how can this benefit the farm business overall?

Are you eager to find out the value of your carbon? Register for a free estimation by visiting this link and one of our team will be in touch -https://url.de.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/sxurCmqK2YFjLRvMUGfxCRJkzA?domain=staging-agreena.kinsta.cloud/

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Partners in the Field: Integrated Pest Management & Beneficial Insects

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to be talking with wildlife expert Marek Nowakowski, Agrii's technical manager of non-combinable trials Don Pendegrast and seed technical manager John Miles. This episode will be focusing on IPM and the continuing discussion around the use of pesticides, as well as the encouragement of developing wildlife habitats as part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive. What is the value of IPM in combinable crops, what can be learnt from practices going on in other crops and what current practices should growers continue?

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Exploring Inclusivity and Opportunities with Young Farmers Clubs

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Luke Cox, arable farmer and YFC Agri Chair, Agrii Crop Input Specialist Poppy Bunting and Trainee Agronomist Josh Byran. This episode will be focusing on the role of Young Farmers Clubs in our communities, with a specific focus on this year's theme "YFC Is For Everyone" - highlighting a wide range of social and learning opportunities that come with joining a Young Farmers Club.

Agrii are sponsors of National Young Farmers Week, taking place from 7th - 11th October 2024. For more information, resources or to find your local Young Farmers Club, visit the NFYFC website.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Focusing on Phosphate with Agrii's Nutrition Specialists

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Agrii's National Fertiliser Manager Tom Land, and John Charlton, Crop Input Specialist in the North East. This episode will be focusing on phosphate across various crops from cereals to maize, and looking at why it's so important to get the nutritional balance right, not just for the crop in the field but also for your farm business profitability.

Unlock phosphate and other vital nutrients in your soil with Agrii-Start Release. For detailed trial results, usage recommendations and tank mix compatibility, visit www.agrii.co.uk/our-services/fertiliser/agrii-start/release/

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Branching Out With Top Fruit Nutrition

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Agrii fruit agronomists Matt Greep, Emma Smith and Ryan Williams. This episode will be focusing on top fruit and specifically the nutritional requirements of top fruit; why is it so important to get the balance right, what role does tissue analysis play in top fruit production and how can growers correct deficiencies?

To find out more about Agrii's fruit offering, including all the latest trials results, visit the Agrii website: www.agrii.co.uk/your-crops/fruit.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Brewing Sustainable Change with Malting Barley

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Rodger Shirreff, national seed business manager at Agrii and Tom Barker, UK product manager at Secobra. This episode will be focusing on malting barley and looking at the key varietal characteristics that growers should look out for, as well as considering what varieties need to achieve for the grower and the wider marketplace from a breeder's perspective.

Agrii R&D conduct an extensive range of independent trials that supports the development of our IPM programmes. For more information on varieties, visit our autumn seed microsite at yearbook.agrii.co.uk/autumn-24 or contact your local seed specialist by visiting the Agrii website contact page.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Taking Action with the Latest Updates to SFI 2024

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Alex Olivant, farm and environmental advisor with Agrii and Dan Wood, RHIZA crop input specialist. This episode will explore what the latest updates to the combined Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship offering could mean for growers, and how precision and digital farming tools can support applications.

To find out how SFI can work for your business, speak to your local environmental advisor or RHIZA crop input specialist. You can find their contact details on the Agrii website.

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Supporting Each Other in our Farming Community

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation and Alex Phillimore from the Farming Community Network. This episode will explore the specific mental health challenges that we face in the industry, and what can we do to better support one another and make a difference?

We are donating £1 for every download of this podcast throughout S4 to support the ongoing tribute to Leonard Eadon 1999 – 2022. Visit leneadon.muchloved.com to make a separate donation or keep informed of events to support mental health awareness for the rural community.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Live from Cereals: Reflect, Adjust and Plan: How to Prepare for Autumn Sowing

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are recording live from Cereals 2024 at Newnham Farm in Hertfordshire. We are going to be talking with Agrii seed technical manager John Miles, crop input specialist and farm saved seed coordinator Gavin Taylor, and crop input specialist and seed specialist Rob Stuart. This episode will explore what key learnings have been made during the course of a challenging year, and how growers can make the most of these findings to prepare for autumn sowing and build resilience into farming systems.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

A Balancing Act: Crop Nutrition and Climate Variability

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Agrii crop input specialist Tom Perrott, and Scott Garnett, R&D agronomist for ICL Fertilizers. This episode will ask if crop nutrition can be even more effective in light of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, and if Polysulphate can bring real agronomic benefits for arable crops whilst meeting new environmental legislation.

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

Live from Readyhedge: Perfecting and Protecting Ornamental Crops

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Agrii horticultural agronomists Jason Steels, Jonathan Garratt and Matt Greep, and growers Simon and Toby Williamson from Readyhedge in South Worcestershire. This episode will explore what production techniques and technologies are required to grow ornamental crops, and what are the challenges involved in caring for these high value crops?

To find out more about how the Agrii horticulture team of advisors can help your growing business, visit agrii.co.uk/your-crops/fruit

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Seeds of Influence: Exploring Leadership in Agriculture with Christine Tacon

Tue, 14 May 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Christine Tacon. The focus of today is all about leadership in agriculture; what does that mean for you and your farm business and why is it so important now and in the future. This episode also marks the first of Season 4!

Find out more about the Agri Leadership Week here https://tiah.org/agrileadership-week

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Should I grow OSR this Autumn?

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking to Agrii’s David Leaper, seed technical specialist and Tim Horton, technical manager for combinable crops. With ongoing concerns about the reliability of OSR, the question we ask today is should I be growing OSR this autumn? Where does the crop fit and how can it contribute to your farms arable output? This is the final episode of S3, S4 commences 14th May!

To understand what the best arable crop varieties are for this Autumn, read the latest yearbook at yearbook.agrii.co.uk packed full of not only variety info but seed treatments and our MasterSeeds service.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Repairing Soil Structure to Optimise Autumn Establishment

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with Agrii's Todd Jex, agronomist and technical advisor and George Fraser, farmer and contractor of A & R Fraser in Dorset. In light of the difficult weather conditions that farmers have been facing in recent times, in this episode we are going to explore repairing soil structure to optimise autumn establishment.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Spring Soil Recovery: Exploring Sampling and Nutrient Management for Winter-Damaged Soils

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are going to be talking with RHIZA’s Jon Greenman, commercial manager and Saul Creed, crop inputs specialist. We are going to be asking if soil sampling and nutrient management plans can help farmers and agronomists navigate the uncertainties in a challenging spring and make the most of the opportunities that SFI can bring now and in the future.

Talk to RHIZA today to find out more about soil testing for organic matter, nutrient management plans, and how contour can help your farm business productivity with more digital precision. Contact us here.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

The Reality of SFI

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are talking with Agrii’s Adam Simper, national grass, roots and environmental seeds manager and Simon Hobbs, cover crop, environmental and wildflower specialist. Today we will be exploring SFI options available for both livestock and arable farmers this season and considering what growers need to know in order to make the right decisions for their farming regime.

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Fueling Growth with Liquid Fertiliser

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking with Nick Bumford, farms director at Guiting Manor Farms ltd and Rob Willey national fertiliser commercial manager at Agrii. Today we are going to explore and understand the benefit of liquid fertilisers for improving crop performance and the performance of the farm business. Also, can liquid fertilisers help us balance the needs of the crop with the needs of the environment?

Request for a copy of our liquid product guide by emailing info@agrii.co.uk. The guide covers the benefits of liquid fert, application info and product details.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Farming for the Future: The Carbon-Cutting Potential of Incorporating Pulses and Legumes

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Today we’re going to be talking with Lucy Cottingham, Agrii UK digital agronomy manager, Steve Portas agronomist and Northern technical advisor and Josh Murphy, RHIZA product manager. Agriculture is a very significant emitter of CO2 and today we are going to be talking about an innovative project called Nitrogen Climate Smart, which aims to bring about a reduction of 1.5mt of CO2 emissions per annum. The aim is to increase pulse and legume crops in arable cropping to 20%, the benefits of which to both arable and livestock enterprises could lead to cost savings over £1m per year. Let’s learn more about this innovative project and what it could mean for your farm business.

To read more about Agrii’s involvement with the NCS project, visit here.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Live on Farm: Walking Fields of Gold in Cornwall

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to be talking with Robert Stacey managing director of Rowe Farming here in Cornwall and Mike Dray, Agrii agronomist. Today we are going to be exploring the crop of daffodils, growing both for the cut market and also bulb market, understanding what it takes to get that produce to market, also the intricacies, the complexities and the challenges.

View a range of handouts and videos looking at the vast range of biodiversity and natural resources on-farm, and simple practical measures that you can take to improve habitats and ecosystems here.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Managing Wet Winter-Worn Soils for Performance and Profit

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to be talking with David Purdy, territory business manager in East of England for John Deere and Steve Corbett, trials manager at Agrii. With a backdrop of a very wet winter; where some fields need re drilling and in other fields, we need to establish a spring crop. But how do we approach soils this spring to maximise crop performance in this very challenging season.

With relentless winter rain in many parts of the country following an already challenging autumn for many, winter-sown crops are going to need a lot of care and attention in the next few weeks to get them performing to their full potential in 2024, read more here.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Check Your Bits and Bobs

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Today we are talking with Petra Martin, group head of health and safety and Billy Hosdell, agronomist at Agrii. While we care for our animals and crops and the people around us, do we look after ourselves? We ask what are some of the key health risks and what can we learn from those who have real life experiences to share?

We are giving every listener a copy of the FCN’s Fit for Farming booklet. Simply email your address to info@agrii.co.uk and we will send you one in the post (there is a male and female version, please specify your choice).

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Seeds of Change: Will Evans on the Power of Diversity in Farming

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to be talking with Will Evans, who was the chair of the 2024 Oxford Farming Conference. We are going to be asking Will about the key theme at this this years conference 'the power of diversity', what does that mean and what are the key challenges for our people, our farm businesses and the wider industry.

To hear Will's opening speech at the OFC or view other reports visit https://www.ofc.org.uk/.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Tramlines 2023 Wrapped: Key Podcast Takeaways for 2024

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

With over 27k downloads and 75 episodes available to download, today we are going to look back over some of the top ranking podcasts from the past three seasons. What were they, what were some of their most interesting moments and which was our favourite?

Revisit three key podcasts and their take-homes for 2024:
Striking a Healthy Balance with Spring Nutrition - Listen Here
Coping with Loneliness and Isolation in Farming - Listen Here
Seed Select: Unearthing Top Varieties for Autumn - Listen Here

Top ranking podcasts of all time:
1st - Why less is more for nutrient planning this autumn - Listen Here
2nd - Digging into Soil Organic Matter - Listen Here
3rd - The Bees and the Birds - Listen Here

Seed Select: Unearthing Top Varieties for Autumn

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Today, we're going to hear from Agrii's Rodger Shirreff, national seed business manager, John Miles, seed technical manager, and David Leaper seed technical specialist. With the launch of the new recommended list for cereals and oilseed rape, we're going to look into what's new and what does this mean for seed availability and the grower?

View Seed Spring Yearbook here.

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Farming With Pride

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to be talking farming with pride with Mike Wilkins, farm manager and Emily Brown, NFU county adviser. How open to diversity is our farming industry, why is that so important, what does that mean for so many and what can we do to make a difference?

Join the conversation with Agrespect, the global LGBTQ+ farmers network, encouraging and supporting diversity in the countryside.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Enhancing Agronomic Decisions with Technology

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are going to be talking about digital innovation, and look at what could be the benefit of integrating these technologies into our farming. Also talking us through an exciting new project at Agrii we are joined by Jonathan Trotter, Technology Trials Manager and Lucy Cottingham, UK Digital Agronomy Development Manager.

View Seed Spring Yearbook here.

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Varietal Visions: National Trials and Growing Season Insights

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to hear from some of Agrii’s iFarms around the U.K. to find out more about this years headline results and learnings going forward for 2024. In this podcast, we start with a national overview from Agrii’s seed technical manager John Miles...

The Harvest 2023 iFarm Results Report is now available here. Enclosed in this year’s report, you will find information useful to inform future decisions on variety choice for disease, pest and lodging management. Also, variety results on our winter and spring cereal and winter oilseed rape trials as well as a special feature on drones in action and variable rate nitrogen with RHIZA.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Harvest 23 Wrapped with a World Record Champion

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are talking to Rod Smith, who farms in Northumberland, and Agrii agronomist Sam Brand. Having achieved a world record yield in 2015, Rod talks about what limits yield, how changes in farming techniques impacts crop potential and what he has learned and changed on his farm ready he hopes to achieve another breaking yield.

Jump back to Harvest 2015 and watch the video where Rod and his team share the story on how they broke the world record here.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Optimising OSR Autumn Canopies

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are talking to Agrii's Mark Glover, product manager for biologicals, adjuvants and micronutrition and Tim Horton, technical manager for combinable crops. Today we’re going to focus in on OSR and examine some of the early season challenges with some novel solutions.

Read an article from Agrii's David Leaper, Seed Technical Manager, on an Eight Point Plan for Managing Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle here.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Time to Start Carbon Auditing?

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are talking to Freya Morgan who farms near Huntingdon and Jo Bell, agronomist at Agrii. Reducing the farm carbon footprint, why is that important, where do we start, what is right from your farm, what can we learn from others and crucially is there a benefit when it comes to crop productivity and the farm business.

Are you looking for a new career? Agrii have a range of positions available from a marketing lead to crop input specialist. Visit the Agrii website for more information and grow with us!

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Post-Harvest Farm Clean Up: How Green is your Farm?

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Today, we are talking to Amy Watkins, sustainability manager at Agrii, and Joe Farmer, project coordinator of the Green Tractor Scheme. So why is it important to recycle farm plastic waste? What is the aim of the new Green Tractor Scheme and does this initiative help not only the environment but your farm business too.

Agrii customers are able to claim a 5% discount when making a collection order with certain recycling specialists who are involved in the Green Tractor Scheme network. When making an order, simply use the code AGRII5, then quote your Agrii account number to claim the discount.

The True Cost of Farmland Habitat Delivery

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to Marek Nowakowski, Ecologist, Wildlife Expert and Consultant at Agrii and Paul Pickford Farm Business Consultant. Establishing farm habitats is a real focus for farmers, today we are going to examine the real cost and benefit. How can we balance the financial return with the cost of establishment, and ensure that creating wildlife habitats is good for the environment and the financial health of our farm businesses.

Watch a range of videos delivered by Marek here which feature topics ranging from filling the hungry gap to succession planning for pollination.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Coping with Loneliness and Isolation in Farming

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to Petra Martin, head of health and safety at Agrii, Alex Phillimore head of communications and development at FCN and Sam Bailey, Agrii agronomist and farmer. Today, we’re going to talk about loneliness and isolation. What are the causes? What are the effects and what can we do to combat this within the agricultural industry?

We are giving every listener a copy of the FCN’s Fit for Farming booklet. Simply email your address to info@agrii.co.uk and we will send you one in the post (there is a male and female version, please specify your choice).

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Fert Market Update: Managing the Price Spike

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are talking to Agrii's Tom Land, fertiliser technical manager and Josh Pratt, fertiliser product manager. Mitigating risk and managing opportunity with fertiliser - how can we do that when input costs and output prices can be so changeable, combined with the challenges of growing a crop.

Learn more about our Agrii-Start fertiliser range, including Agrii-Start Release - a unique phosphorus activator in soils. Agrii-Start Release increases the availability of other soil nutrients, prevents lock up and in turn increases the release of phosphate. Find out more here.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Groundswell Session: Can you have too Much Organic Matter?

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Today, we are at Groundswell 2023, here in Hertfordshire and we're joined by Amy Watkins, sustainability manager and Steve Corbett trials manager at Agrii, Simon Weaving from Weaving Machinery and Oliver Harris who farms in Dorset. A key topic of discussion here today is around organic matter. Why is it so important, what are we trying to achieve and how do we get there? And how do we benchmark and measure our soil organic matter levels?

Listen to Tramline's #1 podcast “Digging into Soil Organic Matter” with Professor Andy Neal, Soil Microbiologist from Rothamsted, where he explores what we mean by soil organic matter and why it is so important to understand when it is influencing the availability of nutrients and water in our soils.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Taking a Reality Check on Regen Farming

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Today we are talking to farmer, Tom Martin, well-known farmer and influencer, farming near Peterborough and Agrii agronomist Neil Harper. Regen, what is the reality check that we honestly need to answer to be able to learn from and go forward? Today we are going to look at some of the critical areas in crop production to find that right balance.

To discover more around the principles around regenerative farming, click here to access Insight Report 1: Improving Soil Resilience, which is the first of five Insight Reports.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

The Future of Fueling your Farm Machinery

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Richard Anthony of R&L Anthony Farms near Bridgend in South Wales, George Mills area sales manager of new Holland and Amy Watkins, sustainability manager from Agrii. Today we are exploring using methane to fuel the farm tractor, and if this is an opportunity to shape farming's future. In turn how can that help achieve net zero and is this a dream or reality?

If you would like to read more on Richard Anthony’s carbon footprint journey, click here and explore how the farm reached net zero.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Sustainable Decisions Start with Seed

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to John Miles, Agrii Seed Technical Manager, and Agrii Crop Input Specialist, Sophie Dillon. "Variety Sustainability Ratings", what do they mean and how do we use them? Can making the right variety choices lower the risk, buy you time in season and maximise your productivity?

Direct from our experts, get all the knowledge you need to make the best variety choices for your farm in one handy place. Get your Agrii Autumn Seed Yearbook here.

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Rethinking Grassland Fertiliser as Animal Feed

Tue, 30 May 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to Peter Scott technical director from Origin Fertilisers and Ben Lowe national forage manager from Agrii. What can farmers do to balance their input costs with improving their grassland performance? What does that mean for the livestock enterprise? And how can we rethink grassland fertiliser as animal feed?

The 2023 Agrii Guide to Grass and Roots is now available. This is a ‘golden’ edition of the document, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Master Leys. Download UK version and Scottish version now.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Live on Farm With Thatcher's Cider: Build Resilience in your Farming System by Understanding your End User

Tue, 16 May 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Today we are at Thatcher's Cider Company, Myrtle Farm in the heart of Somerset, talking to Chris Muntz-Torres, farm manager, Richard Johnson, cider maker and Matt Greep horticultural agronomist at Agrii. Today we are going to ask key questions about sustainable crop production. How do we integrate IPM? And how do we connect growing a quality crop with a quality end product.

Visit Agrii at the National Fruit Show on the 1st and 2nd November and the Vineyard and Winery show on the 22nd Nov 2023.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Live on Farm: How Much Habitat do I Need?

Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are kicking off season 3 talking to Marek Nowakowski, Ecologist, Wildlife Expert and Consultant at Agrii. We are visiting one of Marek's favourite wildlife sites in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside. SFI, stewardship and the environment are important topics of conversation, today we are going to look specifically at wildlife habitat and the important benefits for both wildlife and farm productivity. Asking how much habitat I need?

Read more on how you can enhance the environment with a range of resources here: https://www.agrii.co.uk/greenhorizons/the-environment/

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Live from the Engine Room: Updated Forage Trial and Biogas Plant Results Available Now for Feedstock Choices this Season

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to consultant, Philip Marr and Agrii‘s Crop Inputs Specialists John Charlton and Matt Richardson. Today we are at the World Biogas Expo at the NEC in Birmingham, where a summary of results from the Brotherton iFarm forage trials and biogas plant were presented by Phil. We will be looking into those findings asking where are the key opportunities both financial and agronomic for the farm business.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

The Emerging Technique that Identifies Crop Deficiencies Before Symptoms are Visible

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we’re talking to Agrii’s Jim Carswell, R&D manager in the North and Peter Southwell, who farms on the South of the Yorkshire Wolds. Today we discover the importance of analysing soil and plant health. Can this approach really make a difference in helping us enhance crop performance?

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

The Latest Low Carbon 'Rocket Fuel' Fert Products, Principles and Technologies to Achieve Efficient Farming

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re talking to Tom Perrott, Crop Inputs Specialist at Agrii. Efficient farming is always a key topic, what does that mean as we look at this season and beyond? Today we are going to ask some questions, how can we improve efficiency of crop production that in turn leads to improved profitability.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Striking a Healthy Balance with Spring Nutrition

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Sam Fordham, head of technical at RHIZA and Tom Land, fertiliser technical manager at Agrii. Today we are going to talk about nitrogen management for the spring, looking at variable rates, strategies and building in resilience. And why this is crucial for success at harvest. Find out more about Liqui-Safe here https://bit.ly/liqui_safe.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Making the Most of Home Grown Forage

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Agrii's Adam Simper, national grass roots and environmental seeds manager and Hayley Wellings, forage technical specialist. Today we are going to be asking how can we make the most of forage, a key question not just for livestock farmers but also for those growing forage crops to improve soil health.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Live from Lamma: Understanding Your Soils

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Agrii's Amy Watkins Sustainability Manager, Tom Perrott Crop Inputs Specialist and Nathan Lewis Business Development Manager at RHIZA. We are here at LAMMA 2023 at the NEC near Birmingham on Agrii's exhibition stand where the theme is 'understanding your soils'. But what does understanding your soils really mean and why is that so important?

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Direct Drilling: A Farm Scale Experiment with Andrew Ward and Agrii

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Andrew Ward who farms Glebe Farm near Leadenham, in Lincolnshire and Steve Corbett, Trials Manager from Agrii. Today we are going to be looking into a farm scale experiment that investigates if a change was needed to the farm system, that focused on drilling techniques and min-till. Andrew is also the host farmer for our Leadenham iFarm site.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Got a podcast idea or want to get involved? Email us on info@agrii.co.uk. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review in the app!

Eight Recommended Steps for Achieving IPM

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Ruth Mann, head of integrated crop technologies and Don Pendergrast technical manager for non-combinable crops at Agrii. Today we’re going to be looking into integrated pest management and asking what is it, and what does that mean for your farm enterprise.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Reasons to Be Cheerful – Five Crop Innovations to Watch

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are talking to Clare Bend head of product development and sustainability at Origin Enterprises. Today we are going to be asking some key questions about innovation in crop production and what that could mean for UK growers.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Why There is More to Farming than Wellies

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Agrii's Ross Dilks, agronomist and farmer, Jack Wilson, crop input specialist and Rachel Watling, senior marketing manager. Today were asking the question of how to get into farming from a non-farming background.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Biosolutions: The Good, the Bad and the Complicated

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Don Pendergrast, technical manager for non-combinable crops at Agrii. Today we going to ask some key questions on biosolutions, what are the benefits and are there any disadvantages.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Focus on Soil Health and Achieve Net Zero

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are at Agrii's South Wales iFarm talking to Amy Watkins, sustainability manager at Agrii, Chris Taylor, Agrii agronomist & Nuffield Scholar and Dan Moore, farm manager. Today we are discussing how focusing on soil health will improve sustainability, reaching net zero and how this can be done.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Ear to the Ground on ELM Schemes

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Marek Nowakowski, Wildlife Expert and Consultant at Agrii. Today we are near Bicester on farm and we are going to be talking about the new ELM scheme and what it means for our wildlife and what we need to do on our farms as farmers and growers in the UK.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Environmental Schemes: Stick or Twist?

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Paul Pickford farm business consultant and Beth Metson environmental farm consultant at Agrii. Today we will be making sense of environmental schemes, what does it mean for farm activity, and what is the direction of travel.

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Why Less is More for Nutrient Planning this Autumn

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Agrii’s technical manager Tom Land and crop input specialist Tom Perrott. Today we are considering what we need to be thinking about when it comes to autumn nutrient planning for the winter cereal crop, so when it comes to harvest time we can see a profitable return on the investment.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Farm Diversification: Branching Out with Rowles Farm

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to Georgie, Tom and Will from Rowles farm. Today we are talking about farm diversification, what is the best approach to take when looking at new ventures and what can it bring to farm businesses.

Identical twins Tom and Will and their sister Georgie are third generation farmers, based in West Berks since 1969. The vineyard was established in 2021.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Is Now the Time to Consider Alternative Cropping?

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Skye Van Heyzen, market development manager, Ella Thackray, innovation crops product manager and Rebecca Gibson, pulse product manager at Agrii. Today we are going to explore some potentially exciting alternative crops. Three crops that could bring some real benefits to the livestock industry and those also growing for the human food chain.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

VR Seed: Fail to Prepare or Prepare to Fail

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to Sam Fordham, head of technical for RHIZA. Today we are taking about variable seed rates for combinable crops, Sam suggests this is the most important input to vary. But as we look towards the main autumn sowing period, we consider what the key principles and benefits are for the grower.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Making Potatoes Profitable

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Nick Winmill, technical and R&D manager for potatoes at Agrii and Matt Audley, technical manager for Plant Health Care. We will be discussing new solutions for potatoes delivered through R&D and how that can be done to the real benefit of grower for sustainable production. We will also be talking about a new Agrii initiative 'The Potato Partnership'.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Why Variety Choice is Critical for this Season

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to John Miles, seed technical manager at Agrii. Today we are going to talk about variety selection for wheat and barley. Asking the big question - is variety selection just as important, if not more important for this Autumn?

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Groundswell Session: Bringing Farming and Science Together

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are at Groundswell 2022 talking to Professor Andy Neal soil biologist from Rothamsted and John Crawford who is leading the global soil health programme at university of Glasgow. With all the discussion about regen farming and soil health, how do we make this happen on farm and how do we bring science together with farming and farming together with science.

Getting Down to Earth with Direct Drilling

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to Mark Dewes, sustainable farming lead at Agrii. Today we are going to be asking some key questions on direct drilling; what are the benefits, pitfalls and what can we learn from others who are already adopting these techniques.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Behind the Scenes of Becoming an Agronomist

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Kathryn Styan, Billy Hosdell, Matt Greep and Phoebe Foster who are all working in the field as advisors for Agrii. Today we are going to find out about their career experiences so far and the opportunities they see in the future working in agriculture.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Groundswell Session: Stories From The Soil Up With Three Regen Farmers

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are live from Groundswell 2022 talking to farmers George Fraser, David White, Peter Cartwright and Andrew Richards, Senior Agronomist at Agrii, about their regenerative farming journeys. Today we are going to look into the transition to regenerative farming – what lessons can be learned, what gains have been seen on farm and how can the experiences of these three farmers help others considering this shift?

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Five Years of Regenerative Farming with Farmer Tom

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Agrii's Ian Rudge conservation and regen agriculture lead, agronomist John Vickery and Tom Martin who farms in Peterborough. Today we are going to look at regen ag, looking at the key benefits of improving soil structure and how this can make a significant impact on farm sustainability.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Using Soil Health to Build Farm Resilience and Productivity

Tue, 31 May 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Agrii's Amy Watkins, Sustainability Project Manager, Mark Dewes, Sustainable Farming Lead and Rod Smith, who farms in Northumberland. Today we are going to focus on farm productivity and farm resilience and how they can be achieved by improving soil health.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Hybrid Rye: A Solution to Today's Farming Challenges

Tue, 17 May 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Ben Lowe, National Forage Product Manager at Agrii. Today we are going to look into hybrid rye and the reasons why we should give this crop some serious consideration, both as a feed and growing as a viable profitable crop.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

What Does Net Zero Mean For Farming?

Tue, 03 May 2022 14:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Amy Watkins, Sustainability Project Manager at Agrii. Today we are going to look into Net Zero, what it means for growers and why we should be paying such close attention to how this could potentially help with farm income.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Helping Wildlife to Bridge the Hungry Gap on Farm

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0100

Join us for our first recording on farm where in this episode we are talking to Marek Nowakowski, Ecologist, Wildlife Expert and Consultant at Agrii. We are going to focus in on supporting insects and pollinators on our farms, and specifically why the hungry gap is such a threat in the early spring.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Mitigating the Challenges of a Global Supply Chain

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Matthew Williams, Commercial Manager at Agrii. The focus this week is the topical subject of product availability and the growing complexities of the supply chain, with tips on how to plan ahead and navigate the challenges of accessing the right products needed on farm.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Optimising Precision on Your Farm this Spring

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Jack Wilson, Account Manager at RHIZA. Today we will be finding out about the services RHIZA provide and how these can really help arable and livestock farmers to finetune their on farm precision. What are the benefits and how can these services help?

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Getting the Most From Your Maize

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Ben Lowe, National Forage Product Manager at Agrii. Today we will be finding out what the future holds for maize, with a focus on key areas that we need to consider before we put the crop in the ground.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

From Health to Climate: Exploring the Benefits and Options for Alternative Cropping

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Skye Van Heyzen from Agrii, who has been working on crop innovation that delivers real value across the food chain. Today we will be looking at the real opportunities for some crops that can deliver value from the farm gate right through to the consumer.

Tony Smith is your host on Tramlines. Based in the South West and with a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture. He worked in the farming industry for many years before developing his career as a presenter.

Your Spring Fertiliser Options Explained

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Tom Land, fertiliser manager at Agrii and Sam Fordham, technical manager at RHIZA. Today the focus turns to spring fertiliser needs for arable crops. With fertiliser availability issues, increases to prices and grain price futures looking promising, how can growers balance the issues with the opportunities?

The 25 Year Environment Plan: Stacking up the Environmental and Business Benefits

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Beth Metson, farm environmental advisor at Agrii. Today we will be looking at the 25 year environment plan and how that policy links with the SFI, why this approach is different and what sustainable farming could really mean for farmers.

Taking Stock of Understanding your Forage

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to two livestock specialists from Agrii, Ben Lowe national forage product manager and Emma Gatehouse, livestock product manager. Today we will be focusing on livestock production. In these uncertain times, we're looking at how farmers can improve productivity that in turn, leads to a noticeably improved gross margin.

The Importance of Analysing Soil and Plant Health

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are taking to Jim Carswell, R&D manger in the North at Agrii. Today we will be hearing about how we can gain an even greater insight into crop health in season to decipher exactly what nutrients are required, fine tuning inputs to maximise performance and gross margin, that in turn may help us with environmental considerations.

Navigating Your Way Through Farm Income Support Scheme Changes

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are talking to Paul Pickford, Farm Business Consultant. Today we will be asking some key questions concerning the sustainable farming incentive (SFI) and how this scheme fits with the BPS being phased out. How can farmers navigate through the biggest changes in farm income support schemes in nearly 50 years?

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

A Farmer's View on Greener Horizons

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Bill Smith who farms in Speyside, Scotland, and Amy Watkins Sustainability Project Manager at Agrii. We will be asking some key questions on how we can adopt ways of farming in an environmentally sustainable way, that will help the environment, our crop production output and farm business sustainability.

Boosting Bugs in Soil

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are talking to Agrii’s senior agronomist Andrew Richards. Todays topic is boosting bugs in soils. We are asking what does this mean, what is the agronomic benefit and is there a financial benefit for the grower.

Soil and Nutrition Solutions

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Agrii’s Tom Land, fertiliser technical manager and regional technical advisor and farmer David Felce. We will look at options for winter fert for crops already in the ground and preparing the ground for the following spring.

*Please note: This podcast was recorded in early September 2021, therefore any prices mentioned within the podcast may have increased considerably at the time of listening.

Cultivating the Future of Vegetable Farming

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to Agrii's vegetable and arable agronomist Kathryn Styan. Today we will be looking at the vegetable sector, what challenges growers are facing and what can the arable sector learn in the techniques and approaches taken by these growers.

Digging into Soil Organic Matter

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking to Professor Andy Neal, Soil Microbiologist from Rothamsted. Andy is currently focusing on a major project called ‘Soils to Nutrition’. Today we are going to explore what we mean by soil organic matter and why it is so important to understand when it is influencing the availability of nutrients and water in our soils.

Wellies, Work and Wellbeing

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Mark Thomas from the Farming Community Network (FCN) and Petra Martin from Agrii. With the ever increasing challenges being faced in the agricultural industry, it is important to know where advice, support or a listening ear can be found.

Benchmarking your Arable Performance

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode we we are talking to Tim Horton, regional technical advisor and Mark Dewes, farmer & agronomist from Agrii. With farming facing significant change, today we are going to look at farm productivity and viability and find out how Agrii's Green Horizon's initiative helps deliver these two key elements on farm, balancing the science with economics.

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Your Crop Protection Armoury for a Sustainable Future

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Agrii’s Chris Glover, head of crop protection and Jessica Farrant, commercial account manager. Today we are going to look closely at crop protection (CP) products, how they are carefully scrutinised and reviewed before they reach the farmer and how a constant ongoing assessment of their performance helps agronomists work with growers to deliver suitable crop protection now and in the future.

Unearthing the New and Old of Regen Agriculture

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 19:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking about regenerative agriculture with farmer Tom Martin and Agrii agronomist John Vickery. We will be asking the question what is regenerative agriculture, is it something new and the key question of what are the benefits to growers.

Raising the Bar on Variety Selection

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 19:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking to Colin Lloyd, Head of Agronomy within Agrii’s technical team. We will examine variety choice in the context of sustainability and more specifically Agrii’s variety sustainability rating and how that fits in our Green Horizons initiative.

Claim 1 BASIS point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

Re-think your Risk for Farm Safety Week

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking about Farm Safety Week with Petra Martin, Agrii’s Head of Health and Safety and Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation. With fatalities increasing on our farms, our focus today is to talk about Farm Safety Week and how we can all re-think risk on our farms.

Tailored Nutrition from Root to Shoot

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking about liquid fertiliser with Agrii's Paul Gill and OSR starter fertiliser with Tom Perrott. With fertiliser being a key input for crops, we are taking a look at how both liquid and starter fertilisers can help growers improve their gross margins and help the environment at the same time.

What's on your Variety Shopping List?

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are talking about varieties and OSR with Agrii’s Seed Technical Manager John Miles. We will be looking at varietal choice and OSR, considering varietal traits and why the decisions we make choosing a seed variety are so important.

Nutrients, Nitrogen and Nutrition

Thu, 27 May 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking about the future of agronomising nutrition with Agrii’s Tom Land, Fertiliser Technical Manager and Jamie Lyttle, Fertiliser Product Manager. We will look at how this can help growers produce both sustainable and profitable crops.

Getting a Buzz from Bio-Solutions

Thu, 13 May 2021 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking about bio-solutions with Clare Bend, Head of Technical at Agrii. We will be looking at the question of why bio-solutions, the potential benefits and agronomy programmes and looking at some of the current projects in research and their aims.

Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email info@agrii.co.uk with your membership number, full name, postcode and DOB.

The Bees and the Birds

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking about bees and pollinators with Marek Nowakowski, Ecologist, Wildlife Expert and Consultant. We will look into the importance of bees and pollinators for growers and some of the steps that can be taken to increase biodiversity on farm.

The Horizons are Green

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking about sustainable food production with Amy Watkins, Sustainability Project Manager and Rob Bowes, Agronomist and Soil Specialist. We will look at Agrii's Green Horizons initiative and the use of science to help us manage our soils better to help the environment and farmers bottom line.

Sowing the Seed

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 17:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking about arable seed treatments with David Leaper, Technical Seed Specialist at Agrii. We will look at the role of seed treatments for cereals, why we are protecting crops in this way and how certified seed helps manage seed and seedling disease.

Making Better Decisions with Data

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking digital farming with Lucy Cottingham, Agrii's UK Digital Agronomy Development Manager and Sam Fordham, RHIZA Technical Manager. We will be looking at digital farming, how agronomists and growers can use this technology on farm, plus what is in development for the near future.

One of your Five a Day

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0100

In this episode we are talking fruit agronomy with agronomists Ben Brown and Colin Bird, covering what fruit crops these agronomists look after, what fruit growers are focusing on right now and what we can learn from their approach.