Ahdb Cereals & Oilseeds

A ballot to decide the future of the AHDB Potato levy has concluded and the voting report has been passed to Ministers in London and the devolved administrations for a decision on what happens next.   In this podcast, John Bates gets AHDB Chairman Nicholas Saphir's reaction to the voting outturn.    The Independent company UK Engage was appointed to run the ballot and the outturn has been published on the AHDB website.

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Managers Hannah Lilburn and Kate Harris talk to New Zealand vet Neil Chesterton about understanding cow behaviours, and how we can change our behaviour to make the cattle handling process less stressful on all of us.   Read the summary article of the webinar with Neil Chesterton.   Watch our cattle handling webinar with Temple Grandin. Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.   Podcast produced and edited by Kate Smith.

On 9 March, our team of Cereals & Oilseeds Market Specialists presented on the key drivers for global and domestic markets, the path for fuel, fertiliser and interest rates and the future of farm policy. This podcast focuses on some of the key messages from that session.

John Bates speaks to Louise Woodward from the AHDB marketing team  behind the campaign and potato sector chair Alison Levett about why the humble jacket potato has taken centre stage in The new packed lunch AHDB campaign.  The six week campaign (the campaign has now been extended until end of March 2021) talks about  the versatility of baked potatoes in health conscious and delicious looking recipes with some great cooking tips all as part of the campaign. Host: John Bates Speakers: Louise Woodward Alison Levett Useful links: Love potatoes website  Potatoes levy spend: marketing, education and exports Levy payers pack Feedback If you would like to share your feedback about this episode, or if you have any suggestions, please contact podcast producer Maria Covlea at maria.covlea@ahdb.org.uk

In this podcast Stephen West, AHDB knowledge exchange manager for AHDB Dairy talks to Dr. Temple Grandin, a globally respected animal behaviourist from Colorado State University, who changed the way the US handled cattle. He finds out Grandin’s top tips for handling both beef and dairy cattle. We also held a webinar in February, which can be viewed on YouTube Cattle handling with Temple Grandin. More information Improving cattle handling for better returns  templegrandin.com About Temple Grandin, Ph.D Dr. Grandin is a designer of livestock handling facilities and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Facilities she has designed are located in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. In North America, almost half of the cattle are handled in a center track restrainer system that she designed for meat plants. Curved chute and race systems she has designed for cattle are used worldwide and her writings on the flight zone and o

Two months ago the transition period from Britain being a full-blown member of the European Union came to an end. Over several weeks since we have seen reports and comments about increased paperwork, delays and the slow resumption of normal levels of traffic, at the borders. In this podcast, John Bates interviews Sarah Baker, AHDB’s agricultural economist who explains the implications of new policies for farmers, growers and exporters since leaving the EU. Our special guest, Rizvan Khalid MD from Euro Quality Lamb will also join us to share his experience as a meat exporter and if the theory matches reality. Discover the export work we do to support farmers and growers Learn more information about Euro Quality Lambs Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis. Podcast produced and edited by Aisha Shabnam Email: Aisha.Shabnam@ahdb.org.uk

Being part of an industry, which is frequently criticised for not doing enough to reduce its impact on the environment, it can be tough to know what and who to listen to. The more we all understand about the carbon cycle, and where we as farmers fit into it, the sooner we can understand how we can make a difference. This year, AHDB has launched Carbon Week, which takes place the first week in March (1 – 5 March) with the aim of sharing factual and practical information about what farmers can do to reduce carbon emissions on their farm.  Farming in the UK is responsible for 10% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But the incredible thing about farming is that we have the ability to enhance the environment too, through sustainable land-use and management practices. For example, soils are for the third largest store of carbon, with the ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere and locking it into the ground. In this podcast we begin with an overview of what greenhouse gases are and

Nathalie Key, AHDB Horticulture Knowledge Exchange Manager for Protected Edibles and Mushrooms is joined by Jonathan Swain, Technical Director at NFU Energy, leader of the Growsave project. Also joining is Eirinn Rusbridge, Project Manager at NFU Energy, Rebecca Fry, Development Manager at Neame Lea (an ornamentals growing business) and Georgia Whitehouse, a geography student at Leeds University specialising in carbon emissions and who has been working at Neame Lea.   The group explore the carbon emissions targets of net zero, carbon auditing work in an ornamental commercial environment including the relationship with wider retail, and what this could mean for the wider horticulture industry.    Useful links:   ·         https://ahdb.org.uk/growsave ·         https://www.nfuenergy.co.uk/  ·         https://www.bridgefarmgroup.co.uk/the-group/neame-lea/ 

The evidence suggests shoppers are becoming increasingly curious about where their food comes from.   Red Tractor says the logo is seen on around £14bn worth of food products sold each year, and many retailers incorporate the logo on their advertising as the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme famously covers from farm-to-fork.    Behind the scenes, 46,000 farms are members and inspected by independent assessors and standards enforced by the Red Tractor team. Chief Executive Jim Mosely joins the podcast to explain proposed changes to standards and the chance farmers and stakeholders have to be a part of the consultation.  Jim Moseley says the consultation is genuine and Red Tractor are listening but it’s fair to say some members have not welcomed the proposals – hear the facts behind this story. Read the full news story and have your say. Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve

In this episode Antonia Walker, AHDB Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager, talks to agronomist Andy Steven and Agri‑Business Consultant Philip Dunn​, about the things potato growers should take in consideration when renting land. The conversation looks at aspects such as soil quality but also legal aspects regarding the contracts. Host: Antonia Walker - AHDB Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager Speakers: Andy Steven - Agronomist Philip Dunn​ - Agri‑Business Consultant  Useful link: Learn more about soil health  Find out how your levy funds soil health research Feedback If you would like to share your feedback about this episode, or if you have any suggestions, please contact podcast producer Maria Covlea at maria.covlea@ahdb.org.uk

A ballot to decide the future of AHDB Horticulture has concluded and the outturn has been passed to Ministers for a decision on what happens next. In this podcast, John Bates interviews Nicholas Saphir, AHDB's Chair on the outcome of the horticulture ballot results.  The voting information reported by UK Engage shows different sentiment across different crop sectors and size of business – it is really a very complex picture. Learn what the results are and the next steps for growers. Ballot results: The overall voter turnout was 69%. By individual votes cast, the No vote was 61% versus the Yes vote of 39%. Voting analysis by UK Engage according to value of levy paid, showed a reverse picture of 57% Yes votes versus No votes of 43%. Read the full news article  Read the full horticulture ballot report Discover what horticulture growers get for their levy Learn more about UK Engage Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete

Potato sector levy payers have a ballot and between the 17 February and 17 March 2021 AHDB want you to cast a vote.  To help make a judgement about whether you vote Yes or No, as well as this podcast AHDB is running meetings, sending information to levy payers and answering questions to guide levy payers towards the necessary information about how and why to vote. In this podcast hear Alison Levett, potato sector board chair and Nicholas Saphir, AHDB chairman talk to John Bates about why it’s important to vote yes – a yes vote is for change.   Host: John Bates Speakers:  Alison Levett - AHDB Potatoes Chair  Nicholas Saphir - AHDB Chair Useful links: Town Hall Meetings What do I get for my levy page  What do I get for my levy podcast  See brochure  Watch webinar recordings (Including SPot Farms 2021) Learn more about our latest marketing campaign Learn more about the Grow Your Own Potatoes programme  If you would like to share your feedback about this episode, or if you have any suggestions, p

This week’s guests: Jen Waters, Head of Knowledge Exchange (Pork) Duncan Wyatt, Lead Analyst (Livestock) Lauren Dimmack, Animal Health & Welfare Scientist Christine Walsh, Head of Transitional Support Felicity Rusk, Analyst (Dairy & Livestock) In this pork-focused episode, we discuss the standard pig price (SPP) with Duncan Wyatt and Jen waters. We talk about out what does and doesn’t contribute to it, the impact of heavy pigs, and whether the price rises as quickly as it falls.  We also talk about export health certificates (EHC) – what’s changed, what you need to do to comply, and the latest position with Trichinella testing. Useful links Pig prices and market news Pork markets GB deadweight pig prices (EU spec) 'What effect do heavy pigs have on the SPP?' article Export Health Certificates for pork Information and FAQs 'Use of Export Health Certificates to be extended' article Information from Defra if you export or move food, drink and agricultural products Webinars for exporters of

In this episode Knowledge Exchange Manager Shirley Macmillan talks to autumn block calver George Wade from Honeypot Farm about what changes he made to his mating programme following an online fertility workshop, and whether he still wants to achieve a six week calving block.  We also hear from Dave Gilbert, consultant vet from Dairy Insight who worked with George, about what he found at Honeypot Farm and the benefits of reviewing fertility on farm.   Find more information and resources to help you improve fertility.   Feedback survey: We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you’d like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis.   Podcast produced and edited by Kate Smith.

In this episode Claire Hodge, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager (Scotland) speaks with her guests about mental health and tips for maintaining positivity. In the first part of this episode we speak to Jim Reid, our SPot Scotland host, who will talk about overcoming challenges in the potato sector, life on a family farm and taking on the mantle of SPot farm host. In the second part we speak to Mags Granger from RSABI who will talk about the isolation of farming and ways to overcome this issue.  USEFUL LINKS: Mental Health support for farmers  Learn more about SPot Farm Programme Feedback form Podcast Producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Communications Executive Email: maria.covlea@ahdb.org.uk

In this episode, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Harry Henderson focuses on regenerative agriculture. Harry chats to farmer David Miller, who has embraced regenerative agriculture on his farm, about his experiences of using it in the UK. 

Wayne Brough, AHDB Horticulture Knowledge Exchange Manager for Ornamentals is joined by Georgina Key, AHDB Research Manager, Alistair Hazel, Operations Manager at Darby Nurseries, and Gary Woodruffe, Growing Manager at Bordon Hill Nurseries.    The group explore a wide range of subjects including everything vine weevil control to pansy mottle syndrome, weed control to regular deficit irrigation, bedding and pot plant centre and growing media.     Georgina provides an overview of AHDB research into these areas, and Alistair and Gary give us an insight into the grower’s perspective on how they approach these issues and what value they’ve found in using AHDB’s research and products.   

This episode focuses on the importance of good colostrum management, the effect it has on the new born animal's health and shares practical advice to help you to optimise your management protocol.  Receiving good quality colostrum, quickly enough and in the right quantity, could eliminate illnesses such as Watery Mouth in lambs, halve cases of pneumonia in calves, improve the survival rate in new-born pigs up to weaning age and beyond. It also supports the responsible use of antibiotics. But at busy times of year, we don’t always have time or resources to make sure every animal gets enough colostrum or gets it quickly enough.  The award winning Colostrum is Gold campaign, led by AHDB, collaborates with the industry to highlight the importance of colostrum in cows, sheep and pigs. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother following birth and is full of antibodies, energy and essential nutrients that can benefit the newborn animal. On this podcast hosted by AHDB's Head of Animal Health & Wel

This podcast introduces AHDB’s analysis of the prospects for the UK’s farming industry over the coming months. Covering crops (potatoes, cereals and oilseeds), it explores production, trade and consumption for the year ahead. John Bates invites Vikki Campbell (Senior Market Specialist Manager for Arable) and Sarah Baker (Senior Market Intelligence Manager).  What is the Agri-Market Outlook? Our Agri-Market Outlook is produced every six months and is based on the most up-to-date information and insight, combining feedback from experts across the Agri-food industry with AHDB Market Intelligence (MI) expertise. It is intended to cut through some of the uncertainty and help farm businesses and wider industry plan for the future. Phil Bicknell, MI director said: “As 2021 gathers pace, Agri-Market Outlook highlights the elements that will shape farming’s fortunes over the next 12-18 months, as well as the longer-term policy and economic drivers.” “The bottom line is that there won’t be a one-size

This podcast introduces AHDB’s analysis of the prospects for the UK’s farming industry over the coming months. Covering red meat (pork, beef and lamb) and dairy, it explores production, trade and consumption for the year ahead. John Bates invites Richard King from Andersons Consulting, David Swales (Head of Strategic Insight), Patty Clayton (Lead Analyst Dairy) and Duncan Wyatt (Lead Analyst for Livestock).  What is the Agri-Market Outlook? Our Agri-Market Outlook is produced every six months and is based on the most up-to-date information and insight, combining feedback from experts across the Agri-food industry with AHDB Market Intelligence (MI) expertise. It is intended to cut through some of the uncertainty and help farm businesses and wider industry plan for the future. Phil Bicknell, MI director said: “As 2021 gathers pace, Agri-Market Outlook highlights the elements that will shape farming’s fortunes over the next 12-18 months, as well as the longer-term policy and economic drivers.”