Ahdb Cereals & Oilseeds

Exports is one of the activities levy payers rated highly when asked to comment on AHDB’s priorities.  In this episode of AHDB’s Food & Farming podcast, John Bates chats to members of our export team to find out what’s involved in getting red meat and dairy from Britain into homes, supermarkets and restaurants around the world and why levy payers support the work. This week’s guests: Phil Hadley, Director of International Market Development E: phil.hadley@ahdb.org.uk  Lucy Randolph, Senior Exports Manager (Livestock) E: lucy.randolph@ahdb.org.uk Follow on Twitter: @Export_Foodie  Susan Stewart, Senior Export Manager (Livestock) E: susan.stewart@ahdb.org.uk  Susana Morris, Senior Exports Manager (Americas) E: susana.morris@ahdb.org.uk Follow on Twitter: @SusanaMorris_ Our export team is focused on developing international markets for British exporters, actively engaging with key supply chains in numerous markets – attendance at global trade fairs is key. By hosting British exporters on AHDB's pa

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, our host John Bates turns his attention to the marketing activity going on at AHDB. Our market development strategy is about helping your businesses thrive. We work to create a healthy market for your product by developing and maintaining domestic and overseas markets and helping you give the customer what they want and will enjoy.  Speakers: -          AHDB’s Senior Retail Insight Manager Kim Heath gives us an overview of how the cost-of-living crisis is changing consumer behaviour -          AHDB’s Head Of Marketing Carrie McDermid talks about some of the marketing activity going on right now and what to look forward to in the weeks ahead -          AHDB’s Food Communications Manager Denise Spencer-Walker inspires us with some easy sounding recipes which don’t break the bank as well as giving us some ideas for a special occasion meal  The We Eat Balanced campaign has successfully changed consumer perceptions and protected purchase intent.  At a time when

The combination of the post Brexit new world, recent dry weather and the wider environmental challenges, political uncertainty, food security, the rising cost of living, we’re all impacted in one way or another. Add ELMS and reducing subsidies into the mix and all make life just a little more complicated if you’re a farmer. AHDB is not immune to pressures either with the recent Shape the Future vote prompting huge changes to ensure levy payers are closer and put at the heart of everything, as the organisation moves towards delivering the priorities set by the vote.  One early shift is the creation of sector councils to replace the previous sector boards. The intention is for the sector councils to give a greater voice to levy payers and help guide and steer everything AHDB does. In this episode John Bates is joined by levy payer and dairy sector council member Mary Quicke, to tell us more about the dairy sector council, her role in it and her views on AHDB and the benefit levy payers can get from the work

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, John Bates discusses AHDB’s latest Agri Market Outlook for the arable sector with guests Millie Askew, lead analyst for Cereals & Oilseeds and Olivia Bonser, an analyst in AHDB’s market specialist team. Within this podcast, Millie will highlight the impact of the hot, dry weather on this year’s harvest, examining what cereal and oilseed rape production is looking like for this season, along with the demand for the coming season in the UK. Also, Olivia will highlight how harvest is progressing across the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, the outlook for production globally and what are the watch points globally that may impact the UK market going forward. Useful links Agri market outlook Oilseeds market outlook Cereal market outlook Get in touch If you have any comments about this podcast, would like to be a guest because you have something of interest to say to levy payers, or to suggest a topic for a future episode, please get in touch: foodandfarm

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, our Signet Breeding Manager at AHDB, Samuel Boon, talks through the role of CT scanning when making breeding decisions, whilst Signet consultant Laura Eyles speaks to Kirsty McClean and John Gordon from SRUC to find out the how and the why. Using Computed Tomography (CT) scanning is a great tool for identifying superior genetics within terminal sire flocks by measuring fat, muscle and bone in the live animal. This near perfect predictor of carcase composition can also be used to measure the muscling in different parts of the carcase, such as the rib, loin and gigot. For many years, ultrasound scanning of lambs provided our only way of assessing the carcass attributes of live sheep. Whilst ultrasound scanning still provides the backbone of our service, levy-funded research and investment in late 1990s led to the introduction of world leading CT scanning technology, allowing us to take the assessment of elite ram lambs to a whole new level.  Additional infor

In this AHDB Food & Farming podcast episode, our resident podcast host John Bates speaks to AHDB’s Senior Market Analyst, Amandeep Kaur Purewal, to discuss whether the UK-New Zealand free trade agreement is likely to be a threat or an opportunity for UK producers and explains the likely impact on the UK supply chain. There has been intense scrutiny over the impacts this new trade deal will have on British farming, so we have partnered with Harper Adams University to model the impact of the trade deal and provide economic analysis.  Also joining John on this special edition podcast, is Frances Duignan - Senior Manager for International Trade at Beef and Lamb New Zealand, along with kiwi beef and sheep farmer Mal Poulton who farms in the North Island of New Zealand. They explain the opportunities the trade deal can present to different markets and tell us about how their production systems vary from the UK, including the pressures they are facing in the rising cost of production. They are well placed to sh

In this Food and Farming Podcast, John Bates examines the introduction of a Digital Grain Passport with guests George Mason from Heygates Flour Millers, Ed Ford from Dyson Farming, James Mills, a Yorkshire grower and NFU Combinable Crop Board member and Derek Carless, Head of Farm Economics at AHDB.  This podcast will examine where the idea for a digital grain passport came from and its benefits to the levy payers and others. As well as discussing the benefits and challenges expressed by the NFU Combinable Crop Board and reviewing the next steps with future projects coming up in September and October. In addition, looking at the cost-benefit analysis work conducted to ensure it is valuable to the levy payers. Useful links: Time to go digital Digital grain passport The benefits of a digital grain passport Feedback We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or

With food price inflation still on the rise, and persisting for longer in the UK than in Europe, margins will continue to be squeezed over the coming months.  In this episode, John Bates speaks to some of AHDB’s market specialists and analysts to find out what impact this will have on the beef, lamb, pork and dairy sectors, as they discuss the latest Agri market outlook for livestock. Guests Sarah Baker, Senior Strategic Insight Manager Kim Heath, Senior Retail Insight Manager Patty Clayton, Lead Analyst (Dairy) Hannah Clarke, Senior Analyst (Red Meat) Agri market outlook AHDB’s latest Agri market outlook looks in detail at the issues and shifting consumer behaviours. It’s produced every six months and examines the factors that will affect farm businesses, helping levy payers plan and budget for what may lay ahead. Key findings for the livestock sectors: Beef  Beef production is expected to be up for 2022, bolstered by higher than anticipated cow throughput Overall beef consumption is forecast to drop b

Most pig farmers are already aware of the biosecurity measures they need to take to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, such as ASF. So, what are the threats and what can we all do to keep ASF out of the UK? ASF is well-established in parts of Europe, Russia and China, with a reservoir of infection in the wild boar population. The recent announcement of ASF in a pig dense area of Germany, close to the Netherlands border, shows that the risk through human-mediated spread is high. The focus now must be on ensuring ASF does not spread further.  In this episode of our Food and Farming podcast, hosted by Lauren Dimmack, Senior Animal Health & Welfare Scientist, we discuss biosecurity with guests Gemma Thwaites, President, Pig Veterinary Society; Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary, Livestock Auctioneers Association; Rebecca Veale, Senior Policy Adviser, National Pig Association (NPA) and Tony Bayles, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Relationship Manager, Pork (North). Useful links Biosecurity on pig farms | AHDB Bio

France used to lead the way with the many varieties of cheese they produced. But Britain has been playing catch up and some say they now offer more choice than any other country in the world. From classic cheddars to more unusual varieties, there’s no doubting that British cheese is some of the tastiest around. In this episode Alistair McLaren is at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards in Stafford to chat with Paul Blake, AHDB’s North American Agent, and AHDB Export Manager Lucy Randolph to learn more about the opportunity to export cheese to the other side of the pond. Find out more about our export work Feedback We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.    This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

In this Food and Farming podcast Olivia Bonser, Analyst (Arable), will discuss the Planting and Variety Survey, released a few weeks ago, with guest speaker Anthony Speight, Senior Analyst (Arable). This podcast will discuss the changes to the Planting and Variety Survey, including new data from Northern Ireland. Data collection has been difficult over the last few years due to the coronavirus, which has resulted in the postal survey changing to an online-only survey, creating further issues and solutions which will be discussed.  Furthermore, examining the weather impacts on the growers working their land and sowing the crops and looking at different regions in the UK. Useful links: For more information and insight, subscribe to Market Specialist - Arable weekly and daily outputs. Access to the full planting and variety survey results can be found here. Feedback We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help

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

In this Food and Farming podcast, John Bates discusses the New Zealand - UK lamb trade deals since the UK exited the European community with guests - Steven Evans, Senior Consumer Insight Manager and Sarah Baker, Senior Strategic Insight Manager. Addressing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that is being negotiated with commonwealth member New Zealand. Some people see this as an opportunity; however, others are worried about the flood of imports and its impact of this.  Furthermore, discussing the influence of consumers’ behaviour towards the likeness of purchasing homegrown meat or imported from New Zealand. Useful Links: https://ahdb.org.uk/retail-and-consumer-insight https://ahdb.org.uk/news/consumer-insight-uk-consumer-perception-of-new-zealand-red-meat-imports Feedback We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.    Th

Farming is an industry facing unprecedented change and upheaval. Mental health has emerged as one of the most significant issues facing the industry and the 160 years old Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution or R A B I as it’s known have conducted a detailed survey involving thousands of people to uncover information and trends not previously recognised concerning individuals’ mental health.  John Bates speaks to RABI Chief Executive Alicia Chivers about the findings of that survey and the steps the charity is taking to reach those needing support. Hear RABI’s perspective on the current challenges affecting farming people, how these impact on peoples wellbeing, and how RABI is helping ease the burden.  Links RABI helpline: 0800 188 4444 RABI website Email: info@rabi.org.uk

Are you interested in joining the Sustainable Farming Incentive but are unsure what would benefit your farm business?  In this episode of our Food and Farming podcast host, John Bates discusses the Sustainable farming Incentive with guests –­ Amandeep Kaur Purewal, Senior Market Intelligence Analyst, AHDB, John Calder, Land Manager in the Southwest of England and Janet Hughes, Director Future Farming and Countryside Programme (FFCP), Defra. Applications for the wider SFI rollout open today, 30 June 2022 and our latest Horizon report already assessed the Sustainable Farming Incentive analysed on Farm business. Amandeep highlights the key messages from this report. John Calder discusses his experience with the SFI pilot scheme, and Janet Hughes, Defra gives details of SFI, challenges and ongoing improvements.  Useful links SFI – AHDB Horizon Blog: Can profitability and sustainability work in harmony in the SFI? – AHDB Horizon Blog: The Sustainable Farming Incentive explained – AHDB Assessing the impact of t

Lameness is one of the most costly challenges facing British dairy farmers today, with each case amounting to around £330. Affected animals produce less milk, take longer to get back in calf, and are more likely to be culled. Addressing lameness incidences on your farm will not only help your bottom line but also make a big difference to animal welfare and staff morale. In this episode, Knowledge Exchange Manager Alan McFadzean is joined by Dr James Wilson and herd manager David Bacon, to talk about the results from a recent AHDB funded study into whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can improve cure rates for claw horn lesions. Find more information on lameness in dairy cows Feedback We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk.    This episode was produced and edited by Kate Smith, Marcomms Executive (Dairy)

In England, the government is rolling out Direct Payments and phasing in new policies under the Agricultural Transition Plan. One of these is the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (The Pathway), which launched the first of four steps in Spring 2022 to provide farmers in England with a fully funded vet visit. The Pathway will push forward and support the gradual and continual improvement in farm animal health and welfare. According to Defra, The Pathway is a partnership between the government, farmers, vets, the wider industry, and the supply chain. In this pork-focused edition of AHDB’s Food and Farming podcast, we investigate this partnership.  Our guests Stewart Houston CBE, co-designer of The Pathway; Mandy Nevel, Veterinary surgeon and Head of Animal Health and Welfare, AHDB; and Lauren Dimmack, Senior Animal Health & Welfare Scientist, AHDB discuss with our host, John Bates, what led to the development of The Pathway, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and how pig producers ca

In this Food and Farming podcast, Knowledge Exchange Manager, Emma Steele, chats to Shropshire Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmer, Neil Brown, about his use of EID and using the information he collects to make management decisions, including weaning. We are also joined by Matt Blyth from BLAS UK, who is supporting Neil in recording and utilising data on farm. Download the podcast today to discover more about the improvements Neil is making on farm and what he hopes to achieve from being part of the Strategic Farm network.  Useful links: Growing and finishing lambs for better returns Sheep weaning this year for profit next year

This Food & Farming podcast episode is the second part which follows the journey of Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmer Chris Elkington and independent consultant Dr Liz Genever as they look into reducing inputs (such as fertiliser) and understanding what soil tests are telling us with a view of formulating an action plan to run a trial on Chris’s farm.  Chris is a sheep farmer from Lincolnshire and Liz has been working as Chris’s consultant for the past two years as part of the AHDB Strategic Farm programme. The dry weather and low moisture levels have limited grass growth this spring and soil tests have highlighted low phosphate (P) levels and low potassium (K).  After speaking to Elizabeth Stockdale from NIAB in part one, this time Liz is joined by two more industry specialists. John Morgan, nutrient management specialist, explains how to rectify P levels using inorganic fertiliser the traditional way. He discusses strategies to deal with the low P level and options available to Chris this season

In this pork-focused edition of AHDB’s Food and Farming podcast, we discuss the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme (PISP) and find out how it is helping placement students learn about the pig industry and how companies are benefiting from taking part. Our guests Bob Dixon, National Sales Manager, ABN; Ian Hunt, Technical Director, Karro Foods; Sarah Reid, Harper Adams University Placement student, Karro Foods and Cara Moore, Harper Adams University Placement student, Red Tractor, share their experiences as sponsors and placement students with host Jen Waters, Head Knowledge Exchange Pork, AHDB. They highlight how the scholarship programme is an excellent route into a career in agriculture and discuss the roles available in the pig industry. The Pig Industry Scholarship Programme was developed by AHDB, the NPA allied industry group (AIG) and Harper Adams University in 2012. It is managed by a steering group of industry and university representatives and chaired by the NPA’s AIG chairman, Hugh Crabtree. The