Tramlines

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 13 October 25, and market prices may have changed since then.

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: Precision application is key for specialty crops like potatoes: New R&D focuses on improving phosphorus efficiency: Return on investment matters more than maximum yield: Farmers can stay informed via grain testing and Agrii events: 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

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? TELUS Partnership for Smarter Farming Evolving Data Demands AI, Drones & Automation Top Tips for Growers 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.

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. 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 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.

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

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. 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.

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: 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: 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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 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.

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 25th June. Book here from 1st May www.agrii.co.uk/events/ 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.

Today we are joined by Agrii’s David Leaper, seed technical specialist, and Poppy Bunting, seeds manager. 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. This episode qualifies for CPD points. For more information, visit www.agrii.co.uk/our-services/seed/agrii-seeds/ 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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. 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. 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

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: Taking Action with the Latest Updates to SFI 2024Seeds of Influence: Exploring Leadership in Agriculture with Christine TaconLive from Readyhedge: Perfecting and Protecting Ornamental CropsLive from Cereals: Reflect, Adjust and Plan: How to Prepare for Autumn SowingShould I Grow Oilseed Rape? Thank you all for being with us on this journey and helping ot make Tramlines a success.