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. 

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

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. 

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 

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 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.

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:

• 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: 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.

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. 

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 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.  

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’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 10th 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, 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/

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 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 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 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 

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 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 2024
• Seeds of Influence: Exploring Leadership in Agriculture with Christine Tacon
• Live from Readyhedge: Perfecting and Protecting Ornamental Crops
• Live from Cereals: Reflect, Adjust and Plan: How to Prepare for Autumn Sowing
• Should I Grow Oilseed Rape?

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.