Intelligent Farming Podcast June 2026

In this episode, Tim and Nick discuss the current state of crops across the South Midlands following an exceptionally challenging spring. They examine how the prolonged dry conditions throughout March and April have affected crop health, with widespread yellow rust and potassium deficiencies leaving many fields underperforming.

The conversation focuses on the importance of correcting potassium levels to strengthen crops and improve resilience, as well as the impact of the warm weather, which saw wheat flowering by the final week of May. This is expected to bring forward the 2026 harvest, making now the ideal time to target grain protein with carefully planned nutritional foliar applications.

Tim and Nick also review the outlook for barley, oats and oilseed rape, discussing the next management steps and why foliar nutrition is proving particularly valuable in such dry conditions. With limited rainfall, foliar products can deliver nutrients directly into the plant rather than relying on moisture in the soil for uptake.

Despite the season presenting significant challenges, they explain how growers can still maximise returns by focusing investment where it will have the greatest impact, particularly on wheat and oilseed rape. The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of working closely with Tim to trial alternative approaches, test new ideas, and develop lower-input strategies that deliver healthier crops and consistently strong yields.