Ahdb Cereals & Oilseeds

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB National Specialist for Grass Forage and Soil Katie Evans is joined by Dr Kathryn Huson from Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, to discuss the GrassCheckGB project and how the industry can benefit from being involved in this piece of work.  Useful links View our Grass resources Find out more about Forage for Knowledge Sign up to the Forage for Knowledge weekly newsletter Visit the GrassCheckGB website 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 Herrick, Media Relations Manager.

In this episode, AHDB’s John Bates talks to three farmers about their experiences of the AgriLeader Forum – an annual conference for farmers looking to improve the way they manage themselves, their people and their businesses. He also speaks to AHDB’s Mark Campbell to find out more about the AgriLeader programme. Listen to find out why the guests attended the conference in the first place, what they took away from it and why they would recommend more farmers get involved with AHDB's AgriLeader programme.   This week’s guests Charlotte Courtney, dairy farmer Charlie Thompson, pig farmer James Shouler, beef farmer and AHDB Beef & Lamb council member Mark Campbell, AHDB Useful links Find out more about AgriLeader: https://ahdb.org.uk/agrileader Catch up with the action from the AgriLeader Forum 2023: https://ahdb.org.uk/agrileader-forum The labour life cycle – tools and support for recruiting, managing and developing staff: https://ahdb.org.uk/labour-life-cycle-in-agriculture Get in touch If you want to

Exports drive economic growth, and every year, the UK exports around £1.5 billion worth of red meat around the globe. In 2021, more than 550,000 tonnes of sheep meat, beef, and pork were shipped (according to AHDB analysis of trade data from IHS Maritime & Trade – Global Trade Atlas – HMRC). AHDB's Market Intelligence and Exports teams are collaborating to boost exports to current markets and explore new opportunities for UK agri-food over the next decade. Dr Phil Hadley, Director of International Development at AHDB, has been discussing this activity at various events, including the recent National Farmers Union (NFU) Conference and the Annual Meat Conference in Texas. In this episode, we discuss the recent mission to the US aimed at exploring opportunities for exporting UK lamb, beef, and pork. The mission centred around the Annual Meat Conference in Texas, where AHDB and exporters had the opportunity to network with over 1,500 meat professionals from across the US. The visit was a success and resulte

Sustainable feed ingredients and feed efficiency is an area that can have a big impact on a farm's carbon footprint and can actually lower feed costs. This is achieved by not only the make up of the ration, but the whole farm and cow management. In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager Emily Collins is joined by Andrew Gilman of Statfold Farm, and nutrition consultant David Levick from Kite, discussing the key takeaways from a strategic dairy farm meeting discussing how Andrew has improved his feed efficiency through feeding management, the ration and genetic improvement. Useful links Read the Forage First guide View our herd genetic reports Learn more about the Feed Advantage genetic index Find your local Knowledge Exchange Manager How to become a strategic dairy farm 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 ongoi

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s Dr Nerys Wright is joined by independent sheep consultant and SCOPS representative Lesley Stubbings. They discuss the Nematodirus forecasting map for 2023 and details of the sheep element of the recently launch Defra funded animal health and welfare pathway. Nematodirus forecasting The nematodirus forecasting map for 2023 is live and hosted on the SCOPS website. The map uses the daily temperature to monitor when the over winter larvae may hatch and the subsequent risk of Nematodirus this year in young lambs. Other risk factors to consider are the age of the lambs and the amount they’re grazing and ingesting. The Animal Health and Welfare pathway For the Defra funded animal health and welfare pathway, the registration process is now open. There is £436 available to sheep farmers with 51 or more sheep and have claimed BPS in the past. As part of the pathway, farmers can expect 2-3 hour visit from their vet, a report highlighting the key prioritise fo

Rearing heifers is a substantial cost to your business with the return on investment not being recouped until they reach their 2nd lactation. Yet, on average, 17% of milking heifers exit the herd before this. Giving heifers the best opportunity to calve down for a 2nd time is not only important for your bottom line, but also the impact of herd longevity on your carbon footprint and consumer perception of dairy farming.  That’s why it’s so important to monitor the performance of your milking heifers and consider management changes that will help them to adapt to herd life, allow them to finish growing – and  to realise their genetic potential. AHDB research showed that calving by 24 months of age could reduce rearing costs and led to better survival and growth rates, as well as improved health, and fertility. As part of AHDB’s Calf to Calving programme, we saw a significant reduction across the country in age at first calving. Now, we’re taking a look at the next step.  In this episode of the Food & Far

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s Senior Knowledge Manager Amy Hughes is joined by Canadian suckler cow producer, Arron Nerbas, to discuss what makes a suckler system profitable including how genetics, selection and management pressure can be used to breed a cow that fits and performs well. Being clear about what you’re trying to achieve on your farm and using your system to select the cows that fit, is how the Nerbas Bros. have developed a profitable suckler cow that works for them and their system. Following Arron’s visit to the UK in January, funded by AHDB and the Aberdeen Angus Society, Arron and Amy reflect on the key discussion points from the event and how mindset is an important factor: “The real power isn’t in your grass or your cattle, the real power is in your mind.” The three host farms for the events: FAI Farms in Oxfordshire, Silas Hedley-Lawrence. Launceston Farm in Dorset, Jimi Collis and his herd manager, Matt House. Aln Angus farm in Northumberland, George B

Zinc oxide has been used for many years in the pig industry to reduce diarrhoea in post-weaned pigs. However, as a result of potential risks to the environment and in line with regulations set by the European Union (EU), therapeutic use of zinc oxide was banned across the EU in the summer of 2022. The UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate granted an extension in the UK last year, allowing the industry to use up any product purchased before the authorisation expired in June 2022. Current supplies of zinc oxide are expected to be exhausted this summer (2023). In this episode, we hear about research that AHDB has conducted with SAC Commercial Ltd. to understand the pros and cons of some of the alternative options available to farmers in the absence of zinc oxide.  The options reviewed through this project target pig nutrition, management and immunity. Summaries have been produced to help guide farmers and their vets and nutritionists, which include details about costs, effectiveness and the time required to imp

For the best possible start in life, dairy calves need quality colostrum as their first feed. This early management can affect how that calf will perform health wise, its time to first service, and future milk production.  A newborn calf's ability to absorb those vital colostrum antibodies through the intestinal wall decreases rapidly within the first 12 hours of life. Contamination during collection, transfer or feeding puts the calf at risk by introducing harmful bacteria when it has no active immunity to fight infection.  In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager Laura Awdry is joined by Nottingham University Vet, Ginny Sherwin, to discuss colostrum management practise on farm and the 3 Q's of colostrum to ensure your dairy calves have the best possible start in life to become healthy productive members of the herd. Useful links Colostrum management for dairy calves 3 Qs of feeding colostrum factsheet Colostrum Is Gold: feeding colostrum to calves, lambs

The latest Cereals and Oilseeds Agri Market Outlook takes stock of the current situation and looks forward to what we might expect in the coming months for supply availability, trade and demand. In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s John Bates talks with Sarah Baker, Senior Strategic Insight Manager, Megan Hesketh, Senior Analyst (Cereals and Oilseeds), and Anthony Speight, Senior Analyst (Cereals and Oilseeds), to discuss the Argi Market Outlook for Arable.  Key findings for Cereals and Oilseeds Cereals: Despite an increase in domestic wheat and barley availability this season, global price strength continues to provide a support level for domestic grain values. Price volatility is expected to continue, with a finely balanced global supply and demand and the war ongoing in Ukraine. Domestic winter crops for harvest 2023 are faring well, though fertiliser cost and application remain a key watchpoint. Exports are forecast stronger year on year for wheat and barley due to increased dome

2022 saw some historic highs for livestock, dairy and cereals. However, as we enter a new year, the position of the world has shifted. Concerns over demand as the global economy battles inflation has left us with supply levels which look ample. In this episode, John Bates speaks to some of AHDB’s market 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. Timestamps 02:06 - Beef 05:24 - Lamb 09:44 - Pork 12:28 - Dairy Guests Hannah Clarke, Senior Analyst (Red Meat) Freya Shuttleworth, Analyst (Livestock & Dairy) Patty Clayton, Lead Analyst (Dairy) 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  Production to grow slightly in 2023 due to h

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange Manager Emma Steele joins Dr Liz Nabb. They discuss the management and control of lameness in sheep, focusing on footrot vaccination which Liz looked at in her recently completed AHDB funded PhD whilst also covering the five-point plan.   With lambing just around the corner for many, they also briefly discuss top tips for lambing 2023 in the wake of reported iodine shortages and reinforce the importance of good quality colostrum for newborn lambs. This podcast is in support of this month’s #ColostrumIsGold campaign. Find out more here: colostrumisgold.org  Dr Liz Nabb is a Veterinary Investigation Officer (VIO) at APHA following 16 years as a practising farm vet in North Devon and then recently completing her AHDB and BBSRC funded PhD at University of Birmingham looking at the footrot vaccine in sheep.   Useful links: ·         Watch Liz’s webinar on her PhD results and managing lameness AHDB Beef & Lamb: Managing lameness in

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast we discuss the gap between food production on farm and the end consumer, often referred to as ‘Farm to Fork’. There are a multitude of ways in which we can all help to bridge this gap and boost the reputation of our industry. This can be through educating the public on how their food is produced and tackling misinformation often portrayed in the media.  Firstly, AHDB’s Head of Marketing Carrie McDermid talks about the work the marketing team do to promote eating red meat and dairy as part of a healthy balanced diet. AHDB’s successful We Eat Balanced campaign returned to TV screens over Christmas and major retailers got involved too with eight million on-pack stickers, milk bottle branding and banner adverts on retailer websites. The podcast then hears from a group of levy payers who joined AHDB’s Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager Izak Van Heerden at the LAMMA show in Birmingham to discuss ‘Bridging the gap between farm and fork’. They all have a broad social

Poorly planned disbudding can be stressful for calves and stressful for the people undertaking the task. It’s often undervalued on farm, and it’s important therefore that we give focus to this task. In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager Thom Washbourne is joined by James Hipperson, clinical vet from Belmont Farm and Equine Vets in Herefordshire, to discuss legislation, best practice and whether sedation can play a significant role in reducing the stress during disbudding. Useful links How to disbud dairy calves efficiently, easily and painlessly An 8-step guide to disbudding a dairy calf Dairy calf management Calf management guide 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 Herrick, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).

Levy payers work hard to produce great food for the nation to eat and there are lots of steps between the farm gate and the shop shelf. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss part of these steps with some of AHDB’s marketing specialists. AHDB is launching another burst of its Mix up Midweek with Pork consumer marketing campaign today, 23 January 2023, and members of the marketing team share details of the activities they have planned to help put pork onto the shopping lists of Britain’s households.  Talking to host, John Bates, are AHDB’s Kate Abbey, Marketing Manager, Denise Spencer-Walker, Food Communications Manager and Stasha Napior-Kowska, Senior Account Manager. Useful links Mix Up Midweek 2023- LovePork | AHDB Pork takes centre stage in AHDB's health-focused marketing campaign | AHDB Recipes and Information to Inspire the Nation | Love Pork Mix up Midweek with Pork campaign returns | AHDB Get in touch if you have any questions or to find out more about anything discussed in this podcast: K

The first phase of a major review of the Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) is taking place this winter.  In this food and farming podcast, AHDB’s Jason Pole talks to Jenna Watts, who leads on integrated pest management research at AHDB. The Q & A session explores the variety trialling project and the need to review it periodically. Listen in to find out how to take part in the review, which includes a questionnaire, focus groups and stakeholder meetings.  Useful links: Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) review (2022–2023) 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 us with your thoughts, comments and suggestions: foodandfarming@ahdb.org.uk  This episode was edited by Chloe Kimberley, Marcomms Executive (Cereals & Oilseeds).   

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, our Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager, Sarah Pick is joined by Simon Turner, a scientist working at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) with a particular interest in livestock behaviour and how it impacts welfare and maternal performance.  Flighty cows have been shown to produce poorer calves, but do we know why that is? Up until now, cow temperament has only been looked at from a safety perspective focused on the risk of injury to handlers. However, Simon has been researching how cow temperament can affect her fertility, reproductive performance and ability to produce a vigorous calf that grows well up to weaning. Listen to the podcast to find out more. This podcast forms part of AHDB’s Maternal Matters project, helping suckler producers breed heifer replacements which are efficient, profitable and fit for the future. For more information, please visit https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/maternal-matters .

In this episode, we discuss our current pork Monitor Farm Programme, which has been running for the last year. As we enter the final months of work, we share how the Pork Knowledge Exchange team has introduced lean management techniques to pig farmers and helped them make positive changes to benefit their businesses. Pig producers are saving labour and money by stepping back and looking at things with fresh eyes, using proven lean management techniques to find more efficient ways of working. Improvements often relate to simple things, and some of these uncomplicated changes are already making a massive impact. They are achieving savings which add up over time without compromising performance.   Speaking to the host, John Bates, are Andrew Palmer, Knowledge Exchange Relationship Manager at AHDB, who leads on the delivery of the Monitor Farm Programme, and Lean Management Consultant Neil Fedden of Fedden USP Ltd.   Useful links Lean management for farmers and growers | AHDB Bringing lean management to life w

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, we are reviewing the last year and looking ahead to 2023’s input costs and future rotations. Knowledge Exchange Managers Izzy Eames (North East), Hannah Bowden (South East) and Michelle Nuttall (North West) will be talking to three experts, Grower Collin Chappell, Agronomist and Nuffield Farming Scholarship Chris Taylor and AHDB Lead Analyst – Farm Economics, Mark Topliff.  We hear the biggest input cost across Colin Chappell’s business this year and how Colin is dealing with these rises and any changes implemented. Chris Taylor discusses the changes farmers are making due to the increase in input costs from fertiliser, changing their rotations to be at a lower input and planning for next year. Mark chats about the most significant cost concern for farmers and the changes that have occurred over the last 12 months.  Useful links Managing the rising costs of farm inputs Preparing for change: the characteristics of top performing farms Farmbench results:

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, we are looking ahead and planning for 2023 with a focus on grazing, using herbal leys and the benefits of outwintering on fodder beet. Our grass specialist Katie Evans speaks to New Zealand fodder beet expert Dr Jim Gibbs and UK expert Marc Jones (KWS) about how to successfully outwinter stock on fodder beet to maximise performance and reduce costs.  We hear about how the crop can fit into your farm system and be utilised with herbal and grass leys. Getting the most out of your grazing can help prepare you for extreme weather events, have a positive environmental impact and has been proven to reduce production costs.  To find out more, visit the following webpages: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/ahdb-grass  https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/paddock-design-and-transition-of-cattle-to-fodder-beet https://ahdb.org.uk/fodder-beet-sheep-video