Kite Consulting

In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving intersection of technology and the dairy industry with experts Caroline Hamilton from Intelligent Dairy Solutions and Matt Butlin, Head of Ag Tech from AB Agri. Join Will and Ben as we discuss the impact of robotics, AI, and data integration on dairy farming, as well as the challenges and opportunities these advancements present. From effectively utilising vision technology, improving feed efficiency and the importance of data collaboration and linking systems, as well as making better use of existing data which could shape the future of dairy farming. With Chris Walkland providing his usual market report that highlights the current challenges facing the dairy sector, particularly concerning the impact of increased U.S. access to the UK food market. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

https://www.kiteconsulting.com/2025/09/01/decoding-dairy-disruption/ Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

This week on the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Rob Daykin, Managing Director of Daykin Partnership and organic farmer Will Armitage, as they delve into the current state of the organic milk sector. The episode explores milk flows, forage availability and the challenges faced by organic farmers in today's climate. Rob shares insights from his extensive experience in organic farming and consultancy, while Will discusses the impact of weather conditions on forage stocks and the strategies he's employing to navigate these challenges. The conversation highlights the resilience of the organic sector amid ongoing pressures and the importance of maintaining a stable supply for consumers. Chris Walkland also returns with his market report, providing a detailed analysis of the latest developments affecting the dairy market, including significant fluctuations in prices and the implications for organic producers. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

This week Ben Eagle and Will Evans welcome Shelagh Hancock, Chief Executive of First Milk, to discuss the cooperative's impressive annual financial results and the broader implications for the dairy industry. Shelagh reflects on the significant progress First Milk has made over the past year, including the successful integration of BV Dairy into their operations. Additionally, Shelagh shares insights into First Milk's commitment to regenerative farming and its impact on sustainability and farm resilience, as well as the cooperative's strategic initiatives, community engagement, and future growth plans. The conversation also explores the ongoing challenges in the milk market, with Chris Walkland providing his expert analysis on current trends and price fluctuations affecting dairy producers. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this poignant episode of the Kite Podcast, hosts Ben Eagle and Will Evans are joined by Cheshire dairy farmers Tom and Karen Halton, who share their heartfelt journey of deciding to sell their herd after a remarkable career in dairy farming. Winners of the Dairy Farmer of the Year category at the British Farming Awards 2024, the Halton’s reflect on their successful tenanted dairy business and the emotional challenges surrounding their decision to step away from the industry. As they discuss the factors that led to this significant life change, Tom and Karen delve into their experiences of navigating the ups and downs of dairy farming, from market fluctuations to personal aspirations. The conversation also touches on their future plans, including property development and the joy of exploring new opportunities. Chris Walkland returns with his insightful milk market report, with an update on current market trends and challenges facing the dairy sector. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Watch the BUCS pilot results video here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lEQ3ELF9Bg  Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this episode, hosts Ben Eagle and Will Evans explore the role of on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) in the UK dairy sector with guests Gary Hague, UK Sustainability and Development Manager for Biolectric, and Kite’s Sustainability Lead, Helen Dent. The discussion provides an overview of AD technology, its role in managing slurry and manure more sustainably, and its potential to reduce the environmental footprint of dairy farming. Helen and Gary share insights on adoption rates, farmer perceptions, financial incentives, and whether AD can help processors meet carbon reduction targets. They also explore the differences between large-scale and small-scale AD systems, and the viability of operating plants solely on slurry without the need for additional feedstock. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

After Chris Walkland’s dairy market update this week, Ben Eagle is joined by Kevin Ziemba, Global Applied Genetic Consulting Manager at STGenetics (parent company of Cogent Breeding) and Steve West, Senior Consultant with Kite to explore the latest in genetics and genomics in dairy farming. They discuss the financial benefits of breeding for Ecofeed to improve feed efficiency and profitability, as well as how to build a genetic strategy to best fit your business. They also discuss the newly discovered gene responsible for muscle weakness in calves and the impact this could have. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In episode 260 of the Kite Podcast, hosts Ben Eagle and Will Evans explore major upcoming developments at Yew Tree Dairy, including a £45 million investment in its Skelmersdale production site—just nine months after acquisition from Muller. This strategic move is not only aimed at expanding the business but also at further aligning Yew Tree Dairy offering farmers new and updated supplier contracts, Joining the conversation are Rob Hutchison, CEO of Muller Milk & Ingredients, and podcast producer Becki Reay, who shares valuable insights into the future of dairy processing and what it means for farmers. The episode also features Chris Walkland’s latest milk market report, highlighting recent trends and challenges in the dairy market. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

https://www.dairyuk.org/the-dairy-roadmap/ Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this episode, hosts Ben Eagle and Will Evans delve into the current harvest prospects as combines begin to roll across the UK. Joined by James Bolesworth, Managing Director of CRM AgriCommodities and Chris Pickles, Procurement Manager from KW Feeds, they examine the impact of recent dry weather in the UK on forage stocks, complexities of the feed markets and the factors influencing supply and prices. The conversation also touches on the impact of geopolitical events, currency fluctuations and the ongoing challenges faced by farmers in the current climate. With an optimistic yet cautious outlook, they highlight the importance of strategic planning as the agricultural landscape continues to evolve. Chris Walkland also shares his usual insights in the milk market report, discussing the recent GDT drops and their implications for milk pricing. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Revisit the list of practical solutions from Charlie at Tim at minute 17.  Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this episode, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle continue their exploration of Irish agriculture with an inspiring story from Frank Dunne and his farming journey after he bought his first dairy farm at 26 years old. Joined by podcast producer Becki Reay and dairy market analyst Chris Walkland, the team delve into Frank's evolution from leaving his uncle’s dairy farm, to beef and progressing onto become a successful dairy farmer; discussing his innovative approaches and future aspirations, redefining success in dairy. Chris shares insights from the latest milk market report, highlighting significant developments in the European dairy industry, including the recent Arla and DMK merger discussions. The conversation also touches on the challenges of land availability in Northern Ireland and the importance of strategic planning in farming. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this week’s episode, we explore the proposed Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) in Northern Ireland, which has sparked significant debate within the agri-food sector. Join hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle, along with guests Aileen Lawson from the Ulster Farmers Union, Jason Rankin from AgriSearch and dairy market analyst Chris Walkland, as they delve into the implications of the NAP, the concerns raised by farmers and the potential impact on the agricultural landscape. With insights from their recent trip to Northern Ireland, the team discusses the balance between environmental responsibility and agricultural productivity, highlighting the urgent need for constructive dialogue and collaboration between farmers and policymakers. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

https://www.farmertime.uk/https://justfarmers.orghttps://ahdb.org.ukhttps://farmsunday.orghttps://www.nuffieldscholar.org/agdiversity  Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Following Chris’ milk market report, Will Evans is joined by compact feeding pioneer Niels Bastian Kristensen, Kite consultant Mike Bray, JG Vigar and Son’s herd manager Dane De Boorder based in Wiltshire, and podcast producer Becki Reay. Together, they explore the transformative potential of compact feeding, delving into its advantages, potential drawbacks, and the unique challenges faced by UK dairy farmers. Dane De Boorder discusses the recent masterclass hosted by JG Vigar and Son, he talks about the productivity improvement on farm over the past 4 years & what he’s learnt from introducing compact feeding. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

To find out more about Kite's Herd Management Training which starts in August 2025 and is now open for applications, please email people@kiteconsulting.com  Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Episode 152 Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

After Chris’ market report this week, highlighting a positive outlook for dairy prices, Will and Ben shift their focus from milk markets to the intricacies of feed markets, featuring insights from Chris Pickles, Procurement Manager at KW Feeds and Kite Technical Consultant Maimie French. Maimie provides an overview of the spring season, noting the quality of first cuts and the impact of weather on forage yields across the UK and touches on the challenges of heat stress. Chris discusses feed commodity markets, with ongoing considerations around protein sources for dairy rations, particularly the comparison between soya and rape meal, with an interesting and welcomed update on EU deforestation regulations. They also contemplate the potential outlook for harvest 2025 amidst current dry conditions and market uncertainties. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Will and Ben are back this week, joined by Chris, who has just returned from holiday. In this episode, they delve into the current milk volume situation and the evolving milk market dynamics. With insights from Kite Director John Allen and podcast producer Becki Reay, the team discusses the implications of spring peak milk production, processing capacity, and the unexpected stability of milk prices amidst high volumes. Chris shares his market report, revealing how recent weather patterns and factory challenges have shaped the landscape. The conversation also touches on the contrasting pricing mechanisms of different processors and the potential future of milk pricing as the industry navigates these unique circumstances. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.