Kite Consulting

After Chris’ usual report and following on from last week’s episode on the Governments new Budget, Will and Ben are joined by Rob Hitch, Partner at Dodd Accountants and Alex Jack, dairy farmer from Fife, to discuss what farming families and businesses can practically do to make sure they are fit for the new legislation. Rob outlines some advice to farmers in terms of working out assets and risks and what can be done to mitigate some of these, emphasising the importance of acting sooner rather than later and having plans and open discussions around succession. Alex introduces her family business & how this she sees this affect them, highlighting the importance of seeking advice from the right professionals to make sure people don’t get caught out.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.

NFU Online - what is a mass lobby 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 usual report, he joins Kite Director John Allen to discuss autumn milk flows, first touching on the outcome of the CMA in relation to Muller’s acquisition of Yew Tree and what this means for the industry. They discuss the milk flows this autumn with record high volumes being produced throughout October as the trend for moving to autumn block calving continues. They go on to flag issues with seasonality payments as an unintended consequence of the milk contracts legislation which is currently being reviewed again.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’ report, Will and Ben are joined by Tom and Karen Halton who are finalists for British Farming Awards ‘Dairy Farmer of the Year’, as well as last year’s winner Patrick Morris-Eyton, to discuss the Awards ahead of the ceremony later this evening. Tom and Karen introduce their business including their priorities on farm in terms of maintaining high herd welfare standards and looking after their staff, as well as why they feel it’s important to them to connect with the public as the end user of the product they produce and how they do this. Paddy outlines how his farm has changed since they won the Award last year and as a judge this year, what he has seen in the candidates in terms of forward-thinking and sustainable farming. Paddy, Tom & Karen discuss why award ceremonies such as this are important to showcase best practice and excellence in people within the industry.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’ report this week, Will and Ben are joined by Nuffield scholar Ruth Grice, who works on her family’s dairy farm in Leicestershire as well as being the Farm Liaison and Sustainability Manager for Long Clawson Dairy, along with Rachael Madeley-Davies, Head of Environment Technical at AHDB to discuss how dairy farmers & environmental organisations can work together to achieve sustainable food security & combat climate change. With her Nuffield Scholarship and previous role within the Wildlife Trust, Ruth offers a unique perspective on the topic including how their environmental priorities on farm sit with what she has learned during her Scholarship from both farmers & environmental organisations in other countries. Ruth & Rachael discuss the role that Levy Boards play in connecting all the different elements, right through to the consumer. With the fundamental outcome being that of collaboration & creation of positive messaging between farmers, land managers, conservationists and the general public to ultimately achieve the same goal.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' report this week, Will and Ben are joined by Kite consulting’s Eliot Greenfield consultant based in Cumbria with special interests including business management and planning, ruminant nutrition and technical consultancy, Scottish Dairy Farmer Robin Campbell, and podcast producer Becki Reay, who thinks it was a good time to look back on farms costs and profits for the last financial year and reflect on what is ahead. The group discuss current market situation, cost of production, and how profitable dairy farmers are looking 6 months into financial year. Eliot goes on to advise what should business owns be doing…Is this a time to invest or hold on to the cash?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 223 of the Kite Podcast, Will and Ben are joined Canada’s Farm Whisperer, Elaine Froese, AHDB’s Amy Hughes and Kite podcast producer, Becki Reay. The group talk about the taboo subject …Succession. Elaine a certified coach, speaker and author and an expert in helping farm families to improve their communication has been brought over to the UK by AHDB to speak in their upcoming Autumn workshops. The group discuss why this appears to be a difficult topic to discuss at home, how to approach these types of conversations with family and how to resolve communication issues. 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 after Chris’ report, Will and Ben are joined by Andrea Lendewig, Head of Research and Development at IFCN and Dominik Streyl from Josera, who along with Becki attended IFCN Supporter Conference which was held in Poland last week. With Andrea’s presentation this year on global dairy status, she discusses the challenges the industry has been facing over the last few years, including the effects of unstable global economy, changes in environmental regulations, extreme weather and Geopolitical conflict on global supply, alongside the increasing global demand for milk. With Josera as a main sponsor of the conference, Dominik describes the productivity and structure of European dairy farms and the need to employ effective change management to address the changes the industry will need to make moving forward. Making comment on the opportunity for host country Poland to dramatically increase productivity and output. They conclude with an overall positive message for global and UK dairy. 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.

DEFRA Bluetongue information 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 after Chris’ report, Will and Ben are joined by Paul Macer and Amy Watson from Kite as well as James Bolesworth, CEO at CRM AgriCommodities for an update on the feed markets & forage situation on farm. Paul and Amy discuss the growing season and the quality and quantity of forage in clamps, in particular the variability in quality, but with lower protein forages being more common. They consider the impact of late planting on maize growth and both cereal and straw yields. James gives headline prices for the feed and commodity markets for key feed materials and discusses how political challenges are effecting this. Paul goes onto discuss the milk production volumes coming out of quarter 3 into quarter 4 ahead, in the context of the current milk price feed price ratio. 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' report this week, Will and Ben are joined by Kite consulting director John Allen and Erik Elgersma, founder and director of Strategic Analysis Services BV. The group talk about the current record high butter prices and how these are underpinning milk prices at present as reflected in today’s milk price announcement by Arla and Muller. They go on to debate the potential risk of a milk price driven by one specific element. Moving on from butter to discuss current milk volumes and cashflows on farm and the situation regarding trade tensions between China and the EU.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.

Book the Kite PDO Conference here 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.

Report - Organic Dairy: battered, bruised, but back on the up?Kite Progressive Dairy Operators Conference - click for info & to book.  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.

Uncommonly at this time of year, Chris Walkland’s milk market report is distinctly positive this week! Will, Ben & the podcast team are then joined by Kite consulting’s Emma McAvoy and Derbyshire dairy farmer Adam Sills to talk about a recent report published by Kite Consulting which highlights £4 billion worth of investment required by the sector in order to future proof farm businesses against the impact & challenges of climate change on their farms. Adam shares his experience on the impact he has seen on his farm, including forage production challenges through summer droughts & the wetter winters and how he is investing to mitigate some of these risks. 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.

A bit of good news in Chris’ report today before Will and Ben are joined by Conor Mulvihill, Director of Dairy Industry Ireland and Kite Director John Allen for an update on the dairy situation in Ireland. Conor gives us a general update on how the year has been for Irish dairy including how adverse weather and environmental regulations are affecting farmers and current farmer sentiment. Connor and John discuss commodity markets, the Irish grass-based systems vs elsewhere in Europe, as well as processor sentiment in terms of investment. Connor also emphasises the need for better communication from an industry perspective on the positive changes farmers are making, especially to meet sustainability requirements. 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 joined this week by Erik Elgersma - founder and director of Strategic Analysis Services BV – a Dutch-based globally active consulting firm in strategy, market and competitive intelligence and training. Also with us is Kite Director John Allen, and Senior Consultant Becki Reay. As the new Labour government settles in here in the UK we thought we’d take a look at the political landscape elsewhere today, especially in Europe. We discuss the political changes happening across Europe and what this means for farmers. Erik gives us an update on the political situation in the Netherlands and a summary of the carbon tax policy and how this might affect Danish farmers. Chris Walkland gives his usual Milk Market report for this week.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' report this week, Will and Ben are joined by Lancashire dairy farmer Ed Towers and Kite consultant Tillie Williams to discuss the importance of investing in people. Ed and Tillie address the challenges associated with labour in agriculture, noting that labour costs are the second-largest expense on a farm. They explore how investing in employee development and training can positively impact the business, even if the benefits are not directly financial, by improving the business retention and positively influencing recruitment efforts. Tillie also discusses how changes in government and the likely resultant policies may affect employment and recruitment efforts.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.

A very special episode and a Kite podcast first as we record with a live audience from Down to Earth at Grosvenor Farms. Starting with the usual report from Chris Walkland, Will, Ben and Becki are joined by Mark Roach, Managing Director and Charlie Steer, Arable Manager for Grosvenor Farms, Helen Dent, Senior Sustainability Consultant with Kite and Amy Jackson, Director Oxtale Specialist Communications to discuss regenerative dairy farming. Helen outlines what we mean when talking about regenerative agriculture, looking at the SAI’s regen ag framework and what regen might look like for different systems. Mark and Charlie discuss the important role large, housed herds play in sustainable circular farming, what this means in the context of regen and how the principles have been integrated at Grosvenor. Focusing on questions from the audience, Amy emphasises that every farm can do something towards regen and the importance of authentically communicating these positive changes and messages to the consumer via the supply chain, with simplified proactive messaging.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’ report, this week Will and Ben are joined by an impressive line-up with Dr Anna Watkins MBE, double Olympic medallist and two times World Champion in the women’s double scull, Wendy Martinson OBE, Technical Lead and Performance Rehabilitation Nutritionist at the UK Sports Institute as well as Dr Judith Bryans, CEO at Dairy UK to discuss the import role dairy nutrition plays with athletes. Anna describes her journey into elite rowing and the role that dairy plays as part of her diet when training for events like the Olympics. Wendy introduces her role as a nutritionist to these elite athletes and why the composition of dairy products like milk, specifically play such an important role in their diet, including its ease of access wherever they are in the world and the importance of protein rich foods, especially for post workout recovery. Judith explains how Dairy UK are working with people like Anna & Wendy to educate teachers & other influential professionals about diary nutrition & running consumer campaigns via social media.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.

Register for the NFU Scotland Hustings here 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.