The Farmers Weekly Podcast

Artificial intelligence can diagnose crop symptoms, interrogate huge amounts of data and even devise a fungicide programme. But can it really replace an experienced agronomist? In this episode, Johann Tasker investigates what AI could mean for crop management. He travels from a Bedfordshire wheat field to the banks of the Thames, an agronomy office in Essex, farm trials in East Anglia and to Cambridge University. Arable grower Andrew Robinson is already putting AI to the test by allowing it to devise a fungicide programme for his winter wheat. Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains why general-purpose chatbots can give convincing but wrong answers – and why specialist agricultural AI could be much more powerful. Independent agronomist Alex Hall considers where human judgement still matters – and how AI could help human agronomists do a better job. And Agrii’s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal what happened when they put technology head-to-head with conventional farm decision-making. Finally, former Mineral chief executive Dr Elliott Grant looks ahead to agentic AI – systems capable of investigating problems, using specialist tools and potentially taking action themselves. Chapters 00:00 – Can AI manage a wheat crop?Andrew Robinson explains why he handed the fungicide programme for half a hectare of winter wheat to AI – and why the resulting crop caught his attention. 03:01 – Putting ChatGPT to the agronomy testCan a chatbot diagnose yellowing wheat? Johann Tasker tests what ChatGPT can – and cannot – do when faced with a real-world crop problem. 05:58 – What is AI actually doing?Machine-learning specialist Freddie Alan Stevens explains how large language models work, why they hallucinate and the risks of relying on confident-sounding answers. 09:30 – Why specialist agricultural AI mattersFrom wheat counting and disease recognition to slug prediction and satellite interpretation, could purpose-built models prove more useful than general-purpose chatbots? 12:36 – What does an agronomist bring?Ceres Rural partner and independent agronomist Alex Hall discusses experience, judgement, risk and the importance of understanding an individual farm business. 16:18 – Can AI give agronomists more experience?A farmer gets only one harvest each year. Could machines learn from thousands – and help advisers draw on far more information than any individual could absorb? 19:27 – Man versus machineAgrii’s Jonathan Trotter and Sam Fordham reveal the results of a field experiment comparing technology with conventional decision-making. 22:47 – The connected farmHow sensors, drones, satellites, weather information, research data and AI could increasingly work together to support farm decisions. 24:42 – Bias, trust and ground-truthing AIWho built the system? What was it trained on? And could commercial interests influence its recommendations? Jonathan Trotter explains what growers must check. 27:45 – The next leap: agentic AIAt Cambridge University’s Whittle Laboratory, Dr Elliott Grant explains the arrival of AI agents capable of reasoning, using specialist tools and carrying out tasks autonomously. 31:36 – What happens to the agronomist?As routine knowledge becomes easier for machines to reproduce, specialist expertise, proprietary knowledge and an understanding of individual farms could become increasingly valuable. 34:13 – Back to the AI wheat trialAndrew Robinson reveals how Microsoft Copilot devised its fungicide strategy – including finding the wrong weather forecast – and why the AI programme cost more than his farm standard. 37:11 – Asking AI the right questionCleanest crop, highest yield, best margin, lowest environmental impact or least risk? The answer an AI produces depends heavily on the objective it is given. 38:30 – Farmer, agronomist and AIWhat have the experiments and interviews taught us? Johann brings together the evidence before asking ChatGPT the original question one final time. This episode is brought to you by LG Seeds UK – providing innovative, reliable seed solutions to farmers in a changing world. Special Guests: Andrew Robinson – farms director, Heathcote Farms. Andrew is trialling an AI-generated winter wheat fungicide programme alongside the farm’s conventional approach. ChatGPT – ⁠the general-purpose AI assistant tested throughout the episode. Freddie Allen-Stevens – machine-learning and AI specialist at Insight ML, with experience developing agricultural applications including crop counting and slug-risk prediction. Alex Hall – partner and independent agronomist at  ⁠Ceres Rural in Saffron Walden. Ceres provides independent crop-management and agronomy advice. Jonathan Trotter – part of  ⁠Agrii’s research and agricultural technology work, exploring how digital technologies and agronomy can be combined in practical crop management. Sam Fordham – works in Agrii’s digital agriculture operation, including its Contour platform and the integration of farm, crop, weather and remote-sensing data. Dr Elliott Grant – technology and agriculture entrepreneur who led agricultural AI work at Google X and later became chief executive of Mineral. His work has focused on the intersection of AI, technology and agriculture. Useful links ⁠ChatGPT – the general puropose large language model from OpenAI. ⁠Agrii digital farming and precision agriculture – including information about Agrii’s RHIZA and Contour digital agronomy services. Insight LM – machine learning consultancy services to help businesses leverage data-driven insights. ⁠Ceres Rural – information about Ceres Rural’s independent agronomy and crop-management services. ⁠Dr Elliott Grant – background on Elliott’s work in agricultural technology and AI, including his work at Cambridge University's Whittle Laboratory. This episode of Farm Insight was written, edited, produced, sound-designed and hosted by Johann Tasker for Farmers Weekly. To get in touch with Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly For sponsor or advertising opportunities, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will a new carbon tax push up fertiliser prices? Has the farming industry successfully regulated its own pesticide use? And could English olive oil become the next big farming opportunity? In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine the government’s latest proposals for a carbon tax on imported fertiliser – and what they could mean for farm businesses when the new rules take effect in January 2027. New figures suggest the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could initially cost considerably less than feared. But with fertiliser prices already rising, growers remain concerned about the longer-term implications. We speak to Harriet Trewin of the Agricultural Industries Confederation about the likely impact on ammonium nitrate prices and what farmers should do ahead of the changes. We also visit Parliament to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Voluntary Initiative, the industry-led scheme promoting responsible pesticide use. Voluntary Initiative chairman David Bell explains why good stewardship is increasingly important as farmers face the loss of key crop protection products. Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain discusses the importance of industry self-regulation and the need for government support. Meanwhile, in Lincolnshire, farmer David Hoyles is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the Fens with what is believed to be Britain’s first commercial olive harvest. After investing £1 million and planting 18,000 olive trees, he is producing premium English olive oil. We visit his farm near Spalding to discover how the venture is progressing. Plus, our latest autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines the balance between delayed drilling, grassweed control and crop establishment. We also bring you the latest UK livestock and arable commodity prices, discuss farmland bird populations and preview Farmers Weekly Live, taking place at Stoneleigh Park in July 2027. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and this week’s headlines00:56 – Fertiliser carbon tax: What will CBAM cost farmers?01:28 – Harriet Truan, AIC: Latest estimates and fertiliser price implications05:14 – Analysis: Carbon taxes, farm margins and global competition10:34 – Autumn Drilling Update: Grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science13:08 – The Voluntary Initiative celebrates 25 years13:38 – David Bell: Responsible pesticide use and protecting active ingredients17:21 – Wendy Chamberlain MP: Why industry self-regulation matters19:37 – Analysis: Has the Voluntary Initiative been successful?26:11 – Farmers Weekly Live: Plans for July 202728:40 – On the farm: Rainfall, cover crops and farmland bird populations31:05 – Commodity markets: Latest livestock, grain and fuel prices32:38 – Britain’s first commercial olive harvest gets underway33:15 – David Hoyles: Growing olives and producing premium English olive oil36:19 – Analysis: Could olive growing take off across Britain?40:39 – Closing thoughts and next week’s podcast Guests Harriet Trewin – Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).David Bell – Chairman of the Voluntary Initiative and Scottish farmer.Wendy Chamberlain MP – Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife.David Hoyles – Lincolnshire farmer and founder of the English Olive Company. Useful links Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC)UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)The Voluntary InitiativeFarmers Weekly LiveEnglish Olive CompanyNational Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO) To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Abi: linkedin.com/in/abi-kay-38927130 Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has the government missed another opportunity to support British farming? In this special edition of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine Chancellor John Healey’s Autumn Budget and ask what it really means for farmers, food production and the wider rural economy. The Chancellor extended the fuel duty cut on red diesel, temporarily suspended tariffs on fertiliser and heating oil, and announced business rates relief that could benefit farm shops. But with farm profitability under severe pressure, inheritance tax reforms unchanged and food production costs continuing to rise, industry leaders say the Budget offers little encouragement. NFU president Tom Bradshaw warns that farmers feel abandoned by a government that repeatedly promises to make food security a national priority. Country Land and Business Association president Gavin Lane says the Budget represents a missed opportunity to stimulate rural economic growth, Meanwhile, agricultural accountant Sam Kirkham, partner and head of farms at Albert Goodman, urges farming businesses to keep a close watch on cash flow. We also examine changes to biodiversity net gain, the outlook for food price inflation and the political calculations behind what some describe as a surprisingly benign Budget. Could the Chancellor’s cautious approach even signal an early general election? Hosted by Johann Tasker, with Hugh Broom and Louise Impey. Guest speakersTom Bradshaw – President, National Farmers’ Union (NFU)Gavin Lane – President, Country Land and Business Association (CLA)Sam Kirkham – Partner and Head of Farms and Estates, Albert Goodman Chapters00:00 – Autumn Budget: What does it mean for farmers?01:17 – Sam Kirkham: A Budget that fails to encourage investment02:41 – Tom Bradshaw: Farmers feel abandoned05:17 – Gavin Lane: A missed opportunity for rural growth06:55 – Inheritance tax: Has the government closed the door?09:41 – Food inflation and the cost of production10:26 – Red diesel and fertiliser: Will tax relief make a difference?12:01 – Rural energy costs: Who benefits from the Budget?13:45 – Business rates: Welcome relief for farm diversification15:31 – Biodiversity net gain: Has the market been undermined?18:16 – Farm profitability and the future of food security22:18 – What does the government want from the countryside?24:05 – Practical advice: What should farmers do now?25:54 – Hugh Broom and Louise Impey deliver their verdict29:15 – Could a cautious Budget signal an early election?31:12 – Can the government deliver growth while ignoring farming?33:40 – Final verdict: A missed opportunity for agriculture Useful links - HM Treasury – Autumn 2026 Budgets Documents- Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)- National Farmers’ Union (NFU)- Country Land and Business Association (CLA)- Albert Goodman – Accountants and Business Advisers- Farmers Weekly – Latest farming news and analysis This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm leaders are calling for an urgent rethink of inheritance tax and investment allowances ahead of the autumn Budget on 28 October. With farm investment stalling and confidence at a low ebb, the NFU and major supermarket chains are urging the government to introduce tax reforms that could unlock billions of pounds of private investment in UK agriculture. CLA chief tax adviser Louise Speke explains why changes to inheritance tax and capital allowances could help farmers invest in machinery, buildings and reservoirs – without requiring major government spending. We visit Lincolnshire potato grower Alex Godfrey, who explains how drought, soaring fuel costs and increasingly unpredictable weather are making potato production more challenging. With irrigation and storage requiring substantial investment, growers want greater certainty over water supplies and future contracts. Meanwhile, McCain’s latest FarmDex report highlights growing concerns about extreme weather, rising costs and government policy. We also examine the government’s plans to encourage organic farming, the newly agreed sugar beet price for 2027-28 and the latest livestock, grain and fuel markets. And Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie Ireland make a surprise appearance at the Conservative Party conference, highlighting the financial pressures facing British farmers. Plus, our autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines herbicide resistance and how growers can protect the effectiveness of weed control programmes. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: What farming needs from the autumn Budget01:28 – Farm tax reform: NFU and CLA call for investment incentives02:03 – Louise Speke: Inheritance tax and capital allowances05:45 – Farm investment stalls amid policy uncertainty11:08 – Food security and the case for government action16:41 – Autumn drilling update: Herbicide resistance and Italian ryegrass18:59 – Potato harvest: Drought, irrigation and rising production costs22:31 – Why growers need better access to water23:46 – Lessons from a challenging potato harvest26:27 – McCain FarmDex: Farmers struggle with costs and uncertainty29:24 – Farmers Weekly journalists celebrate industry awards31:30 – Hedgehog decline: The debate over farming and badgers34:29 – Organic farming: Government plans to expand production37:58 – Sugar beet: New 2027-28 price agreement40:40 – Markets: Beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel43:08 – Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie at the Conservative Party conference45:37 – Farming policy and the future of environmental regulation49:12 – Conclusion: What next for British farming? Special guests: Louise Speke – Chief tax adviser, Country Land and Business Association.Jenny Deakin – Bayer Crop Science.Alex Godfrey – Potato grower, Lincolnshire. Useful links: National Farmers’ Union – Farming policy and campaignsCountry Land and Business Association – Taxation and rural business policyHM Treasury – Government Budgets and financial statementsHMRC – Agricultural Property ReliefHMRC – Annual Investment AllowanceGB Potatoes – Potato industry informationAHDB – Agricultural market intelligence This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soaring diesel prices are putting fresh pressure on farm businesses – and the outlook suggests volatility could continue well into 2027. In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine what is driving the surge in fuel costs, whether farmers should buy now or wait, and how hedging and reducing diesel use could help manage the risk. We also ask whether artificial intelligence could eventually replace your agronomist after Bedfordshire grower Andrew Robinson handed control of a winter wheat fungicide programme to AI. Plus, we hear from some of the winners at the 2026 Farmers Weekly Awards, discuss the latest debate over rural Britain and farm policy, bring you our weekly market round-up, and unveil Farmers Weekly Live – a new farm business event coming to Stoneleigh Park in July 2027. The episode also includes the Farmers Weekly Autumn Drilling Update, in association with Bayer Crop Science. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction00:53 – Why diesel prices are soaring03:59 – Should farmers buy diesel now or wait?06:33 – What expensive diesel means for farming14:10 – Autumn Drilling Update17:02 – Can AI replace your agronomist?19:05 – How AI could change agronomy24:36 – This week in farming27:37 – Rural Britain and Westminster31:17 – Farming and the UK’s relationship with Europe34:05 – Markets36:38 – Farmers Weekly Live launches43:01 – Podcast close Guests Patrick Crean – fuel procurement manager, AF GroupJenny Deakin – Bayer Crop ScienceAndrew Robinson – Bedfordshire arable farmerAndrew Meredith – editor, Farmers WeeklyDan Smith – managing director, Farmers WeeklyPresented by: Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Useful links Farmers Weekly Live – 6-7 July 2027, NAEC StoneleighDetails of the new event and registration of interest.  ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/farmers-weekly-live Red diesel price volatility hits autumn fieldworkFarmers Weekly’s report on the sharp rise in fuel costs and the implications for autumn operations.  ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/red-diesel-price-volatility-hits-autumn-fieldwork Farmers Weekly Awards 2026 winnersThe full list of this year’s winners, including Farm Manager of the Year Will Jones and Environmental Champion Colin Chappell.  ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/past-winners-2026 Alistair Leake – Lifetime Achievement AwardFarmers Weekly profile of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement winner.  ⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/farmers-weekly-awards-2026-lifetime-achievement-winner Bayer Crop Science – autumn grassweed managementAdvice on blackgrass, Italian ryegrass and brome management in wheat.  ⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/insights/weed-management/weed-out-uncertainty Alternator Met herbicide informationBayer Crop Science information on autumn cereal weed control and application timings.  ⁠https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/our-products/herbicides/alternator-met Farmers Weekly – latest farming news, analysis and markets⁠https://www.fwi.co.uk/ Contact the podcast: [email protected] listeners can text FARM followed by their message to 88440.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.