AHDB food and farming podcast

Farmers, special guests and AHDB specialists share their experiences and opinions, technical information, data, market intelligence, updates on exports, and the latest issues that impact your business. The AHDB food and farming podcast – worth a listen.

Agonomics with David and Jack

AHDB economists David Eudall and Jack Watts examine the stories behind the numbers from the world of agriculture.

As agri-food markets become more uncertain, driven by changing weather, geopolitics, energy costs and changing consumer demands, David and Jack track the latest trends and explain what it all means for our levy payer businesses. And what impact it has on consumers.

Each week the pair throw the spotlight on at least one sector, with the focus shared between arable, dairy, pork, beef and lamb as well as the wider farming industry. These sectors are ruled by the forces of economics and supply and demand which is why this podcast combines AGriculture and ecONOMICS.

Given commodity markets, their multi-annual cycles and key inputs continue to evolve, Jack and David draw on their combined decades of expertise to offer insight to help farmers and supply chains alike navigate the volatility and capitalise on opportunities.

If you have a question, or a suggestion for a future episode, please email the team at agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

Connecting school children with farming

John Bates lifts the lid on what we are doing to educate the next generation about the origins of their food.

From school farm visits to getting ingredients into schools, John and our Head of Education, Roz Reynolds discuss these initiatives in detail with the help of teachers and a beef farmer who've been involved.

British Pig & Poultry Fair round up

We bring you some of the highlights from the British Pig & Poultry Fair that took place at the NEC in May, where contingency planning for African swine fever (ASF) was among the topics of AHDB's theatre sessions.

Reporter Martin Winch catches up with our Head of Animal Health and Welfare, Dr Mandy Nevel, to talk more about ASF, as well as getting word from recently appointed Pork Sector Council Chair Glen Nimmo, and Head of Education, Roz Reynolds.

The Recommended Lists turn 80

We mark 80 years of the Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) which has been delivering trusted, independent variety information since 1944.

Join presenter Carolyn Smith for a potted history, with contributions from some of those who have helped shape the RL, and others who have relied on the guide.

Resilient beef: Lucerne, herbal leys & mindset

Following a difficult winter, AHDB Beef and Lamb Engagement Manager Emma Steele looks at how sustainable forages like lucerne can help us adapt to changing weather patterns, balance soil health, improve livestock performance and increase profitability.

Joining Emma is monitor farmer Ian Farrant and Paul Morgan, Germinal Sales Manager and forage guru.

Are you grazing in a 'green drought'?

Following a wet start to the grazing season, we look at the impact this has had on grass quality and milk production at the mid-point and how careful management is essential for a successful close to the round. 

Joining us is pasture-to-profit consultant Bess Jowsey and AHDB Forage for Knowledge farmer Richard Tucker to discuss what they’re seeing on farm, and how they're managing this so-called 'green drought'.