Pork is the focus in this episode as the Agonomics team are joined by AHDB colleagues Freya Shuttleworth and Vanessa Adamson to discuss the outlook for the market alongside current demand. They also look at public trust in farmers and what it means for buying British. Plus, find out who has never set foot in in a Greggs bakery. Some useful links: Pork market outlook | AHDB Q2 2025 Pork cost of production | AHDB Consumer positivity towards British agriculture and trust in farming hits six-year hi...
Aug 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 62
In an (almost) all-female episode, AHDB Senior Analyst Becky Smith and Retail and Consumer Insight Manager Emma Wantling are in to take us through the current outlook for the beef market, along with demand, predictions and how things are going in retail and food service. CEO news, dodgy puns and teasers for future guests are also on the cards. Useful stuff: Beef market outlook | AHDB New modelling on rising prices for beef forecast to impact consumer demand | AHDB England abattoir numbers – catt...
Aug 06, 2025•29 min•Ep. 61
AHDB Analyst Grace Bolton joins the Agonomics team to talk through the headlines from the Lamb market outlook's mid-year update, with new season lambs coming through later, lighter and in slightly fewer numbers. Charlotte highlights yoghurt's positive performance in the home while Hannah and Tom help explain the importance of the milk-to-feed-price ratio for dairy farmers. Plus, find out which member of the team won't be needing to to use a comb in the near future. Useful stuff: Lamb market outl...
Jul 30, 2025•30 min•Ep. 60
New AHDB Chair, Emily Norton, joins the Agonomics team to discuss her appointment as well as her aspirations for the organisation and farming in general. Emily says she's not here to fight for a "single version of any particular future" of agriculture and intends to make sure AHDB continues to serve all levy payers. Plus, find out how the recruitment process is going in the search for a new CEO. Useful links: New Chair of AHDB appointed by Defra Ministers | AHDB Graham Wilkinson to step down as ...
Jul 23, 2025•40 min•Ep. 59
UK tractor registrations have fallen significantly to their lowest level in over two decades and the Agonomics team discuss what may have caused this sharp drop. They also look at AHDB's first report of the earliest harvest for at least 19 years and this week's big question is around the importance of carcase balance. Plus, could we be expecting a lot of new jumpers to be knitted, as a sheep-shearing record falls? Useful links: Tractor market hits 25-year low as confidence wanes | AHDB First har...
Jul 16, 2025•32 min•Ep. 58
The Agonomics team take a look back at Groundswell, the regenerative agriculture festival, where Charlotte was part of one of the discussion panels. From AI in farming to wireworms, Charlotte's report from the two-day event brings you a flavour of what took place at Lannock Farm in Hitchin. Tom also looks at the difference between land sparing and land sharing. Plus, have you ever met a member of the Royal family? Some relevant links: AHDB champions evidence at Groundswell 2025 | AHDB Identifica...
Jul 09, 2025•34 min•Ep. 57
As early harvesting begins, the Agonomics team are joined by AHDB's Lead Analyst for C&O, Millie Askew, to look at the latest crop conditions across the UK. Charlotte and Tom report back from the National Craft Butchers event in Nottingham as well as explaining what diseconomies of scale refer to. Plus, find out which presenter is rather proud of where they grew up. Important stuff to read: Mixed fortunes for UK crops as rain offers partial relief | AHDB Direct selling of beef, lamb and pork...
Jul 02, 2025•34 min•Ep. 56
Tom's joined by AHDB Senior Analyst Becky Smith to discuss the trends of cattle slaughter ages in GB, with dairy-beef generally finishing later than suckler-bred animals. Charlotte runs through her review of Easter looking, in part, at how beef and lamb fared. And Hannah's question about how many Olympic-sized swimming pools of milk we produced last year is answered. Let's just say it's quite a few! Some useful info: Beef market update: BCMS data shows recent uptick in average slaughter ages for...
Jun 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 55
When it comes to dairy products, just how well are the organic and protein-rich markets faring? Hannah, Charlotte and Tom find out as they're joined by AHDB analyst Annabel Twinberrow. Following the recent spending review the team recap what we know so far before looking at the importance of seasonal demand for our farmers. Plus, find out what's been in producer Martin's lunchbox recently... Important links: Consumers demand natural, high protein dairy products | AHDB Spring Spending Review expl...
Jun 18, 2025•30 min•Ep. 54
The results from this year's Planting and Variety Survey are revealed as Charlotte, Hannah and Tom are joined by AHDB Senior Analyst Helen Plant to discuss them in more detail. We also hear what happened when 28 buyers from across the globe took part in our biggest ever inward mission for the red meat sector. And as 10 top tips for managing cabbage stem flea beetle are announced, find out which member of the team once shared a caravan with the pests! Some useful links: Planting and Variety Surve...
Jun 11, 2025•31 min•Ep. 53
Charlotte, Hannah and Tom take over the reins as David looks at the economics of agriculture for one last time. Among the topics discussed are flexitarian diets, Donald Trump's tariffs and why AHDB reports on pricing. Plus, who makes the lousiest cup of coffee? More on the important stuff: Video – What does future red meat consumption look like? | AHDB Impact of UK-US deal on UK agriculture | AHDB Markets and prices | AHDB If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonom...
Jun 04, 2025•31 min•Ep. 52
AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir joins David to talk about his life in farming as he comes to the end of his five years in the role. Nicholas offers insight into British agriculture, how it compares to the rest of the world, and the challenges that lie ahead. Plus, find out how David's getting on growing his own vegetables. More on the chair of AHDB: Nicholas Saphir to stand down as AHDB chair in spring 2025 | AHDB New Chair of AHDB appointed by Defra Ministers | AHDB Home | AHDB If you want to get in...
May 28, 2025•39 min•Ep. 51
There’s been a lot of talk about trade deals of late with new agreements in place with the US, India and most recently the EU. David's joined by his AHDB colleagues Sarah Baker and Amandeep Purewal to discuss the impact these arrangements could have on our farmers and levy payers. Plus, welcome to the world baby Evie. More on global trade: UK–EU trade summit presents opportunity for agri-food exports | AHDB What will the new UK-India Trade Deal mean for red meat and dairy? | AHDB Analyst Insight...
May 21, 2025•26 min•Ep. 50
The Land Use Framework presents an approach to inform and improve decision-making on how land is best used and managed to achieve Defra’s land use vision. In this episode David's joined by Lead Environment Specialist, Saskia van Dongen, to go through the five points AHDB raised for consideration during a recent consultation period. Plus, is buying a horse excessive? More on the framework: AHDB submits consultation response on Land Use Framework | AHDB Blog: Why a robust evidence base is essentia...
May 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 49
David delves into the world of natural capital to understand the potential ways farmers could get a financial return on their stock of natural resources such as trees, water, biodiversity, and soils. AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke is also on hand to run through the latest trends in some of the markets. Plus, find out who is a fan of The Cure. More on natural capital: Natural capital checklist for farmers | AHDB Natural capital: Leveraging environmental assets on farm roadshow | AHDB Additional incom...
May 07, 2025•27 min•Ep. 48
When exploring the impact of Brexit on the UK pork industry, it's important to understand that there have been multiple compounding factors at play. AHDB analysts Charlotte Forkes-Rees, Hannah Clarke, and Tom Spencer take the reins in order to go through the finer details. Plus, what were you doing five years ago? The Agonomics team reveal how the Covid lockdown affected them. More on the pork industry: The UK pork industry post-Brexit: A five-year overview | AHDB UK-US pork trade and Trump's ta...
Apr 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 47
David's joined by AHDB's Head of Economic Analysis, Sarah Baker, to help farmers understand the impact recent tariffs US President Donald Trump introduced could have on UK and global agricultural markets. The pair strip it down to the basics of supply and demand to help make sense of the current uncertainty. Plus, did you spot a mystery Easter bunny running about Ipswich over the bank holiday? David has all the details... More on Tariffs: The US imposes 10% tariff on all UK exports to the US | A...
Apr 23, 2025•31 min•Ep. 46
It’s all about food trends as David's joined by analyst Hannah McLoughlin to look at how meat and dairy outperformed alternatives at the start of the year as well as discovering why healthy and convenient meals are on the rise. Apparently, sandwiches reign supreme at lunch although we do like to eat Italian food, pies and pasties whatever the hour. Plus, find out who gatecrashes this week's recording (drum roll please). More on the consumer food trends: Meat and dairy outperform alternatives thi...
Apr 16, 2025•25 min•Ep. 45
As the annual Planting and Variety Survey opens, David's joined by his AHDB colleague Helen Plant to understand how UK farmers can get involved to help produce an early estimate for crop areas. The pair also look at a recent report on crop conditions. Plus, find out if David's use of sun cream improved since last summer. More on the Planting and Variety Survey: AHDB Planting and Variety Survey | AHDB Planting and Variety Survey FAQs | AHDB If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, ple...
Apr 09, 2025•25 min•Ep. 44
David turns his attention to the bluetongue virus which poses a big threat to the beef, lamb and dairy sectors. He's joined by AHDB colleagues to learn more about the Battle Bluetongue campaign as well as a vaccine finance calculator that can help farmers work out what they'll spend or save defending their stock. Plus, there's a discussion around (man) flu remedies. Bluetongue resources: Bluetongue virus latest news | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (sheep) | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination fin...
Apr 02, 2025•24 min•Ep. 43
David's back in the company of AHDB's lead dairy analyst, Susie Stannard, to talk about the recent Milk Forecasting Forum and pick out some of the main points of conversation. From herd size and milk yields to the availability of replacement heifers, there’s plenty for the pair to look at. Plus find out who's been doing some upcycling. More from the world of dairy: Milk Forecasting Forum discuss the challenges facing farmers in the 2025/26 season | AHDB Dairy markets | AHDB Battle Bluetongue cam...
Mar 26, 2025•25 min•Ep. 42
David is joined by analyst and podcast newcomer George Craddock to discuss inputs this week. They cover hay, straw and fertiliser to name a few. Plus, listen out for a very special guest presenter. More on farm inputs: Farm Inputs Overview | AHDB Cost of production | AHDB If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk Sign up to the AHDB Preference Centre so that you can: Easily update your preferences and contact information Get information on the lates...
Mar 19, 2025•15 min•Ep. 41
The subject of food security and what the term actually means comes under the spotlight as David's joined by colleague Jess Corsair. They look at what external factors can have an impact, what’s important to farmers, and what AHDB's doing in this area. Plus does David really look like an Olympic champion sprinter when he's out running? More on food security: Food security in the UK – three years on | AHDB Food security or self-sufficiency? | AHDB Food security in the UK | AHDB If you want to get...
Mar 12, 2025•21 min•Ep. 40
David hears first hand from farmers Gary Willoughby and Elaine Booth about the benefits of being involved with AHDB’s Arable Business Groups and Farmbench tool. It’s all about peer-to-peer learning with the aim of improving efficiency and increasing profits. Plus there’s an update on David’s kitchen renovation. More on the ABG and Farmbench tool: https://ahdb.org.uk/arable-business-groups https://ahdb.org.uk/farmbench https://ahdb.org.uk/farmbench-guide-2024 If you want to get in touch with the ...
Mar 05, 2025•26 min•Ep. 39
David goes over the recently published Pork and Cereals & Oilseeds outlooks, with the help of analysts Freya Shuttleworth and Millie Askew. They give their expert thoughts on production, costs, and what the future holds for these sectors over the next year. And find out why David's voicing his concerns about the state of British baking. If you’d like to read the outlooks in full or find out more about AHDB generally, here are some useful links: Pork market outlook | AHDB Cereals market outlo...
Feb 26, 2025•34 min•Ep. 38
David explores the link between retailers and the environment to find out how much of a bearing it has on imports, specifically beef and lamb. It follows on from work AHDB did last year comparing beef and lamb farm assurance schemes around the world, with David focussing on schemes that include environmental standards in Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. Plus, there's an update on David's kitchen renovation. But we know you care more about the farming stuff, so here are some useful links: Farm...
Feb 19, 2025•27 min•Ep. 37
It's AHDB’s agri-market outlook season and David's joined by his colleagues to do some future gazing in both the dairy and the beef and lamb sectors. Could there be positive news for farmers working in these fields in 2025? Plus find out who's trying their best to distract David and his guests this week? Back to the outlooks: Dairy market outlook | AHDB Beef market outlook | AHDB Lamb market outlook | AHDB If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk S...
Feb 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 36
The UK supply and demand estimates for cereals and oilseeds are up for discussion as David's joined by AHDB senior analyst Olivia Bonser. As usual, our one-stop shop for all things farming and finances includes the latest market update from one of AHDB's sectors. Plus, who's been tinkering with David's pipes? More on C&O: Market analysis - cereals and oilseeds | AHDB UK cereals supply and demand estimates | AHDB Futures prices | AHDB If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, pleas...
Feb 05, 2025•24 min•Ep. 35
Over three quarters of farms in England and Scotland of 50 hectares or more in size will be affected by the changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), according to new independent analysis from AHDB. Joining David to explain how this has been calculated is analyst Tom Spencer. And find out what rural tax expert Luke Cochrane has to say about the next steps for farming businesses. More on IHT and other resources: Inheritance tax changes to affect more than 75% of English and Scottish farms of 50 hectares ...
Jan 27, 2025•28 min•Ep. 34
David takes a deep dive into what's meant by ‘fairness’ - a subjective concept and one that's often confused with ‘support’. Joining him to talk about how AHDB offers an independent and unbiased view about what's fair in a capitalist market economy are his colleagues Sarah Baker and Jess Corsair. Plus, should health kicks only start in January? Some useful market details: Markets and prices | AHDB Futures prices | AHDB Fuel prices | AHDB If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, pleas...
Jan 22, 2025•29 min•Ep. 33
