In this episode of Agronomy Matters, Thomas Vaughan, Environment Manager at BASIS, is joined by Tom Allen-Stevens, Oxfordshire farmer and founder of BOFIN, and Dr Dylan Phillips, geneticist and lecturer at Aberystwyth University.
Together, they discuss precision breeding, a fast-developing area in UK farming. The conversation covers:
Whether you're a farmer, adviser, or simply interested in agricultural innovation, this episode offers a practical look at where precision breeding is headed and why it matters now.
Welcome back to Agronomy Matters! In this latest episode, host Thomas Vaughan, Environment Manager at BASIS, ventures into the fascinating realm of insects , exploring why these tiny creatures play an outsized role in our ecosystems.
Joining Thomas is Kirk Mason, a passionate entomologist, science communicator, and wildlife photographer whose work has been featured by BBC Wildlife Magazine and Springwatch. Kirk has also collaborated with BASIS on a new microlearning series, shining a light on the often-overlooked champions of the insect world.
In this conversation, Thomas and Kirk explore the many services beneficial insects provide, from pollination and natural pest control to soil health, and delve into surprising lifecycles that reveal the complexity of these creatures. They discuss how insects interact with field margins, hedgerows and other landscape features, examine current population trends and successful conservation case studies, and consider which lesser-known groups deserve more attention.
Finally, they imagine what an ideal, insect-friendly UK countryside looks like and identify key species that signal a thriving ecosystem.
In this episode of Agronomy Matters, we take you deep underground to explore Boulby Mine, home to the world’s only polyhalite mining operation. Located in East Cleveland, this extraordinary site is the UK’s deepest mine and a key player in sustainable agriculture.
Join us as we uncover the mining behind polyhalite, a unique multi-nutrient fertiliser, and hear from the workers here how the mining operation has changed over the years as well as learn about the mines fascinating history to its vast underground network stretching beneath the North Sea. We’ll also explore the challenges and innovations behind extracting this valuable mineral.
With on-site recordings from inside the mine, we bring you as close as possible to the action, though you may notice some variations in sound quality along the way. So, strap in as we descend into the depths of Boulby Mine and discover why polyhalite is shaping the future of agriculture.
In this episode of Agronomy Matters, host Thomas Vaughan, Environment Manager for BASIS, dives into the exciting world of agronomy and the rewarding career paths it offers.
Joining the discussion are Greig Baird, Head of Agronomy Teams Scotland, and Laura Buckingham, Area Business Manager for Anglia at Agrii. They share their journeys into agronomy, the essential skills for success, and how the role of an agronomist has evolved over the years. From career highs and challenges to the importance of continued learning, this episode is packed with insights for anyone considering or advancing a career in agronomy.
If you're interested in training opportunities within the industry, visit our website or get in touch at training.courses@basis-reg.co.uk.
Tune in and discover what makes agronomy such a dynamic and fulfilling profession!
While our regular host, Thomas Vaughan, is enjoying a well-earned break on the ski slopes, Jessica Deunert, Marketing & Communications Manager at BASIS, steps in to introduce this episode.
In this conversation:
Harry Henderson, BASIS Technical Manager, interviews Ian Holmes, Farm Technical Director at Strawson Limited, a third-generation family farming business specializing in cereal and vegetable production across the UK.
Together, they explore the fascinating world of winter vegetable farming, discussing the wide variety of crops Strawson Limited produces, the unique challenges of farming in the colder months, and the keys to their longstanding success.
Recording note: This episode was captured on a cold, blustery day in the field, so the sound may have a touch of natural ambiance, but the insights are well worth it!
So, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, grab a warm drink, and enjoy this deep dive into the resilient and rewarding work of winter vegetable farming.
Welcome to another episode of Agronomy Matters! Hosted by Thomas Vaughan, Commercial Manager for BASIS, this episode dives into two topics in sustainable agriculture and carbon management:
Enhanced Weathering: Featuring Jez Wardman, Chief Agronomist at UNDO. Jez shares insights into the innovative practice of spreading basalt rock dust on agricultural land to capture carbon and improve soil health. We’ll explore the science behind this approach, the outcomes of trials conducted with Newcastle University, and the potential economic and environmental benefits for farmers.
Woodland Creation and Carbon Finance: With Emma Stewart from the Woodland Carbon Code. Emma explains how landowners can contribute to the UK’s climate goals while generating income. We discuss project eligibility, the concept of "additionality," and why Woodland Carbon Units (WCUs) are a trusted option for high-quality carbon offsets.
Whether you are a farmer, a land manager, or simply interested in sustainability, this episode offers practical advice and forward-thinking ideas to help tackle climate change.
BASIS Courses:
In-person Carbon and Greenhouse Gases certificate, accredited by Harper Adams University.
Online Principles of Carbon and Greenhouse Gases course on the BASIS Classroom. Details at basis-reg.co.uk.
Agronomy Matters is back! After a summer break, we return with an essential episode on health and safety in agriculture.
Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) reflects on this summer’s Farm Safety Week and how the Foundation is encouraging safer practices on farms.
Gillian Nicholls, Principal Epidemiologist with the HSE's PIPAH study, discusses the importance of the study, shares recent findings, and explains how sprayer operators can get involved. Tune in to stay informed and make a difference in creating safer, healthier farms!
In this month’s episode, we’re summarising Groundswell 2024. We’ll chat with folks from various stands including direct drill manufacturers, Rothamsted Research, the University of Cambridge, the Sustainable Food Trust, and more. Our goal is to give you a taste of the discussions and ideas from this year’s event, especially for those who couldn’t make it. Tune in and get a feel for what Groundswell 2024 was all about!
Find out more about our training opportunities here
https://bit.ly/basiseducation
In this episode of Agronomy Matters, host Thomas Vaughan, the Environment Manager for BASIS, welcomes two guests from the Lancashire Wildlife Trust: Sarah Johnson and Mike Longden.
Sarah and Mike are members of the Peatlands Team. One of their many projects involves exploring paludiculture, also known as wetter farming. Through initiatives such as the wetter farming trial at Rindle Field, they work to restore degraded peatlands, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate climate change while maintaining agricultural viability.
Their efforts highlight the Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable land management. Listeners are invited to join as the podcast delves into the world of paludiculture and wetter farming, uncovering the transformative potential of these practices with insights from Sarah and Mike.
Welcome to this episode of Agronomy Matters!
Join us as we journey into the world of UK sugar beet production with Dr. Vicky Foster, Head of BBRO. Discover BBRO's strategies for addressing aphid challenges in the upcoming season and learn about the impacts of the wet winter on sugar beet farmers' decision-making. Gain insights into the expected pest landscape and how growers can navigate it using Integrated Pest Management principles. We'll also discuss the influences of market dynamics and sustainability on growers' choices, and explore cutting-edge research shaping the future of sugar beet farming. Tune in for a fascinating discussion!
In this episode of Agronomy Matters, listeners are invited on an exploratory journey into the future of farming with two distinguished guests.
As the UK embraces the potential of drone technology across various sectors, including agriculture, our guests shed light on its burgeoning significance.
Rob Pearson, CEO of Autospray Systems, shares insights into the cutting-edge advancements in drone technology and its implications for agriculture.
Alongside Rob is Richard Binks, a Technical Consultant and IPM specialist, who delves into a small study exploring the viability of drones for spraying nematodes as a form of pest control.
Welcome to another episode of Agronomy Matters! In this edition, our host, Thomas Vaughan, Environment Manager for BASIS, takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of regenerative agriculture, shining a spotlight on the recently launched and crowd-funded film, "Six Inches of Soil." This insightful discussion features key figures from the film, including the producer, Claire Mackenzie, and one of its leading stars.
"Six Inches of Soil" unfolds an inspiring narrative that showcases the efforts of British farmers, communities, and entrepreneurs at the forefront of transforming our food production and consumption. The film explores agroecology, an approach embracing regenerative farming techniques harmonising with nature, and emphasises local food systems with shorter supply chains. The extensive benefits range from understanding food sources to ensuring fair prices for farmers and the production of healthy food in a sustainable environment.
This cinematic journey follows the inaugural year of regenerative farming for three new farmers—Anna Jackson, Adrienne Gordon, and Ben Thomas. As they work towards healing the soil, enhancing community provisions, and developing viable businesses, seasoned mentors and experts join them in this transformative experience. The film addresses complex issues, from the connections between food and health to questions of affordability, animal roles in farming, land ownership disparities, barriers faced by new entrant farmers, and even the ongoing debate on carbon offsetting in agriculture.
Presented with hard-hitting facts, the film provides an authentic glimpse into agroecological farming, capturing the essence of a deep connection with the land, the changing seasons, and the production of food for local communities.
Our discussion delves into how our guests got to where they are today and the challenges they faced along the way. Our first guest is Claire Mackenzie, the producer of "Six Inches of Soil," whose background spans TV production, charity fundraising, and event organising. Also joining the conversation is Ben Thomas, a livestock farmer from Cornwall, who carries out various techniques from mob grazing to agroforestry in order to improve soil health and biodiversity.
Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation as the layers of "Six Inches of Soil" are uncovered, and the profound impact of regenerative agriculture on our food systems and environment is explored. Welcome to Agronomy Matters!
www.basis-classroom.co.uk/courses
Join, Thomas Vaughan, our Environment Manager at BASIS, as we embark on an exclusive tour of the acclaimed British Potato Show in our latest episode. Let's dive deep into the heart of potato country, exploring the highs and lows of the 2023 potato crop while uncovering the challenges and opportunities shaping the current potato industry landscape.
🥔 Fiona's Insights on Fungicide Resistance - Our first stop takes us to SAC Consulting, where Fiona delves into the critical issue of fungicide resistance. Gain valuable insights into the concerns surrounding this challenge and discover strategies to mitigate its impact on potato crops.
🌿 We visit the Fera Science stand with Damian and Callum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of aphid samples processing. Learn about their expertise and invaluable advice on addressing nematode problems, contributing to the overall health and resilience of potato crops.
🌱 CHAP's Role in Potato Grower Support - Our exploration concludes at the CHAP stand, where Rosie enlightens us on CHAP's pivotal role in supporting potato growers. Uncover the latest projects, including the ground-breaking "de-sist" initiative, utilizing trap crops to combat nematodes and ensure a sustainable and thriving potato industry.
🚜 Special Segment with Harry Henderson - But wait, there's more! In a special segment, our Technical Manager at BASIS, Harry Henderson, provides a comprehensive update on the NRoSO training events running from 2023 to 2024.
So, whether you're a seasoned farmer or just curious about the fascinating world of agronomy, grab your favourite brew, settle in, and get ready to immerse yourself in the latest happenings from the heart of the British Potato Industry. Agronomy Matters - where every spud has a story, and every farmer has a journey! 🚜🌾
This month’s episode of Agronomy Matters is hosted by Thomas Vaughan, the recently appointed Environment Manager for BASIS. Thomas is joined by two experts who share their wealth of knowledge in soil health and environmental management.
The first guest, a previous podcast host, Jade Prince, a seasoned soil expert, now works at Farmacy, part of Hutchinson’s. Jade has been instrumental in working with BASIS, designing the course content for the new “Improving Soil Health” course series.
Jade will be sharing some of her invaluable expertise on the subject, providing practical steps that can be taken to assess and manage soil up until the end of the year.
The second guest, Teresa Meadows, the Head of Environment, Audit, and Public Affairs at BASIS, has played a pivotal role in developing the four soil series modules:
“Creating a Soil Management Plan”
“Increasing Soil Biology”
“Improving Soil Structure”
“Boosting Soil Organic Matter”
Teresa provides us with a comprehensive overview of what the courses entail, their target audience, their connections to other courses, and a tantalising glimpse into the future courses that lie ahead.
To claim 1 CPD point for listening simply email CPD@basis-reg.co.uk, and mention “BASIS Agronomy Matters Podcast: Improving Soil Health Series” along with your name and membership number.
With a view to a holistic approach to soil health, we are offering the BASIS Classroom digital modules from the “Improving Soil Health Series” for £45.00 + VAT to BASIS members and £50.00 + VAT to non-members. The whole soil series (four modules) is also available to purchase in a special bundle offer for £135.00 + VAT for BASIS members and £150.00 + VAT for non-members.
This month we have a BASIS Special as we speak to three members of the BASIS team.
We are joined by Stephen Jacob, BASIS Chief Executive Officer, Andy Brooks, Head of Education and Membership Services and Teresa Meadows, Head of Environment, Audit and Public Affairs.
Together we will review the highlights of 2022, discuss some of the upcoming challenges for the industry and talk about how BASIS will continue to support members as we move in to 2023.
We will talk about the management of the National Register of Sprayer Operators, a new addition to BASIS Registrations and we will explain how BASIS continues to develop, ensuring we keep up with an industry that is constantly changing and adapting.
Make sure you listen to the end to find out how to claim one BASIS CPD point via the members’ area on the BASIS website.
Find out more:
Principles of Sustainable Land Management
This month we are embracing the festivities with a Christmas themed episode.
Our first guest, Andy Richardson, joins us to talk about the only vegetable that we could possibly choose to discuss at this time of year, one that divides opinion at every single Christmas dinner table, the Brussel Sprout. Andy has been an agronomist for 30 years and is the Technical Director for the Brassica Growers Association and joins us to share all his expert knowledge about this controversial veg.
No Christmas dinner would be complete without something to wash it all down, so our second guest, Graeme Brown, an independent agronomist specialising in grape vines, joins us to tell us all about the grapes behind a nice glass of bubbly.
To claim one CPD point for listening please wait for the code at the end of the episode.
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year from the team at BASIS.
This month we are talking all about Potato Cyst Nematode, an important pest in most areas of the country where potatoes are grown.
It is during the autumn and winter months that we look to soil sample fields and prepare machinery, so on this episode we meet with three experts to learn more about sampling, controls, machinery calibration and the nematicide stewardship programme.
Our first guest is independent agronomist, Simon Alexander. Simon takes us through the 6 best practice steps to the Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP)from compulsory qualifications through the post application checks.
Our next speaker, Ian Foreman, joins from NSTS, the National Sprayer Testing Scheme. Ian expands on the importance of machinery calibration and best ways to avoid problems in season. You can download a check sheet here.
Finally, we are joined by David Nelson, Agronomy Director at Branston Ltd. Branston are a potato grower with sites in Lincoln, Scotland and the South West. David joins us to discuss cultural controls to PCN, with a particular focus on variety choice.
The BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection Agriculture and Vegetable courses both cover potato agronomy. If you are interested in advancing your potato knowledge further then we offer the Advanced potatoes course which also contributes towards the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy. Don’t forget we also have a module, Developing an IPM approach to PCN, available on the BASIS Classroom, created in collaboration with Bayer.
To claim you 1CPD point for listening please wait for the code at the end of the episode.
We currently have a winter offer on our BASIS Classroom digital courses (until 21st December 2022) where you can get 10% off our Principles of Sustainable Land Management course (worth 8CPD points) and the FACTS Nitrogen Use Efficiency Refresher.
This month following the launch of our Principles of Sustainable Land Management course back in May we are catching up with four experts who have completed the course to find out why they did it, what they learnt and how they will manage land more sustainability in the future.
Our first guest is Linda Bratley, Managing Director at Rural Business Services Ltd. Linda and her team offer a wide range of on farm advice from BPS to nutrient management plans and they are finding themselves becoming more involved in environmental work as new schemes continue to develop. Linda explains how the course helped to build their knowledge and prepare them for the future.
Next, we speak to Doug Townsend, a Farm Manager in the Cotswolds. Doug explains how his strong interest in sustainability encouraged him to go on the course having already completed the BASIS BETA Conservation Management course previously. Doug also tells us about joining our new BASIS Environmental Advisers Register.
Our third guest is Nina Yiannoukos, Senior Catchment Advisor at South Staffs and Cambridge Water. Nina decided to take the course as a refresher having completed the BASIS Soil and Water certificate previously and was pleased that the self-paced functionality of the course would allow it to fit around busy work and family life.
Finally, we speak to Ellie Sweetman, Forage Crop Specialist at NIAB. Ellie has a very varied role and completes the course to ensure she stays abreast of industry changes and development including how biodiversity, resource management and healthy soils are coming to the forefront and how these all integrate together. Ellie is also a member of our Register of Sheep Advisers and tells us a little more about the benefits.
If you are interested in completing the Principles of Sustainable Land Management course then you can find further information here.
https://www.basis-reg.co.uk/online-course-registration?source=podcast
Listen to the end of the podcast to claim 1 CPD point for listening.
With harvest of cereals and oilseed rape now complete across the UK, this month we talk about crop storage.
Compared to selling grain at harvest, storing grain for sale later can attract a premium. This economic incentive can mean grain is stored for long periods prior to processing. During this time the grain may be at risk from pests, fungi or moisture.
In this podcast we are joined by two guest speakers who provide us with guidance on how we can help minimise the risks to stored grain.
Our first speaker is Dhan Bhandari, Senior Cereal Product Quality Scientist at AHDB. Dhan talks to us about the best ways to monitor our grain stores, what we should be looking out for and the factors that might affect grain sampling. Our second speaker is Martin Cobbald, aka Chief Pest Geek, Managing Director at Dealey Pest Control. Martin provides some fantastic information on how we can identify and deal with pests in our stores. If you are looking for a qualified pest controller to help you then check out BASIS PROMPT our register of verified pest controllers. You can also find out more about the courses mentioned in the podcast.
Listen to the end to claim 1 CPD point for listening.