BASIS Agronomy Matters

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:

What precision breeding is, and how it differs from traditional genetic modification
The aims of the PROBITY project, the first European trial of precision-bred cereal crops on farms
How recent changes in UK legislation and government funding are supporting this work

What precision breeding could mean for farmers in terms of crop performance, sustainability and business resilience

How farm businesses can get involved in research and trials

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 [email protected].

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.