Defra Farming Podcast

In episode 21, Chris Lyons from Innovate UK speaks to two successful recipients of government innovation funding to find out how it has helped them test new ideas, reduce risk and deliver results on-farm.
Dominic Swan from Catalyst Farming explains how four Norfolk farming businesses used a Research Starter project to explore computer crop modelling to improve nitrogen-use efficiency. The work has now secured further support through ADOPT to scale up trials across more farms, soil types and machinery.
David Prior Hope from Fibe shares how a feasibility project led to the development of the world's first potato stem harvester. Working with growers, researchers and industry partners, the project is creating a potential new income stream for potato producers by collecting stems that would otherwise be discarded. David explains how the technology is now being tested through ADOPT to compare it with conventional flailing and better understand impacts on soils, nutrients and crop health.
Together, they discuss the importance of collaboration, working with researchers and facilitators, overcoming barriers to innovation and sharing results so others can learn from both successes and setbacks.
Whether you're a farmer with a practical problem you'd like to solve, a business developing new technologies or a researcher looking to work more closely with industry, this episode offers practical insights into how innovation funding can help turn ideas into on-farm results.

ADOPT Support Hub
https://www.farmpep.net/adopt/enquire
Farming Innovation Programme
https://farminginnovation.ukri.org
Find an ADOPT facilitator
https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/adopt-project-facilitators/directory-of-facilitators
Fibe
https://fibe.uk
Catalyst Farming
https://catalystfarming.co.uk

For more updates
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk

In episode 20 of the Defra Farming podcast, guest host Hannah Barrett—a Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser in the East of England—speaks with Norfolk farmer Charlie Ennals and Cambridgeshire farmer Thomas Gent.
Together, they explore how working with nature can help farms become more resilient in the face of changing weather patterns, rising costs and increasing uncertainty.
Charlie shares how gradual changes—such as cover cropping, introducing livestock and improving soil organic matter—have helped her farm retain moisture in dry springs while maintaining productivity. Thomas reflects on nearly two decades of no-till farming, highlighting the role of soil structure, drainage and machinery decisions in reducing costs and improving performance.
They discuss the realities behind these systems, including what hasn’t worked, the importance of patience during transition, and how collaboration—whether sharing machinery or working with neighbours—can help spread risk and reduce costs.
The conversation focuses on practical steps farmers can take, from improving water infiltration and reducing inputs to using data and precision farming tools to make better business decisions.
🔗 Useful links mentioned in this episode:
 Catchment Sensitive Farming: https://www.farmingadviceservice.org.uk/csf/get-in-touch

 Farming for the Future: https://farming.campaign.gov.uk

 Defra Farming blog: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk

The government’s Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Fund helps farmers access funding to test practical ideas on their own farms, from new crops and soil systems to technology and collaborative trials.
It is part of the Farming Innovation Programme delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
In episode 19 of the Defra Farming Podcast, we’re joined by two farmers with live ADOPT projects to explore what practical innovation looks like on-farm.
Bryony Graham, an arable farmer in Essex, shares how she’s trialling willow as a high-carbon crop and testing compost mixes as a potential peat-free growing medium. Peter Southwell, an arable farmer in East Yorkshire, explains how the Yorkshire Nutrition Club is bringing farmers together to benchmark crop nutrition and test new technologies.
Guest host Thomas Slattery, from UK Agri-Tech Centre, also explains how the ADOPT fund works, how farmers can access support through the ADOPT Support Hub, and why farmer-led experimentation is at the heart of the scheme.
If you’ve got an idea you’ve been mulling over, this episode explores how ADOPT can help you test it in real farming conditions.
ADOPT innovation fund: how it works and how to apply
https://farminginnovation.ukri.org/adopt
ADOPT Support Hub
https://www.farmpep.net/adopt/enquire
Directory of ADOPT facilitators
https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/adopt-project-facilitators/directory-of-facilitators
Defra Farming blog
ADOPT: first projects selected as next round opens
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/15/adopt-first-projects-selected-as-next-round-opens
Live ADOPT projects
https://farmpep.net/adopt/live-projects

Episode 18 of the Defra Farming podcast is hosted by Richard Thompson, the UK’s first Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA). He is joined by Paul Tompkins, NFU Dairy Board Chair, and Michael Masters Head of Milk Supply & Operations at Barber’s Cheesemakers. 
Richard explains his role in enforcing the Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 (FDOM24) and how he can support farmers improve transparency and contractual fairness. Together, they discuss how the new regulations are reshaping dairy supply chains. They share insights on pricing mechanisms, producer organisations, and how farmer–processor collaboration can help manage volatility. 
The conversation highlights a shared message: fairness and transparency, and early communication are key to building resilient farmer–processor relationships.

Links mentioned in this episode:
 
Email the ASCA team in confidence at ASCA-in-confidence@defra.gov.uk
The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA): rules and guidance
Guidance on dairy and milk production
ASCA – First annual report – 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025
Defra Farming blog

In episode 17 of the Defra Farming podcast, host Neil Pickard—a farming adviser with more than 45 years’ experience in livestock and mixed farming—speaks with Soil Farmer of the Year 2023, Stuart Johnson, and Understanding Ag farming adviser, Kyle Richardville.
Stuart, a tenant farmer in Northumberland, explains how he has shifted his family’s mixed sheep and cattle farm away from conventional high-input practices towards a system focused on soil health. Kyle brings the scientific perspective, drawing on his research into soil microbial populations and his work supporting farmers across the US and UK.
Together, they discuss how improving soil health can help reduce reliance on expensive inputs, build resilience, and improve business efficiency. The conversation covers practical steps for mixed and arable farms as well as the specific challenges of all-grassland systems in both upland and lowland situations.
🔗 Useful links mentioned in this episode:
Defra Farming blog

Stuart Johnson bio

Kyle Richardville bio

Understanding Ag

Grounded – The Regenerative Farming Podcast

Soil Farmer of the Year competition