A third summer heatwave is creating difficult harvesting conditions, with shrivelled grain, variable cereal yields and combines being forced to operate early in the morning or late at night.
We examine warnings against “grain washing” — adding water to very dry harvested grain before it goes into store — and consider the risks of hot spots, mould and contamination.
Elsewhere, MPs challenge Defra over whether its new 25-year farming roadmap contains enough detail, investment and ambition to improve profitability and food security.
And finally, Norwegian football star Erling Haaland explains why he buys raw milk, beef and honey from a Cheshire farm.
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is brought to you by crop protection specialists Certis Belchim.
Guests and contributors
Amy Caitlin – AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds team
Alistair Carmichael MP – chairman of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Emma Reynolds MP – Defra secretary
Erling Haaland – Manchester City and Norway footballer
Helen Southworth – Cheshire dairy farmer, Greenoaks Farm
Johan Tasker – Farmers Weekly Podcast host
Louise Impey – arable commentator
Hugh Broom – livestock farmer and markets commentator
Chapters
00:00 – Episode introduction
Heatwave harvest concerns, the government’s farming roadmap and Erling Haaland’s enthusiasm for British farm produce.
00:59 – Heatwave harvest challenges
Temperatures in the mid-30s bring shrivelled grain, variable yields and restricted combining hours.
01:27 – Warning over grain washing
AHDB’s Amy Caitlin explains the risks of adding water to harvested grain before storage.
02:34 – Early harvest results
Winter barley yields, oilseed rape concerns, green stems and encouraging wheat protein levels.
04:09 – Should growers add moisture?
Louise and Hugh discuss grain moisture, harvesting hours and the temptation to increase saleable weight.
05:48 – Heat stress hits cereal crops
The team assesses the effect of repeated heatwaves and the earlier dry spring.
07:17 – Silage and maize conditions
Hugh reports better grass growth and maize crops in Scotland and north-west England.
08:30 – Crops disappoint through the combine
Why fields that appeared promising are producing lower-than-expected yields.
09:47 – Partner message: Certis Belchim
How Latitude seed treatment can form part of an integrated strategy against take-all in second and subsequent cereals.
11:29 – Is Defra’s farming roadmap credible?
MPs question whether the government’s 2050 plan contains enough firm targets and delivery detail.
11:54 – Emma Reynolds challenged by MPs
EFRA Committee chairman Alistair Carmichael presses the Defra secretary on the roadmap’s ambitions.
13:28 – Alistair Carmichael interview
The committee chairman discusses food security, livestock numbers, abattoir closures and the need for a clearer vision.
15:21 – Strategy before tactics
Why Carmichael believes Defra introduced schemes such as SFI before establishing an overall farming strategy.
17:02 – Roadmap or waffle?
Hugh assesses the roadmap’s aspirations, funding gaps and lack of delivery detail.
18:17 – Can farmers wait for government?
The team discusses whether businesses should plan on the basis that future support cannot be guaranteed.
20:36 – Has Defra put the cart before the horse?
Louise examines the lack of confidence and stability surrounding agricultural policy.
23:32 – Farming sentiment in Scotland
Hugh compares agricultural support and business confidence across the UK nations.
29:07 – Harvest disrupts farm plans
An early harvest forces growers and advisers to rearrange their summer schedules.
30:14 – Markets update
Prices for beef, lamb, pigs, wheat, barley, oilseed rape, pulses and red diesel.
32:07 – Erling Haaland backs British farm produce
The Manchester City striker visits Greenoaks Farm for raw milk, steaks and honey.
33:39 – The Haaland effect
The team discusses increased interest in raw milk and the value of a global sports star supporting local farmers.
36:52 – England versus Norway
Johan, Louise and Hugh reveal whether they will be watching the World Cup quarter-final.
37:38 – Closing remarks
How to subscribe, review and contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast.
Useful links
Farmers Weekly Podcast
https://www.fwi.co.uk/farmers-weekly-podcast
AHDB grain storage guide
Guidance on grain-store preparation, moisture, cooling, pests and safe storage.
https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/grain-storage-guide
AHDB grain-cooling guidance
Advice on cooling crops promptly after they enter store.
https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/cooling-targets-for-grain-storage
Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future
The government’s official long-term plan for farming in England.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farming-roadmap-2050
Defra Farming Roadmap summary
An overview of the roadmap’s themes, aims and timetable.
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/24/the-farming-roadmap/
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Committee inquiries, evidence sessions and reports on food and farming policy.
https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/52/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/
Certis Belchim: Latitude
Product information for the fungicide seed treatment used to reduce the effects of take-all.
https://certisbelchim.co.uk/products/latitude/
Food Standards Agency: raw drinking milk
Official consumer information and food-safety advice.
https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/raw-drinking-milk
Contact the podcast
Email: podcast@fwi.co.uk
UK listeners can text the word FARM, followed by their message, to 88440.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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