Tramlines

Farming conditions in the UK are becoming more variable. While there may be opportunities from improved growing conditions in some seasons, these are increasingly offset by extremes such as drought, flooding and unpredictable weather patterns.
In this Tramlines podcast episode, we explore what resilience means in practice and how farm businesses can adapt. The discussion brings together climate science and practical agronomy to help inform decision-making on farm.
Leading the discussion is Dr Mike Rivington of the James Hutton Institute and Andrew Richards, Senior Agronomist at Agrii.
 
Podcast Summary:
What future climate conditions could look like for UK farming, and why variability matters more than averages
The practical impact of drought, flooding and seasonal extremes on crop performance
How soil structure and organic matter underpin water management and resilience
Where investment decisions, such as drainage, can influence yield and long-term returns
How to approach crop and variety choice in less predictable conditions
The role of modelling and data in supporting better on-farm decisions
Why resilience is as much about business and mindset as it is about agronomy

Navigating the complexity of environmental schemes across the UK demands careful consideration to identify the most suitable options for each individual farm. To guide us through these challenges, we’re joined by Agrii’s Amy Watkins, Sustainability and Environmental Services Manager, Liam Wink, Grass and Forage Specialist and Jenny Douglas, an independent advisor on Scottish subsidies.
Podcast Summary:
England, Scotland and Wales are all moving away from BPS at different speeds, making environmental schemes increasingly vital for farm income.
Scotland maintains full BPS for now but with tighter compliance rules, particularly around EFAs, margins and seed mix requirements.
England’s SFI reopens this year with fewer actions, one agreement per farm and a £100k annual cap, so early preparation is essential.
Wales’ new Sustainable Farming Scheme is replacing a significant BPS reduction, with many upland farms choosing it for better income fit.
Additional funding options remain available across the UK—including grants and carbon‑credit opportunities—although competitiveness and long‑term commitments vary.
You can find details of your local Agrii agronomist and environmental specialist at agrii.co.uk/contact.

Today we’re tackling spring crop decisions. How do you nail the timing, get nutrition spot on, and boost your results? To answer that, we’ve got Ben Foster from RHIZA and Gavin Stewart, Fertiliser Product Manager for Scotland, and George Proctor, Contracting Operations Manager at Agrii.
Summary:
Nitrogen needs to be used more efficiently as prices rise and CBAM fertiliser tax comes in. Many farms only achieve around 60% nitrogen use efficiency, but Agrii trials show variable‑rate, evidence‑based applications can lift this to 70–75%.
Liquid fertiliser offers accuracy and quicker uptake, especially in dry springs. Adding inhibitors like Liqui‑Safe can increase nitrogen use efficiency by ~15% and delivered a 4% yield uplift across 42 winter wheat trials.
Precision starts with understanding variability, not guessing it. Farmers should use Contour satellite imagery, drones, and N‑sensors to judge crop demand, identify differences in biomass, and decide whether to feed weaker or stronger areas.
Contract sprayers give farmers access to variable‑rate technology they may not have on their own kit. Liquid systems and modern sprayers allow accurate, low‑pressure applications that reduce crop damage and support timely operations in narrow weather windows.
Timing and conditions matter as much as rate. Using hyper‑local weather data in Contour helps farmers and contractors judge field conditions, hit application windows, and make sure nitrogen is applied when the crop can use it effectively.

Today we’re talking moths  and asking a bold question: could bats be the game‑changing IPM tool that protects harvestable yield and boosts the bottom line for this Kent dessert‑apple farm? Richard and Fraiya Chandler of Chandler & Dunn, together with Agrii agronomist Neil Obbard, have been putting this idea to the test.
Summary:
Bats as natural pest control: The farm is exploring whether boosting bat populations can significantly reduce key moth pests in apple orchards, lowering reliance on insecticides and cutting production costs.
High economic impact of moth damage: Moth species like codling moth and tortrix can cause major crop losses, and current chemical control costs the farm £500–£600 per hectare.
Scientific evidence backs the idea: A 2022 study shows that a single brown long‑eared bat can reduce crop loss by 81–83% per hectare - a remarkable potential impact. 
Habitat improvement is key: Enhancing hedgerows, tree cover, and installing appropriate bat boxes can help attract and support different bat species, boosting their presence in orchards. 
Wider farming benefits: Using bats aligns with sustainable IPM, protects biodiversity, and may translate to benefits across other crops like plums, cherries, and blueberries.