Tramlines

In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith is joined by Jonathan Trotter and Lucy Cottingham from Agrii's Digital Technology Farms programme to tackle a long-debated question in precision farming: should growers feed the strongest parts of a crop or support the weaker areas? Drawing on field-scale trials from Scotland and Lincolnshire, they explore how soil data, yield mapping, satellite imagery and variable-rate nitrogen applications are helping farmers make more informed decisions. The discussion reveals that understanding field variability may be far more important than following any single nitrogen strategy.
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Summary:
Agrii's Innovations team has evaluated around 70 agricultural technologies over four years, with only a small number proving valuable enough to progress into practical farm testing.  
The Digital Technology Farms network uses growers’ farms across the UK to test technologies in field-scale farming conditions, helping assess both agronomic performance and economic return. 
Trials at Brotherton Farms compared different variable-rate nitrogen strategies and found that understanding soil variability, field history and yield potential is more important than simply choosing to "feed the good" or "feed the bad." 
By combining yield maps, soil zoning, satellite imagery and drone data, the team identified significant differences in field performance, with gross margin variations of around £260/ha between nitrogen strategies. 
The strongest message for growers is that precision nitrogen management should be driven by a thorough understanding of soils and field variability, enabling the right strategy to be applied in the right area at the right time.

With farm incomes under increasing pressure, many businesses are looking beyond traditional agriculture to build resilience and secure their future. In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith explores farm diversification with Guy Shelby of Shelby Farm in East Yorkshire and Billy Hosdell, Agrii Agronomist. From padel courts and equestrian facilities to alternative crops like flax, they discuss how farmers can create new income streams while staying true to their passion for farming. Along the way, they share practical advice on business planning, working with landlords, and identifying opportunities that fit individual farm businesses.
Diversification is becoming essential for many farm businesses as traditional farming margins come under pressure, helping to support profitability and spread risk
Strong relationships with landlords can unlock opportunities, with Guy highlighting how collaboration and presenting well-researched business cases helped secure support from the Crown Estate
Successful diversification requires thorough planning, including professional advice, detailed budgets, cashflow forecasts, and marketing to ensure projects are commercially viable
Innovation can extend to cropping choices, with the discussion exploring flax production in Yorkshire as a potential new enterprise, driven by changing climate conditions and emerging market opportunities

Soil is the foundation of every farming business, but are we giving it the attention it deserves? In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith is joined by Agrii's Tom Perrott and Andrew Sincock from Agro-Vital to explore why soil should be considered a farm's most valuable asset. Together they discuss soil health, organic matter, practical ways to assess soil condition, and how small management changes can deliver long-term improvements in resilience, productivity, and profitability.
Podcast summary: 
Soil is a farm's greatest asset, underpinning over 95% of food production and influencing the long-term success of every farming enterprise. 
Organic matter is critical to soil health, improving structure, nutrient retention, biological activity, and long-term productivity. Historic Rothamsted trials show benefits can last for generations. 
Start with the basics by assessing soil structure, drainage, porosity, pH, earthworm numbers, and biological activity before investing in solutions. 
Every farm is different, so soil improvement strategies should be tailored to the farm's individual circumstances, resources, and business objectives. 
Incremental improvements deliver lasting results. Farmers should set achievable goals, monitor progress, and focus on building resilience through better soil management and reduced reliance on external inputs.

In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith is joined by Ben Hatton from TELUS and Agrii's Sam Fordham to explore the evolving role of farm management software. From compliance and record keeping to data integration, sustainability reporting and AI-ready decision making, they discuss how modern digital platforms are helping growers spend less time in the office and more time making informed decisions in the field. With agriculture facing increasing cost pressures, legislative change and rapid technological advancement, discover why clean, connected data is becoming one of the most valuable assets on the farm.
Farm management software goes beyond compliance, helping farmers improve sustainability, profitability and business performance.
Agriculture is moving from data collection to data action, using connected technology to support real-time decisions.
Cloud-based platforms are driving adoption through mobile access, easier sharing and improved user experience.
Quality data underpins future technologies, from AI and sensors to variable rate applications and sustainability reporting.
TELUS and Agrii are helping future-proof farm businesses with integrated tools, expert support and simple migration pathways.
For more information visit Crop management software | TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods GB

In this episode of Tramlines, inspired by a conversation with our very own customer James Peck from PX Farms, we are joined by Agrii agronomist and technical advisor Craig Simpson to explore one of the most debated topics in arable farming: when is the right time to start drilling winter crops? With an early harvest tempting growers into the field, Craig examines the yield benefits of early September drilling alongside the increased risks from grass weeds, BYDV and disease pressure. Together, they discuss how farmers can balance risk and reward to maximise crop performance in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
Key Takeaways:
Early drilling can boost yield potential through stronger establishment, greater tiller numbers and improved rooting, helping crops cope with dry spring conditions.
Delaying drilling can significantly reduce grass weed pressures such as blackgrass and sterile brome, improving long-term weed control. 
September-drilled crops face higher BYDV risk, with warmer conditions and increased aphid activity potentially adding further pressure this season. 
Earlier drilling can increase disease risk, particularly septoria, as denser canopies allow disease to build more rapidly during wet seasons.
The best approach is a planned, field-by-field strategy, considering weed burden, variety selection, disease resistance and local conditions before drilling begins. 
October drilling? Success starts with choosing the right seed for the right timing. Our full seed portfolio can be found in our Grower's Autumn Guide 2026. Click the link in the bio or click here.
https://www.agrii.co.uk/our-services/tools-resources/documents/