The Crop It Like It's Hot Podcast

Is oilseed rape making a comeback? Success strategies for UK growers

For years, many growers questioned whether oilseed rape still had a future in UK arable rotations. Pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle, difficult establishment seasons and rising input costs pushed confidence in the crop to some of its lowest levels in decades. But after two stronger seasons, sentiment is beginning to shift. So why is oilseed rape making a comeback on some farms? What are successful growers doing differently? And can OSR once again become a reliable and profitable break crop in modern arable rotations? In this episode, we’re joined by Nigel Padbury from Premium Crops and Dorset farm manager Tom Baker to discuss the latest thinking around OSR establishment, varietal choice, cabbage stem flea beetle management, crop nutrition and rotational strategy.

Regen learnings from Duchy of Cornwall 'Focus Farmers'

Join us for our second arable special where Farmers Guardian head of arable, Ash Ellwood, visits Duchy of Cornwall's Focus Farmers, Heather and Paul Gorringe. Together, they explore the Gorringes' journey from a conventionally plough-based system to a biologically focused, regenerative system - and lessons they are learning along the way through the Focus Farmer programme.   The Duchy of Cornwall’s regenerative ambitions are brought to life through its seven ‘Focus Farms’, each representing a different landscape and farming system across the estate. The initiative is designed to fast-track progress towards net zero while building a more nature-rich farming future, by trialling innovative practices and technologies.   At Lower Blakemere Farm, the Gorringes are putting these ideas into action - experimenting with biological inputs, composting systems, nutrient-rich brews, and adapting small-scale regenerative principles for large-scale arable production.   From Stabiliser cattle and mini trucks to bokashi composting, this episode is packed with practical insights and ideas for every kind of farmer.   Find out more: https://www.lowerblakemerefarm.co.uk https://www.ukminitrucks.co.uk https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk

From Field to Food Charity, how surplus crops find a second harvest

Thousands of tonnes of perfectly good arable produce never leave the farm gate, due to spoilage, market gluts, or shifting contracts. But what actually happens to that surplus? In this episode, head of arable Ash Ellwood visits a re-distribution site in Merseyside to dig into the true scale of on-farm waste and follow the journey of surplus produce beyond the field. Discover how FareShare and The Felix Project are turning overlooked harvests into vital food supplies for nearly 8,000 charities and why understanding where your crop goes next could reshape how you see value, waste, and opportunity in your rotation. To get in touch with FareShare and The Felix Project, head to:  https://thefelixproject.org/ or https://fareshare.org.uk/fareshareandfelix/

What to consider before spring drilling and tips from farmers for new entrants

If you were asked for your top piece of farming advice for a new entrant or a Young Farmer - what would you tell them?  We chat with farmers from across the country for their pieces of advice and learnings from the ground. We also chat with Dick Neale, technical manager at Hutchinsons, to find out what growers should be considering ahead of getting the drill out this spring time, common mistakes he has seen and his practical advice to start the spring season as strong as possible.

Will the Government support the latest ag-roadmap to increase production?

Changes to Government policy dominate our headlines, from the APR reform to our 'Save Our Family Farms Campaign' looking to support farmers through changes to IHT. It can feel like our farming industry is constantly reacting to policy.  In this podcast, we discuss how a vision that George Freeman, Conservative MP for Mid Norfolk, has put to the Government, setting out how smarter regulation, investment in innovation, and technologies such as precision breeding could unlock higher yields, improved resilience, and new opportunities for arable producers.