Afleveringen
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In this episode Tiffany Stevenson is joined by Simon Oxley to discuss Arable innovation along with Dr Neil Havis to discuss what growers can expect to see at the upcoming SRUC Crop trial events, which take place on the 23rd & 25th June 2026.
With increasing pressure on margins, rising input costs and more challenging growing conditions, arable innovation and making the right variety and crop protection decisions has never been more important.
The upcoming crop trial events provide a valuable opportunity to see current and upcoming Winter Wheat and Spring Barley varieties performing under local conditions and hear directly from researchers, industry specialists and fellow farmers about what is looking promising for the seasons ahead.
Timestamps
0:10 Introduction to Neil & Simon
2:32 What does Innovation mean?
6:27 Where is the most potential for innovation?
10:48 How are crops looking this season?
15:14 Changes to crop varieties?
17:28 What to expect at the upcoming crop trial events?
26:14 Impact of climate change on arable production?
27:50 How can growers make the best decisions?
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: [email protected]
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Welcome to Cropcast Conversations. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Teresa Dougall (Managing Director SQC) & John Hutcheson (Chair, SQC).
Scottish Quality Crops is the quality assurance body that sets the standards for food safety and good practice for crops grown in Scotland. This gives confidence to buyers across the world and creates market opportunities for Scotland’s growers.
SQC has 3,100 voluntary members, covering more than 90% of Scotland’s crops.
The board is a cooperative of eight organisations from across the supply chain. Audits are carried out by an independent certification body, Food Integrity Assurance, who conduct assessments and certification.
SQC standards are formed by and for growers and grain buyers.
Listen to this episode to hear how SQC works with the supply chain to place Scotland’s combinable crops at the premium end of the UK and European markets.
Time Stamps
01.16 Introducing Teresa Dougall and John Hutcheson (SQC)
05.32 SQC as a cooperative organisation
08.18 SQC history and where it all began
14.41 Annual review structure & what the market wants in terms of assured products
25.19 Interaction with Scottish Government
29.36 Recognising our unique and diverse landscape in Scotland
31.14 Representing a high standard product
34.05 Importing / exporting grain
40.11 Closing thoughts from Teresa and John
Resources
https://www.sqcrops.co.uk/
Contact:
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: [email protected]
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode George Chalmers is joined by SAC Consultants Kerry Leslie & Gavin Prentice, to discuss results from PCN Action Scotland along with the new CREW water scarcity guidance.
Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, George Chalmers will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Timestamps
01:42 Introduction to Kerry Leslie
02:27 Who does PCN impact?
03:32 What is PCN?
06:08 What is the PCN yield penalty?
09:43 How do we know if there is PCN in a field?
12:27 Variety choice
16:42 The impact of other crops on PCN
18:40 The impact of ground keepers
20:50 PCN Action Scotland
24:50 Next steps for PCN action Scotland
28:50 Introduction to Gavin Prentice
31:19 Water scarcity project
33:20 Key project outcomes
34:40 Identifying water scarcity risks
37:50 Easy wins for farmers
Related FAS Resources
Technical Note (TN30): Potato Cyst Nematodes (PCN)
Planning for Water Scarcity - New Practical Guide for Farmers and Growers in Scotland | Helping farmers in Scotland
Other Related Resources
PCN Action Scotland
CREW Planning for Water Scarcity:
https://www.crew.ac.uk/news/arable-futures-new-guidance-supports-scottish-farmers-plan-water-scarcity
Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance for Scottish farmers and growers | CREW | Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Waters
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Welcome to CropCast Conversations. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Iain Riddell. Iain was a consultant and project manager with SAC Consulting for 45 years, before becoming self-employed and operating under Graystones Consulting. Iain’s work focuses on agricultural supply chains and his main interest is industrial hemp, which will be the focus of this episode. The global market for hemp is expected to quadruple by 2030 and as markets here evolve, there is great potential for Scotland’s farmers to reap the benefits.
Hemp was actually grown in Scotland in the Middle Ages for rope and textile production, before it became more economic to import, to make ropes and sails for ships. It has recently attracted interest as a new arable crop as more uses for hemp become viable, including fibre/shiv for insulation and boarding in house construction and seeds used for cold pressed oil and food health products, plus many other uses. Hemp has also been shown to improve soil structure and quality, store CO2 and improve biodiversity and could play an important role in reducing Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions. There is potential for this highly versatile crop to be a profitable break crop for farmers as demand increases for biobased materials to replace products derived from fossil fuels.
Industrial hemp is used across sectors such as agriculture, automotives, bio-energy, construction, food and beverages, furniture, paper, personal care, recycling and textiles. Several years field crop experience in Angus and the Borders, and hemp crop trials in Scotland in 2024 has confirmed that the crop grows well in our climate.
Episode Timestamps
01.23 Introducing Iain Riddell
02.50 Potential uses for hemp as an industrial crop
03.46 What do we mean by ‘industrial hemp’
05.45 Historical context
10.45 Growing hemp for fibre
12.17 Hemp – what’s currently going on in the UK
17.09 What we learned from growing hemp in the rotation
22.48 Retting process
28.32 Emerging hemp markets and potential uses
33.42 Hemp seed industry
35.26 Phytoremediation and the advantage of deep tap roots
37.23 Biodiversity benefits
Resources
The Potential of the Hemp Crop in Scotland | Helping farmers in Scotland
Advancing a sustainable Scottish supply chain for industrial hemp and co-products
British Hemp Alliance
IndiNature – Natural fibre construction insulation
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-hemp-licensing-guidance/industrial-hemp-licensing-factsheet
The Rowett Institute | The University of Aberdeen
Contact:
[email protected] (Iain Riddell)
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode George Chalmers is joined by SAC Consultant David Ross, to discuss crop margins from 2025 and predictions for 2026.
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, George Chalmers will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Time Stamps
1:12 Introduction to David Ross
5:00 Impact of weather on 2025 yields
11:12 AHDB Farmbench
13:44 2025 Winter Wheat
19:20 2025 Oilseed Rape
24:50 2025 Spring Barley
28:32 2025 Winter Barley
30:58 Variations between farm
32:55 Projections for Winter Wheat
38:27 Projections for Oilseed Rape 2026
42:04 Projections for Barley 2026
45:35 Alternative crops for 2026
53:30 Key messages
Related FAS Resources
Crops and soils | Helping farmers in Scotland
Other Related Resources
Farmbench - a farm business comparison tool | AHDB
Agricultural Reform Route Map
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In this episode George Chalmers is joined by Professor Fiona Burnett to look back at some of the key developments in agronomy which have taken place over her 33-year career, along with discussion about those which will shape the future.
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC adviser, George Chalmers will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Timestamps
02:00 Fiona Background
05:00 Developments in crop rotation
07:00 Yield (change in mindset)
10:29 Using multi-site chemistry
16:28 New technology & Chemistry
18:00 Biostimulants
20:40 IPM Planning
24:14 Changes in regulations
29:30 BASIS training
31:50 Quality Assurance
33:45 The future of agronomy
35:40 Managing inputs for the season ahead
38:05 Seed dressings
39:50 Reducing application rates
41:30 The challenge of resistance
43:40 Three top tips
Related FAS Resources
FAS Crops & Soils https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/
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Welcome to Cropcast Conversations hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Andrew Milne and Nick Hobson of United Oilseeds. We hear how the co-operative is structured, review 2025 OSR harvest and look ahead to prospects for 2026. They also discuss physical movements of the crop and market pricing mechanisms, so for all things OSR, enjoy listening to this very interesting conversation.
Andrew Milne – United Oilseeds Area Manager (Scotland)
Nick Hobson – United Oilseeds Trading Manager
Timestamps
00.55 Introducing Andrew and Nick from United Oilseeds
02.39 United Oilseeds – the company, it’s history and the area it covers
09.52 Varieties
12.15 Harvest 2025
18.43 Looking ahead to 2026
23.47 Movement of rape beyond the store
30.07 Different contract options and storage options
37.44 Key market watchpoints
41.43 Independent analysis of oil content
43.51 OSR Reboot
47.33 Andrews take home message
Related FAS Resources
Crops and soils | Helping farmers in Scotland
How to Get Oilseed Rape off to a Good Start | Helping farmers in Scotland
Related FAS Resources
United Oilseeds | Oilseed Rape | Buy Seed | Sell crops
OSR-Reboot | United Oilseeds | Oilseed Rape
Winter oilseed rape recommended and candidate lists | AHDB
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode George Chalmers is joined by Edward Jones, who is a Sustainable Farming Advisor at Frontier Agriculture to discuss cover crops.
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, George Chalmers will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Time codes
04:13 Definitions of green manure, cover crops & catch crops
09:14 Potential benefits
12:24 New species available
14:15 Different species for different areas
20:03 Considerations when choosing a crop
24:14 Greening 2026
28:40 Establishment
33:46 Potential uses with livestock
36:00 Seeds suitable for broadcasting
39:19 Three top tips
Linked FAS Resources
FAS Crops & Soils https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/
EFA Greening 2026 https://www.fas.scot/preparing-for-the-future/
Other Linked Resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-jones-931725133?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Clinkstone – Companion Crops & autumn cover crops in a min-till system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw5xnHdsaEw
Cover Crop Guide: https://covercropsguide.co.uk/
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Welcome to Cropcast Conversations hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Julian South, Executive Director of The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain (MAGB). MAGB are the trade association of the UK malting industry and represent over 98% of UK malt production, buying around 2 million tonnes of UK malting barley, to make about 1.6 million tonnes of malt. Mark and Julian discuss harvest 2025, barley varieties, tariffs and trade deals and opportunities for the industry.
Episode Timestamps
01.38 Background and structure of MAGB
04.43 What is malt?
06.59 Distilling malts and brewing malts
07.50 Harvest 2025 round up
16.12 Evaluating and approving new barley varieties for malting
23.31 International Barley Hub
26.00 Biggest challenges for the malting barley industry
29.47 International trade
33.25 Tariffs and trade deals
35.04 Peat as a flavouring for malt
37.10 Finding out more: www.ukmalt.com
38.25 The malt industry in 10 years time
Resources
The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain
Malting Barley Committee - The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain
Contact: Julian South: 07967452838, [email protected].uk
SRUC - Soils & plants - Recommended lists
SAC Recommended Lists for Cereals 2025-26
International Barley Hub - The James Hutton Institute
Mycotoxins - The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode George Chalmers is joined by SAC Senior Consultant and Chartered Accountant Andrew Coalter to discuss Arable Farm Finances, particularly cash flow challenges, investment and capital allowances for arable farms.
Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, George Chalmers will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Related FAS Resources
Cash Flow Forecasting: https://www.fas.scot/article/building-good-financial-habits-with-cash-flow-forecasting/
Budgeting & Financial Planning https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/business-tools/budgeting-and-financial-planning/
Finance & Funding https://www.fas.scot/whats-stopping-you-finance-funding/
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In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Robert Meadley to discuss some of the considerations which should be made when deciding to replace or invest in a piece of machinery.
Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Related FAS Resources
Getting Started In Arable Agriculture - Machinery Appraisal | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Other Related Resources
Robert Meadley LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-meadley-85652223/?originalSubdomain=uk
Machinery costing calculator | AHDB
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Welcome to CropCast Conversations hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by two guests. Grant James (Business Development Manager at Sea2Soil) discusses an organic soil improver product from Sea2Soil. Grant provides an explanation of the biological mechanisms at play in the product, how it works on-farm and what to expect from applications. Steve Townsend brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of Regenerative Agriculture. Steve advises farmers all over the UK and Europe on how No-Till can improve their business. Steve is passionate about helping farmers reduce their fixed costs, increase their crop yields and weed control whilst repairing their soils.
Episode Timestamps
00.55 Harvest 2025 feedback
03.03 Steve & Soil First Farming
04.04 Grant & Sea2Soil
06.01 What is fish hydrolysate?
06.46 Feeding the soil biology
11.04 Practices to build up soil biology
20.20 Measuring soil biology
27.47 How different crop sectors are responding to regenerative agriculture
32.04 Nitrogen use efficiency
34.56 Albrecht theory
38.40 Getting the magnesium ratio right
41.15 Grant’s take home message
42.00 Steve’s take home message
FAS Resources
Regenerative Agriculture | Helping farmers in Scotland
Other Resources
Organic Soil Improver - Make soil healthier & more productive | Sea2Soil
Grant James: [email protected], 07976 879646
Soil First Farming
Steve Townsend: [email protected].uk, 07989 402112
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Kristina Grenz, Senior Cereal Product Quality Scientist at AHDB, to discuss ergot, which proved to be a significant problem for many growers during harvest 2024. In this episode we discuss the ergot life cycle, symptoms as well as top management tips.
Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Related Resources
AHDB – Ergot management guidance for cereals - https://ahdb.org.uk/news/ergot-management-guidance-for-cereals-strengthened-by-review
AHDB – An introduction to Ergot & its management in cereals https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/an-introduction-to-ergot-and-its-management-in-cereals
FAS – Ergot – What is it and how to prevent it? https://www.fas.scot/article/ergot-what-it-is-and-how-to-prevent-it/
AHDB- Ergot in harvest 2024 https://ahdb.org.uk/news/ergot-in-harvest-2024-cereals-a-pathologist-s-paradise-a-supply-chain-challenge
AIC – Ergot in cereal crops https://www.agindustries.org.uk/resource/ergot-in-cereal-crops-contracts-legislation-and-effective-management-frequently-asked-questions-faqs.html
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In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Donald Dunbar and Alan Bruce to discuss changes to EFA options under the Scottish Government’s enhanced greening measures for 2026, and how farmers might go about integrating some of these options into their own farming systems.
Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Related FAS Resources
Greening guidance (2026)
Preparing For The Future | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
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In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by George Chalmers to discuss grain storage and the importance of making sure stores are ready for harvest.
Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
FAS Resources
Crops and Soils Bulletin June 2023 - Grain Store Hygiene Ahead of Harvest | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Ensuring Safe Storage for Wet Malting Barley | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Other Resources
AHDB (2023) Grain Storage Guide
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Welcome to Cropcast Conversations hosted by Principal Consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by James Bolesworth (CRM AgriCommodities) to discuss how grain markets are looking for 2025 and in part 2 Mark is joined by George Chalmers (SAC Consulting) and Neil Havis (SRUC Professor, Crop Pathology) to update us on how crops are looking in Scotland.
Episode Timestamps
00.00 PART 1 – James Bolesworth (CRM AgriCommodities)
03.30 Wheat price movements over winter and early spring
06.14 Why has there been a steeper decline in grain price over the last few months?
09:20 Carryover stocks: current position and going into next season
12.58 Trump and tariffs: impact on food commodities and the grain market
16.33 Crop conditions and predicted reduction in production and output
19.55 Selling new crop: looking at opportunities to smooth the curve of volatility
23.00 PART 2 – George Chalmers (SAC Consulting) and Neil Havis (SRUC, Professor of Crop Pathology)
24.17 How crops are looking in Scotland
32.51 Yellow Rust and YR15
37.19 Choosing wheat varieties to grow this autumn
38.20 Spring barley update
42.30 Ramularia: the late season disease
FAS Resources
Yellow rust - FAS
New yellow rust strain confirmed - FAS
June Crop Update - FAS
FAS Newsletters - Crops & Soils Edition
Crop Trials Evening - Lothians
Crop Trials Evening - Aberdeenshire
Crop Trials Evening - Lanark
Other Resources
CRM AgriCommodities
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode, Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Kerry Leslie to talk about the Potato viruses, which can cause devastating compulsory burn down orders, and why these viruses remain a major concern for the industry going forward.
Welcome to Cropcast, your go-to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops.
Each month, SAC advisor Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked FAS Resources
Six steps for virus management doc https://www.sasa.gov.uk/sites/default/files/The_6_Steps_to_Effective_Virus_Management_in_Potato_Crops.pdf The SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) https://www.sruc.ac.uk/business-services/sac-consulting/our-expert-teams/knowledge-networks/potato-services/
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Welcome to the first episode of Cropcast Conversations hosted by Principal Consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Iain Riddel (Principal Consultant, SAC Consulting). They discuss growing sugar beet in Scotland and cover sugar beet trial work, sites, varieties, farmer group feedback and conclusions from trial work.
Episode Timestamps
00.32 Introducing Iain Riddell
01.49 Background to sugar beet in Scotland
05.05 Rural Innovation Support Service project
10.12 Biorefining hubs
11.35 Farmers feedback on practicalities of sugar beet in the rotation
15.43 Harvesting sugar beet
18.40 Storing sugar beet
19.35 Trials of different varieties at different locations
29.40 IBiolC Conference take-home messages
31.30 Iain’s closing thoughts
FAS Resources
Field Trialling Sugar Beet in Eastern Scotland
Other Resources
IBiolC (Organisation that connects industry, academia and government to bring biotechnology processes and products to the global market)
IBiolC annual conference (March 2025)
Sugar Beet: A Just Transition for the Chemicals Sector and a Net Zero Solution for Manufacturing.
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Twitter: @FASScot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Edward Scaman and Chris McClymont to talk about herbicides. How is the current season progressing and what is the best practice advice when it comes to applying products.
Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked FAS Resources
YouTube - Bayer Weed Screen
Find your local Bayer technical manager
FAS - Herbicides
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In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Tom Scrope to talk about his 2025 Nuffield Scholarship, in which he is exploring new ways of farmer knowledge exchange to secure stronger soils. Tom is also the Co-founder of soil benchmark, an online platform which can be used to create bespoke soil management plans.
Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked Resources
Nuffield Farming Scholarships: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/scholars/2024/tom-scrope
Soil benchmark: https://www.soilbenchmark.com/#features
Tom Scrope, Linked in: Tom Scrope on LinkedIn: 🤔 🇦🇺 🪱 Why do Aussie farmers share soil-y ideas BETTER and FASTER than… | 70 comments
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