Landwards - the podcast of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers

In this episode of Landwards, host Andy Newbold talks to Ray King, Chartered Agricultural Engineer, member of the executive board of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, and founder of Flynt Technology.Ray traces his journey from growing up on a Dorset farm and learning in the workshop, through studying at Harper Adams, and into roles with Teagle Machinery, JCB, Claydon Drills, and an aerospace firm where he sharpened his core engineering and management skills. He then joined Small Robot Company as head of mechanical engineering before setting up his own consultancy, supporting design, manufacturing, safety and compliance, and early-stage ventures in the agricultural sector.Building on his Landwards opinion piece, “Perspective: The Startup’s Role in Agricultural Engineering”, Ray argues that startups play a crucial role in agricultural engineering: opening doors for new people to enter the sector, challenging incumbents, and acting as a forcing function for innovation. He and Andy unpack how labels like startup, agritech, and disruptive technology can obscure the simple reality that companies like JCB and Harry Ferguson’s enterprises also began life as “startups” – they just weren’t called that.Ray discusses the realities of venture capital, risk, and failure, and why we need to rethink the stigma around businesses that don’t make it. He highlights technologies that excite him today – from drone-based data capture and moisture mapping (e.g. Q Fly Water) to robotic inter-row mowing (e.g. Left Field Agriculture) – and looks ahead to the big challenges facing agriculture: reducing chemical use, managing water, and helping farmers protect margins with better data and practical, farmer-friendly tools.Key TakeawaysStartups are essential drivers of innovation and new talent in agricultural engineering.Terms like agritech and disruption can distract from the real work of solving on-farm problems.Failure in startups is part of the risk model, not a permanent black mark.Data-led tools, smarter water management, and farmer-led innovation will be central to meeting future challenges.

In this Landwards episode, IAgrE President Kit Franklin joins host Andy Newbold to share his journey into agricultural engineering and his vision for the Institution’s future.Growing up on a family farm in Cirencester, Kit combined a love of maths, science, and design with agriculture, leading him to Harper Adams and a degree in Agricultural Engineering. He arrived wanting to design “big shiny tractors,” but left with a passion for autonomous, smaller, and more precise machinery and the wider farming system.Kit describes his work at Harper Adams as a researcher and lecturer, including leading the groundbreaking Hands Free Farm project – the world’s first hectare of crop grown entirely using autonomous machines. Now, having recently split his time between Harper Adams, a US university attachment, the family farm, and podcasting on agri‑tech, he outlines how these experiences shape his presidency.As President, Kit plans to be hands‑on, focusing on:improving member networking via the new IAgrE website;tackling slow but steady membership decline;raising IAgrE’s profile through member stories, LinkedIn, and timely responses to policy announcements;better engaging the agri‑tech community and inspiring young people into agricultural engineering.He reflects on how technologies like RTK guidance have moved from cutting‑edge to everyday consumer tools in under two decades, while insisting that fundamental mechanical and civil engineering skills remain essential in a physical, field-based world. The conversation closes with a more personal reveal: behind the rock and dance music fan is someone with a soft spot for Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”—and an open-door attitude to IAgrE members’ ideas.Key TakeawaysHow childhood interests in design and farming led Kit into agricultural engineering.The story and impact of the Hands Free Farm autonomous cropping project.Kit’s presidential priorities: networking, membership growth, visibility, and policy engagement.Why agri‑tech professionals and young people are critical to IAgrE’s future.How fast automation and RTK tech have evolved—and why nuts, bolts, spades, and soil still matter.

Join IAgrE CEO Charlie Nicklin, Independent Agronomist Kieran Walsh, Innovation Specialist Clive Blacker, Head of Education & Partnerships, BASIS, Harry Henderson, Technology Manager at the Foundation for Arable Research, New Zealand, Chris Smith and Landwards editor Andy Newbold Hon FIAgrE for a no holds barred full on discussion about what was hot (and not) in Hannover, Germany in November 2025.Agricultural engineers and agronomists unpack what really mattered at Agritechnica and LandTechnik AgEng 2025: from robots and autonomy to smart implements, soil sensing, and alternative powertrains. They separate marketing vanity from practical engineering, highlighting where data, AI, and clever hardware are already delivering value – and where the industry is still in proof‑of‑concept mode. Expect frank views on Chinese OEMs, hybrid and electric drives, and why evolution on farm will beat revolution.

Landwards Editor Andy Newbold Hon FIAgrE in conversation with :Richard Bate, newly elected IOSH president, discussed the importance of education, mental health, and environmental change in the rural industries community. He highlighted that despite being only 1% of the workforce, rural industries account for over 20% of workforce deaths. Bate emphasized early education and engagement with children to foster risk management skills. He shared a statistic that globally, 157 people die every 25 minutes. Sam Downer from Mates in Mind stressed the need for effective mental health support in farming communities. Mike Whiting, chair of IOSH's rural industries group, reflected on the successful Growing Safely conference, which covered topics like drones, AI, and mental health.Action Items Maintain and develop the liaison between the Rural Industries Group and HSE (via Wayne Owen) to ensure a clear contact route for regulatory supportContinue planning future Rural Industries Group conferences and events (venue, speakers and programme), building on the Growing Safely conference template Focus the IOSH presidency on improving safety in rural sectors for the forthcoming year, including promoting education and environmental change discussionsDevelop and publish the agri wellbeing alliance website and provide resources and signposting for mental‑health support and accidental counsellor trainingRichard Bate's Inaugural Speech and Key ThemesAndy Newbold introduces Richard Bate, the new president of IOSH, and mentions the focus on rural industries.Richard Bate discusses his three main themes: education, mental health and well-being, and environmental change.Richard emphasises the importance of discussing environmental change despite its polarising nature.Andy Newbold and Richard agree on the reality of changing weather patterns and their impact on agriculture.Statistics and Education in Rural IndustriesRichard Bate shares a startling statistic: rural industries are responsible for more than 20% of workforce deaths despite being only 1% of the workforce.Richard stresses the need to reframe discussions around statistics and engage with children early on health and safety.Richard recounts a personal story about a farmer's aggressive response to safety advice, highlighting the need for support and education.Andy Newbold and Richard discuss the importance of contextualizing safety issues and the role of parents in building risk management skills in children.Sam Downie from Mates in MindAndy Newbold introduces Sam Downie from Mates in Mind, a charity focused on mental health in higher-risk sectors.Sam emphasizes the importance of having conversations about mental health and the need for support networks.Sam provides contact information for Mates in Mind and encourages listeners to seek help if they are struggling with their mental well-being.Technology and Safety in AgricultureMike Whiting discusses the role of technology, such as AI and predictive maintenance, in enhancing safety in agriculture.Andy Newbold and Mike emphasize that while technology is an enabler, the focus should be on how it is used and interacted with.The conference included a session by John Deere on the benefits and challenges of agri-tech and autonomy.Mike reflects on the success of the conference, the positive feedback from attendees, and the importance of continued collaboration and support.

This recording covers how forestry, timber, water management, and safety regulation intersect with land-based engineering, and why agricultural engineers sit at the centre of these systems. * Apologies for the background noise in some of the interviews, it was a lively conference environment!Key Takeaways1. Timber & Species Diversification - Prof. Dan Ridley‑Ellis   Future timber supply must adapt to climate change and disease, so we need species diversification beyond traditional commercial species.   What matters to most users is performance, not species name: strength, durability, processability.   The timber of 2050 is already in the ground – current forestry decisions lock in future material properties.   Small datasets on “new” species are a big risk; **some data is better than reputation-based assumptions**.   Opportunity: engineers specifying materials should ask for performance-based criteria, not just traditional species labels.2. SuDS & Water on Difficult Land - Anna Cuanalo MICE - ARUP   Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) rules were written for urban settings but are now being applied to rural infrastructure (forest roads, access tracks).   - This creates compliance challenges but also opportunities for integrated water and land management.   Agricultural engineers are central in:     Designing roads and access on steep, wet, rocky land.     Managing soil, runoff, and erosion at landscape scale.   The profession is broader than “things with wheels”: it’s soils, water, land use, and access engineering.3. Practical SuDS in Forestry - Felix Merry Natural Resources Wales    In Wales, SuDS is now unavoidable for many forest schemes; forestry is effectively a test bed for others.   Engineers must upskill in hydraulic modelling to justify schemes to regulators.   Practical hierarchy:     Prefer infiltration into soil.     If collected, attenuate and slow the flow (e.g. swales, check dams, timber dams).     Last resort: discharge to watercourses.   Shows the rising need for hydrology‑literate land engineers who can demonstrate performance, not just build tracks.4. CDM Regulations in Forestry - Iwan Lloyd Williams MICfor – Forestry Consultant   Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) absolutely apply to day‑to‑day forestry operations.   Forestry is not a cowboy industry: it already identifies hazards and manages risk; CDM mainly formalises existing duties of care.   Forestry has its own professional safety guidance (e.g. FISA); much of CDM is about clear roles, responsibilities and documentation.   For agricultural engineers, this reinforces the need to treat land-based projects as formal construction work in the eyes of the law.Soundbites-“The timber we need in 2050 is already in the ground.”- “Trees grow wood for their own reasons – they’re not thinking about us.”- “Some data is better than no data.”- “Agricultural engineering sits right in the middle of our land management.”- “SuDS was written for urban flooding, but it’s now landing on steep, wet forestry ground.”- “Forestry is doing CDM already – just with different words.” Keywords / Phrases- Species diversification- Sitka spruce, homegrown spruce- Wood properties, performance-based specification- Climate resilience, future resource- SuDS – Sustainable Dra<

In this episode of Landwards, host Andy Newbold interviews Jonathan Gill, a farm innovation specialist at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. They discuss Jonathan's journey from a curious child fascinated by mechanics to a professional in agricultural engineering. The conversation covers his educational challenges, the impact of technology in farming, and the importance of continuous learning and human intuition in the field. Jonathan shares insights on the Hands-Free Hectare project, current projects at the Agri-Tech Centre, and offers advice for aspiring agricultural engineers.Jonathans Takeaways Jonathan's early curiosity about mechanics shaped his career.Overcoming dyslexia was a significant challenge in his education.Hands-Free Hectare project exemplifies innovation in agriculture.Robotics and automation are key to modern farming practices.Real-world applications of technology are crucial in agriculture.Continuous learning is essential for career growth in ag engineering.The importance of human intuition in agricultural technology.AI can enhance farming but should not replace human decision-making.Sustainability is a core focus in agricultural engineering.Agricultural engineering offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities.Sound bites "I always liked to take things apart.""I was a late bloomer in education.""I absolutely love what I do."Keywords Agricultural Engineering, Innovation, Robotics, Farming Technology, Education, Career Development, Sustainability, Precision Agriculture, AI in Agriculture, Hands-Free Hectare

Episode notes:In this edition, Tim Chamen shares his extensive journey in agricultural engineering, discussing his background, education, and the evolution of agricultural machinery. He highlights the importance of soil health, innovations like controlled traffic farming, and the development of gantry systems. Tim emphasizes the need for continuous inquiry and adaptation in agricultural practices to meet modern challenges and environmental concerns. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers in the field.Takeaways Tim's journey in agricultural engineering began with a passion for soil and machinery.Education played a crucial role in shaping Tim's career path.Innovations in agricultural machinery can significantly improve soil health.Controlled traffic farming is a revolutionary approach to soil management.Gantry systems offer a promising future for sustainable agriculture.Tim emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and inquiry in engineering.Recognition and awards can validate one's contributions to the field.Environmental considerations are essential in modern agricultural practices.Agricultural engineering encompasses a wide range of technologies and solutions.Aspiring engineers should embrace curiosity and seek to make a positive impact. Tims soundbites: "Ask the question, why?""The world is your oyster.""Never stop acting, never stop inquiring."Keywords Agricultural Engineering, Soil Cultivation, Controlled Traffic Farming, Agricultural Innovations, Gantry Systems, Environmental Impact, Agricultural Machinery, Soil Health, Engineering Education, Sustainable Agriculture

UK Country Manager for METOS, David Whattoff, takes Landwards Editor Andy Newbold through what makes him tick, the value of curiosity for engineers and how 'somebodies problem, is someone else's solution'. He suggests collecting business cards, and that often the quietest person in the room has a lot to say.Listen and find out more.

Part 2 of a 2 part recording with most of the 2025 IAgrE Award winners, recorded live (with apologies for varying levels of background noise) at AGCO's Abbey Park, UK HQ.In this episode listen to:David Yates EngTech MIAgrE  - IAgrE Institution Meritorious AwardChris Watts CEng CEnv FIAgrE  - IAgrE Institution Meritorious AwardMartin Parsons Ceng CEnv FIAgrE and Jo Finlow of the Holme Fen Restoration Project - The Environmental Engineer Team AwardDr Paula Misiewicz AMIAgrE - The Presidents Award 2025Professor Simon Pearson FIAgrE - The IAgrE Award of Merit

Part 1 of a 2 part recording with most of the 2025 IAgrE Award winners, recorded live (with apologies for varying levels of background noise) at AGCO's Abbey Park, UK HQ.In this episode listen to:David Goodchild EngTech TIAgrE - IAgrE CNH Industrial Student Undergraduate AwardLuke Waldram MEng, AMIAgrE - IAgrE CNH Industrial Student Undergraduate AwardTom Ablitt TIAgrE - IAgrE Student Project AwardHywel Jones TIAgrE - IAgrE Student Project AwardDaniel Mitchell MSc HAU - Environmental Engineer AwardWrapped up by a reflection from IAgrE President Elect on the challenges to agricultural engineers.

Staffordshire farmer and agricultural engineer, Andrew Court in conversation with Landwards editor, Andy Newbold, discusses the spark which ignited his passion for all things engineering and agriculture.He explains how the farming benefits from his agricultural engineering approach.Listen for the full story.

An engineer with a global career and impact, Professor Dick Godwin, in conversation With Landwards editor Andy Newbold, regarding his career in agricultural engineering.Dick reflects on being inspired to pursue his chosen career, by way of an inspiring teacher, the Chicago riots of 1968 and learning the maxim of 'publish or perish'.In his own words 'They haven't invented the digital spade yet'. 

With apologies for the variable sound quality, it was very busy.Andy Newbold, editor of Landwards in conversation with:IAgrE CEO Charlie Nicklin tells us whats floating his boat at the show;Award winning engineer Brian Knight (3:16) tells us when his ideas come;Oliver Wood from Omnia (5:43) explains how he is living in a digital world whilst scratching the surface of AI;Recruitment consultant Jim Garrod (11:15)  is clear about how you can help your chances when it comes to a job change;Merlo UK's Shaun Groom (13:13) takes the temperature of this years show;Farmers Guardians Machinery and Technology Editor Toby Whatley (16:10), gets excited about awards and digs deep into hydrogens prospects for ag.

Chairman and CEO of global agricultural machinery company AGCO Eric Hansotia, in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold.From an upbringing on a family dairy farm in the States to the top job with AGCO,  by way of a career in engineering, Eric discusses how engineers who make great products always listen and learn. He stresses the importance of getting close to farmers and understanding their problems, whilst giving away his 'secret sauce' tip for engineers."Deliver excellence, and stay flexible". Eric says.

Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize 2024 winner, Esther Kimani, Founder and CEO of Farmer Lifeline Technologies in conversation with IAgrE and RAE fellow Toby Mottram and Landwards editor Andy Newbold.Esther talks frankly about her subsistence smallholder upbringing in Kenya, how her parents encouraged her into education and the innovation which has led to winning the Africa Prize.For more information on the prize head here: https://raeng.org.uk/news/africa-prize-winner-2024

Incoming IAgrE President Dr Mark Moore in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold on all things engineering.From a single O Level in metalwork to AGCO's Director of Government Affairs for Europe, Mark discusses that with perseverance anything is possible in an agricultural engineering career."Be prepared, be flexible and be adaptable" Mark says.

This weeks podcast sees Ray King and Kit Franklin from the IAgrE's Robotics SIG gently takeover.This edition sees the team talk through the technology offerings from DEFRA's latest round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, by way of the sad demise of the Small Robot Company and a look at some of the latest autonomous developments.

Before heading to Hannover next month, IAgrE CEO Charlie Nicklin and Andy Newbold have a look at what's in store.From new fuels, to robotics and autonomy, the world of ag engineering has moved on significantly since the last Agritechnica in 2019.Charlie and Andy discuss the latest trends.

Fellow of the Institution, agricultural engineer and health and safety professional, Dr Mark Cooper in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold.We discuss an unconventional career path, the influences which set him on a road to agricultural engineering and some helpful pointers to help along the way.

IAgrE CEO Charlie Nicklin, in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold, taking a spin through some of the latest news from the world of agricultural engineering.Highlights include:Big green tractors (other colours available)Paludiculture (look it up)Remote sensingThe future energy mix in agAI and biodiversity

Ben Burgess management trainee Maisie Wildgoose discusses her slightly circuitous route into agricultural technology and Institution membership.

IAgrE president Steve Constable in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold. Steve takes us on his agricultural engineering journey via extra maths, generators, and Douglas Adams.. if you know, you know.

Senior Specialist, research agronomist and soil scientist at NIAB, Joe Martlew catches up with Landwards editor Andy Newbold regarding his novel approach to career progression.  Loosely on the theme of 'seven career steps to date' and still going strong..Agricultural engineering has given Joe with a network of people who are weird, whilst developing and pursuing a passion for soil health. * apologies for the poor recording quality of this podcast, the technical team have now been sacked.

Graham Higginson, senior agricultural engineering lecturer at Harper Adams University in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold.By way of his education and experience, Graham paints the picture of what ag engineering means to him and ways into a career. He also considers what the future will look like for discipline, education, training and future careers. Oh and he expresses  his dinner preference, and a favourite record. No surprise to some. 

Clive Blacker of Map of Ag, commercial partner of the Hands Free Farm project and a trustee of the Douglas Bomford Trust, in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold.In his own words, 'Anything I broke, bent or bust had to be repaired'  and that's what's made Clive an Engineer. By way of farming, arable contracting, his lack of concentration and how technology overcame this, Clive talks us through his career and why he is passionate about agricultural engineering, even if the forms to join IAgrE are still on his desk!

William Tuer, renewables consultant, natural plant food guru, agricultural engineer and family farmer is frank with Landwards Editor Andy Newbold about his career choices and trajectory.

AHDB mechanisation lead and IAgrE member Harry Henderson, in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold.Harry talks about his career to date, the steps taken to get there, the challenges he sees going forwards and he offers some sound career advice.

Principal investigator for the Hands Free Farm, senior lecturer in agricultural engineering and IAgrE exec member Kit Franklin is candid with host Andy Newbold about the journey he is on.

This edition guest commentators Hugh Crabtree, Kit Franklin and Stuart Goodinson give their perspectives across a range of issues in the news.

Long standing member, agricultural engineer and musician Hugh Crabtree of Farmex, talks us through his career.  Find out about the 'Edinburgh standard pig', how data works in his world and some strong encouragement to would be engineers.  

Clare Butler Ellis of the Silsoe Spray Applications Unit in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold. She discusses how, whilst waiting for a proper job,  she 'fell' into her career, The podcast also covers Clare's career progression, personal and professional motivations and a view on  agricultural engineering and its future direction.

Landwards editor Andy Newbold and  IAgrE CEO Charlie Nicklin get behind some of the latest headlines from the world of agricultural engineering.

Charlie Nicklin is in conversation with Andy Newbold, editor of Landwards. Charlie talks about his background and its influence on his education, his career choices,  and his thoughts on agricultural engineering and the future for the Institution.

Soils professor and immediate past president Jane Rickson in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold. Jane talks about how she became an agricultural engineer, her career progression and gives an insight into her professional (& a little bit of her personal) life.

The Institutions communications officer Marion King picks through some of the latest news stories with Landwards editor Andy Newbold. This month vertical farming, JCB's move into hydrogen power and and the future of Newton Rigg college.

Alastair Taylor, chief licence reviewer for SocEnv in conversation with Andy Newbold. The podcast discusses the benefits of professional registration with the Society for the Environment.

The Institutions communications officer Marion King picks through some of the latest news stories with Landwards editor Andy Newbold. This month virtual events, the benefits of mentors and a future food crisis are discussed.

Independent soils and machinery design specialist Philip Wright in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold. Philip discusses his career development in agricultural engineering, how his thinking has changed about soils and his thoughts about the future.

A look at some of the latest news from May with Marion King IAgrE's communications officer and Andy Newbold, Landwards editor.In this episode we look at:Robotic sheep dogsDevelopments with the Hands Free FarmJCB's latest manufacturing changesThe proposed closure of Newton Rigg College in Cumbria.Don't forget if you have any news worthy stories please email [email protected] .

Incoming president Paul Hemingway in conversation with Landwards editor Andy Newbold. Discussing his vision for the future of agricultural engineering, via his background, education and career path and experience along the way.

Graham Higginson, senior agricultural engineering lecturer at Harper Adams University  in conversation with IAgrE CEO Ed Hansom regarding professional registration as a agricultural engineer.

IAgrE CEO Ed Hansom talks about CPD with Landwards editor Andy Newbold