RASE Farm of the Future

In this conversation, Ben Hunt, a sustainability consultant, discusses the complexities of carbon markets, particularly focusing on the role of farmers in carbon sequestration. He explains the differences between regulated and voluntary carbon markets, the importance of additionality in carbon credits, and the challenges farmers face in navigating this evolving landscape. The discussion highlights the potential benefits of carbon markets for farmers while also addressing the risks and moral implications involved.

In this conversation, Jake Freestone, Farm Manager at Overbury Farms, discusses the multifaceted approach to modern farming, emphasising the importance of regenerative agriculture, resilience in the face of climate change, and the role of organisations like LEAF. He shares insights on the challenges of improving wheat yields, the necessity of long-term thinking in farming practices, and the importance of risk management and innovation. Additionally, Jake highlights the work of the Green Farm Collective in promoting sustainable farming practices and engaging with consumers to build trust in regenerative agriculture.

In this conversation, Tim Stephens discusses the intersection of water management and farming, emphasising the importance of collaboration between farmers and water companies to improve water quality. He outlines the challenges faced in maintaining water standards, the investments made to support farmers, and the various strategies employed to engage with them. The discussion also covers the need for holistic water management approaches, the physical changes farmers can implement, the significance of training, and the global perspectives on water management. Tim highlights the technological innovations in nutrient management and concludes with actionable steps for farmers to enhance their water management practices.

In this conversation, Jade Prince, head of soils at Hutchinson's, discusses the critical role of soil health in agriculture, the importance of knowledge exchange among farmers, and the innovative research and technologies being developed to enhance soil management practices. Jade shares insights from her upcoming Nuffield research on soil biological analysis and emphasizes the need for collaboration between researchers and farmers to effectively implement scientific findings in practical farming.

In this conversation, Charlie Steer, an arable manager at Grosvenor Farms, discusses the principles and practices of circular farming systems. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture, nutrient management, and the integration of biodiversity and water management. Charlie shares insights on the evolution of farming practices, the economic viability of circular systems, and the significance of soil health. He also highlights the mindset shift occurring in agriculture towards more resource-efficient practices and offers advice for farmers looking to implement circular systems.

In this conversation, Toby Simpson discusses his experiences and insights on cover cropping in agriculture, focusing on its benefits for soil health, resilience, and biodiversity. He shares his journey from traditional farming practices to adopting cover crops and no-till systems, highlighting the importance of experimentation and learning from global practices. The discussion also touches on community engagement, innovative practices, and the need for policy support to encourage sustainable farming methods.

For this episode we’re looking back upon series two of RASE Farm of the Future Podcast. Host Iory is joined by series producer Natasha Smith for a reflection upon some of the key takeaways from the series. They share their thoughts on recruitment in the farming industry today, their learnings from Iory’s conversations with guests throughout the series and the concepts and ideas where they see real potential for change.   RASE Farm of the Future Podcast will return for a third series. If there are any particular topics you’d like to hear explored on the podcast, please do let us know by sending a message to any of RASE’s socials.   Instagram: @royal_ag_society_england Facebook: @The Royal Agricultural Society of England LinkedIn: @Royal Agricultural Society of England X: @RoyalAgSociety   For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.

For this episode we’re joined by Paul Harris, founder and MD of Real Success Ltd. which offers recruitment consultancy, HR advice, succession planning and leadership training. Paul shares his ten foundation stones that underpin the recruitment process basics and outlines what farm businesses can do to ensure they’re hiring the very best people. Paul speaks at a wide variety of major farming industry events, writes for Farmers Weekly and Farmers Guardian, and his latest book Happy Team, Happy Farm was a finalist in the Business Book of The Year 2024 Awards. For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website  

For this episode we are joined by Peter Craven, Head of Agriculture at Natural England, to focus on running a family business. Peter, who has focused his career on helping others to succeed, provides simple and universal advice for navigating the complexities of running a family business, from family charters, crucial questions at the core of the business, to management, leadership, and succession. Peter completed a Nuffield on how to turn a family farming business and from his findings is able to simplify an often intimidating topic that is close to home for many businesses in agriculture. For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.

For this episode we’re joined by Richard Hooper, director of The Future Farm at Harper Adams University, which provides teaching and research of mixed farming operations across arable, pigs, sheep, poultry, beef and dairy over its 493 hectares, whilst operating as a commercial farm. Richard is also an agricultural management specialist with over three decades of experience. He’s a Nuffield scholar and has proven track record in improving all aspects of unit production. In this episode Richard shares his views on ways in which an agricultural business can be a great employer. For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.

For this episode we’re joined by Ifan Roberts, a contract dairy farmer originally from North Wales, who brings a sense of positivity when talking about dairy farming. His mission is to openly share the positives of his experiences as a dairy farmer, through his Nuffield report to help inspire others into the sector.   Ifan’s experience of dairy farming has surpassed his expectations leaving college, where he was led to expect real hardship and challenges. His upcoming Nuffield report shares how different approaches and mindsets from around the world, including in New Zealand, can help inspire those interested in the industry, and bring about a change in communication that is far more positive about the dairy industry.   For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.

For this episode we’re joined by Helen Wyman, founder of TwoCan Mentor, a company that connects individuals across the food, farm and horticultural ecosystems, to pass on knowledge and skills. Helen’s belief is that everyone in the ag industry needs a mentor. Helen’s excellent understanding of both the industry and the people working within it stems from her work in farming and renewables sectors, as well as her 2022 Nuffield scholarship in which she explored how mentoring can bring positive change in agriculture. For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.    

For this episode host Iory Hughes is joined by Chris Manley, founder of consultancy Traction Limited, which leads sustainability strategies and supply chain initiatives for some of the UK’s biggest retailers including M&S, Müller, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Chris did a Nuffield Scholarship in which he researched what great leadership looks like in farming teams. Chris is also the pioneer of Walk With Me, a mental health campaign which encourages farmers and others in the rural community to open up through the simple act of walking and talking. Chris’ mission in his work is to champion people first leadership to build stronger and more sustainable food systems. This episode is about what truly excellent leadership looks like on a farm, and how it can enrich the lives and work of everyone working on farms. For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.

For this episode host Iory Hughes is joined by dairy farmer Liz Haines, who works with Farmers Weekly on the Level Field campaign. Liz undertook a Nuffield Scholarship to help the industry better understand the needs of those in agriculture who are neurodivergent, and how they can be better supported in their work. Prior to farming Liz worked in publishing, specialising in autism and special educational needs. She moved on to take up a contract farming opportunity in Shropshire. Now having moved to Staffordshire, Liz is a tenant dairy farmer, milking 375 spring calving cattle. Liz is also a non-executive director of Mole Valley Farmers. The episode is all about what neurodiversity means, how conditions may impact someone at work and how we can improve interaction with people who are neurodivergent. For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.

For this episode host Iory Hughes is joined by Dan Smith, an agroecological farmer and consultant from the Wye Valley who is driven by cultivating both healthy eco-systems, and the next generation who will build and continue to care for them. Dan works with land managers to transition to more environmentally conscious systems of land management. In this episode he gives us excellent insight and practical actions, and challenges the agricultural sector to take them, to make the sector more accessible for all. Dan and Iory discuss equity, diversity and inclusion and bringing new people into the industry, as well as showing the opportunities in agriculture. This includes invigorating the industry with fresh ideas and perspectives while preserving and respecting the rich culture of UK farming. For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great people and developing farming teams, find the Teams bitesize guide on the reports page of the Royal Agricultural Society of England website.

Introducing the new series of the Farm of the Future podcast: Solving Staffing in Ag. Hosted by Iory Hughes, this season explores how to build, retain, and support high-performing farm teams. From next-gen labour to leadership pipelines, each episode features conversations with farmers, Nuffield scholars and industry experts exploring fresh thinking and real-farm solutions to the staffing challenge. Whether you're managing a family enterprise, shaping policy, or seeking your future role in agriculture, this series is for you.

For this episode we’re joined by David Speller from OptiFarm, to talk about how artificial intelligence can be used in livestock farming. During the episode we discuss how artificial intelligence can already be used in livestock farming and how deep learning AI can be used to accelerate agricultural know-how.

For this episode we’re joined by Alastair Leake from the Allerton Project, to talk about regenerative root crops. Alastair was the winner of the 2023 RASE National Agricultural Award, which was presented in recognition of how he has developed The Allerton Project to demonstrate how farming can deliver food production and environmental outcomes simultaneously.   During the episode we dig into how root crops can be grown as part of a regenerative system, despite the level of soil disturbance required. 

Regenerative farming means different things to different people. For our November 2023 Farm of the Future podcast episode, Deborah Crossan from Innovation for Agriculture and Natasha Smith from RASE spoke to John Cherry, co-founder of Groundswell and a regenerative farmer, to understand his perspective on regenerative agriculture.   In John’s words, regenerative farming refers to “Any farming system which improves the functionality of any of the systems that we rely on as farmers.” What do we mean by that? What systems do farmers rely on? And what does regenerative farming look like in practice?  Listen to the episode to hear more.  

Listen to this episode to hear how calf monitoring technologies can be used to improve calf health and growth rates, impacting both farm profitability and environmental outcomes.  For this episode, Natasha Smith and Laura Palczynski from Innovation for Agriculture are joined by livestock vet Emily Linton, from Torch Farm Vets and Chris Dorrington from Smartbell. Emily, Chris and Laura are all incredibly passionate about how small tweaks to calf health practices can have a disproportionally large impact on farm businesses as a whole.  The episode includes insights into how any calf rearer can improve health outcomes in their calves, and also delves into the potential to make better use of data to further improve calf rearing in the future.     

Listen to episode two of the RASE Farm of the Future podcast to hear how farming at the maximum sustainable output can increase farm profitability, free up farmers’ time and deliver environmental benefits. For this episode Natasha Smith and Arran Redman from Innovation for Agriculture were joined by Martin Lines from the Nature Friendly Farming Network. They discuss the findings of the ‘Farming at the sweet spot: How farming with nature can make you happier, healthier and wealthier’ report, which was published earlier this year by Nethergill Associates, The Wildlife Trusts and the Nature Friendly Farming Network. The episode includes insights into how the maximum sustainable output model can work in practice for arable and livestock systems, including examples from Martin’s own farm.

In this episode, we are joined by Kit Franklin from Harper Adams University, to delve into the possibilities of using autonomous vehicles on UK farms. Kit was one of the pioneering team of agri-tech researchers behind the Hands Free Hectare. Back in 2017, this team were the first to grow a crop entirely using autonomous vehicles, without any operators in driving seats or agronomists on the ground. Since then, the Hands Free Hectare has expanded to a ⁠Hands Free Farm⁠, and the team has completed further research and trials around use of autonomous vehicles in farming systems. Listen to find out about the benefits autonomous vehicles can offer to farm businesses and what to consider when incorporating them into a farming system.