Brash Ag

How did charcoal support entire ancient civilisations? What is biochar and can it support and improve today's soils and modern farming techniques? This week Ray and Kit talk to farmer turned charcoal maker and now Nuffield Scholar, Luke Breedon. Luke runs the successful, sustainable charcoal business Slatehill Charcoal. While Luke didn’t come from a farming background, he did have a passion for woodland management and as part of his degree at RAU he completed a dissertation on the topic. Fast forward a few years and Luke has spent time farming in Australia and then for Velcourt at Down Ampney Estate. With the arrival of their first child Luke and his wife decided that they should start a venture closer to home that could fit around family life. Since launching Slatehill charcoal, predominantly selling into the BBQ charcoal market, Luke has had a fascination with biochar. Following this interest through to completing a Nuffield scholarship and travelling around the world to learn more about how biochar can be used on farms. Luke shares some amazing insights with the pair and helps explain the four pillars that he sees to building a successful biochar business along with how farmers can get the most from biochar application. As ever Brash Ag brings you real insights from real innovators and pioneers in the world of farming and technology

Is it unusual to see robots working in a field? Do ag robots have to look “roboty”? Do Dutch farmers embrace technology more than the rest of the world? What special cafes has Jonthan been to recently? This week Kit and Ray catch up with friend of the pod and former guest, Jonathan Gill. Jonathan is now Head of Field Operations at Earth Rover. After a recent trip to Holland to visit a customer he was struck by how many robots were working in the fields. Naturally he texted Kit to tell him he was wrong and thus started the debate “Is the future of farm robots based on tractors or something altogether more robot like in appearance?” The trio fight it out to try and answer the question and along the way share stories, insights and laughs.

How do you stand out in a big organisation like JCB? How do you transition from a technical role to management? In light of Kit taking over as President of Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) the Ray and Kit welcome Charlie Nicklin CEO of IAgrE on to the podcast. Charlie shares his career story from growing up on a farm to ultimately being Chief engineer on some of JCBs flagship products and now CEO of IAgrE. Charlie talks about progressing from a National Diploma to a degree at Harper Adams. Charlie explains how Professional Registration and Chartership helped him to stand out from the 500 strong crowd of engineers at JCB and what Chartership means for him. As CEO he talks through his role and how he has helped to shape the organisation and why farmers and engineers should seriously consider membership and professional registration.

What are the biggest strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing agri-tech in the USA? Is the US ahead of the rest of the world and what could the UK agri-tech sector learn from the USA? This week Kit says farewell (for now at least) to the United States of America and Mississippi State University and the Agricultural Autonomy Institute that has been his home for the last 6 months. To try and capture his thoughts and insights while they are fresh in his mind Ray guides Kit through a SWOT analysis to dive deeper into what makes the US ag-tech sector tick and what the future could hold for American farmers and innovators. What is the US really good at, what could be improved and what looming challenges face the country and its farmers? As ever the co-hosts provide some thought provoking statements with some humour and plenty of real world experience… O and some final breaking news!

Who will win in the Bobcat vs Caterpillar patent showdown? Is this the end for Monarch tractors? Is Tafe at the top of its game? Has AI ruined Linkedin content? This week Ray and Kit catch up to talk about the sad demise of the struggling pioneering tractor brand Monarch. With nearly a quarter of a billion dollars invested, how did the firm run out of runway before taking off? Can Caterpillar and Bobcat bury the hatchet in their legal dispute over skid steer tech? Or is the US farm market reliance on these little workhorses too big a market to give up without a fight? Tafe posts record tractor sales with a whopping 214,000 units sold in the year to date. While The West struggles, can the East steal a march in the tractor market? What’s grinding Kits gears this week? With AI taking over as the go to for content creation, has Linkedin lost its shine? Are influencers on the platform too reliant on the likes of Chat GPT from Open AI and does this mean real insights are being recycled or missed altogether?

Why was the future of the tractor anything but secure at the start of the 20th Century? Why were tractors in the early 1900s so dangerous? How did one man transform farm mechanisation forever? With over half a million tractors sold, the TE 20 or “Little Grey Fergie” is an iconic piece of classic machinery but the real innovation was the patented “Ferguson System” that it sported. With the Patent for the 3-point linkage issued to Harry Ferguson 100 years ago in 1926, Kit and Ray dig deep into his history as an engineer, innovator, motor racer, pioneering aviator and business person. How did his farming background and talent as an engineer lead him to revolutionise implement and tractor design, make farming safer, easier and create a design that is still being used on modern tractors? How does Ferguson's story intertwine with the fortunes of some old but not forgotten brands such as; David Brown, Ford and Massey Harris and the modern business that live on with Agco, Massey Ferguson, TAFE and CNH. The co-hosts also take some time to appreciate Harry Ferguson the man, with a keen attention to detail in all aspects of life be it dress code or building machinery and his uncanny knack for showmanship and a relentless drive for smaller lighter machinery that could help turn the tide of price inflation. Can it be argued that Harry Ferguson is up there with the likes of John Deere and the steel mouldboard plough, Jethro Tull and the seed drill or Charles “Turnip” Townsend and the 4 crop rotation? Resources: Harry Ferguson: Inventor and Pioneer-Colin Fraser - ISBN 9780953365128 https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/isbn/9780953365128/ Ulster Transport Museum: https://www.ulstertransportmuseum.org/stories/harry-ferguson Ferguson Club: https://www.fergusonclub.com/development-of-the-ferguson-system/

Can vertical farming become a viable option for supplying fresh produce during a crisis? How do the markets for vertically farmed produce change between cultures? What does the future look like for vertical farming? This week Kit and Ray speak to farmer, entrepreneur and Nuffield Scholar Will Brown. Will explains his background in agriculture, growing up on a tenanted farm in Oxfordshire and how his experience in frozen food wholesale helped him to build a small scale vertical farming business alongside taking over the family arable operation. Will explains how a Nuffield Scholarship turbocharged his learning about vertical farming and also led to an epiphany about the business model for vertical farming alongside traditional farming and why he had to make a difficult call about continuing to build his vertical farming business, OX3 Greens. Along the way Will turns the tables and gives Ray and Kit a grilling about autonomous agriculture and asks when he can have robotic tractors to help free up his time for him to make more entrepreneurial decisions on the farm. Will is a forwarding thinking farmer with a passion for new technologies and business models and this episode is a must listen for engineers, farmers and founders.

How did pioneering agtech manufacturer Niao take a need for a demo day and end up launching a global accelerator for farm robotics? How has a rebrand from FIRA to Gofar opened up new opportunities to expand the organisation? This week Ray and Kit speak to Maialen Cazenave Co-Director at the Gofar - Global Organisation for Agricultural Robotics. Maialen explains her background and how she found her way to agriculture from a non-farming background, leveraging her business skills and education to become a leader at Gofar. Maialen explains how Gofar is looking to deliver more value to farmers, growers and machinery manufacturers through a world wide tour aimed at developing and encouraging peer to peer conversations. With events such as Lamma, EMIA and Agritechnica becoming more about technology and automation, how is Gofar differentiating itself in a constantly evolving industry? With a front seat at the bleeding edge of commercialisation of innovation, Maialen is well placed to provide the co-hosts with some of her hot takes for new and emerging technologies in agritech. Will smart irrigation tech start to emerge as the climate changes? Will AI and data management become the new killer feature for autonomous systems on farms? Is harvesting the next big opportunity for agritech innovators and engineers to exploit?

Is it the end of the road for Agrointelli and their Robotti autonomous gantry platform? In the spirit of “The Rest is Politics”, Kit and Ray take to the airwaves to discuss the breaking news of Agrointelli’s bankruptcy. While the company is currently still producing robots and fulfilling orders their liquidity challenges could mean the end of the line for the company founded in 2015 to commercialise academic research. With a Danish government fund keeping the lights on, can a deal be done before time runs out? The pair also discuss other autonomy plays in the agricultural space, are the likes of Agco and John Deer going to lose market share to smaller players or will massive distribution take the prize in the long run? Also this week the co-hosts break the news of the termination of the joint venture between Mahindra and Mitsubishi in Japan. With Mahindra pulling out of the Japanese market and focusing on their domestic customers, Ray and Kit ponder as to the motivations for such a move? Is Mahindra turned off by the aging population in Japan or have they pulled away with all the IP they need to further grow their domestic offering? Finally, with the rise of automation across industries, including farming, do we have enough technicians and apprentices to keep the machines working? The pair take on the debate? O and some cool AI in construction: https://youtube.com/shorts/elT6Ggcx_vQ?si=Iag54RO6c2ei2Lcu

Can a war lead to more investment in vertical farming? How can a tractor help you iron your trousers? What new tech can farmers buy with the latest grant funding in the UK? This Week Ray and Kit catch up for a much overdue news feed episode. With recent developments in the Middle East and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz all but ceased the UAE has experienced food supply disruptions. The co-hosts discuss the opportunities for vertical farming to be part of a food security plan for the country and how agricultural engineers (as ever) are part of the answer. The pair also dive into the recently announced Farming Equipment and Technology Fund for 2026 and what new tech is supported this time round? Are farmers ready to invest in a grain weevil? Will UK dairy farmers have an appetite for mobile slurry separators? Does Roger Robson-Williams have the marketing for electric tractor conversions nailed? How does ironing and running a toaster link to James Watt and horse power as a unit of measure…

How do you sell a brand new concept to some of the sharpest farmers and business people in Australia? What is the killer sales strategy? Is autonomy a barrier to adoption or do farmers need to think about things at a system level? This week Kit and Ray are joined by Sam Scales, product specialist at Landpower in Australia,. Sam is pioneering the sale of Agxeed robots in Australia. Sam has a fascinating background going from an apprenticeship to Masters degree from Harper Adams alongside a wealth of experience from roles at Hawk Plant Hire, Railability and JCB. Sam explains how a chance call from his good friend (and friend of the pod) Will Flittner, led to him and his wife travelling down under to work for Landpower, a huge scale dealership for Claas, Grimme and AgXeed equipment (to name a few of their brands). Now a few years into the role Sam has been demonstrating, hiring and selling equipment to some of the world's most savvy farmers. Sam shares his secrets to delivering value for his discerning customers; from understanding agronomy, how autonomy can help improve the soil and applying a systems based approach to help farmers adopt new ways of working with machines that drive themselves. This is a must for engineers, farmers and anyone trying to build a market for new technologies. #engineering #agtech #agritech #agriculture #farming #swarmfarm #robotics #Australianfarming #Australia #farmingdownunder #automation

How much horse power is too much for a stock tractor? 300hp? 500? How about 5000hp? Does subscription free AI exist? and why are small bales King in the USA? This week Kit brings us four of his top picks from the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville Kentucky. But before we hear about the latest Agritech Kit shares his experience from the Championship Tractor pull and some of the ear splitting engines fitted to these beasts of the arena. Meanwhile at the show we heard from: Eric Franks of Visionworks Camera Systems who tells us all about their subscription free AI safety cameras that promise to help drivers identify and avoid collisions with bystanders by providing alerts and distance measurements. Mark Ray from GEA who explains the CattleEye system for tracking lameness in dairy herds using AI driven camera systems to monitor behaviour. Can prognosis be better than diagnosis and do the numbers stack up for all dairy businesses? Bryce Baker of PTX talks through the latest developments from the GPS navigation company and how their hardware and software could help farmers to access autonomy for field operations such as corn carting and harvest. Could retrofit autonomous tractors open up opportunities to complete tillage tasks within time critical windows? Bryce also showcases the Arrowshot technology that can perfectly orient and place maize (corn) seeds in the ground during drilling to ensure all the leaves all all the plants are aligned in the field. Ben Mansfield (a friendly face from the UK and Harper Adams days) describes how British manufacturer JCB is finding its niche in the US machinery sector with skid steers and telehandlers. Ben also explains how JCB is challenging perceptions about the role of a telehandler on the farm. Could a ‘construction machine’ really find a home working in an ag setting? European farmers think so. As ever Ray and Kit deliver these insights with their own thoughts and insights…

Could farm machinery be the new frontline for the war on cyber crime? How will cyber threats shape the future of autonomy on farms and what can farmers and engineers do to protect themselves and each other? In this episode Kit and Ray are joined by Ezekiel (Zeke) McReynolds to talk all things Cyber security and agritech. With a fascinating background that spans agricultural engineering and military work, Zeke is well placed to guide the co-hosts through the murky world of cyber crime and the vital work that is being done to help keep users, owners and the public safe. The hosts share some of their experiences of how cyber security has been (or hasn’t been adopted) from their own experiences innovating in farm robotics and ag machinery space. Zeke also offers some real down to earth examples of how farmers and engineers can implement cyber security in their day to day work without breaking the bank in the process. A big fan of Brash Ag, Zeke also echos the rallying cry to encourage more engineers into agriculture and highlights the opportunities for Cyber specialists to move to a more rewarding career supporting farmers and agtech in the field. Could agriculture help free more people from sinking forever into their seat cushions?...

How did the Mississippi delta change the world of music, aviation and agriculture? This week Ray and Kit are joined by Maddison Dixon, Associate director at Agricultural Autonomy Institute at Mississippi State University. Maddison explains how growing up watching crop dusters perform feats of daring in the Mississippi delta ignited a passion for aviation and agriculture. The co-hosts also get fascinating insight into the history of blues music and how it led to some of the greatest rock bands and music in the world from Muddy Waters to Led Zepplin. With a deep understanding of drones and their applications stretching back to when the technology was in its infancy, Maddison gives amazing insights to not only the technology but also the business cases for services providers and even farmers. With the recent ban on the sale of Chinese manufactured drones in the US, Maddison helps explain some of the motivations behind the move. He also explains how the AAI has been working with US drone manufacturers to help keep pace with foreign competition. While the first manned flight may have been from American soil, Kit and Ray wonder whether flight was really perfected by the British with the Spitfire or perhaps we have all been overtaken by the Chinese?...

In this second episode from Ray's adventure to LAMMA Show 2026. Ray brings another three of his top picks from his day. Did Ray manage to complete his side quest? We find out when we hear from: Jeremy Clark at Smaxtec, the smart bolas company that promises to turn biometric data into actionable insights using the power of AI and machine learning. Jermey explains the benefits of being able to spot medical issues and calving from internal temperature data before the cattle show any visual signs of distress. A shout out to Emma Pattison for showing Ray through the Smaxtech data dashboard and how the product works. Bart Pennings from Hanskamp and their revolutionary new cow toilet that promises to reduce emissions for housed animals and add value to the waste collected. Bart explains how the idea came from a tried and tested technique that veterinarians use to capture urine samples. Bart also gives some of the drivers behind the product, including the part that legislation has played, driving the Hanskamp engineers to provide a solution. Ben Bamnet of Somerset EV, old friend and guest of the pod. Ben gives us a frank run down of the EV tech on display at LAMMA including the latest electric Fendt tractor and Merlo Telehander. Are all electric tractors created equal and has anyone perfected the electric telehandler yet? Ben also gives us an update on the EV converted Leyland tractor, including some modifications that have opened up new capabilities. Another jam packed episode with plenty of new tech and insights from the co-hosts. Remember to like, subscribe and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

LAMMA Show Special Part 1. This week Ray brings three of his top picks from his recent trip to LAMMA 2026 show at the NEC. Ray spent a day at the show and brings the Brash Ag listeners his highlights of the tech and innovations that were on display, we hear from: Eoin Clarke, Marketing Executive from McHale tells us about the Terradrive driven axle on the Fusion balers wrappers. Eoin tells us about the challenges that McHale has seen for farmers of hilly ground, how the tech works and importantly what it costs! Chris Gordon, Operations Manager from Kidd Machinery gives us some of the history of Kidd Machinery, why John Harvey Engineering Limited bought Kidd Machinery and how the recent purchases of Bush Pig and WRAG Fencing have helped to produce a formidable product line up. Could this be the start of a home grown Alamo group? Shout out to Freddie Siebert for taking the time to show us around the stand as well and sorry that we mistook you for your brother Robert Siebert. Rowan Duckworth, Digital Services Specialist at Hutchinsons, tells us about the Terramapping technology (provided by Soil Optix) that Hutchinson provides to help farmers optimise their fertiliser applications for maximum efficiency. Rowan also explains an exciting new integration between the Omnia platform and John Deere, allowing farmers to get access to the full value out of their machinery and software. We also get the co-hosts' thoughts on the rise and reign of the mullet and harlequin shorts combination, which has become the staple for all budding Young Farmers. As well as how LAMMA has changed and evolved to have a significant retail section for farmers restock their wardrobes and workshops!

In this episode of Brash Ag, hosts Raymond King and Kit Franklin dive into a packed January news round-up covering UK agricultural engineering, global farming challenges, and where the next generation of ag talent will come from. 🔧 We start with UK machinery shake-ups, including: • Chafer Machinery entering administration and re-emerging as Chafer Nexus under new leadership • Kidd Farm Machinery expanding its fencing portfolio with the acquisition of Bush Pig and the WRAG Machinery brand • What this means for UK manufacturing, IP, and agricultural engineering jobs 🤖 We then head east to Japan, discussing projections from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) that up to 30% of farmland could be abandoned by 2035 — and why this presents a major opportunity for automation, robotics and precision agriculture, with references to: • Kubota • Iseki • Hokkaido University • Kyoto University • Pioneering work by Professor Noboru Noguchi and Professor Naoshi Kondo 🌱 Back in the UK, we reflect on conversations sparked at the Oxford Farming Conference, including: • Alex Hardy (Harper Adams University) on the journey from Tractor Ted to technologist • The role of Tractor Ted, Young Stock Magazine (Emma’s work), and media like Clarkson’s Farm in shaping perceptions of farming • Whether UK agriculture needs a dedicated policy think tank — and where agricultural engineers fit into that conversation 📈 We also zoom out globally, looking at Mahindra’s staggering tractor sales figures in India and what they tell us about scale, horsepower, and productivity — with a nod to UK market data from the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA). This episode is a reminder that engineering, policy, media, and optimism all matter if agriculture is going to attract talent, remain productive, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. 🎧 Listen now, follow the podcast, and share with someone who should be thinking about a future in ag-tech. #BrashAg #AgEngineering #AgTech #FarmMachinery #UKManufacturing #Robotics #Autonomy #OxfordFarmingConference #HarperAdams #Kubota #Mahindra #FutureOfFarming

In this episode of the Brash Ag Podcast, Raymond King and Kit Franklin are joined by Simon Pearson — farmer’s son, ag-engineer, academic, commercial operator, and now MBE for services to agri-engineering after receiving a nomination by DEFRA. Simon’s career cuts across every part of the ag-tech system: From glasshouse engineering and patents at University of Reading To global supply chains and technology leadership at Marks & Spencer To building one of the UK’s most influential ag-robotics ecosystems at University of Lincoln and the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology We get into: 🚜 Why farming problems are engineering problems (and always have been) 🤖 What ag-robotics gets wrong when it ignores real farms 💸 Why UK ag-tech struggles to scale compared to the US — and how that could change 🌱 Translating research into companies like Saga Robotics and FruitCast 🧠 Why AI won’t replace farmers — but will change how decisions get made If you care about ag-tech, robotics, AI, productivity, or the future of farming, this one’s essential listening. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify #AgTech #AgriEngineering #Robotics #AIinAgriculture #Innovation #FarmingFuture #UKAgTech #ResearchToReality #BrashAg

In this news-led episode, Raymond King and Kit Franklin dig into what really matters as UK agriculture heads into a turbulent new year. We unpack: 🚜 What the Farm Profitability Review actually means for ag-tech, machinery, and engineers 📉 Why policy uncertainty is freezing on-farm investment (even when changes are “positive”) 🤖 Where real opportunities exist for automation, robotics, and compliance tech 🐖 How animal welfare reforms could drive – or derail – practical innovation ⚙️ And why selling more horsepower might be the wrong metric for the future of farming Along the way, we ask hard questions about ROI, interoperability, scale-up gaps, and whether engineers are missing from the rooms where decisions get made. If you care about farm profitability, ag-tech adoption, or the future of UK agricultural engineering, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen now and join the debate. #BrashAg #AgTech #AgEngineering #FarmProfitability #UKFarming #AgPolicy #Robotics #Automation #Machinery #Innovation

In this end-of-year Brash Ag episode, Raymond King and Kit Franklin sit down with Myles Ray, a mechanical engineering student on placement at Holbrook Engineering, to talk about what actually makes a good engineer — and why hands-on experience still matters in ag-tech. We cover: 🔧 From Harper Adams University workshops to real-world fabrication, welding, CAD, plasma cutting, and on-farm problem solving 🚜 A real example of “Bale-Spikeology” in action — turning a farmer need into a working silage pusher using existing parts and smart design 🏭 The quiet strength of UK manufacturers like Holbrook Engineering, balancing bespoke builds, repairs, and scalable products 🧠 Why mechanical engineering skills translate across agriculture, food, and manufacturing — mindset beats job title 🌍 Reflections on 2024 highlights including World FIRA, Agritechnica, and conversations sparked by companies like GUSS Automation, Carbon Robotics, John Deere, and voices such as Chris Laudando (Laudando & Associates / L&aser) 📈 Where Brash Ag Podcast goes next: more news, more factory visits, more showcasing of UK engineering capability If you’re interested in agricultural engineering, ag-tech careers, farm innovation, or how ideas actually get built — this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify 💬 Tell us what you’d like to hear more of in 2025 🏭 UK manufacturers: if we should come and visit you, get in touch #BrashAg #AgTech #AgriculturalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering #FarmInnovation #UKManufacturing #BaleSpikeology #EngineeringCareers #HarperAdams #AgRobotics #FromCADtoField

Can micro-tractors replace an aging workforce in rural India? Can micro-entrepreneurs help finance the “robots as a service” dream? This week Kit and Ray go transcontinental to interview entrepreneur Trivikram Kumar, founder of Xmachines a robotics start-up focused on providing solutions for agricultural and landbased applications. Vikram shares his thoughts on the recent FIRA event in California and why Xmachines decided to attend and Kit plays match maker recommending friend of the pod Tom Beach to help Vikram find a way in to the UK market. Vikram also shares his background as an engineer and how he started the company after moving back to India after studying in Hong Kong and what inspired him to start the business. The pair gain a fascinating insight into how ICRISAT helped to incubate and support Vikram in his mission and how he has tuned the Xmachines business model to work in both the domestic and international markets. Vikram also explains the surreal story of how applying for a bank account led him to be on Indian Shark Tank and ultimately landed him the financial backers, Namita Thapar and Ritesh Agarwa to help him grow his business domestically and internationally. This is an extra special episode and worth tuning in for…

What do we want from autonomy? Are farm robots the answer to on farm safety or are they an accident waiting to happen? This week Kit and Ray catch up with seasoned agricultural engineer and entrepreneur, Andy Newbold. We hear about how Andy carved out a niche in agricultural compliance and safety work at the tender age of 28, how he has also managed to pursue agricultural journalism and even found time for farm work, among other things. Andy explains the presentation he gave at the IOSH Rural Reflection Conference and how safety needs to be baked into the culture of any organisation not just reliant on manufacturers safety features. The pair also take the opportunity for a “fire side” chat with Andy about his thoughts for the future of agritech and on farm autonomy, what the implications are for safety and how robotics could be part of the answer towards better mental health for farmers.

Have Monarch Tractors over-promised on ag autonomy and electrification? With a pending lawsuit one dealership in the US seems to think so… This week Kit and Ray catch up after a few weeks of travelling to take stock on the current state of agtech? What trends are defining agtech? Will the next steps be evolution or revolution? How will AI find a place amongst the growing range of products for farmers? The pair also discuss the pending lawsuit for Monarch tractors? Have they bitten off more they can chew in their bid to revolutionise agriculture or can they pivot to become the technology provider of choice for agricultural machinery manufacturers looking to incorporate electrification and autonomy in their tech stack. #agritech #agtech #agriculturalengineering #robotics #monarchtractors #techstack #tractor #electrification

Are we seeing a quiet shift in the world order of farm machinery? Can EV tractors provide a foot hold for Chinese tractor makers or will the sheer volume of the domestic Indian tractor prove the real game changer for Tafe? This week Kit continues grilling Ray about his recent trip to Agritechnica. We hear from: Tom Carnell from Regenovation on their innovative pump technology capable of delivering a range of liquids to the soil to support a more regenerative way of farming. Sudarsan R and Sriraman S on growth of Tafe on the global stage and how the 4 E’s philosophy is helping them to ensure their products hit the mark for western markets Yongjun Chen on their pioneering twin motor technology allowing their EV tractors to deliver horse power to the drive train and PTO seamlessly.

Will Chinese manufacturers steal a march on the big tractor makers? Are all agricultural robots just marketing fluff? Can the Germans run a train timetable as well as the British? This week Kit grills Ray on his recent trip to Hannover and the world's largest Agricultural Machinery event. We hear from: Juha Heikkila from Agco Power with their innovative new battery technology for tractors. Are they leading the field or hedging their bets? Fabio Isaia from Field Bee could this be another “balespikeology” product and how can vision systems be included in retrofit technology. Micheal Weis from AI.Land on how AI and disembodied robot arms allow fields to become food stores? The pair also discuss the new Agxeed robot, is bigger really better when it comes to ag autonomy and should more implements be “autonomy ready” like the flail toppers from Müthing.

FIRA USA 2025; The robots have taken over FIRA — but where are the farmers? This week we hear part two of Kit's tour of FIRA USA in California and catch up with some of the hottest new developments in agritech. We hear from: Taylor Wetil of Soflintec on their solar powered, autonomous spot spraying robot, that promises to use automated refilling equipment to keep spraying without human input. Gary Thompson of Guss Automation and their dedicated spraying robot for orchard applications, an early player in the farm automation start-up scene with a good news story courtesy of John Deere. Chris Laudando of L&aser and Laudando and Associates and his thoughts on opening up his laser weeding tech to smaller manufacturers as part of his ongoing legal tussle with Carbon robotics. Xiong Chang of Tensorfield and their bleeding weeding technology, utilising high temperature oil to kill and control weeds without applying chemicals. Professor Simon Pearson of Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology and Lincoln University and his thoughts about the FIRA event and the enviable funding opportunities of Silicon Valley based agritech companies. Ray and Kit also ask, where are the farmers? Is FIRA more for technologists, geeks and engineers or is there a place for farmers to learn and maybe even invest in new machinery.

FIRA USA 2025; What does the future of agtech look like through the eyes of Silicon Valley tech nerds, venture capitalists and Californian farmers? Our man in the US, Kit, headed West for FIRA USA in California to check out the latest developments in agricultural robotics. We hear from; Andrew Stein from John Deere regarding their latest autonomous tractor intended in supporting the orchard spraying sector for US farmers. James Szabo from Hexagon on their GNSS solutions for autonomous and traditional agricultural machinery, thoughts on the integration of their technology into Tier 1 manufacturers. Lee Baldinger from Agtonomy on integrating their technology directly into Kubota and Bobcat tractors, unlocking autonomy for more traditional agricultural machinery in a robots as a service model. Kenny Lee from Aigen Robotics on their AI powered, swarms of “mars rover for earth” looking to weed crops such as cotton, sugar beat and tomatoes. Alongside this, Ray and Kit discuss why engineers might not be free to speak their minds. Is it the pressure of VC funding or CEO egos at play? Listen in to find out. #data #bigdata #AIbubble #AI #agritech #agtech #Namaste #farming #farming4.0 #agriculture #agriculutralengineering #automation #robotics #technology #ArtificialIntelligence #FIRA #FIRA2025

Is AI set to take over farming as we know it? Will human farmers be replaced? The IAgrE Landwards conference recently brought together engineers, business leaders and technical specialists to hear how they see the future of farming being shaped and moulded by AI. Ray and Kit catch up to discuss the conference, what they learned and their own thoughts about whether AI will revolutionise agriculture. With representatives from Harper Adams, Garford Farm Machinery, CLAAS, DeLaval, University of Lincoln, Farmers Guardian and Agco, this is an episode packed full of insights and thought provoking questions. #data #bigdata #AIbubble #AI #agritech #agtech #Namaste #farming #farming4.0 #agriculture #agriculutralengineering #automation #robotics #technology #ArtificialIntelligence

When you think of cutting-edge agricultural robotics, Mississippi might not be the first place that comes to mind — but Professor Alex Thomasson is changing that. As Head of Ag & Biosystems Engineering at Mississippi State University and Director of the Agricultural Autonomy Institute, Alex has built one of the most ambitious autonomy programs in the U.S. — blending drones, cotton harvesters, and robotic field systems into a living testbed for the future of farming. In this episode, Kit and Ray talk with Alex about how a city kid from Houston found his calling under a tractor, why the U.S. is racing ahead on spray drones, and what “Autonomous Acres” could mean for the next generation of farm innovators. #precisionag #drones #agtech #agritech #agriculturalengineering #robotics #automation #autonomy #Namaste #Farming #Farmer

Clive Blacker started, built and sold his agtech company right here in the UK. Listen to find out how he did it… With a Nuffiled Scholarship as a launch pad and his technical experience from his early days keeping alive an old French sugar beet harvester. Clive took on trials and support for Yara and the N-Sensor. From there Clive was able to deliver next level decision making to farmers at a time when big data wasn’t such a big idea and decision making on farm was a mixture of gambling and gut instinct. With such a forward thinking outlook it wasn’t too long before a role at UK government beckoned, advising the Department of Trade on all things Precision Agriculture and how to support farming and farmers. Since selling his business, Precision Decisions to Map of Ag Clive has started Agrovation to continue to help farmers with their journey through precision agriculture and to develop new technology working on a number of IUK projects. He is also a key part of the Aganalyst Team supporting them as an agronomy and precision ag specialist. As a trustee of the Douglas Bomford Trust, Clive has been able to help the next generation while gaining a front seat of the latest developments in agtech. Ray and Kit really enjoyed recording this episode so check it out… #precisionag #drones #agtech #agritech #agriculturalengineering #departmentoftrade #Nuffield #scholarship #robotics #automation #autonomy #soilscience #Namaste #Farming #Farmer

This week the co-hosts question the nature of reality itself and explain how the virtual world could help farmers to solve real world problems. Ray talks about his first experiences with virtual reality as a child at a local fun fair in the 1990’s and Kit explains how virtual reality has been pitched to educational institutions such as Harper Adams as a tool to educate and train the engineers and technicians of the future, as well as how his Hands Free Hectare partner in crime, Jonthan Gill, has been pioneering VR tech to help share crop trial results remotely and distribute learning across the world. The pair also delve into the emerging world of augmented reality and how some of the biggest companies on the planet, such as Meta (Facebook) who are collaborating with the likes of Rayban to create an augmented world for their users. Kit explains how a project in rural 5G connectivity led to potential developments in veterinary medicine, promising to enable remote farmers to use AR tech to carry out surgery on their own livestock. Finally the pair take some time to think about the future applications of AR, could AR become the next step for ISOBus? Could screens in the tractor cab be a thing of the past, allowing farmers to get amazing results even from low tech machinery? Or perhaps, CEO of IAgrE, Charlie Nicklin, could appear in augmented reality to help farmers set up their classic tractor and plough for the perfect prize winning results? #agritech #agtech #farming #Tractor #AR #VR #metaverse #meta #facebook #augmentedreality #farmsimulator #agriculturalengineer #Namaste #IAgrE #Ploughingmatch

James Write is a true pioneer, a first generation farmer and agritech entrepreneur with political ambitions in his sights. Kit and Ray hear how James found farming during his time as a broke gap year traveller looking to earn some cash on a New Zealand dairy and how this ignited a passion to pursue a crash course in agriculture at the Royal Agricultural University. James has explored opportunities in the start-up space innovating in the insect farming space to manage food waste through Multibox Ltd and now after a chance meeting and a New Years Day lunch with Ian Wheal, since then his day job has been to be part of the team building Breedr. While helping to deliver the future of livestock agtech, James has also been able to build up a successful livestock farming business now proud to say that he and his wife own their own farm James explains how his political ambitions are based on a desire to be part of the solution rather than complain about the problems of society. James is also keen to make sure that the rural voice is part of the political conversation and has brought his thoughts and ideas to bear as a local Conservative councillor. James is also keen to share the rural voice with national media and his column in GBNews and interviews for the BBC are a big part of his mission. #VC #funding #startup #breedr #livestock #populist #agtec #agritech #farming #farmer #livestock #agriculturalengineering #agriculture #funded #IUK #politics

This week, Ray and Kit go in person and in deep on drones in agriculture – from early hype to present-day reality. Kit recalls his 2012 vision of swarm robotics with seed-drone resupply, while Ray draws on his experience at Small Robot Company and the ever-present question: why not just use a drone? The pair explore how the drone code, safety legislation, and hardware limitations slowed innovation in the UK—despite widespread adoption elsewhere, especially for crop spraying. They revisit examples from Hummingbird and Ursula Agriculture to Skippy Scout and XAG spray drones, highlighting the niche applications where UAVs now shine: from hillside weed control and carbon validation to mapping deer populations and those annoyingly-shaped fields in the US Midwest. As ever, there’s a little satire, a nod to Ukraine’s drone-driven battlefield innovation, and a healthy dose of “what’s next?” for drone tech in ag.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drive a 1970s tractor with an electric motor instead of an old diesel engine? Well this week the lads find out on a visit to Ben Bament of Somerset EV. With a degree in History, Ben didn’t follow a conventional route into engineering. As a self taught engineer, Ben has completed some incredible electric conversion projects, from an MG F sports car with a Mitsubishi electric motor, BMW batteries and a 45mile range. Ben explains how this project landed him a job at Silent Classics working to electrify some of the coolest classic cars on the planet. Alongside his work converting classic cars, Ben has also been building the business of Somerset EV, with his electric conversions for quadbikes and tractors and upgrades and maintenance on classic Landrovers. The British Leyland tractor converted to all electric is Ben's latest creation and he has some great stories of taking it out onto the open road and even taking it to an Octopus Energy fast charger to show the capability of his machine and his skill set. Ray and Kit even get let loose around the fields of Somerset in the converted British Leyland tractor to put it through its paces.

This week Kit and Ray say Namaste to a whole year of being Brash. To celebrate a year of broadcasting, the pair meet up for a pint in a pub, fresh off the back of a trip to Somerset EV and discuss some of their standout episodes and guests. Including; Is autonomy the silver bullet for farming - Why was this episode so popular? And what does the adoption of robotics in the UK look like now, have either of the hosts changed their minds? Chris Laudando from L&Aser on his thoughts about Robotics adoption in and farmer perceptions for automation rather than autonomy. Brian Matthew MP and his work to bring water sources to communities in Africa working with Wateraid and how engineering can intertwine with culture when delivering such life changing projects. Matt Ryan CCO of Oxbury Bank, his journey into agriculture through deploying transformational technologies in New Zealand and then into agricultural banking and fintech. Chris Chaveese of Muddy Machines and his “Assist, Reduce, Replicate” framework for robotics on farm. Kit and Ray also discuss the sad demise of Muddy Machines following their unsuccessful crowdfunding campaign. Callum Chalmers of FarmScan Ag and his positivity about the UK as a country to be based in and the backing for agritech that is available to support innovators and entrepreneurs. Doreen Abeysundra and her Bankable! Podcast, helping founders and entrepreneurs to discover what it takes to bankroll a project and how investing in a startup has to stand up against other options for allocating capital. It goes without saying that the pair discuss Balespike-ology, how innovators can get started and build a business and how their approach applies to some of the individuals and businesses mentioned on the pod. Of course Kit even manages to mention the love of his life FarmDroid.

This week Ray and Kit sit down with Tom Beach, founder of Autonomous Agri Solutions and CTO of Bare Acres. Tom shares his journey from growing up on his family’s Warwickshire farm and working in the farm shop at weekends, to navigating education and turning his dyslexia into a superpower on the path to agricultural engineering. He tells the story of how a chance meeting at Agritechnica led to importing the Robotti robotic farming platform into the UK, and gives his take on the Robots as a Service model after rolling it out with UK farmers. He explains how he was able to grow out a service and support offering for new and emerging tech being imported under the A.A.S brand. Tom also gives the co-hosts an exclusive look into his latest venture, Bare Acres – a dedicated launch pad, test space and hub for global ag-tech in the UK. Alongside Bertie Phillips and Archie Hawkins. Tom shares how this could provide the starting point for a technology adoption based venture fund! A conversation full of grit, insight, and big visions for the future of farm automation. 🚜🤖 #AgTech #FarmInnovation #BaleSpikeology #Agritech #BrashAgPodcast #AgMachinery #FarmTech #SustainableAg #AgriculturePodcast #AgRobotics #Lasers #Nonchemicalweeding #farmer #Namaste #automation #Robotti #funding #VC

In this news feed episode Kit and Ray catch up on the latest developments in the L&Aser and Carbon Robotics legal battle following the interview with Laudando & Associates LLC in last week's episode. Did Chris follow through with his upload of the L&Aser IP to Github? The pair also share news of the sad closure of Vapourmatic a well known agricultural spares retailer in the UK by its parent company John Deere. The co-hosts also consider recent government support for the UK steel industry in support of national security and whether farming should be considered through the same lens, especially given that the raw materials for steel production are imported. And in other news the pair get away from AgriTech to discuss the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, how it has been both hilarious and terrifying in equal measure and what this kind of technology could mean for agriculture and farm automation. In other other news, Kit and Ray celebrate the 1st Birthday of Brash Ag and take some time to reminisce on the past 45 episodes. #AgTech #FarmInnovation #BaleSpikeology #Agritech #BrashAgPodcast #AgMachinery #FarmTech #SustainableAg #AgriculturePodcast #AgRobotics #Lasers #Nonchemicalweeding #farmer #Namaste #automation #Britishsteel #1stbirthday

This week the pair journey (virtually) across the Atlantic to Chew the cud with Agritech pioneer and innovator Chris Laudando Founder of Laudando & Associates. Chris shares his background growing up as a “Rust belt kid”, finding social mobility training as a mechanical engineer at Purdue University. Chris explains how he was able to leverage his skills and experience from the food processing industry in the farming sector, delivering R&D and NRE projects for US based farmers and growers. Chris also gives Ray and Kit an update on the ongoing legal battle that Laudando & Associates has been going through in a fight over Laserweeding technology with Carbon robotics. Could the light at the end of the tunnel for the battle come from RFK Jnr and the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign or has lobbying from the chemical behemoths taken the sting out of the tail of the MAHA movement? #AgTech #FarmInnovation #BaleSpikeology #Agritech #BrashAgPodcast #AgMachinery #FarmTech #SustainableAg #AgriculturePodcast #AgRobotics #Lasers #Nonchemicalweeding #farmer #Namaste #automation

Kit and a tired and delirious Ray catch up to hear about the new arrival in the King household. The pair also get the opportunity to chew the cud with Jonathan Gill to reflect on 10 years since the birth of Hand Free Hectare. Jonathan shares some fascinating insights into the development of drone tech and how his passion for this technology has shaped his career and helped to launch the Hands Free Hectare. The trio also speculate on what new technologies are going to be reframing farming in the future and how this could be showcased in a “Hectare project”...could this be the start of the “Hovering hectare”. #AgTech #FarmInnovation #BaleSpikeology #AgEngineering #BrashAgPodcast #AgMachinery #FarmTech #SustainableAg #AgriculturePodcast #AgRobotics #HoveringHectare #Drones #Dronetech

This week Kit returns from his soul searching trip to Scotland to “find himself” (the jury is still out on whether this has worked). The pair also delve into the mail bag to hear about some “Bale spike” products that listeners have been found out in the wild, including some correspondence from Adam Keene from OnTrak and Number 1 podcast fan Kieran Walsh from Grounded Advice. The Co-hosts talk through some “Bale spike-ology” products that they have found, including Agri-steer from Solsteer. Will Flittner (the other number 1 podcast fan) shares his first sighting of an AgXeed robot working in the wild and his conversation with the proud new owner. Ray and King also take some time to talk through some future ideas for the podcast as well as making some big personal announcements. #AgTech #FarmInnovation #BaleSpikeology #AgEngineering #BrashAgPodcast #AgMachinery #FarmTech #SustainableAg #AgriculturePodcast #AgRobotics

This week Ray and Kit talk about funding and financing for Agtech and cleantech ventures, founder of Fresco CleanTech solutions as well as host of Bankable! Podcast, Doreen Abeysundra. Doreen describes herself as a “Recovering Banker” and she is now working with cutting edge technologies and businesses to become as she puts it…bankable! Doreen gives some really fascinating insights into the macro-economic forces at play driving investor sentiment, what investors look for when assessing opportunities and how start-ups can set themselves up for successful funding. This episode is a gold mine for anyone looking for funding in Agtech and cleantech. Fesco CleanTech Solutions: https://frescocleantech.solutions/ Bankable podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vmaSZYB8XxYnVKTGFUhGc?si=5f87202c160441ab

This week Kit and Ray go transatlantic and chew the cud with Bill O’Neill of Agwise.io. The pair hear all about how Bill’s career and how he started and scaled businesses in the meat industry and how he took what he learned from the UK meat industry back to the USA to help him on his journey. Bill also tells the co-hosts all about his latest venture, Agwise.io, how he and his co-founder got started and the problems the business is looking to solve for small and mid-sized farmers in the US. Bill also gives some fascinating insights into how government policy in the USA is starting to change the direction of US farmers and how the UK and Europe have been able to lead the way. An episode not to be missed…. #AgTech #FarmData #BrashAgPodcast #SustainableAg #AgInnovation #USDA #USA #MAHA #regen

This week sees the return of the news feed. Ray and Kit get caught up on the latest developments in agtech, ag machinery and farming including: 🚜 TAFE vs AGCO - Have the two tractor manufacturing giants managed to resolve their differences, without legal intervention? And what does it mean for the future of the Massey Ferguson Brand? 🧑‍⚖️ L&Aser vs Carbon Robotics - Why is L&Aser open sourcing its technology by sharing the IP on Github? Who are Carbon Robotics big financial backers? and critically did Kit carryout similar research at Harper Adams University over 10 years ago? 🌱 USDA - Is agriculture more important than defence and should we consider farming a matter of national security ♟️UK Industrial Strategy - Does agtech get a mention in the recently published Industrial Strategy? What could the strategy hold for the future of the ag sector? 🤖AgXeed - Can robots match up to humans when it comes to record breaking and why is it so important show farmers what robots can do? ⚡Somerset EV - Can old tech become new tech? Why converting old tech could be better than buying new? What can a small firm in Somerset teach the agtech sector about electrification? All this plus updates from Flynt Technology, IUK funding opportunities and you can have your say about the next deep dig episode. Don’t miss out.

This week the co-hosts discuss what Ray found during his visit to Groundswell Agriculture Festival. We hear from: Jonathan Goodacre from Keltie LLP, Patent Attorneys, and why they have chosen to attend the festival. Jonathan also explains the importance of IP and patents for start-ups and innovators and some of the big benefits for businesses could be missing out on. Andrew Baker from Soil acoustics tells us about their soil health monitoring tech, how it works and why it could be a game changer in the re-gen farming game. Andrew also talks about some of the exciting future applications for their technology.. Andrew Starkey from MTi group about how the Small Robot Company assets and hardware became the unexpected springboard for mining tech and automation. Andrew also explains how Groundswell is showcasing the value of agtech and how agtech is often leading the way when it comes to innovation. Most importantly Kit and Ray discuss whether Ray managed to find a high-tech balespike product!?

Welcome back to Brash Ag – the farm innovation podcast with your hosts Ray King and Kit Franklin. This week, we’re still roaming the Cereals 2025 show – diving into some of the most exciting tech on display. In Part Two, we explore: 🛩️ AutoSpray Systems – the drone company promising , 20-hectare/hour slug pellet coverage, 30-second pit stops and flight training through Harper Adams University to get farmers flying XAG drones in under a week. 🌿 Crop Angel – flying the flag for DJI spray drones, driven by a desire to have eyes in the sky and the ability to establish cover crops before harvest has even started. ⚡ Garford x RootWave – a serious bit of kit bringing 6000V to precision weed control in the UK and a $15 Million funding milestone for rootwave that is poised to take electric weeding to the next level. 🌱 Zürn – mechanical weed seed harvesting in full swing with the Top Cut Collect weed seed harvesting as well as hammer mill technology that promises to destroy weed seeds as they pass through the combine. 🛠️ And we wrap up with HORSCH – talking direct drills, precision sprayers, and the importance of thinking about profit vs yield in a changing economic climate.

Welcome back to Brash Ag – the farm innovation podcast with your hosts Ray King and Kit Franklin. This week, we’re back on the road (the Fosse way to be precise) – as we reflect on a packed day at the Cereals 2025 show. From V8-stickered balers to autonomous spot sprayers, we covered a lot of ground (literally and figuratively) and caught up with a diverse mix of exhibitors. In this first instalment, you’ll hear about: Ceres Engineering – born from barn pushers, now building a whole range of bold, bright-orange, built-to-last implements. Autonomous Agri Solutions – bringing Austrian AI-powered spot-spraying to UK fields, with weed libraries and precision nozzles that are seriously narrowing the spray gap. AgXeed's wheeled robot – a 75hp lightweight alternative for those not ready to go full sci-fi with tracks and autonomy. Soil sampling robots from ARWAC and University of Lincoln – using live CO₂ flux to guide smarter carbon sampling and reduce reliance on traditional coring. And we wrap it all up with a chat with Kieran Walsh, who joins us to share his own “bale spike item” and thoughts from the show floor. It’s innovation, autonomy, and a bit of banter — all recorded live from the Landrover Freelander and the fields of Lincolnshire.

This week the co-hosts are on the road heading to Cereals show. Kit and Ray take some time (while travelling the Fosse Way) to talk about Kit’s new business theory “Bale-spikeology” and how start-up agtech companies need to be able to produce products that can sell as quickly as possible to farmers without the need for loans or financing. The pair also take some time to think about the UK agtech and manufacturing sector.

This week the pair talk through Kit's trip to London to attend the New Scientist Emerging Technologies Summit. Kit talks through some of the emerging tech that was showcased and discussed at the Summit. The co-hosts grapple with how quantum computing, AI and fusion energy might begin to change the face of agriculture and make predictions for when the humans can put their feet up and have rest while the machines do all the work.

This week Ray and Kit snapped up the opportunity to chew the cud with Belinda Clarke OBE Director at Agri -TechE. Belinda shared how her early career in Natural sciences and science liaison took her on to build Agri-TechE as a membership organisation from the ground up. 12 years after starting Agri-TechE, Belinda shares some of the lessons she has learned, what the future holds for Agri-TechE and the agtech sector as a whole. The trio also try to answer one of life's big questions…”What is even is Agritech?”

Where have they been? The pair catch up after a short hiatus and share the exciting work that has been keeping them so busy. The co-hosts also take a few minutes to catch up on some recent government funding updates for the agriculture and agtech sector as well talk about some cool tech in the construction sector and the parallels that it has for farming automation. [email protected]