Intelligent Farming

In this episode of The Tim & Nick Roadshow, Tim and Nick are joined by special guest John Joseph, owner of Tregorras Farm, for an insightful discussion on the future of arable farming and regenerative agriculture. John shares his journey into regenerative farming, explaining how the need to better manage risk led him to rethink conventional practices. Despite reducing inputs and eliminating fu...

In this episode, Tim and Nick discuss the current state of crops across the South Midlands following an exceptionally challenging spring. They examine how the prolonged dry conditions throughout March and April have affected crop health, with widespread yellow rust and potassium deficiencies leaving many fields underperforming. The conversation focuses on the importance of correcting potassium lev...

In this May edition of the Tim and Nick Roadshow, retired agronomist Nick Woodyatt and regenerative advisor Tim Parton unpack the pressures facing arable farmers against a backdrop of political uncertainty, volatile nitrogen prices, and brutal weather. Speaking on 13th May, they describe how persistent wind, drought, and even late frosts are stressing crops across central and eastern England, with...

Join Nick and Tim in a very dry third week of April to talk honestly about the realities of growing crops in a drought.    They dive into:   Current UK conditions in the Cotswolds, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Kent and the East – “biscuit dry” soils, wind, and high transpiration.   Nitrogen management gone wrong – including a frank critique of heavy liquid N use, leaf scorch, and why nitrogen wi...

A cold, dry start to the season has left crops struggling and farmers questioning next steps. In this episode, Tim and Nick unpack what they’re seeing in the field - from slow root development and hungry wheat to the wider impact of rising input costs and unpredictable weather. They explore practical responses, including foliar nutrition strategies, improving soil structure, and making smarter, mo...

A straight-talking, in-field conversation on farming through a wet, challenging spring. Nick and Tim unpack what’s really happening in the soil right now - from nutrient lock-up and struggling roots to why balance, observation, and patience matter more than ever. They explore practical decisions around foliar nutrition, nitrogen use, and crop management, while questioning “one-size-fits-all” advic...

This January podcast opens with reflections on a wet winter and the importance of patience as crops sit largely dormant. The discussion centres on early-season nutrition decisions, particularly strong caution against applying large, single doses of nitrogen. Instead, the Tim & Nick emphasise “little and often” approaches, prioritising ammonium forms of nitrogen, alongside sulphur, to support p...

Recorded at the end of October and revisited now with hindsight, this episode captures a frank discussion about a season that challenged conventional agronomy thinking. With wheat showing unexpected growth, cover crops still active, and pressure from slugs and pigeons appearing at unusual times, Tim and Nick unpack what they were seeing in the field - and how they approached decision-making when t...

Drought, Determination, and Dirt: A Farmer's Tale Join me and Nick as they dive deep into the challenges of farming in 2025. With brutal honesty and a touch of humour, we unpack a year of extreme weather, economic pressures, and the resilient spirit that keeps farmers going. From bone-dry soil to uncertain crop yields, this episode is a raw, real look at modern farming life. 

Tim and Nick discussed the severe drought affecting crops, noting that Northern Ireland and Scotland have received more rain than the south, except for Devon and Cornwall. They highlighted the need for at least three inches of rain to save  crops, which are currently dying due to lack of water. They emphasised the importance of soil carbon levels and the challenges of maintaining profitability wit...

Nick Wood and Tim Parton highlight the serious impact of prolonged dry weather on farm, noting it's unusually dry for early May. Crops like spring and winter barley are struggling, with limited growth and signs of stress. The lack of irrigation and rapid crop development, such as early flowering in oilseed rape, could lead to an early and poor harvest. They stress the financial pressure this...

Nick Wood and Tim Parton discuss the challenging farming conditions in England, noting the extreme dryness and wetness over the past year. They highlight issues such as magnesium deficiency, hydrophytism, and the impact of recent rainfall. They emphasise the importance of intelligent farming practices, including the use of foliar applications and balanced nutrition. They also discuss the potential...

In this episode, join Tim Parton and Nick Woodyat for a discussion about agricultural practices, focusing on the challenges of the current wet and grey weather conditions that are hindering crop growth. They explore comprehensive nutrient management strategies, emphasising the critical roles of calcium, boron, and micronutrients in plant health. The conversation delves into regenerative and conven...

Happy New Year!  In this podcast, we discuss the benefits of intelligent farming practices, including the importance of balancing nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus for crop health and the impacts of over-reliance on nitrogen alone. We highlight the impact of microbiome science and discuss the challenges of flooding and water management, the effectiveness of cover crops, and the performance of va...

In this episode, we discuss the recent weather challenges we’ve faced here in the UK. After an extremely wet September that made drilling crops difficult, the warm and dry weather that followed has helped the soil recover, and I’m pleased to see the wheat crop looking healthy. We also touch on the importance of getting the balance right with nutrient application - availability is just as crucial a...

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of farming in wet conditions and the importance of soil health and intelligent farming practices. We can't ignore the difficulties of the past few years, with the UK experiencing one of its worst harvests. But, as farmers, we need to be patient, use appropriate equipment, and balanced nutrition to ensure success. With all the pressures we face, we mu...

In this episode, we discuss the challenges and benefits of regenerative farming, including: The importance of detailed observation and timely decisions in farming. The critical role of microbes in soil health and how conventional farming practices harm beneficial microbes.  The negative impact of nitrogen on soil and the need for balanced, intelligent farming.  Despite recent wet conditions, we re...

Here is a summary of the key points from the Brewood Podcast September 24: - The podcast hosts, Tim and Nick, discuss the challenges they faced on the Brewood farm this past year due to the extremely wet weather conditions. - The wet winter and spring caused significant delays in planting and applying necessary crop treatments, leading to reduced yields across their wheat, rape, and spring barley...

In this episode, we discuss the challenges and triumphs of the season. From narrowly-timed foliar sprays to the strategic planning of nutrient applications, we delve into the vital role of farmer intuition and the power of regenerative farming. Tune in as we explore the balancing act between adaptation and tradition and the collective yearning for sunshine in an industry eager to thrive!

Join us as we discuss the heavy rainfall which has damaged soils and washed away nutrients. We also talk about the need to feed crops with nitrogen and other nutrients to support growth. Additionally, we detail our plans for foliar sprays and soil tests to monitor crop health and nutrient status. Throughout, we emphasise the importance of sustainable practices like balanced nutrition, grass-fed li...

Nick and Tim discuss regenerative farming, emphasising the importance of calcium for plant health and criticising early nitrogen use. They highlight soil health, nutrient management, and the inefficiencies of conventional practices. Advocating for regenerative methods, they stress collective action among farmers to improve food nutrient density and address agricultural challenges.

Tim Parton sits down with retired agronomist Nick to discuss the challenges of the past farming season and their plans moving forward. They reflect on the difficulties of the year, including poor weather conditions and declining prices, and how these issues particularly impact small farms. They also debate the pros and cons of various government schemes and explore more sustainable farming practic...