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...

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 t...

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 2...

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 childr...

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 Takeaways 1. Timber & Species Diversification - Prof. Dan Ridley‑Ellis    Future timber supply...

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...

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...

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 Award Chris Watts CEng CEnv FIAgrE  - IAgrE Institution Meritorious Award Martin Parsons Ceng CEnv FIAgrE and Jo Finlow of the Holme Fen...

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 Award Luke Waldram MEng, AMIAgrE - IAgrE CNH Industrial Student Undergraduate Award Tom Ablitt TIAgrE - IAgrE Student Pro...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 sensing The future energy mix in ag AI 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 healt...

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 dinne...

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...