Agricology Podcast
The Agricology Podcast explores sustainable farming, food production, and the natural environment through conversations with expert guests. It covers topics like agroecology, tillage, and agroforestry, featuring farmers, researchers, and industry figures. The podcast also delves into hyper-local food systems on the Isle of Arran in Scotland.
Episodes
Agroecology Around Arran: Beyond the Farm Gate
In the final episode of the series, we explore how the island's farmers have diversified their businesses to adapt to changing markets and build resilience for the future. Along the way, we'll discover how these new enterprises are creating benefits that extend far beyond the farm gate, supporting local jobs, producing essential goods and services, creating educational opportunities, an
Agroecology Around Arran: Growing Community
In this episode we meet four inspiring guests who are championing small-scale horticulture, alternative food systems and pollinator conservation on Arran. We learn how market gardens, community growing projects and foraging initiatives are helping to celebrate local produce, reconnect people with the land and strengthen social wellbeing. We also explore the important role that bees and honey produ
Agroecology Around Arran: Following the Grain
In this episode, we explore arable farming on Arran, tracing the journey of locally grown grain from field to fork and glass. We begin at Bellevue Farm, where farmer Donald Currie grows malting barley on Arran's fertile soils. From there, we follow the grain north to Lochranza Distillery, where Brand Ambassador Fred Baumgärtner explains how locally grown barley is transformed into the island's w
Agroecology Around Arran: Arran's Dairy Story
The episode features farmers, artisan food producers, and the distributers working to connect the two and create a thriving hyper-local milk market. We learn how collaboration and adding value is key to keeping dairy at the heart of the community. Milk production on Arran has a somewhat turbulent history, with external pressures such as pasteurisation legislation pushing the industry to the brink
Agroecology Around Arran: Meat and Livestock Farming
From the early days of crofting and subsistence farming to the present day, animal protein has provided an essential and highly valuable source of nutrients for Arran's population. While sheep and beef production have always been central to Arran's farming economy, venison is now also being embraced as a sustainable protein source that can help to combat the growing threat that the wild deer pop
Introducing Agroecology Around Arran - New Season Trailer
In this new season trailor, podcast host Wallace Currie and Alice Farmery from the Agricology team introduce themselves, explain the concept behind our new podcast season and give listeners a taste of what is to come. This short introduction provides some background to Arran to give context to the series, and provides an overview of the key terms and ideas used throughout.
Rethinking Oilseed Rape - The Promise of Companion Cropping
In this special edition of the Agricology Podcast, we introduce an exciting new research project investigating how companion cropping can support pest, weed, and disease management in oilseed rape (OSR). Head of Agricology Matt Smee is joined by Duncan Coston (Entomological Research Consultant and Project Lead) and Lynn Tatnell (Weed Biologist at ADAS) to explore why OSR can be such a challenging
Agroforestry Through the Elements - People
This is the last episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. This episode dives into the human element of agr
Agroforestry Through the Elements - Air
This is the penulitmate episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. In this episode we take a detailed look
Agroforestry Through the Elements - Earth
This is the third episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. This episode investigates how trees improve soi
Agroforestry Through the Elements - Fire
This the second episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. This episode focuses on the element of 'fire.' G
Agroforestry Through the Elements - Water
This is the first episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. 'Water' includes exploring how trees impact flo
To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with Jonathan Storkey
In the last episode of the series, plant ecologist Jonathan Storkey treats us to fascinating insights on biodiversity in production systems and soil microbial communities, emphasising how context is crucial when choosing your tillage approach. He shares his journey from birdwatching ecologist to leading weed scientist at Rothamsted Reseach, where he has been studying tillage and biodiversity inter
To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with John Pawsey
In this episode with farmer John Pawsey, we talk about the role of tillage in organic systems, balancing weed and pest pressures, how regenerative overlaps with organic, and how diversity drives success. John shares his journey from conventional spraying to organic, mixed farming (over 25 years ago). He explains why he ploughs selectively (once or twice in a six-year rotation) and how organic farm
To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with Julia Cooper
The third episode of the series welcomes the Organic Research Centre's Julia Cooper who shares her expertise as a soil scientist. We look at soil health from a scientific perspective, focusing on nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and the nuanced role of tillage across different soil types and farming systems. Julia explains how soil health is context-specific, emphasising the importance of b
To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with Mark Measures
This second episode with Mark Measures explores the role of tillage in organic systems, the misunderstood relationship between tillage and soil carbon, the balance between weed control and nutrient cycling, and how tillage fits into wider farming systems. Mark reflects on 40 years in organic advice, with deep roots in research, education, and farmer engagement. He argues that tillage, especiall
To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with Tom Martin
The first episode of our latest series introduces both Wallace Currie, guest podcaster from the Isle of Arran (search R2Kast), who will be chatting to guests throughout the series, and Cambridgeshire farmer Tom Martin. They discuss transitioning to no-till, the emotional and practical side of regenerative farming, redefining success through mistakes, and the value of community and biodiversity in
Optimal Carrying Capacity - In Conversation With Dan Stevenson
The penultimate episode of this season sees us in conversation with Dan Stevenson, the Head of Integrated Farm Management (IFM) at LEAF. Dan comes to this topic with nearly 20 years' experience as a farm animal vet. He discusses his veterinary background and the arc his career has followed; moving on to working with LEAF, and along the way starting to think more holistically about livestock prod
Optimal Carrying Capacity - In Conversation With Robert Barbour
We are joined by the Sustainable Food Trust's Senior Researcher Robert Barbour for our sixth episode of this season. Tune in to discussions surrounding methane, carbon footprints, and the complexities and challenges of measuring environmental impacts associated with livestock. Robert draws on his experiences as a researcher and his family farm (an upland beef and sheep farm that also produces timb
Optimal Carrying Capacity - In Conversation With Simon Fairlie
The fifth episode of the season finds us in conversation with Simon Fairlie, recorded earlier this summer when he was still running his dairy operation at Monkton Wyld Court in Dorset. Simon, who was once described by the Guardian as "the most influential and unusual eco-activist you might not have heard of", brings us a wide ranging conversation that looks at the micro and the macro of carrying c
Optimal Carrying Capacity - In Conversation With Bill Grayson
In this fourth episode we are joined by renowned conservation grazier Bill Grayson who brings us his perspective on the concept of optimal carrying capacity and the way that it is deployed within the system he and his wife Cath run as part of the Morecambe Bay Conservation Grazing Company. He discusses how they go about planning putting animals on to a piece of land, the various practical consider
Optimal Carrying Capacity - In Conversation With Kate Still
This third episode of the new Agricology podcast season features Kate Still from the Soil Association's Farming and Land Use team. Kate comes to the conversation with a whole farm approach in mind and the need to balance what farms can support to create healthy animals, healthy farmers and a healthy farm bank balance with as few inputs as possible. Her quiet wisdom comes across as she considers st
Optimal Carrying Capacity - In Conversation With Dr Lindsay Whistance
In this episode we are joined by Dr Lindsay Whistance, Senior Livestock Researcher at the Organic Research Centre. Lindsay, who started her working life as a dairy herds-woman, comes to the conversation through the lens of animal welfare. The episode is an enlightening exploration of thoughts and ideas relating to optimal carrying capacity. It covers topics including the important partnership bet
Optimal Carrying Capacity - In Conversation With Richard Gantlett
In the first of a new series exploring optimal carrying capacity, we speak to biodynamic farmer Richard Gantlett, from Yatesbury House Farm in Wiltshire. He talks about farm operations and highlights the approaches used; from dynamic rotational grazing to the role of herbal leys, and what he refers to as being a "forest farm approach." He explains how spending time with Alex Podolinsky has inspir
Three Hagges Woodmeadow - Agroforestry combining woodland & meadows
This episode features our visit to Three Hagges where we were shown around by Woodmeadow officer Dan Carne & one of the founders Ros Forbes Adam. They talk about what a woodmeadow is, potential relevance to farmers, layout of the site, how it was created & is now managed, tips for farmers interested in putting some land over to a combination of woodland & meadow, & thoughts about wider scale adopt
Bill & Cath Grayson - Agroforestry & Conservation Grazing
Organic livestock farmers Bill & Cath Grayson run the Morecambe Bay Conservation Grazing Company. They practice conservation grazing on semi-natural habitats of woodland & limestone grassland scrub which can be described in agroforestry terms as wood pasture. Our editor talks to them about what they do, how they came to do it, benefits & challenges they've encountered & thoughts on wider scale ado
Agroecology in Focus - Biofumigation
In this episode we explore the science and practice of biofumigation - the use of a temporary brassica (mustard) cover crop to help manage soil pathogens and weeds. Katie Bliss introduces footage from a webinar which features researcher Dr Matthew Back (Harper Adams University) and Alec Roberts (Tozer Seeds) in a lively discussion with a group of growers innovating with enhancing diversity in prot
Agricology in the Field - Mike Mallett
Mike Mallett is farm manager of Maple Farm Kelsale, a 138-hectare organic farm in Suffolk which is mostly arable with some permanent pasture, woodland, horticulture & laying hens. He talks about regenerative agriculture, beneficial weeds, intercropping, the extensive agroforestry on the farm & providing for the hens' health & welfare, with some fascinating insights; from breed selection to innovat
Know Your Soils and Know Your Sales
In this episode we hear from organic mixed min till farmer John Pawsey & arable conservation ag no-till farmer Clive Bailye in featured footage from an online event 'Know your soils and know your sales' that took place in July 2020 as part of OF&G's NOCC, with support from the AHDB. Renowned broadcaster Charlotte Smith leads the conversation which focuses on their approaches & practices they deplo
Farm system health - Richard Gantlett
Richard farms beef cattle & cereals biodynamically at Yatesbury House Farm in Wiltshire UK. In this episode we talk to him about his involvement in the Farm System Health project; which brought together international farmers who have established personal philosophies & strategies of best practice that make them successful in running healthy farms & producing healthy food. Richard reflects on expl
Farm System Health - Iain Tolhurst (Tolly)
Iain Tolhurst runs one of the longest running stock-free organic vegetable farms in England. In this episode we talk to him about his involvement in the Farm System Health project - which brought together international farmers who have established personal philosophies & strategies of best practice that make them successful in running healthy farms & producing healthy food. We ask him what farm sy
Agricology in the Field - Wendy Seel
Wendy Seel runs "organic, grown with nature, small scale & local" Vital Veg at North Tillydaff farm near Aberdeen. She describes the design of their growing system, ways in which they build soil fertility, attract pollinators & pest predators, increase biodiversity, & get as much diversity & variation in time, space & variety as they can. She particularly focuses on the way in which trees have bee
Land Sharing and Sparing
In this episode, we explore ideas around land sharing and sparing; considering how to balance the need for sustainable food production with the need to protect the environment and wild spaces in the future. The discussion is hosted by Charlotte Smith and recorded as part of NOCC online in partnership with OF&G. Featuring Sue Pritchard; Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Roger Kerr; OF&G,
Agricology in the Field - Jonathan Smith
Jonathan Smith, organic grower on St Martins, Isles of Scilly, talks about why he farms as he does and describes how he uses seaweed, compost and green manures to build soil organic matter and fertility. He touches on challenges he faces, treating the farm like an ecosystem; focusing on biodiversity, and explains how he has used the Farm Carbon Calculator to gain more detailed understanding of h
Agricology in the Field - Julian Gold
In this latest podcast we are 'In the field' with Julian Gold, farm manager of 800 ha of combinable crops at Hendred Estate in Oxfordshire. He introduces the farm & talks about experiences & aspirations of transitioning to farming in a way that is less harmful to the environment & biodiversity. He describes his soil health & carbon capture strategy, biological methods of pest control trials he is
Getting Started with Agroecological Farming
There is increasing recognition of the benefits of integrated agroecological farming systems but where to start? Farmers David Rose & George Young share their experiences of moving towards an agroecological approach. They talk about joint enterprises, integrating livestock & a diversity of crops into the rotation, establishing an agroforestry system; sharing some of the practicalities & rewards o
