UK tractor registrations have fallen significantly to their lowest level in over two decades and the Agonomics team discuss what may have caused this sharp drop. They also look at AHDB's first report of the earliest harvest for at least 19 years.

This week's big question is around the importance of carcass balance.

Plus, could we be expecting a lot of new jumpers to be knitted, as a sheep-shearing record falls.

Useful links:

Tractor market hits 25-year low as confidence wanes | AHDB

First harvest report of 2025 off to earliest start in 19 years | AHDB

Markets and prices | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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The Agonomics team take a look back at Groundswell, the regenerative agriculture festival, where Charlotte was part of one of the discussion panels. From AI in farming to wireworms, Charlotte's report from the two-day event brings you a flavour of what took place at Lannock Farm in Hitchin.

Tom also looks at the difference between land sparing and land sharing.

Plus, have you ever met a member of the Royal family?

Some relevant links:

AHDB champions evidence at Groundswell 2025 | AHDB

Identification and management of wireworms in field crops | AHDB

Retail and consumer insight | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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As early harvesting begins, the Agonomics team are joined by AHDB's Lead Analyst for C&O, Millie Askew, to look at the latest crop conditions across the UK.

Charlotte and Tom report back from the National Craft Butchers event in Nottingham as well as explaining what diseconomies of scale refer to.

Plus, find out which presenter is rather proud of where they grew up.

Important stuff to read:

Mixed fortunes for UK crops as rain offers partial relief | AHDB

Direct selling of beef, lamb and pork meat boxes from the farm | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Tom's joined by AHDB Senior Analyst Becky Smith to discuss the trends of cattle slaughter ages in GB, with dairy-beef generally finishing later than suckler-bred animals.

Charlotte runs through her review of Easter looking, in part, at how beef and lamb fared.

And Hannah's question about how many Olympic-sized swimming pools of milk we produced last year is answered. Let's just say it's quite a few!

Some useful info:

Beef market update: BCMS data shows recent uptick in average slaughter ages for prime cattle | AHDB

Easter 2025 review: Beef vs Lamb | AHDB

Dairy markets | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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When it comes to dairy products, just how well are the organic and protein-rich markets faring? Hannah, Charlotte and Tom find out as they're joined by AHDB analyst Annabel Twinberrow.

Following the recent spending review the team recap what we know so far before looking at the importance of seasonal demand for our farmers.

Plus, find out what's been in producer Martin's lunchbox recently...

Important links:

Consumers demand natural, high protein dairy products | AHDB

Spring Spending Review explained | AHDB

Easter 2025 review: Beef vs Lamb | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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The results from this year's Planting and Variety Survey are revealed as Charlotte, Hannah and Tom are joined by AHDB Senior Analyst Helen Plant to discuss them in more detail.

We also hear what happened when 28 buyers from across the globe took part in our biggest ever inward mission for the red meat sector.

And as 10 top tips for managing cabbage stem flea beetle are announced, find out which member of the team once shared a caravan with the pests!

Some useful links:

Planting and Variety Survey | AHDB

Biggest red meat inward trade mission highlights global appetite for British produce | AHDB

Reboot for cabbage stem flea beetle management in OSR | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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Charlotte, Hannah and Tom take over the reins as David looks at the economics of agriculture for one last time. Among the topics discussed are flexitarian diets, Donald Trump's tariffs and why AHDB reports on pricing.

Plus, who makes the lousiest cup of coffee?

More on the important stuff:

Video – What does future red meat consumption look like? | AHDB

Impact of UK-US deal on UK agriculture | AHDB

Markets and prices | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

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AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir joins David to talk about his life in farming as he comes to the end of his five years in the role. Nicholas offers insight into British agriculture, how it compares to the rest of the world, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Plus, find out how David's getting on growing his own vegetables.

More on the chair of AHDB:

Nicholas Saphir to stand down as AHDB chair in spring 2025 | AHDB

New Chair of AHDB appointed by Defra Ministers | AHDB

Home | AHDB

If you want to get in touch with the Agonomics team, please email: agonomics@ahdb.org.uk

Sign up to the AHDB Preference Centre so that you can:

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