Agri-Tech-E‬'s Director, Belinda Clarke, speaks with David Linton, Commercial Agriculture Manager at ‪Barenbrug‬, about the future of grassland management, sustainable farming and climate-resilient agriculture - and the often-overlooked role of grassland innovation and breeding in modern farming.

David explains why "grass is not just grass", exploring how modern plant breeding is developing drought-tolerant and deep-rooting grass species that can improve forage production, soil health, nutrient use efficiency and farm resilience.

David also discusses the impact of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), how it has encouraged farmers to think differently about what is happening below ground, the benefits of diverse grass mixtures including tall fescue, timothy and perennial ryegrass, and the growing importance of resilience in livestock and mixed farming systems.

The conversation also highlights the role of carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture and Barenbrug's new UK breeding centre in Knutsford, which is developing grass varieties specifically suited to British farming conditions. With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, plant breeding is becoming a critical tool for developing grass varieties that can withstand both drought and flooding while supporting productive, sustainable agriculture.

Whether you're interested in livestock farming, grass breeding, climate adaptation or agricultural innovation, this discussion provides valuable insights into how innovation in grass breeding is helping farmers adapt to climate change, improve soil health, support carbon sequestration and build more resilient farming systems for the future.

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How should businesses actually prepare for the upcoming UK-EU SPS Agreement - the new strategic partnership regulating food, plant, and animal trade?

Part of 'resetting' our relationship with Europe means 'dynamically aligning' - ie adopting some of the rules of the EU. We might not have the final, comprehensive instructions from government yet, but we know where the changes are heading: if you grow arable crops, brassicas, or horticulture, or if you manage livestock and poultry, your daily practices are going to change. 🌾🥦🐔

We sat down with Sarah Evered from Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Business Readiness Unit to map out what you can do right now to prepare your business for the eventualities ahead. The advice is to keep tracking the latest Defra updates and keep your eyes, ears, and minds open. 👀

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Global events are putting pressure in supply chains for inputs vital to the agriculture industry. Should we be worried? How can we adapt to what is fast becoming a new normal? And what advice do AF have for farmers? Chief Agricultural Office John Barrett discusses.

AF is the UK’s largest agricultural purchasing co-operative and works with thousands of farmers across the UK.

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