NFU Dairy Board Hot Topics: permitting, FDOM & Iran impact on costs

This week on the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Asterra Procurement Manager Chris Pickles, dairy market analyst Chris Walkland and producer Becki Reay to explore the key factors currently driving feed markets. Chris Walkland provides his usual milk market update before the conversation turns to the impact of global events, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East, on grain supply, pricing and market volatility. The episode also examines how El Niño and South American weather patterns could influence global crop production in the months ahead, and what this means for UK dairy farmers. With discussion around protein feeds, cereals, maize markets, forage stocks and feed-buying strategies, the episode provides insight into the feed market outlook, future pricing trends and the key factors influencing markets, helping farmers make informed decisions around the timing of feed purchases. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of AB Agri Limited or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of AB Agri Limited . The contents of this podcast are the copyright of AB Agri Limited.

This week on the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Milica Kocic, Lead in Product Development at IFCN, and Kite Podcast producer Becki Reay to look back on the recent IFCN Conference in Parma, which brought together more than 200 dairy professionals from around the world. They discuss the conference theme of embracing volatility and share some of their key takeaways, from global dairy supply and demand trends to the economic outlook for major dairy-producing countries and the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. The conversation also explores the current UK and global milk market outlook, what these wider trends could mean for dairy businesses at home, and the importance of learning from different dairy systems around the world. Usual Milk Market Update from Chris Walkland, he explains what this could mean for milk prices in the months ahead. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of AB Agri Limited or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of AB Agri Limited . The contents of this podcast are the copyright of AB Agri Limited.

In this episode of the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by farmers Fliss Cobb and Conor Dunne, who recently completed Kite's Herd Manager Training Programme, to explore how the role of the modern herd manager continues to evolve. They're joined by Kite consultant Marcus Doig, who led the recent course, and Dane De Boorder, who will be taking the reins from January 2027, along with podcast producer Becki Reay. Together, they discuss the skills needed to succeed in today's dairy industry, from people management and communication to data analysis and technology. Fliss and Conor share their experiences of the programme, the lessons they've taken back to their farms, and how it has broadened their understanding of different dairy systems. Plus, the team discuss what makes a successful herd manager today and how the training programme is helping to develop the next generation of dairy leaders. As always, Chris Walkland returns with his latest milk market report.

In this week's Kite Podcast, Ben Eagle is joined by Wallace Currie, ADOPT Coordinator and Knowledge Exchange Manager at the UK AgriTech Centre, farmer and current ADOPT funding beneficiary Will Tuer, and podcast producer Becki Reay to discuss how ADOPT funding is helping farmers tackle real on-farm challenges through innovation and collaboration. With the latest funding round open until 7 October, Wallace explains how the scheme works, who can apply and the support available to farmers looking to develop and trial new ideas. Will shares his experience of securing ADOPT funding through his CLEAN DAIRY project, which focuses on improving energy monitoring and efficiency on dairy farms, and discusses the opportunities the programme creates for farmers to test practical solutions within their own businesses. The conversation explores the benefits of collaborative, farmer-led innovation and offers advice for anyone considering an application. As always, Chris Walkland joins the team with his latest milk market update, including a warning that farmers may need to temper their expectations on milk prices in the coming months. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of AB Agri Limited or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of AB Agri Limited . The contents of this podcast are the copyright of AB Agri Limited.

We kick off Episode 309 of the Kite Podcast with Chris Walkland's milk market report before hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Steve Cope of Cope Farming near Market Drayton, winner of the High Feed Efficiency Award at this year's Cream Awards, along with Kate Matthews, Senior Consultant at Kite Consulting and Steve's nutritionist, and podcast producer Becki Reay. Steve shares how he has improved feed efficiency within his business, the role it plays in overall farm performance, and the management decisions that have helped drive success on farm. Kate explains what feed efficiency really means, how it is measured, and why it has become such an important KPI for dairy businesses. Together, they explore the many factors that influence feed efficiency, from genetics and forage quality to cow health, housing and feed management, highlighting how a whole-farm approach is essential for long-term success. The team also reflects on the recent Cream Awards, celebrating excellence across the dairy industry and recognising the businesses driving performance and innovation. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of AB Agri Limited or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of AB Agri Limited . The contents of this podcast are the copyright of AB Agri Limited.