Best FFIS Podcasts (2025)

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Crofting Matters - FFIS, CAGS, WFP and Greening for Crofting 38:21

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4d ago38:21

38:21

The Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) grant scheme is a new scheme in 2025, allowing crofters and farmers to invest to improve business efficiency, nature and climate friendly farming. The FFIS offers flexible capital grants to support investments with tiered levels of funding available. There are other changes affecting crofters, such as a s…

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FFIS, CAGS, WFP and Greening for Crofting 38:21

5d ago38:21

38:21

The Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) grant scheme is a new scheme in 2025, allowing crofters and farmers to invest to improve business efficiency, nature and climate friendly farming. The FFIS offers flexible capital grants to support investments with tiered levels of funding available. There are other changes affecting crofters, such as a s…

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Stock Talk - The 5-Mile Pig! 50:29

4d ago50:29

50:29

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Principal Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by farmers Ben and Harriet Lowe. HB Farms in Aberdeenshire consists of Newseat of Dumbreck, an arable farm on tenancy and Pitmillan Farm which is home to 450 breeding sows and a finishing unit. In addition to grass, forestry and land for envi…

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Rural Roundup - Enhanced Greening for 2026 37:02

5d ago37:02

37:02

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson talk to Professor Steven Thomson about the Enhanced Greening conditional changes which will come into effect from 1st January 2026. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources Events | Events helping farmers in Scotland | …

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Natural Capital - NatureMetrics: eDNA 50:48

8d ago50:48

50:48

Measuring and accounting for biodiversity across farmlands is becoming increasingly important. Environmental DNA (eDNA) involves collecting genetic material from environmental samples like water and soil to detect what species are present. It is a tool that is growing in popularity, that can give insights into the range and distribution of species …

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Thrill of the Hill - Planting MOREwoods: The Woodland Trust 35:21

13d ago35:21

35:21

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. In this episode outreach adviser Charlie Owen from the Woodland Trust discusses the MOREwoods scheme set up by the Woodland Trust. The scheme is there to allow land owners to ac…

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CropCast Conversations - 2025 Grain Markets and Update from the Field 45:14

15d ago45:14

45:14

Welcome to CropCast Conversations hosted by Principal Consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by James Bolesworth (CRM AgriCommodities) to discuss how grain markets are looking for 2025 and in part 2 Mark is joined by George Chalmers (SAC Consulting) and Neil Havis (SRUC Professor, Crop Pathology) to update us on how crops …

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CropCast - Grain Storage 28:56

15d ago28:56

28:56

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by George Chalmers to discuss grain storage and the importance of making sure stores are ready for harvest. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timel…

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Business & Policy News Audio June 2025: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on farm business diversification. 1:00:28

18d ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Welcome to Business & Policy News Audio, formerly Agribusiness News. Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on farm business diversification. Show Notes 00:33 News in Brief 05:08 Policy Briefs – Programme for Government 2025-2026, 2025 Climate Change Committee Report…

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Agri Culture - James Logan: Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland 43:37

21d ago43:37

43:37

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by James Logan, the current chairman of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. This episode was recorded in the lead up to the Royal Highland Show 2025, and James tells us about changes at the Society and what he is looking forward to about this year’s show. He talks about his life in agriculture and how…

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Stock Talk - Craig and Claire Grant 41:46

1M ago41:46

41:46

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Beef and Sheep Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by farmers Craig and Claire Grant who run a mixed farming enterprise across 1,300 acres arable and 400 acres grass (owned and rented) along with their team of 20 full and part time employees. The business has poultry across five sites wi…

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Changes to Improve Welfare of Lambs 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

A game changer for sheep on hill grazings? It’s very tricky to castrate and tail lambs within 7 days unless lambs are born inbye. Could two new techniques, that allow castration and tailing up to 3 months of age, not only reduce pain levels in lambs, but allow better and easier management on commons and hills? The all-important intake of colostrum …

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Crofting Matters - Changes to Improve Welfare of Lambs 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

A game changer for sheep on hill grazings? It’s very tricky to castrate and tail lambs within 7 days unless lambs are born inbye. Could two new techniques, that allow castration and tailing up to 3 months of age, not only reduce pain levels in lambs, but allow better and easier management on commons and hills? The all-important intake of colostrum …

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Natural Capital - John Wright: Hedgerows, Ditches, and Drystane Dykes 54:07

1M ago54:07

54:07

Linear features like hedgerows, ditches and drystone dykes are symbolic of our countryside, providing boundaries and unique habitats. From their history as a form of ancient enclosure, to their importance for nature, we go on a journey with John Wright to discuss these fascinating ecosystems, their natural and cultural significance and what they ca…

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Rural Roundup - AECS & Water Scarcity 14:35

1M ago14:35

14:35

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson talk about the upcoming AECS deadline and the pressing issue of water scarcity. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources Water Scarcity - Farming and Water Scotland Events | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Ad…

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CropCast - Potato Viruses 27:46

1M ago27:46

27:46

In this episode, Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Kerry Leslie to talk about the Potato viruses, which can cause devastating compulsory burn down orders, and why these viruses remain a major concern for the industry going forward. Welcome to Cropcast, your go-to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor Tiffa…

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Agri Culture - John Ferguson: Thinking outside the box 47:31

2M ago47:31

47:31

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by John Ferguson, founder and CEO of Sisaltech Ltd, a Scottish company which produces sustainable building insulation from natural sisal fibres and Scottish wool. In this episode John shares his unique story on how he got started, his sustainable business goals and his top tips for business success. Thanks for joining us …

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Business & Policy News Audio May 2025: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on US tariffs 40:49

2M ago40:49

40:49

Welcome to Business & Policy News Audio, formerly Agribusiness News. Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on US tariffs. Agribusiness News publication is now moving to the Business & Policy newsletter, a monthly update on market and policy intelligence for farmers …

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Thrill of the Hill - Finding the Next Generation: The Scottish Land Matching Service 28:27

2M ago28:27

28:27

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. Scotland has a vibrant and dynamic farming industry, merging traditional practices with new innovations, yet barriers and challenges to entering and exiting the industry remain.…

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CropCast Conversations - Sugar Beet: Making a Comeback? 33:33

3M ago33:33

33:33

Welcome to the first episode of CropCast Conversations hosted by Principal Consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Iain Riddel (Principal Consultant, SAC Consulting). They discuss growing sugar beet in Scotland and cover sugar beet trial work, sites, varieties, farmer group feedback and conclusions from trial work. Episo…

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Rural Roundup - Farm Business Survey Results & The Spring Statement 35:56

3M ago35:56

35:56

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Becka Henderson, a Farm Business Analyst from SAC Consulting to talk about results from the Farm Business Survey and headlines from the spring statement. FAS Resources Whole farm benchmarks | Helping farmers in S…

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Agribusiness News Audio April 2025: A spotlight on home grown proteins, nature based solutions, pollinators and seasonal workers 49:27

3M ago49:27

49:27

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we are also bringing you an overview on home grown proteins, nature based solutions, pollinators and seasonal workers. Show Notes 00:39 News in Brief 03:02 Policy Briefs – Future Farming Investment Scheme, Scottish Suckler Beef Support Payments, S…

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CropCast - Talking Herbicides with Bayer 30:36

3M ago30:36

30:36

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Edward Scaman and Chris McClymont to talk about herbicides. How is the current season progressing and what is the best practice advice when it comes to applying products. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson…

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Rural Roundup - Headlines & Deadlines for SAF (IACS) and AECS 25:24

4M ago25:24

25:24

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who talk headlines and deadlines. We talk about the Single Application Form (IACS) window, AECS, and changes to both. We also discuss “Fair work first” and what that means for…

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Agribusiness News March 2025: A spotlight on the potato sector, New Zealand, fertiliser use in Scotland and Wills and Power of Attorney 48:42

4M ago48:42

48:42

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we are also bringing you an overview on the potato sector, New Zealand, fertiliser use in Scotland and Wills and Power of Attorney. Hosted by Christine Beaton, produced by Heather Stuart. edited by Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond. …

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Stock Talk - Kirsten Williams Stock Talk Handover 32:09

4M ago32:09

32:09

In this podcast we hear from Kirsten Williams who will be taking over Robert Ramsay’s role as the host on Stock Talk. Kirsten talks about her farming system at home as well as her interests at work. Robert mentions some of his favourite Stock Talk podcasts and how they can develop into something bigger (e.g. the deer farming podcast has now turned …

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Natural Capital - Biodiversity Funding on Farms 41:19

4M ago41:19

41:19

We take a deep dive on the various sources of biodiversity funding opportunities that are available to farmers in 2025 and beyond. Covering Agri-Environmental Climate Schemes, Nature Restoration Funds, and biodiversity audits. In this episode we are joined by agricultural consultant Alex Pirie, to share updates on environmental funding opportunitie…

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Thrill Of The Hill - Staggeringly Good: Raising The Profile of Venison in Scotland 27:57

4M ago27:57

27:57

Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills. Venison, an underappreciated meat in Scotland? Despite the abundance of deer in Scotland, farmed and wild, venison has never been a staple of the Scottish diet, certainly not in the same way as be…

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Rural RoundUp -Spring Update, Avian Flu & a “New Deal for Agriculture” 38:55

4M ago38:55

38:55

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who bring us their Spring Update, with information on the “New Deal for Agriculture”, NVZ, claim deadlines for PSF & AECS Capital claims, an update on h5n1, and a market upda…

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CropCast - Tom Scrope, Nuffield Scholar 2025 32:53

4M ago32:53

32:53

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Tom Scrope to talk about his 2025 Nuffield Scholarship, in which he is exploring new ways of farmer knowledge exchange to secure stronger soils. Tom is also the Co-founder of soil benchmark, an online platform which can be used to create bespoke soil management plans. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to p…

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Agribusiness News Audio February 2025: A spotlight on breeding bulls, pigs, the benefits of Co-operatives and how Whole Farm Plans will affect landlords 47:23

5M ago47:23

47:23

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we are also bringing you a sector overview on breeding bulls, pigs, the benefits of Co-operatives and how Whole Farm Plans will affect landlords. Show Notes 00:41 News in Brief 03:10 Policy Briefs – Foot and Mouth Disease and Avian Flu, heating gr…

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Stock Talk - Sam Parsons, Balcaskie Estate 55:45

5M ago55:45

55:45

In this podcast we hear from Sam Parsons from Balcaskie. He talks about the organic farming system and the use of regenerative agriculture practices at Balcaskie and how it has helped reduce costs. He also talks about meat eating quality in their choice of cattle as they sell their beef direct to customers through the butchery. They are using Linco…

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Natural Capital - Combating Nature Loss: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 48:28

5M ago48:28

48:28

The loss of species and degradation of our natural environment is an existential threat to the planet that requires urgent, collaborative and transformative solutions. We are in a biodiversity crisis, with 1 in 9 Scottish species facing extinction and declines in numbers and ranges of many plants, birds and animals. There is a need for action and S…

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Rural Roundup - First Footing Forward: Planning for the Year Ahead 21:04

5M ago21:04

21:04

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who discuss what Farmers & Crofters can do to put the best foot forward in the New Year, to give themselves a good chance of a successful 2025. Related Resources Preparing fo…

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CropCast - Balbirnie Home Farms: Thinking Outside of the Box 49:35

5M ago49:35

49:35

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Balbirnie Farms manager David Aglen along with Professor Fiona Burnett, an applied plant pathologist at SRUC to discuss the results from crop trials, which have been taking place at Balbirnie Home Farms as part of the AHDB strategic cereal farm Scotland project. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast…

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Agri Culture - SAYFC Respect 37:39

6M ago37:39

37:39

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Ally Brunton chair of SAYFC and Jillian Kennedy, SAYFC Vice chair. They both talk about their time in young farmers and the experiences and benefits of being in the club. They also tell us about the SAYFC Respect campaign which was launched at the Highland Show in 2024, which aims to allow every member to contribute to…

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Thrill of the Hill - First Aid on Farm with Sean Magee 41:48

6M ago41:48

41:48

Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills. We're all human, fragile and fallible, accidents can occur and mistakes can be made, people can be in danger, get hurt and when that happens, be in need of first aid. The National Farmers Union re…

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Agribusiness News Audio January 2025: A Spotlight on 2024 Environmental Developments, Global Trends, the New Scottish Budget and Financial Update 52:20

6M ago52:20

52:20

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we are also bringing you a sector overview of environmental developments over 2024 and we will be bringing you news on global trends and the new Scottish budget and financial update. Show Notes 00:40 News in Brief 02:06 Policy Briefs – Roundup of …

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Stock Talk - Jock Gibson 1:08:55

6M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

In this podcast we hear from Jock Gibson who is a farmer and butcher. He talks about his farming system at home and how his cattle are certified with Pasture for Life. This means they are on a grassland and forage diet and are therefore slower to reach finished weights than conventional finishing systems which feed concentrate feed. Jock has native…

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Natural Capital - Tackling the Climate and Biodiversity Crises 59:06

6M ago59:06

59:06

Join us as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time—the biodiversity and climate crises—and explore the crucial role agriculture plays in addressing them. We delve into what these crises are, how they’re interconnected, and the efforts underway to combat them. In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Dave Reay and Séamus Murphy, who…

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Thrill of the Hill - Droning On 41:27

7M ago41:27

41:27

Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills. Technology is always progressing, and the same is true in the uplands. New innovations mean it has never been easier to collect, measure and interpret data for the benefit of farming, nature and c…

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Rural Roundup - Keeping Well at Christmas 19:32

7M ago19:32

19:32

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who discuss all relevant schemes and deadlines, and look ahead to Christmas in the Farming Community. FAS Resources Mental Health and Wellbeing | Information helping farmers …

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CropCast - Grain Analysis 40:46

7M ago40:46

40:46

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Borders Farmer Neil Ramsay along with Prof Roger Sylvester-Bradley, Principal Research Scientist and Head of Crop Performance at ADAS; to discuss grain analysis and the benefits it can have when tailoring nutrition. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops…

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In Conversation With...The Golden Hoof 45:55

7M ago45:55

45:55

Welcome to In Conversation With… hosted this month by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs (Principal Consultant) and Kirsten Williams (Senior Sheep and Beef Consultant). On today’s episode Mark and Kirsten reflect on their highlights from 2024 and are joined by David Ross (Principal Consultant, SAC Consulting) to discuss integrating livestock and arable. They explo…

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Agribusiness News Audio December 2024: A Spotlight on the Trump Effect, HerdPlan, Calving Intervals and Carbon & Biodiversity Credits. 44:43

7M ago44:43

44:43

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we are also bringing you sector overviews The Trump Effect and HerdPlan. We will also be bringing you news on Calving Intervals and Carbon & Biodiversity credits. Show Notes 00:39 News in Brief 02:30 Policy Briefs – Preparing for sustainable farmi…

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Kathleen Simpson and Brad Harrison: Scaling Impact at The Russell Family Foundation 35:40

7M ago35:40

35:40

Kathleen Simpson and Brad Harrison: Scaling Impact at The Russell Family Foundation In this episode, hosts Chris Ito and Georges Dyer engage with Kathleen Simpson, CEO of The Russell Family Foundation (TRFF), and Brad Harrison of AlTi Tiedemann Global, TRFF's investment advisor, to explore the intersection of mission-driven investing, shareholder e…

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Agri Culture - Kenneth Bone: Diversifying for a Thriving Island Community 43:52

7M ago43:52

43:52

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Kenneth Bone from Glenkiln Farm on the Isle of Arran. Kenneth Bone farms Glenkiln Farm on the Isle of Arran with his family. They won the Diversified Farm of the year award at last year’s Scottish Agriculture Awards, as well as taking home the Champion of Champions trophy. The business has an impressive portfolio, from…

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Stock Talk: SRUC Easter Howgate update 46:19

7M ago46:19

46:19

In this podcast we hear from Bruce Wyper, Stockperson at SRUC Easter Howgate. He talks about some of the projects have been going on at Easter Howgate including GreenCow and Green Shed. He also discusses the move to running the herd more commercially than it has been previously although it is still a farm used for research projects. He talks about …

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Stock Talk: Jan Vos & Lorna Galloway 1:09:15

7M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

In this podcast we hear from Jan Vos, Agronomist from Agrovista & Lorna Galloway SAC Consultant from SAC Stranraer Office. They talk about soil health, agronomy, and sustainable practices to get the desired outcome – healthy crops and effective weed management. They also talk about the best way to establish and keep clover in the sward and a clover…

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Natural Capital - Fungi: The forgotten kingdom? 57:17

7M ago57:17

57:17

Fungi, the often-overlooked kingdom of life, runs mostly undetected under out feet, forming intricate networks that support ecosystems in extraordinary ways. Mycorrhiza, a symbiotic relationship where fungi connect with plant roots, enables plants to absorb more water and nutrients in exchange for energy the plant obtains from sunlight. Rhizocore T…