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To kick start the new series, host Peter Green looks back on 2024 with Jeremy Oatey, owner of the mixed farming business, Agricola Growers, and Robin Jackson, Director of the Rural Business School (Duchy College). The conversation also looks ahead to 2025, exploring the latest innovations, sustainable practices, and the evolving landscape of British agriculture.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at [email protected]
Timestamps
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Today on the show Peter Green is joined by Cornish Mutual's Chief Executive Officer, Peter Beaumont, to look back on 2024 and reflect on the year for farmers and Cornish Mutual.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at [email protected]
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
00:55 Peter welcomes Peter.
02:10 Peter Beaumont begins to reflect on the year.
03:26 How can Cornish Mutual support members?
04:04 The headlines for Cornish Mutual in 2024
07:05 What have been the biggest challenges for members in 2024?
08:30 Farming has the operational side but also administrative side.
11:17 The aftermath of the budget - succession and planning for it.
12:20 Mutual v insurance company
14:10 Rising costs - how has Cornish Mutual been reacting?
15:55 Farm walks and supporting members.
17:27 Health and safety
20:00 Collaboration.
21:54 Risks and Opportunities for members.
23:13 SFI
24:18 What has been the biggest achievement for Cornish Mutual this year?
27:25 Peter Green wraps up.
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Eksik bölüm mü var?
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Today on the show we take a look back on series 4 and glean any learning points from the episodes. Host Peter Green is joined by Tom Tolputt, founder of TerraFarmer, and Rebecca Tonks, CEO of St Ewe Free Range Eggs.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us by using [email protected]
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
1:03 Tom Tolputt introduces himself.
1:23 Rebecca Tonks introduces herself.
1:44 We begin to look back on the series.
2:10 Chris Berry talks about the farming year 2023-24
2:57 Peter asks Tom about the farming situation at the moment.
4:55 Rebecca talks about the changes that we are seeing at the moment.
6:19 We look back on episode 4 and the matter of farm incomes.
6:53 Professor Matt Lobley excerpt.
7:49 Discussion on farm incomes. What might the impact be if farm incomes continue to fall?
10:05 Tom Tolputt follows up.
13:45 We turn to the topic of soil health with Sally Ann Spence.
14:49 Tom talks about the change that has taken place over the past few years with regards to soil health.
17:47 We talk about careers and the wide variety of careers in the broad ag sectors. Dan Grist talks about the breadth of backgrounds of members of Devon Young Farmers.
19:34 What skills sets is Rebecca looking for as an employer?
21:44 In episode 8 we were talking about thinking differently - one of the themes was the ways that farmers and food businesses engage with consumers. Abby Allen elaborates.
23: 27 Has our food system changed beyond recognition?
26:16 Rebecca - where is the relationship between the consumer and their food?
29:20 Final clip is from episode 9 - Kevin Hoare talks about the methane project taking place on their farm.
31:22 Rebecca explains how the poultry sector has adapted in previous years.
35:16 What are Rebecca and Tom excited about in terms of the future of farming in the south west?
38:39 Where can listeners go to find out more?
40:00 Peter rounds up.
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Make sure you listen to episode 9 to get the most from this bonus episode.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter introduces the bonus
01:00 Katie explains what happened.
03:20 Katie talks about the event itself.
06:18 Many people are involved in agriculture because they love it.
08:05 A message to young women in agriculture.
10:02 Peter rounds up.
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Today on the show we’re talking about farm sustainability, slurry management and methane capture (and we promise that it won’t be a lot of hot air!). Peter is joined by Cornish dairy farmers Kevin and Katie Hoare to learn about the work they have been doing to use their farm’s captured methane gas as fuel on farm.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Send us an email to [email protected]
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
00:55 Katie Hoare introduces their farm.
01:50 The investments that have been made since they came to the farm. Kevin Hoare introduces the slurry storage as it was.
03:12 What was the motivation to look into methane capture?
04:08 Katie talks about the lagoon.
05:34 How the store works in practice.
7:28 How big is the lagoon?
10:22 Store is anaerobic.
11:20 The cost is fertiliser saving.
13:15 Costs of installing methane systems on dairy farms.
14:35 Tiles for existing lagoons.
17:14 New developments in future.
17:50 Methane powered tractor from New Holland.
19:50 comparing diesel v methane tractors.
21:15 What are the advantages to the business of going down the biomethane route?
22:35 The financials.
24:24 The personal piece of the benefits.
26:10 Farming is circular.
27:40 Tips to farmers.
28:48 Peter's showstoppers.
30:48 Peter rounds up
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Make sure you listen to episode 8 to get the most from this bonus episode.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter introduces the bonus
00:33 How do we define community and what value does community have for Bertie?
03:30 How have Bertie and Abby used social media to build their communities?
06:45 Create a space where communities feel that they can be open with the business.
08:36 Peter closes the show.
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Today on the show we’re talking about ‘thinking differently’, perhaps outside the box, and different ways to connect with consumers and build communities. Host Peter Green is joined by Abby Allen from Pipers Farm in Devon, renowned for its commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices, and Bertie Matthews, Managing Director of Matthews Cotswold Flour based in Oxfordshire, an eighth-generation family business celebrated for having the widest range of specialist flour in the UK from conventional and regenerative farming systems.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Send us an email to [email protected]
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
01:24 Abby introduces Pipers Farm and explains how they are thinking differently as a business.
05:10 Bertie introduces Matthews Cotswold Flour and again explains how they are thinking differently as a business.
09:42 'Partners' rather than customers and a commitment to stick with it for the long term.
10:14 Advice to south west farmers and businesses who want to take a different approach.
13:10 Finding what aspect of the business that you enjoy.
14:00 What 3 things do you really want to get rid of in your job and what three things do you want to do more of.
14:26 What led to the pivot towards the Baking Club for Bertie?
16:14 How can we think differently about the stories we tell. The importance of storytelling.
20:03 Bertie's view on storytelling and marketing.
21:25 Where is the value of working together?
24:00 Showstoppers.
25:47 Peter wraps up the episode.
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Make sure you listen to episode 7 to get the most from this bonus episode.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter introduces the bonus
00:38 Peter talks about his experience at Groundswell.
01:30 Benefits of growing a more diverse sward.
02:43 The science behind the impact that mob grazing has on the soil.
04:22 Is there an optimal frequency for grazing or leaving?
06:05 Using a plate meter
06:45 Ben's rotation.
08:26 What inspired Ben to start mob grazing?
12:35 What has been the impact for Ben?
15:00 Peter starts to round up.
15:25 Finish.
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Today on the show we’re talking about mob grazing, what it is, its benefits and how to do it most effectively.
Peter is joined by Cornish farmer Ben Thomas who farms beef cattle on the edge of Bodmin Moor and Hannah Jones who is a carbon and soils advisor with the Farm Carbon Toolkit.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Send us an email to [email protected]
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
00:54 Ben introduces himself.
04:30 What is the lasting impact of 6 Inches of Soil film?
06:30 Hannah Jones introduces herself.
07:53 Mob grazing - what is it and how does it differ from other ways of grazing?
09:30 What does mob grazing look like in practice for Ben?
13:10 Stocking density.
15:25 Follow up with Hannah.
17:20 How quickly can farmers expect to see changes to their soil health when starting with mob grazing?
19:30 Is most of the benefit from reduced compaction and rest or trampling and leaving some plant matter behind?
20:50 Challenges with a mob grazing system.
24:08 Mob grazing is when we go in with higher levels of cover. What is true mob grazing? How much cover to leave?
25:25 Soil types.
26:11 Practical tips and messages to farmers.
31:12 Showstoppers
33:15 Peter rounds up.
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Make sure you listen to episode 6 to get the most from this bonus episode.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter introduces the bonus
00:46 Are young people aware of and sufficiently able to access information on careers in the wider agricultural space?
02:30 Is there any friction on farms? Is there too much pressure placed on young people to take on a family farm?
05:43 Appointing on merit?
08:37 Are we outward looking enough when it comes to attracting new people to the industry from outside farming?
10:55 What are the most common obstacles that face people who want to start farming?
14:45 Dan finishes up.
16:28 Peter rounds up.
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Today we’re taking a look at the different directions that people take in the farming sector. Some grow up in farming and choose it as a career, some move into a related or supporting industry, some move away from farming completely and some come into the industry from other backgrounds. Today we’re exploring all of these paths and underlining how important it is to find your own particular route in life.
Peter is joined by Dan Grist who is the current Chair of Devon Young Farmers and co-host of the It’s In Our Roots Podcast which celebrates people with countryside roots. He is also joined by Emily Peters who grew up on a family dairy farm in Devon before moving away and then returning to run her milk vending machine business The Udder Stuff. Emily won the Rising Star category in this year’s Devon Farm Business Awards.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
01:40 Dan introduces himself.
03:50 Careers advice into farming.
04:30 Emily introduces herself.
07:27 Dan is chair of Devon Young Farmers - what variety of jobs does he see members going into?
10:40 Peter talks about his own experience.
11:50 Was Emily always thinking of going back to the family farm?
14:40 Emily talks about the growth of her business.
15:40 How many young people who go back to family farms set up their own ventures?
17:40 Advice to others thinking of coming back to the family farm.
19:30 Tips on making a plan.
23:05 Mindset and mental health.
24:50 What does it mean to have farming roots?
27:13 Showstoppers
29:15 Peter rounds up.
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Make sure you listen to episode 5 to get the most from this bonus episode.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter introduces the bonus.
00:35 How can invertebrates contribute to soil fertility?
04:08 Ants farming fungi.
05:54 Examples of seeing change from a thriving ecosystem on farms. Where does it work?
08:20 What timeframe can we see change in?
09:08 How can farmers integrate soil health strategies? Future soil health plans?
11:45 Tip for farmers thinking about improving soil.
14:30 Cornish Mutual jingle
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Today we’re looking at livestock beneath the soil. Host Peter Green asks his guests to make the case for why we should be thinking about life beneath the soil surface as much as our livestock above the ground.
He is joined by entomologist and Wiltshire farmer Sally Ann Spence who is a champion for dung beetles and Joel Williams who is a leading independent plant and soil health educator.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
00:57 Sally Ann introduces herself.
01:44 Joel introduces himself.
02:22 Why should farmers be considering livestock below the soil as well as those above it?
03:00 What about farmers' interest in soil and how attitudes have changed?
04:21 The balance between physics, chemistry and biology. What is soil biota and why is it so crucial for soil health?
07:30 Sally Ann responds
08:45 How can soil health link to the health of livestock?
10:04 The science behind this.
12:20 Dung beetles and their role.
17:30 Member focus.
20:03 Thinking about soil biodiversity - some practical things that farmers can do.
22:32 Classic blockers?
24:00 Suggestions from Sally Ann and farm cluster groups
26:00 Insects as pests
29:00 Where to contact?
29:49 Showstoppers
32:00 Peter rounds up.
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Make sure you listen to episode 4 to get the most from this bonus episode.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus.
00:40 Farming as a lifestyle and the non cash benefits.
02:20 Response from Matt.
07:04 Moving away from subsidy - is there a danger that payments to farmers just prop up loss making farms?
09:33 Should consumers be willing to pay more for food?
11:45 Thinking about wealth distribution - how can farmers get a greater share of the value of produce?
14:08 How can farmers influence policy?
16:28 Engage with others.
19:40 What does the future look like in terms of the way farming looks?
20:50 Peter rounds up.
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What is the average farm income? Should farmers be receiving some form of basic income or living wage? This is the focus for our discussion today.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
01:08 Matt Lobley summarises the challenges of farmers and the background regarding farm incomes.
03:08 What is the average wage for a farmer and how does this compare to the living wage?
04:48 Geoff Williams introduces himself.
07:00 What are the primary factors for Geoff that pressurise farm income?
08:30 How does the concept of a living wage for farmers feed into sustainable agriculture?
09:47 Thinking about sustainability there is a direction of travel with ELMs for example with an emphasis on the environment - is this right?
12:50 To what extent do the public value farmers providing public goods?
17:30 Defra's communications.
18:02 Member focus feature with James and Sarah Richards
20:50 The concept of a universal basic income in relation to farming.
22:10 What is the path forward to ensure that farmers receive a living wage?
24:10 Lots of different systems and what is happening in countries outside the UK?
25:00 The issue of new entrants.
26:40 Prospects for the future of the industry and barriers to entry.
27:47 Showstoppers.
30:08 Peter rounds up the episode
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Make sure you listen to episode 3 to get the most from this bonus episode.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus.
00:43 The importance of market trends for Mark and Phil.
04:34 What impact has the diversified business had on the overall farm business?
06:50 Has the diversified business made life easier or harder for Phil and Mark?
10:10 Peter rounds up.
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In this episode host Peter Green is joined by sheep and beef farmer Phil Heard and sheep farmer Mark Rees to hear about how they have diversified their businesses. Phil farms on Dartmoor and has diversified into cattle driving holidays. Mark farms Gotland sheep and has diversified into gin making. In this episode we hear the ins and outs of their stories and how they have got to where they are today.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
00:56 Phil introduces himself and his farming business.
02:28 Using horses to round up cattle and sheep.
03:28 How long has Phil's family been on Dartmoor?
05:34 Introducing the cattle driving diversification.
08:10 Growth of the business.
10:00 The diversification business alongside the farming business.
12:08 Mark Rees comes in and tells his story.
14:38 How did Mark start?
17:17 The importance of passion in diversification.
19:40 Creating the first batches of gin.
21:06 Challenges of diversification.
24:00 Employment, people and balancing time.
26:15 Advice to others looking to diversify.
27:48 Showstoppers.
30:21 Peter rounds up.
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Make sure you listen to episode 1 to get the most from this bonus episode.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus.
00:55 Climate change and the challenges that it brings.
06:57 Regulation - is there too much or is the balance right?
10:06 Water management and its future.
14:06 What is next for Graham and Chris?
16:20 Peter closes the show.
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In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green interviews two farmers, Graham Eggins and Chris Berry, to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in the Southwest region. Graham farms on the island of Brier in the Isles of Scilly, while Chris farms near Exeter. Graham talks about the logistical challenges of farming on an isolated island, including the transportation of livestock and machinery. He also shares how he diversified his farm by starting a chili operation. Chris discusses the importance of reducing reliance on inputs and the need for adaptability in the face of price volatility and changing labor dynamics. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities facing farmers in the Southwest of the UK. The main challenges discussed include a shortage of people wanting to work in farming, the impact of climate change on water resources, and the burden of regulations. The farmers also discuss the importance of diversification and the need to promote and market their products. The main opportunities highlighted include the use of social media to engage with customers and the potential for direct marketing. The conversation ends with practical tips for farmers, such as pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and improving water management.
Takeaways
Farming on an isolated island presents unique logistical challenges, including transportation of livestock and machinery.Diversification can be a successful strategy for farmers, allowing them to find new markets and increase resilience.Reducing reliance on inputs and focusing on self-sufficiency can improve profitability and sustainability.Adaptability is crucial in the face of price volatility and changing labor dynamics in the farming industry. There is a shortage of people wanting to work in farming, and farmers need to find ways to attract and retain workers.Climate change is impacting water resources, and farmers need to adapt by implementing water management strategies.Regulations are a necessary part of farming, but there is a need for support to simplify paperwork and ensure food security.Diversification is important for farmers to explore new opportunities and markets.Social media can be a powerful tool for farmers to promote their products and engage with customers.Improving water management and soil health can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.Farmers should push themselves out of their comfort zones and be open to trying new things.Direct marketing and engaging with customers can lead to higher profits and customer loyalty.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
00:57 Chris Berry introduces himself.
01:45 Graham Eggins introduces himself.
03:08 What brought Graham to Bryher?
06:08 Graham does everything and has to wear many hats.
06:57 Graham has heavily diversified - what has influenced this?
07:45 Graham's chilli business - how did this start?
12.15 Trying different things. Has Graham always been like this?
14:02 Chris's reaction to Graham's story.
15:20 Keep things simple.
18:57 Being aware that things need to change - Chris's story and how he is planning for the future.
20:42 Keep things fun to attract people.
21:26 'Member Focus'
24:58 The main challenges for agriculture as an industry. [Graham]
27:49 Chris adds his thoughts.
29:09 Practical tips to farmers. - try things outside of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself. Split your fields into two.
30:59 Showstoppers.
33:29 Peter ends the show.
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Make sure you listen to episode 1 to get the most from this bonus episode.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk
For our podcast disclaimer click here.
Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the bonus and Prof Mike Coffey / Jim Dixon.
00:33 What is next for cattle genetics and what breakthroughs do we still want to make?
03:05 How useful is it to reduce breeding values down to a single figure?
05: 57 Lessons from traditional and heritage breeds?
07:51 Comments from Jim on other breeds.
08:43 Make sure that the animals you have are fit for purpose where you are.
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