Shows
Farming Today28/01/26 Octopus, gene-edited oilseed rape, sheep dog trainingWarmer waters have brought large number of octopus to coastal waters around the South West over the past year. Now, the University of Plymouth has published a report bringing together evidence from scientists, the fishing industry and citizen scientists to reveal more about what's known as the 'octopus bloom'. What can it tell us about the changing marine environment, the consequences for sea life, and the impact on fishing?The on-farm science group BOFIN is starting a three-year £2.5 million project funded through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme. It'll be growing the first commercial trial of precision-bred oilseed rap...
2026-01-2813 minFarming Today29/07/25 Water management, agricultural chaplain, slug controlAs the NFU hosts an on-farm water summit, we find out more about an innovative project in Shropshire to manage water. It aims to prevent excess run-off from urban areas which floods farmland and destroys crops.Out and about with the Agricultural Chaplain for Suffolk who's helping farmers cope with the pressures of running a farm business. He says they're especially concerned about changes to inheritance tax reform.Scientists are working with farmers to find a high-tech way of tackling one of the most voracious pests farmers face - slugs. Traditionally, producers have used ferric...
2025-07-2914 min
BASIS Agronomy MattersPrecision BreedingIn this episode of Agronomy Matters, Thomas Vaughan, Environment Manager at BASIS, is joined by Tom Allen-Stevens, Oxfordshire farmer and founder of BOFIN, and Dr Dylan Phillips, geneticist and lecturer at Aberystwyth University.Together, they discuss precision breeding, a fast-developing area in UK farming. The conversation covers:What precision breeding is, and how it differs from traditional genetic modificationThe aims of the PROBITY project, the first European trial of precision-bred cereal crops on farmsHow recent changes in UK legislation and government funding are supporting this workWhat precision breeding could mean for farmers in...
2025-07-0245 min
Wild Fish and Game PodcastShorelunch Shenanigans: Fish, Fryers, and Field Notes with Nate PSummary:
In this engaging conversation, Justin and Nate explore the world of fishing and cooking, sharing personal anecdotes and culinary adventures. Nate discusses the origins of his YouTube channel, Shorelunch with Nate P, which aims to make fishing and cooking accessible to everyone. They delve into quirky recipes, the importance of embracing failures in the kitchen, and the culinary potential of invasive species. The episode features a fun game of 'Bait or Plate,' where they evaluate various fish for their culinary value. The conversation also touches on the camaraderie found within the fishing community and the...
2025-05-201h 07
Defra Farming PodcastTom Allen-Stevens, Martin Lines, Ed Schofield - How IPM works for us: a farmer and agronomist’s perspectiveEpisode 16 – How IPM works for us: a farmer and agronomist’s perspectiveIn this episode of the Defra Farming Podcast, guest host Tom Allen-Stevens—an arable farmer in Oxfordshire and founder of the British On Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN)—is joined by Cambridgeshire farmer Martin Lines and agronomist Ed Schofield.Martin and Ed share with Tom how they are applying integrated pest management (IPM) on-farm to reduce reliance on chemical inputs while maintaining productivity and supporting biodiversity. The conversation covers practical approaches to IPM planning, monitoring and evaluation, habitat management for beneficial insects, the role...
2025-04-2231 min
The BOFIN BuzzThe Left Turn Mystery: Uncovering Slug Patches & Precision Treatment through SLIMERS - Part 2Why do slugs always turn left when they bump into each other, and how does this behaviour lead to slug patches? In this episode, we dive into the reasoning behind slug movement and explore how this knowledge can revolutionise slug control. Through the SLIMERS project, we're developing accurate and effective methods to target slug patches precisely, reducing the need for widespread pesticide use. Join us as we uncover the secrets of slug behaviour and the future of smart farming solutions!
2025-03-2127 minThe BOFIN Buzz'Data collection is easy, it's the smart behind it that matters' - Part 1Meet Adam Hayward as he shares his journey into farming and his passion for on-farm trials. In this episode, he explains how data collection is just the beginning—the real impact comes from the insights and decisions made from that data. Learn how innovation and smart analysis are shaping the future of farming!
2025-03-1423 minThe BOFIN BuzzInside the SLIMERS Project: Adam Lewis’ Mission as a Slug Sleuth - Part 2In the second of our two-part series, Adam Lewis dives into his role in the SLIMERS Project as a dedicated Slug Sleuth. Learn about the important work he is doing to monitor slug activity and how this research is driving the future of ag tech. Discover why this project matters for sustainable farming and technological innovation.
2025-02-2831 minThe BOFIN BuzzMeet the Slug Sleuth: Adam Lewis' Journey into Regen Farming - Part 1In the first episode of our two-part series, we meet Adam Lewis, a passionate farmer and our new Slug Sleuth. Discover how Adam got into farming, his background, and why he’s excited about participating in slug monitoring trials. Stay tuned to learn more about his journey and his commitment to innovative farming solutions!
2025-02-2124 minThe BOFIN BuzzThe Crop that Fights Climate Change! - Part 2In this two-part episode of the BOFIN Buzz Tom Allen-Stevens meets Liz Bowles of the Farm Carbon Toolkit. Liz talks through carbon footprinting and how farmers can get started with it and they discuss the NCS project and how improving pulse cropping can play a key role in improving farming's carbon footprint.
2024-12-1327 minThe BOFIN BuzzThe Crop that Fights Climate Change! - Part 1In this two-part episode of the BOFIN Buzz Tom Allen-Stevens meets Liz Bowles of the Farm Carbon Toolkit. Liz talks through carbon footprinting and how farmers can get started with it and they discuss the NCS project and how improving pulse cropping can play a key role in improving farming's carbon footprint.
2024-12-0634 min
Let's Talk Agri-TechThe TRUTH ProjectWelcome to Let's Talk Agri-Tech. In this episode, we welcome Clemmie Gleeson, Head of Communications at BOFIN and Dr Emma Chapelhow, Open Programme Coordinator and soil health specialist at the UK Agri-Tech Centre.In this episode, we're talking about healthy soils and the Thriving Roots Underpinning Total Soil Health (TRUTH) Project. Clemmie discusses farmer engagement and its importance in developing technology and Emma discusses the cutting-edge technologies that are involved, the project partners and their roles.Follow us on your favourite podcast listening app to hear the latest episodes as soon as they...
2024-12-0526 minThe BOFIN BuzzAI, Automation & Agriculture - Part 2In Part 2, Tom welcomes back Charles and Callum as they announce their involvement in the SLIMERS project, an innovative initiative aimed at tackling arable farmings biggest pest; slugs!
The episode kicks off with an overview of how Charles and Callum will be working together on this cutting-edge project.
Charles shares insights into the challenges of training AI to accurately identify slugs, while Callum reflects on how previous work with the Slug Sleuths has shaped their approach. The conversation also covers the critical role of farmer involvement in the project and what kind of collaboration will...
2024-11-2937 minThe BOFIN BuzzAI, Automation & Agriculture - Part 1Join host Tom as he explores the cutting-edge world of agricultural technology with experts Charles and Callum.
Charles, an AI specialist, explains how artificial intelligence can revolutionize agriculture. He shares insights from his projects in the farming sector and discusses how the UK compares to other countries in adopting AI. Learn about his mission to push the boundaries of modern agriculture.
Callum, an automation expert, discusses his involvement in the pioneering Hands-Free Hectare Farm projects. He reveals how these initiatives have influenced his work and what they mean for the future of farming automation. We also explore the rapid...
2024-11-2233 minThe BOFIN BuzzExploring Different Views on Gene-Edited Crops - Part 2In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Stacia Stetkiewicz on the BOFIN Buzz, we delve deeper into the potential impact of precision-bred crops on agriculture and food systems. We explore her strategies for assessing public perception of precision breeding and why this is a crucial aspect of the PROBITY project. Stacia also shares her long-term vision for the role of precision breeding in transforming our food systems and how the PROBITY project aims to make a lasting impact. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on the future of agriculture!
2024-10-2532 minThe BOFIN BuzzExploring Different Views on Gene-Edited Crops - Part 1In this episode of BOFIN Buzz, we sit down with Dr. Stacia Stetkiewicz to dive into the world of social science and gene-edited cereals as part of the PROBITY project. In the first of our two-part series, Stacia shares her journey into agricultural science and what motivated her to join the PROBITY project. We discuss the goals of the project, her approach to engaging with farmers and stakeholders, and the methods she plans to use. Stacia also offers insights into the specific farmer perspectives she aims to explore, the challenges of gathering these views, and how she plans to...
2024-10-1832 minThe BOFIN BuzzSpeaking SLIMERS with a malacologist, nematologist, parasitologist and entomologist - Part 2Join us in the second and final part of our series joined by Kerry McDonald-Howard of UK AgriTech Centre. In this episode, we explore Kerry's role within the SLIMERS project and delve into how the project aims to tackle arable farmings biggest pest!
2024-10-1233 minThe BOFIN BuzzSpeaking SLIMERS with a malacologist, nematologist, parasitologist and entomologist - Part 1Join us in part 1 of a 2 part series where we are joined by Kerry McDonald-Howard with the UK AgriTech Centre. Kerry is a malacologist, nematologist, parasitologist and entomologist, offering her slug expertise within the SLIMERS project.
Join us as we delve into her past and reach a better understanding of how she came to be so interested in slimy pests!
2024-10-0423 minThe BOFIN BuzzFarming innovation & precision bred cropsIn this slightly different episode of the BOFIN Buzz we share Tom's recent conversation with Steve Orchard on The Farming Programme. Hear about BOFIN's newest project - PROBITY - which is bringing gene-edited cereals to British farms for the first time. Tom explains the difference between genetic modification and gene editing and why it's so important that we trial these varieties on farms and take them through to processing, to assess their potential.
With special thanks to Steve and The Farming Programme.
For the full episode visit: https://hellorayo.co.uk/podcasts/farming-programme/id-2223895/
2024-09-0610 minThe BOFIN BuzzGene-Edited Cereals Explained - Introducing PROBITYIn this special episode, we sit down with Cristobal Uauy, scientist from the John Innes Centre, to explore the groundbreaking PROBITY project which will see gene-edited cereals bring grown on real world farms for the first time in Europe. We'll hear about his work creating a wheat with 'a bigger, bolder grain size' which promises a step change in productivity. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of agriculture. Let us know your thoughts below.
For more details, visit probityproject.co.uk.
2024-08-301h 01The BOFIN BuzzPulses & Poultry: A Look at the Food Supply ChainIn this episode, we are joined by Brian Kenyon from ABN Feeds to discuss their involvement in the NCS project and take a deeper look at the problems and constraints of the food supply chain with special focus on pulses & poultry.
Let us know your thoughts on this episode in the comments below.
2024-07-2644 minThe BOFIN BuzzWhy YOU should become a Pulse Pioneer...Join us in this special episode as we chat with different, farmers, scientists and industry experts at Cereals 2024 about the importance of on-farm innovation, farmer involvement in trials and why it is important that YOU become a Pulse Pioneer in Year 2 of the NCS Project trials.
Give it a listen and let us know your thoughts...
2024-07-1205 minThe BOFIN BuzzBring it on! : The Fourth Agricultural RevolutionJoin us in Episode 19 of The BOFIN Buzz where we are joined by UK Farmer, Andrew Barr. Andy has been a BOFIN farmer for many years now and is involved in some of slug-focussed projects. Grab a cuppa and listen in as we explore many different topics including slug control, gene-edited crops and the fourth agricultural revolution.
2024-06-2859 min
Inside the PodThe NCS Project - One Year OnIn this special episode of Inside the Pod, Ben Pike speaks to a variety of guests who have all had significant involvement in the NCS Project - PGRO CEO Roger Vickers, Dr Becky Howard, BOFIN founder Tom Allen-Stevens, and Michael Carpenter from Kelvin Cave.This episode takes a look back at the NCS Project one year on from its launch, looking at the developments we've seen with the project in the last year, but also looking ahead to the project's future.
2024-06-1920 minThe BOFIN BuzzLet's all grow old disgracefully!Join us as we talk all things pulses, slugs and gene-editing with BOFIN Farmer, Pulse Pioneer and Slug Sleuth Andrew Pitts. Andrew has a real passion for on-farm trials and experimenting on his farm. Listen in to this episode to find out his latest trial of choice...
2024-06-1453 minThe BOFIN BuzzDigging Deep: The Soil Secret to UK FarmingJoin us in this special episode where we are joined by Dr Craig Sturrock from the University of Nottingham and Emma Chapelhow from the UK Agri-Tech Centre. We take a good look at their backgrounds and how this has led them to their involvement in the £1-million-pound TRUTH project.
Let us know your thoughts below.
2024-05-3153 minThe BOFIN BuzzFrom Chemistry to Combines with Anna PearceFor this episode, we welcome Anna Pearce, an organic farmer on the Scottish boarders. Anna is actively involved with a few of the BOFIN projects, currently undertaking the roles of Root Ranger and Pulse Pioneer.
Join as we take a deeper look into how Anna went from the big city with a focus on chemistry to a small town spending her time on farm.
Settle in, give the episode a listen and let us know your thoughts below.
2024-05-171h 03The BOFIN BuzzThe Three Pillars of Sustainability: People, Planet & ProfitJoin us as we explore the three pillars of sustainability with organic farmer and BOFIN on-farm trialist Tim May. Tim ensures he is considering each of the three pillars for the success of his farm and his success in on-farm trials.
Within this episode, we talk through Tim's involvement as a Root Ranger and Pulse Pioneer & we take a look at how you can collaborate with Tim on his farm in the future!
Give it a listen and let us know your thoughts below.
2024-05-031h 01
Dark Mage of RhudaurDark Mage of Rhudaur: Before the Snow Falls, part 1Dark Mage of Rhudaur is a module for Middle Earth Roleplaying, published by Iron Crown Enterprises under license. In Episode One, “Before the Snow Falls, part 1,” four dwarves on a pilgrimage to Khazad-dûm find themselves short on coin in Rhudaur. To finance the last leg of their journey, they accept a job as caravan guards transporting supplies to the Tirthon, a fortress on the East Road.
Featuring James as Bofin, Jacob as Glock, Jacob (not the same one) as Mhenuk, John as Mhutvak, and Bryan as the gamemaster.
Music by Dark Fantasy Studio.
Err...
2024-05-022h 13
Geek at ArmsDark Mage of Rhudaur 1: Before the Snow Falls, part 1Dark Mage of Rhudaur is a module for Middle Earth Roleplaying, published by Iron Crown Enterprises under license. In Episode One, "Before the Snow Falls, part 1," four dwarves on a pilgrimage to Khazad-dûm find themselves short on coin in Rhudaur. To finance the last leg of their journey, they accept a job as caravan guards transporting supplies to the Tirthon, a fortress on the East Road.
Featuring James as Bofin, Jacob as Glock, Jacob (not the same one) as Mhenuk, John as Mhutvak, and Bryan as the gamemaster.
Music by Dark Fantasy S...
2024-05-022h 13The BOFIN BuzzPulses: Friend or Foe?Join us in this exciting episode where we are joined by scientist, Pete Iannetta, from James Hutton Institute. We took a deep dive into the complexities of pulses and discussed the role they place on UK farms.
POINT OPPORTUNITY: If you are a Pulse Pioneer, make sure to get in touch with the secret phrase in order to gain 3 Project Ambassador points. Good luck!
2024-04-1252 minThe BOFIN BuzzSPECIAL EP: Join us for the BOFIN Get Together at Low Carbon 2024!Join us in this special episode with a guest host at the Low Carbon event 2024 where we held the BOFIN Get Together. We managed to get some of our very own BOFIN Farmers together to discuss on-farm trials and innovation incentives.
Make sure to give it a listen and let us know your thoughts below...
2024-03-2909 minThe BOFIN BuzzBottoms-Up: A new approach is needed for farmings future.Join us in this special BOFIN Buzz episode where we are joined by farmer, Hannah Darby. Hannah joins us from her farm in Cambridgeshire to celebrate International Women's Day and on-farm innovation. We take a deep dive into how Hannah focuses on nature-based solutions for known problems and encouraging a bottom-up approach to farming; both of which she believes are crucial for farmings future!
Let us know your thoughts on the episode below...
2024-03-1539 minThe BOFIN BuzzThe TRUTH about your Soils with Dr. Maria Hernandez-SorianoWelcome to a special episode where we announce the launch of our TRUTH project! We are joined by scientist Maria to unveil soil secrets and explain to us the importance of projects such as TRUTH. Not at only do we explore the new project but we take a look at Maria's opinion on gene-editing and ammonium-use on farm.
Make sure to give this exciting episode a listen and let us know your thoughts below!
2024-03-0151 minThe BOFIN BuzzFarming for a Greener Future: A Look at Sustainability & RegenJoin us in our latest episode where we are joined by BOFIN member Charles Paynter. Charles farms in North Bedfordshire and has been involved in many BOFIN projects. Charles' top priorities for farming include a focus on weeds, pests and diseases, adopting regenerative practices and practicing sustainable farming.
Make sure to let us know your thoughts below and follow to be notified when the next episode is released.
2024-02-1656 minInside the PodThe NCS Project - Introducing the Pulse PioneersIn this episode, Ben Pike speaks to Tom Allen-Stevens, the founder of BOFIN, about the latest updates of the NCS Project. Ben also speaks to one of the project's Pulse Pioneers, Will Oliver, about his experience being a part of the NCS Project.
2024-02-1421 minThe BOFIN BuzzThe Future of Farming: Pulse Power and AI AdvancementsJoin us in this special episode where we are joined by Lucy Cottingham from Agrii. Agrii is one of the project partners for the £5.9 million DEFRA-funded NCS project looking to help reach the communal aim of reducing carbon emissions by up to 1.5M tonnes. Tom and Lucy went into detail about pulses, AI advancements and women in agriculture, discussing upcoming trials and future forecasts.
Let us know down below what you thought of this episode and as always, make sure to join BOFIN. It is free and with no obligation. We would love to welcome you!
2024-02-0547 minThe BOFIN BuzzManaging risks and embracing technologies: The fight against grassweeds!Join us in this week's episode where we are joined by Keith Challen. We discuss how Keith went from prisons to farms and what different challenges he now faces with grass weeds We take a look into the Harvest Weed Seed Control project and how Keith has found his involvement throughout. Make sure to give this episode a listen and let us know your thoughts below:
2024-01-1958 minThe BOFIN BuzzResilience, Longevity & LandscapeJoin us and special guest Becci Berry of Brimstone Farms in this exciting episode of The BOFIN Buzz. We take a look at some of the slug projects that Becci is involved in along with some focusing on the soil beneath us. Becci opens up about how she ended up becoming a farmer and some exciting announcements are made about upcoming projects. Let us know your thoughts below!
2024-01-0557 minThe BOFIN BuzzUK farmers to save £1 BILLION feeding pulses to livestockJoin us in the latest episode of The BOFIN Buzz where we are joined by John McArthur of McArthur Agriculture. This episode focuses on McArthur's involvement as a project partner within The NCS Project. John's role within the project focuses on encouraging farmers to include more pulses into livestock rations. By doing this, we can reduce the amount of soy meal imported along with reducing carbon emissions. This project has some bold aims but just the team to get it done! Let us know your thoughts in the Q&A box below:
2023-12-2245 minThe BOFIN BuzzBiology, Biology, Biology!Join us for another special episode of The BOFIN Buzz where we are joined by none other than Tim Parton. This episode is all about understanding soil health and the impact that this can have on the rest of your farm activities. Through various means such as the Green Farm Collective and his own involvement with BOFIN projects, Tim has been on quite the soil journey! Make sure to give this episode a listen and let us know your thoughts below:
2023-12-1547 minInside the PodCropTec 2023: BOFIN Launch PulsePEPIn this episode, Emily Scaife speaks to the founder of BOFIN, Tom Allen-Stevens, and Tom Wilkinson from ADAS about the launch of the PulsePEP and the Farming Forum, as well as Dr Becky Howard from PGRO who gives us the latest updates on the NCS Project.You can claim one BASIS point from listening to this podcast. Code: PD/132939/2324/k
2023-12-0608 minThe BOFIN BuzzPulses Prove Pertinent to Global Climate Crisis!During this episode, we are joined by Michael Carpenter representing NCS project partner Kelvin Cave. We take a look at the £5.9 million DEFRA-funded NCS project and discuss some of the challenges facing farmers looking to include more peas and beans in livestock rations. Let us know what challenges you have faced in the Q&A section below!
2023-11-1036 minThe BOFIN BuzzSPECIAL EP: BBC Radio Somerset Slug chat!Well, welcome to a very special bonus episode. This week you could hear BOFIN founder Tom Allen-Stevens on BBC Radio Somerset discussing the SLIMERS project and calling on the public to get involved with our slug research as Slug Scouts. If you want to get involved, make sure to get in touch by contacting info@bofin.org.uk or visiting slimers.co.uk.
2023-11-0311 minThe BOFIN BuzzNational Farmers DayListen in as we are are joined by Jake Freestone of Overbury Enterprises to celebrate National Farmers Day. We discuss what it means to be a farmer today and some of the struggles encountered along with some of the exciting projects you can be a part of as a forward-thinking farmer. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
2023-10-121h 04The BOFIN BuzzSLMERS - A new strategy for slug management?In this week's episode we talk all things slugs as part of the Strategies Leading to Improved Management and Enhanced Resilience against Slugs (SLIMERS) project. Joined by Clive Blacker, director of Agrivation we took an in-depth look into how the project came to be, the protocol and Slug Sleuth involvement. Take a listen and visit our website (www.bofin.org.uk) to find out how you can be involved with the SLIMERS project.
2023-09-2943 minThe BOFIN BuzzMoving away from herbicides: A new window on weed seed management.For this exciting episode, we are joined by John Cussans and Will Smith from NIAB to discuss the Harvest Weed Seed Control project. There are some shocking results revealed along with some insightful tips and tricks for keeping those weed seeds away along with an in-depth look at the protocol and farmer involvement within the project.
2023-09-1853 minThe BOFIN BuzzAMF - The fungus that could transform farming?Join us as we discuss Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) with Dr. Tom Thirkell to find out how he thinks this fungus could transform farming as we know it. We take a look at AMF in detail and release the latest results from the Soil Fungal Communities project.
2023-09-0449 minThe BOFIN BuzzWelcome to The BOFIN Buzz!Welcome to The BOFIN Buzz podcast! We are excited to embark on this journey of jaw-dropping wonder and innovation with you. Make sure to subscribe and follow along as we bring leading scientists and industry innovators to the podcast to discuss some of the great projects the British On-Farm Innovation Network are involved in and what farming's future looks like in the fourth agricultural revolution.
2023-08-3101 minInside the PodThe NCS Project: The Defining Project of Our TimeIn this episode, host Ben Pike speaks to the CEO of PGRO, Roger Vickers, and the founder of BOFIN, Tom Allen-Stevens, about the Nitrogen Climate Smart Project, what it is and why farmers should get involved. How do we increase the pulse area to reduce carbon emissions and displace soya imports?You can claim one BASIS point from listening to this podcast. Code: E/132932/2324/k
2023-08-0821 min
Tudor and Stuart Ireland Conference 2014Dr Aine Hensey. The prisoner priests of Bofin and Inis Mor, 1657-62.Dr Aine Hensey at the 2014 Tudor and Stuart Ireland Conference. The prisoner priests of Bofin and Inis Mor, 1657-62.
2014-09-2220 min
Tudor and Stuart Ireland ConferenceDr Aine Hensey. The prisoner priests of Bofin and Inis Mor, 1657-62.Dr Aine Hensey at the 2014 Tudor and Stuart Ireland Conference. The prisoner priests of Bofin and Inis Mor, 1657-62.
2014-09-2220 min