Fuel and Fertiliser Fears Deepen, Dyson’s Farm Future, Pig Markets, & a Royal Farming Honour

Why It Matters

Fuel and fertilizer shortages threaten UK crop yields and food security, prompting urgent policy action and industry innovation to safeguard the agricultural supply chain.

Key Takeaways

• Fuel shortages threaten arable harvests, prompting urgent government prioritization.
• Fertilizer supply disruptions may drive higher prices and alternative sources.
• Dyson Farming invests £1bn in R&D hub to boost UK farm productivity.
• MPs will scrutinize Iran war’s impact on UK food supply chains.
• Pig and Poultry Fair highlights market tightening amid rising commodity costs.

Summary

The Farmers Weekly podcast spotlights a perfect storm confronting UK agriculture: red diesel shortages, soaring fuel prices, and looming fertilizer supply gaps, all exacerbated by the Iran‑Houthi conflict disrupting Gulf shipments. MPs will convene a committee to probe the war’s ripple effects on food supply chains and inflation, while industry bodies urge the government to earmark fuel for essential food production.

Experts warn that without clear fuel allocation, arable farmers could face unharvested crops this summer, forcing tough decisions on planting next season. Jeremy Moody of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers stresses efficiency, urging farms to track diesel use per hectare and cut non‑essential operations. Simultaneously, fertilizer markets show signs of volatility, with new ammonium nitrate shipments arriving at premium prices, hinting at both risk and opportunity.

Dyson Farming’s ambitious £1 billion research centre in Lincolnshire exemplifies a forward‑looking response, consolidating trials, sensing technology, and agronomy under one roof. Managing Director Daniel Cross highlights commercial partnerships and public funding as pillars of the initiative, aiming to boost productivity through quality and nutritional gains rather than sheer yield.

If fuel and fertilizer constraints persist, UK farms risk reduced profitability, supply chain bottlenecks, and potential food‑security concerns. Government prioritisation, industry innovation, and market adaptability will determine whether the sector can navigate the crisis and emerge more resilient.

Original Description

Fuel shortages triggered by the Iran conflict could leave crops rotting in fields this harvest unless food production is prioritised.

We hear from CAAV adviser Jeremy Moody, who warns that red diesel availability is now an immediate concern for arable farmers, with further uncertainty for autumn planting.

We also visit Dyson Farming’s new research centre in Lincolnshire, where managing director Daniel Cross explains how the business hopes to transform British agriculture.

At the Pig and Poultry Fair, Pig World editor Alistair Driver reports on mixed market sentiment, falling pig prices and concern over Morrisons giving notice to some British pig suppliers.

Plus, Hugh Broom rounds up the markets, Louise Impey reflects on glyphosate; and the Princess Royal receives for Farmers Club Cup for her long-standing support for UK agriculture.

In this episode:

00:00 Fuel shortages threaten harvest

14:41 Dyson Farming’s research centre

30:05 Weather, silage, maize and glyphosate

35:08 Pig and Poultry Fair market mood

39:23 Hugh’s market report

42:11 Princess Royal receives Farmers Club Cup

This week’s guests:

Jeremy Moody, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (https://www.caav.org.uk/)

Daniel Cross, Dyson Farming (https://dysonfarming.com/)

Alistair Driver, Pig World (https://www.pig-world.co.uk/)

Chris Riddle, The Farmers Club (https://www.thefarmersclub.com/)

Useful links:

House of Commons Efra Committee (https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/52/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/)

Dyson Farming Research (https://research.dysonfarming.com/)

British Pig & Poultry Fair (https://pigandpoultry.org.uk/)

Farmers Weekly markets data (https://www.fwi.co.uk/prices-trends)

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.

Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/)

Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/)

Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/)

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