INSIDE AGRI-TURF
ALL EPISODES
2020-2023
Inside Agri-Turf podcast is produced and hosted by our partner Captivate
A complete episode listing together with show notes is also on our Captivate website
SEASON THREE : (Click on Episode to listen)
2023
EPISODE 110: NEW SCIENTIST LIVE PREVIEW with Anna Eccleston, Richard Charles and
Published 19 October
Reflecting on the recent New Scientist Live event are Anna Eccleston, Farmers Weekly, Richard Charles, AGCO and Daniel Fasham from the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) representing the We Are Land-based Engineering campaign
EPISODE 109: THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT? with Dan Pratt
Published 12 September
"Customers are always right" says Dan Pratt "until they are not!" In this episode he talks about ways of diffusing confrontation - and how to address negative reviews on social media
EPISODE 108: THE ART OF THE SALES CONVERSATION with St John Craner
Published 5 October
Farming and food production will take centre stage at 2023 New Scientist Live described as the worlds greatest festival of innovation, ideas and discoveries
EPISODE 107: ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW SHOW
Published 28 September
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new show, The Agri-Turf Academy Show
EPISODE 106: NEW SCIENTIST LIVE PREVIEW with Anna Eccleston and Kit Franklin
Published 21 September
Farming and food production will take centre stage at 2023 New Scientist Live described as the worlds greatest festival of innovation, ideas and discoveries
EPISODE 105: AI: YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS with Wesley Baker
Published 7 September
Leading businessman, Wesley Baker, founder of Canterbury AI talks about the impact that AI (Artificial Intelligence) will have businesses and society as a whole over the coming years.
EPISODE 104: DISSECTOLOGY with David Hart
Published 31 August
David Hart, managing director of Kubota UK describes the challenges faced by a manufacturer when replacing a dealership's main franchise. the knock-on impact on existing or neighbouring dealers is rather like trying to complete a devilishly difficult jigsaw (dissectology)
EPISODE 103: TOP RANKING DEALERS with Peter Hill
Published 9 June
Freelance journalist Peter Hill has recently completed the latest league table of the UK Biggest Farm Machinery Dealers by turnover. He reveals the 'movers and shakers' as the dealer network continues to consolidate
EPISODE 102: PREVIEW OF SEASON FOUR
Published 24 August
EPISODE 101: WHAT IS LAND-BASED ENGINEERING? ASK AI
Published 9 June
How would Aidan, Aileen and Aimee - the clue lies in the first two letters of each name – describe the attractions of land-based engineering? I have produced this episode using ChatGPT, posing questions, refining the text responses, and recording for this podcast.
EPISODE 100: FULL CIRCLE with Keith Christian
Published 27 April
For the 100th episode of Inside Agri-Turf podcast, I'm talking to special guest Keith Christian, the recently retired Director of BAGMA about his remarkable career which including heading both trade associations for manufacturers and dealers.
EPISODE 99: WHAT THREE WORDS? with Ruth Bailey and Gareth Ford
Published 20 April
The Agri-Turf machinery industry, officially known as Land-based Engineering has long wrestled with finding a readily understood definition of what it is, what it does. - and what three words best sum up its attraction?
EPISODE 98: PLANTING THE SEED with Ken Smyth
Published 31 March
From an apprentice himself, Ken Smyth is to today general service manager at leading dealership Ernest Doe Ltd, overseeing the service departments and transport fleet at Doe's 19 branches with 180 technicians and over 160 vehicles
EPISODE 97: THE BUSINESS OF BUYING AND SELLING with Jerry Hanss
Published 23 March
Is there sufficient collaboration between manufacturers and their dealers about business management and maximising sales and service opportunities? Jerry Hanss talks about benchmarking, finance managment, reduction of downtime, service absorption and more.
EPISODE 96: APP-LAUDED with Will Dunn, Founder of Ag-drive
Published 16 March
The developer of the Ag-drive app, Will Dunn which simplifies job recording and invoicing for farmers, farm contractors and other service sectors talks about his journey - and winning major awards.
EPISODE 95: RE-IMAGINING THE LITTLE GREY FERGIE with Campbell Scott
Published 9 March
Cambell Scott, Founder of Atomic Tractors talks about plans to re-create an adaptation electrically powered version of the Ferguson TE20, and research into hybrid power units for tractors
EPISODE 94: PITCHES, POLO AND PILOTING with John Ledwidge MBA
Published 2 March
John Ledwidge, Head of Sports Truf and Grounds at Leicester City FC provides a fascinating insight into his all-embracxing role, and how he founded a multi-million pound Sports Turf Academy
EPISODE 93: AGRI-TURF TALK No: 7 Feeling OK? Let's Chat
Published 23 February
A panel representing agriculture and turfcare discuss issues surrounding mental health and wellbeing in their industry
EPISODE 92: AGRI-TURF TALK No 6: featuring an all-women panel
Published 16 February
Four women in key roles in agriculture and turfcare share their experiences of working in a male dominated industry
EPISODE 91: CLONFARF TO WORLD CUP with Karl McDermott
Published 9 February
Karl McDermott, Head Groundsman at Lord's Cricket Ground tells of his jopurney from a Dublin Cricket Club to the Home of Cricket
EPISODE 90: FAMILY PLANNING with Heather Wildman
Published 2 February
a fascinating exploration by Heather Wildman of the positives and pitfalls facing family companies when sitting down to discuss succession planning.
EPISODE 89: CROSSING THE DIVIDE with Anna Jones
Published 26 January 2023
The episode features writer, journalist, TV producer and broadcaster Anna Jones talking about the formation of the Just Farmers media network and her book Divide.
EPISODE 88: THE PROBLEM WITH SALES - IS SELLING with St John Craner
Published 19 January 2023
We head down-under to New Zealand where I catch with St John Craner, an Essex boy, who now runs a successful sales training company for agribusiness clients. He is also the host of the Rural Sales Show podcast
EPISODE 87: 2022 REFLECTIONS, 2023 IN VIEW
published 5 January 2023
A selection of excerpts from episodes at the back end of 2022
2022
EPISODE 86: 2022: AN 'ODD' YEAR with David Withers and Peter Arrand
published 16 December 2022
REVIEWING the past 12 months are David Withers, President of AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association) representing manufacturers and suppliers and Peter Arrand, President of BAGMA (British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association) representing the dealer trade
EPISODE 85: SHOWDOWN? with Chris Bassett and Peter Driver
published 1 December 2022
As a new show, Groundsfest, is announced for the turfcare industry in 2023, we ask whether four shows now in the schedule in 2023 is overkill?
EPISODE 84: ON THE VINE with Chris Boiling and Ian Beecher Jones
published 1 December 2022
A conversation about the increasing quantity and quality of Uk produced wines with wine journalist Chris Boiling and Ian Beecher Jones, owner of JoJos Vineyard
EPISODE 83: NURTURING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS with John Ryan
published 24 November 2022
In conversation with John Ryan, co-founder of Lawn Care Legends and the spin-off Dealer Network about keeping control of social media comments
EPISODE 82: DATA, DEALERS, DECANTERS -and SHOWS
published 18 November 2022
Magazine episode with a view on current industry issues and forthcoming episodes
EPISODE 81 : BIRTH OF A BRAND Part Two with Harry Handkammer
published 3 November 2022
Second part of Harry Handkammer conversation covering the production of a Williams F1 garden tractor and breaking 100mph during attempt on land speed record - for a lawnmower!
EPISODE 80: BIRTH OF A BRAND Part One with Harry Handkammer
published 27 October 2022
Harry Handkammer, founder of the Countax brand talks about the launch of the tractor brand after just six weeks of initial design and production engineering
EPISODE 79: ALL IN THE MIND with Geoff Webb
published 13 October 2022
Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association opens up on the mental and health issues he has experienced recently. Recorded on World Mental Health Day
EPISODE 78: ELIZABETHAN AGE: GARDEN MACHINERY with Brian Radam
published 27 July 2022
The curator of the British Lawnmower Museum, Brian Radam talks about the evolution of lawnmowers and garden machinery during the 70 years of Her Majesty's long reign
EPISODE 77: ELIZABETHAN AGE: FARM MACINERY with Charlie Nicklin
published 27 July 2022
Charlie Nicklin, CEO of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) reflects on the evolution of tractors and farm machinery from the Little Grey Fergie to today's autonomous tractors.
EPISODE 76: LIVING THE DREAM with Ben Matthews
published 22 September
Arriving in the UK from his home in Canada, Ben Matthews initially worked in health and social care, but one day spotted a sign advertising a career in greenkeeping. He enrolled on a course, and was offered a temporary post working on the Open Championship at St Andrews.
EPISODE 75: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
published 5 September 2022
A compendium of 20 voices from episodes published during 2022 - a selection of snippets compressed in 30 minutes
EPISODE 74: TWO INTO ONE with Ruth Bailey
published 27 July 2022
A year after the eye-catching acquisition of BAGMA, the UK dealer trade association by the AEA, representing UK manufacturers, distributors and suppliers, CEO Ruth Bailey talks about the behind-the-scenes integration during the past 12 months.
EPISODE 73: BRICKING TRACTORS with Cory Doctorow
published 15 July 2022
Earlier this year, it was reported that tractors and combines worth more than $5m stolen by Russian troops from a John Deere dealership in Ukraine had been remotely disabled - and could not be used. It was a feel-good story in the midst of so many distressing reports and images coming out of this destructive conflict. But was the bigger picture more worrying?
EPISODE 72: PITCH PERFECT with Jason Booth (45 minutes)
published 28 June 2022
Jason Booth made the move from aspiring professional cricketer with Yorkshire CCC to grounds management. He is now Chief Operating Officer of the Grounds Management Association (GMA) and has responsibility for the Pitch Advisory Service (PAS), funded by Sport England, with the aim of achieving continual improvement in the playing surfaces at an estimated 75,000 grounds used for recreational and community sport.
EPISODE 71: TALKING TURF with Stephen Edwards (43 minutes)
published 17 June 2022
Chris talks to Stephen Edwards, who along with his twin brother Alex, runs InTurf, one of the UK's largest and longest established suppliers of natural grass.. They discuss the turf growing cycle, the logistics and timeliness of the operation, irrigation, the ban on exporting turf to Europe since Brexit - and of course the fake (plastic) grass versus natural grass debate.
EPISODE 70: HOW JIMMY THE MOWER CUT THROUGH (33 minutes)
published 1 June 2022
Jimmy Broadhouse (aka Jimmy the Mower) posted a photo on Twitter of a freshly mown grass area with the words 'It might only be a council field, but to the kids round here it is Wembley, so I cut like it is". The post went viral and started an extraordinary chain of events and numerous media appearances for Jimmy.
EPISODE 69: WORLD CUP TO GRASSROOTS with KEITH KENT (53 minutes),
published 24 MAY 2022
Keith Kent, head groundsman at Manchester United's Old Trafford Stadium and Rugby Football Union's Twickenham Stadium reflects on a 50 year career which included presiding over pitch preparation for Premier League matches, England Football Internationals, England Rugby Internationals, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, NFL game - and a Rolling Stones concert.
EPISODE 68: SHOWS, TRACTOR PORN AND NO MOW MAY (30 minutes),
published 19 MAY 2022
Chris reflects on the recent LAMMA show and the on-going debate about a national show, and also regards the recent ' Tractor Porn' news story about an MP as providing unexpected publicity for the industry. He also thinks the No Mow May campaign had much to commend it, but was a blunt slogan to get a message across
EPISODE 67: DEALERS BY NUMBERS with Peter Hill (33 minutes),
published 20 April 2022
A recent feature in the Farmers Weekly ranked the UK's largest farm machinery dealerships by turnover. The author of the feature, Peter Hill, tells how he had to check almost 200 dealers in order to complete thefinal list of dealers with +£30m sales.
EPISODE 66: MENTORING FOR SMALL BUSINESS with Martin Sanders (33 minutes) ,
published 13 April April 2022
Recently retired from Honda Motor Europe where he was Chief Financial Officer, Martin Sanders is now helping small, often family-run companies, providing mentoring and an experienced pair of outside-eyes
EPISODE 65: THE ROLE OF RECRUITERS with Stuart Goodinson and Grace Nugent (34 minutes) ,
published 8 April 2022
Stuart Goodison and Grace Nugent of agricultural specialists De Lacy Executive Recruitment talk about the role they play in unearthing candidates with the right skills and personality for clients
EPISODE 64: POSTCARD FROM NEW ZEALAND with Mark Daniel (38 minutes) ,
published 31March 2022
After working for a number of agri-turf machinery manufacturers in the Uk, Mark moved to New Zealand in 2002, and today is the Machinery Editor for Rural News, the country's leading farming publication.
EPISODE 63: THE HIRE AND SALES MIX with Max Pearce (28 minutes) ,
published 24 March 2022
Do hire and sales mix? Max Pearce who runs an established plant hire company, Exsel Plant Hire in Southampton recently acquired a garden machinery dealership and now runs them together, side-by-side as one company
EPISODE 62: 'RUSSIA NEEDS 180,000 NEW TRACTORS' (25 minutes) ,
published 18 March 2022
Over the past 10-15 years, major US and European farm machinery manufacturers have spent millions embedding themselves in the Russian market, building new production facilities and establishing a supply and service infra-structure. But what now, as sanctions are imposed and shipment to Russia halted?
EPISODE 61: THE FUTURE FOR THE DEALERSHIP (44 minutes) ,
published 3 March 2022
What factors will shape the agri-turf machinery dealer network in the UK over the coming years? A panel comprising James Tuckwell, md Tuckwells, David Withers md Iseki UK and Howard Pullen, board member of CLIMMAR the pan-European dealer association who discuss the events and strategies that might impact on the UK dealer landscape with host Chris Biddle
EPISODE 60: AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND THE ENVIRONMENT (44 minutes) ,
published 17 February 2022
How well does the agricultural engineering industry present it environmental credentials, especially to young people?? A panel comprising Caroline Drummond MBE (LEAF), Charlie Nicklin (IAgrE), Marian Perrett Pearson (Severn Trent Water) and Chris Gibson (GGM Groundscare) discuss the issues.
EPISODE 59 KEEPING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD (30 minutes) , published 9 February 2022
Graham Parker, Sales Director of Ernest Doe describes how he and his team were determined not to break the +60 years history of the Doe Show during the pandemic
EPISODE 58: THE CHALLENGES OF RECRUITMENT (40 minutes) , published 2 February 2022
A panel comprising Richard Charles (AGCO), Simon Holmes (T H White Group), Jeremy Gibbs (Forces Farming) and David Kirschner (Industry consultant) consider Challenges of Recruitment, the Opportunities and Obstacles
EPISODE 57: TRAILER FOR SEASON THREE (10 minutes) , published 27 January 2022
Preview of Season Three including some audio snippets of the panel discussion from the opening episode of Agri-Turf Talks
SEASON TWO: May - December 2021 (Click on Episode to listen)
EPISODE 56: SEASON TWO WRAP UP: VOICES OF 2021 33 minutes, published 9 January 2022
Selection of edited recordings from 2021 featuring dealer economics, equal opportunities, mental health and succession in the family business
EPISODE 55: ON A ROLL published 8 December 2021 re-published 10 May 2023
Podcast produced on behalf of Autoguide Ltd, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the company's Autoroller cricket roller featuring Autoguide md Richard Robinson and customer Gary Barwell,Head of Grounds at Edgbaston cricket ground
EPISODE 54: AGRI-TURF TALK 43 minutes, published 8 December 2021
Panel discussion on the issues of the day with Shaun Groom (Merlo UK and Presidents AEA), Angus Lindsay, (Group Head of Assets, idVerde UK) and Jason Nettle (Winchester Garden Machinery)
EPISODE 53: WHOSE GOT THE ENERGY?: 30 minutes, published 1 December 2021
WITH fossil fuels being phased out, what will be the energy source of the future for agriculture and land-based tractors and machinery? Methane, hydrogen, electrification, battery, hybrid? Chris Biddle reflects on the options being considered by manufacturers.
EPISODE 52: SUCCESSION PLANNING. 30 minutes, published 11 November 2021
Succession planning in a family business often mixes boardroom politics with the 'politics' of the dining room or even bedroom. Stephen Shortt examines the issues that often come into play on the retirement of the founder or head of the firm
EPISODE 51: IT'S SHOWTIME AGAIN . 43 minutes) published 28 October 2021
National and international shows are returning to the calendar. I talk with Kris Kiser, CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute in the US about the new EQUIP show in Louisville , and with Martin Rickatson about the recent EIMA show in Italy
EPISODE 50: AGRI-TURF TALK with panel . 40 minutes) published 20 October 2021
To mark the 50th episode of Inside Agri-Turf, I've invited four guests for a chat. they Kit Franklin from the Hands Free Farm project; David Hart, md Kubota UK; Will Foster, from Army tank trainer to ag machinery technician and Lauren Savage, finalist in the AEA Technician for 2021 Awards
EPISODE 49: ENERGY, THEN AND NOW . (36 minutes) published 14 October 2021
Celebrated US scientist Dr Lawrence Rocks, author of the 1973 book, The Energy Crisis, gives his views on combatting climate change. Charlie Nicklin and Paul Hemingway from the Institution of Agricultural Engineers preview the very timely IAGRE Conference on Future Fuels in Agriculture
EPISODE 48: And The Winners Is .... (34 minutes) published 6 October 2021
Ahead of the 2021 Service Dealer Conference and Awards, previous winnners of the Dealer of the Year Awards, Chris Gibson and Pete McArthur discuss what makes a winning dealer and Duncan Murray Clarke explains new Awards categories for 2021.
EPISODE 47: Dealernomics@25 (30 minutes) published 30 September 2021
The last episode of the Dealernomics trilogy features Tom Black, recently appointed as Managing Director of Belfast based Cyril Johnston Ltd, becoming the first non-family member of the long established grass machinery dealer and distributor to hold the post.
EPISODE 46: Dealernomics@25 (38 minutes) published 23 September 2021
Second episode of the trilogy of dealer established in different eras. Here Steve Halley of Cheshire Turf Machinery reflects on 25 years since the company changed direction from original ownership by Electrolux to becoming one of the UK's leading professional turf machinery dealerships
EPISODE 45: Dealernomics@2 (30 minutes) published 16 September 2021
First episode of a trilogy talking to three dealers about the economics and evolution of their businesses over the ages. First Tim Lane who started his business 2 years ago - and had to rapidly rethink his original business plan after just a few months as trading hit by COVID and lockdown
EPISODE 44: Sowing the Seeds of STEM (41 minutes) published 1 September 2021
Josh Payne, Education manager for the National Farmers Union talks about the resources available to primary school teachers to education young minds about farming, food and nutrition through reference to STEM subjects
EPISODE 43: Channelling You Tube (35 minutes) published 6 August 2021
Outdoor power equipment dealer James Hayes talks about developing a dedicated You Tube channel which in the first year has had in excess of 400,000 downloads, and describes work involved in scripting, filming and editing each video.
EPISODE 42: Attracting new Talent (33 minutes) published 29 July 2021
Amanda Dawson and Andy Luikens of RDO Equipment Co based in Fargo, North Dakota discuss the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff for a dealership group that has 2800 staff spread across its 75 branches in nine US States
EPISODE 41: Whither BAGMA Now? (35 minutes) published 22 July 2021
Jonathan Swift, former Director General of BAGMA and of the BHF Group talks about the possible implications of the dealer trade association been taken over by an organisation representing manufacturers and dealers
EPISODE 40: AEA and BAGMA now together (40 minutes) published 8 July 2021
Ruth Bailey, CEO of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) representing manufacturers in conversation with Keith Christian, Director of the dealer trade association British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association following the AEA acquisition of BAGMA on 1 July 2021
EPISODE 39: A Year of Podding (20 minutes) published 1 July 2021
Chris Biddle looks back at the past 12 months of the Inside Agri-Turf podcast and reveals some of the listener figures, the international reach and some 'noises off' during recordings
EPISODE 38: Women in Landbased Engineering (38 minutes) published 23 June 2021
Published to co-incide with InternationalWomen in Engineering Day 2021, I talk to Lauren Savage, an apprentice technician with Chandlers Farm Equipment, Bristol branch and with Poppy Burrough who is just completed an engineering apprenticeship with JCB.
EPISODE 37: Family Values with Howell and Emyr Jenkins (28 minutes) published 16 June 2021
In recent years, the Jenkins family have suffered from a series of personal set- backs with Howell just back in the business after leukemia, and the passing of wife and business founder Glynis shortly after the death their other son Gareth, both in the last two years.
EPISODE 36: Breaking the Mould with Laura Bassnett (22 minutes) published 7 June 2021
Recently, the Landbased Education and Training Committee (LE-TEC) selected the winners of its Technicians for 2021. Overall winner was Laura Bassnett, who works as a Technician at Case dealership, Ernest Doe, Fyfield branch, she tells her story
EPISODE 35: Rising from the Embers with Anthony Deacon (29 minutes) Published 31 May 2021
During the early hours of 7 April 2021, a devastating fire swept through the premises of specialist ATV dealer, MKM Agriculture in Bedfordshire.
EPISODE 34: Against the Odds: Tom's Story (25 minutes) Published 24 May 2021
Recorded during Mental Health Awareness week, I talk to Tom Johnston who experienced depression and a series of mental health issues as he took his first steps into agricultural engineering, a career that he had always dreamed off.
EPISODE 33: Preview of Season Two (7 minutes) Published 17 May 2021
SEASON ONE: 2020-2021 (15 July 2020 - 12 APRIL 2021)
Episode 32: Series One Wrap Up
Episode 31: Communicating the 'How's and Why's' with Peter Leech
Episode 30: Managing a machinery fleet with Neal Harper, Machinery Manager Glendale Ltd
Episode 29: The Success of Succession with Chris Biddle
Episode 28: Showtime and golf course pressures post-COVID with Jim Croxton, CEO of BIGGA
Episode 27: Riding the Waves with Erik Hogervorst, President of CLIMMAR and Keith Christian of BAGMA
Episode 26: Route to the Top with Graham Thompson, (US) retired Director of Deere & Co
Episode 25: Retail is Detail with Murray Burton
Episode 24: From Tanks to Tractors with Jeremy Gibbs and Will Foster
Episode 23: Brexit across the Irish Sea with Paul Butterly of FGM Claymore
Episode 22: Unearthing new talent with Richard Charles of AGCO Corporation
Episode 21: Made in Britain with Austin Jarrett of Allett Ltd
Episode 20: Charlie Nicklin: from JCB to heading professional engineering body
Episode 19: Echoes of 2020 the sounds and quotes from the year
Episode 18: Recollections with Robin Lennie, retiring MD of Stihl GB
Episode 17: Unpicking 2020 season with Keith Christian and Martin Rickatson
Episode 16: From fear to pride with Chris Gibson of GGM Groundscare
Episode 15: Winning dealerships with Bob Clements and Sara Hey (US)
Episode 14: Dealer Talk. The ATV business with Anthony Deacon
Episode 13: The New Retail with Andrew Goodacre, CEO, British Independent Retailers Association
Episode 12: Shuffling the dealer pack with David Hart, md of Kubota UK
Episode 11: The future for sales and service dealers - the 'in-betweeners' with Chris Biddle
Episode 10: Talking training and education with Peter Arrand, President, BAGMA
Episode 9: Is the industry too 'stereotyped'? with Paul Hemingway, President, IAgrE
Episode 8: Talking Known and Unknowns with Les Malin, AEA President
Episode 7: Electric tractors, what next? with Steven Haynes of Reesink UK
Episode 6: Automatic for the People - the rise of robotic mowers with Ken Brewster and Gavin Bird
Episode 5: Social distance farming with Kit Franklin of Hands Free Farm
Episode 4: What goes round: In conversation with David Withers of Iseki UK
Episode 3: Briggs and Stratton re-set: Chris Biddle discusses the legacy and future
Episode 2: Collective voice, trade associations role with Ruth Bailey (AEA) and Keith Christian (BAGMA)
Episode 1: Inside Agri-Turf Trailer