ChewintheCud Podcast (ChewintheCud Ltd)

Hello and welcome to ChewintheCud PodCast.  Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, give a quick flavour of what's to come as they explore their passion for the dairy industry.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, answer each other questions so that you can learn more about them and their passion for the dairy industry.  This time Andrew asks Neil more about his history, from growing up in South Africa, to how he got where he is today running and designing mating programs here in the UK, with  few trips around the world included along the way!

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, answer each other questions so that you can learn more about them and their passion for the dairy industry.  They learn more about each other's histories so that you can understand more about them and where they are coming from when they discuss future topics with guests.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, answer each other questions so that you can learn more about them and their passion for the dairy industry.  This time Neil asks Andrew more about his history, from growing up near Frome in Somerset, emigrating to Australia and breeding the world renown Page House Shottle Noni EX92-4E 11SBC, and then to where he is now as an independent Dairy & Beef Nutritionist as well as a CowSignals® Master.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Roger Bacon, Agricultural Key Accounts Manager from Barenbrug UK to discuss grass reseeding. 

We talk Roger's history, what to look out for when you are considering a reseed, the return on investment, types of grasses and how they put a mix together.

This was recorded in July 2022 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Andrew Clune,  Agronomy Manager from BASF.

While Andrew is an agronomist by trade he has a passion for the showring and acts as the MC for a number of local shows so we talk to Andrew about his background, where his passion for the ring came from, how he started and where it has taken him and stories he can tell us from his time behind the microphone.

This was recorded in July 2022 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Ed Swales (Owner) & Jason Goddard (General Manager) from Grassroots Recycling.

Ed & Jason talk about how the business started, how its developed to where it is now.  Their aim is to recycle as much on farm plastic as possible.

They then talk about the Green Tractor Scheme, that is an industry lead standard, for farm plastic recycling where their ultimate aim is to provide UK agriculture with the ability to recycle all farm plastic packaging by 2030.

This was recorded in July 2022 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Rob Todd from Wessex Hoofcare.

Rob talks about how he he started, and how his business has developed to where it is now.

This was recorded in July 2022 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Jan Bethlehem from JOZ & Andy Stewart from Fullwood JOZ.

Jan & Andy discuss the JOZ Gazoo nitrogen cracker.  The Gazoo is relatively new technology, with units currently only in use in The Netherlands, that allows farmyard slurry to be turned into a liquid fertiliser that can then be used on farm.

This was recorded in October 2022 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Greg Ridout, Partner & Head of Agricultural Sales at Symonds & Sampson.

Greg discusses how he accidentally became an auctioneer, after initially having plans for another profession, to where he is now in a job he loves, getting up in front of hundreds of people selling cows & kit. We also hear some stories from along the way and discuss and reflect on current markets.

This was recorded in December 2022 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Mark Partridge, Technical Manager from Duffields (South West) Ltd.

Mark discusses his own journey in the industry from feed rep to now Technical Manager for Duffields (South West) Ltd before discussing the primary subject of the this podcast, Livestock: The Waste Feed Recycling Industry.  

Not many people realise that nearly all the raw ingredients used to feed livestock are waste products, or by-products, of feed used for human consumption.  For example wheatfeed from bread production, and without livestock to feed this too, what would happen to it?  Livestock production is part of the solution for maintaining and improving sustainability in the feed chain.

This was recorded in December 2022 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Richard Miller, Product Strategy Manager for NMR (National Milk Records).

Richard discusses his own journey in the industry from farmer to Product Strategy Manager for NMR before discussing the primary subject of this podcast, Genomics: A Beginners Guide.

Between the three of us we discuss the history, the development of genomics and how it can be used on farm today, even on a purely commercial farm, before talking about some exciting developments coming in the future. 

This was recorded in February 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Andrew Stilwell, Crop Nutrition Technical Manager, Bartholomews Agri Food Ltd.

Andrew discusses his own journey in the industry from "short trousers" to where he is now as Crop Nutrition Technical Manager before discussing the primary subject of this podcast, Grassland & Sulphur.

Andrew discusses the importance of the often forgotten nutrient and its important role for grassland growth and development, as well as it's role in making more efficient use of nitrogen when it is applied to the growing crop.

This was recorded in March 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Colin Hanson-Orr, Nutritionist, Forage Technology Ltd.

Colin discusses his own journey in the industry from being a child of RAF parents, with a detour to rock star,  to being where he is now at Forage Technology before discussing the primary subject of this podcast, Silage Additives: The Good , The Bad & The Ugly.

Colin discusses the history of silage additives, from neat acids to biological bacteria, what to look for in a good additive, as well as when you should be using a silage additive before we take a look to the future of farming as Colin shares some of his views that others may find a little controversial!
 
 Unfortunately this episode contains an occasional word that some listeners may find offensive.

This was recorded in March 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Sarah Bolt, Technical Knowledge Exchange Manager, Kingshay Farming & Conservation Ltd & Co-founder Women in Dairy.

Sarah discusses her own journey into the industry, from a entirely non rural background, but already knowing at the age of four that she wanted to involved in the dairy industry, before then completing her education and joining the commercial side of the farming industry to where she is now at Kingshay before discussing the primary subject of this podcast, Carbon Sequestration: Its not just trees!

Sarah discusses carbon sequestration and shares with us how its not just about the trees, and also how its not only about the type of soil, but then how you treat that soil that can impact its ability to absorb carbon and how a scale has been developed to compare the ability of different soils against one another.
 
We also briefly discuss Sarah's involvement in Women in Dairy, being one of its original four founding members.

This was recorded in March 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Dr Laura Tennant, Young Animal Feeds Technical Manager, Trouw Nutrition GB.

Laura  discusses her own journey into the industry, from a beef & sheep farm near Harrogate in Yorkshire to studying for her degree in Bristol, her Masters in London, to her PhD in Nottingham before becoming the Head of Youngstock at Nottingham University, to where she is now at Trouw before discussing the primary subject of this podcast, Calf Milk Powders!

Laura then discusses milk powders, the dos and don'ts, the difference between skim & whey, why palm is used in milk powders, why soya shouldn't be used in milk powders, and answers all our questions along the way, and how  it is her belief that we should start using the phrase "Feed for Immunity".

This was recorded in May 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Giles Simpson , Agronomy Team Manager, Pearce Seeds LLP as well as the current Chairman of The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show.

Giles discusses his own journey into the industry from following his father around a farm, to managing farms in his own right, to joining Pearce Seeds over twenty years ago to is position now as Agronomy Team Manager before discussing the primary subject of this podcast, Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show.

Giles discusses the history of the show, what goes on behind the scenes for the rest of the year that we don't see, the affect COVID had on the show and then why the Show has decided, after much debate to move from it's traditional one day format to a two day show.

We also discuss how the local agricultural show is our industry's "Shop Window" to the general public , to show them  essentially how their food is grown, be it livestock or arable.

This was recorded in May 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Farmer's Weekly Dairy Farmer of the Year 2022 Catherine Pickford and her herd manager Nathan Crocker.

Both have their own journeys to where they are now but Catherine's starts with her returning home in 1995 with 70 Black & Whites calving AYR to today with 400 spring calving cows and tells us about all the changes the business has seen in the last 28 years, including moving farms five years ago to a farm that had very very limited dairying infrastructure before the move and the work that has gone into converting the farm in this time.

We then discuss Nathan's journey from to school to agricultural college to working for Catherine fulltime, to where he is now trying to build his own equity in the business.

During our discussion we talk about them being winners of the Farmer's Weekly Dairy Farmer of the Year 2022 and how it was all a blur but then we talk about the succession plan that they have in place for Nathan so than with Catherine planning to retire in five years time he will be in a position to either succeed the current tenancy, or look for a farm of his own.

We also discuss the different markers they have in the business and also the benefit of being part of a local discussion group has brought benefits to them personally as well as the business.

This was recorded in May 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your host Andrew Jones & guest host Sarah Bolt based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Bronwen Pihlwret, Ruminant Technical Manager, QLF (Quality Liquid Feeds) Ltd.

Bron talks her journey from life on a beef & arable farm, via Archaeology, to her role today with QLF.

Bron then discusses sugars,  and therefore molasses, and their roles within a diet, and how the majority of UK diets are lacking sugars and the benefits these bring.

The large majority of the discussed benefits come under the umbrella of "Improving Rumen Health" and therefore have benefits to the health of the cow, not just seeing an improvement in production.

We then discuss Bron's growing interest in soil biology and the benefits to soil health adding sugars brings, as its a lot like feeding the rumen with all the different bacteria & protozoa etc.

This was recorded in September 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Janette Mathie, Head of Field Services, and Karen Reeve, Area Manager for the South of England, from CIS (Cattle Information Services).

Janette's journey starts like many looking for a part time job to work around her children going to school, and then worked her way up through the business to where she is now.

Karen originally offered relief management services, before starting milk recording, along with relief milking and then moved into milk recording full time before achieving her current position within the company.

Janette and Karen then talk a brief history of milk recording, before then taking us through a step by step process of what happens during milk recording on farm, then once the sample has been taken what happens to it once it begins its journey to and through the laboratory, including all the different information that can be obtained from just 30ml of milk!

This was recorded in September 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Andy Dodd, Farm Consultant from FCG (The Farm Consultancy Group), and Andy & Lynda Eadon from Len's Light, a legacy for Len Eadon, shining a light on mental health issues in the rural community and raising funds to support charities tackling these issues.

Like usual we start by asking all our guests how they are involved in the industry, and how they got to be where they are today.

Then we move on to the main discussion of this episode, that, "It's Good to Talk!"

This episode came about after Andy Dodd wrote an article It’s OK to Talk on the FCG website in October 2023.

From this we felt it was a good starting point for a discussion on mental health and invited Andy & Lynda to join us, who tragically lost their son Len in 2022, to talk about what they have done to help raise awareness of mental health in farming and rural communities since, including raising funds for others such as the FCN (The Farming Community Network).

Just remember "It's Good to Talk".

If you feel you need immediate help call:

NHS - 111
Samaritans - 116 123

Or for help from the charities mentioned in the podcast

Farming Community Network - Farming Community Network (fcn.org.uk)
Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)
Farm Safety Foundation / Yellow Wellies - YellowWellies.org

This was recorded in October 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by James Geraghty, dairy farmer and former director QDO (Queensland Dairy Organisation), later eastAUSmilk, retiring from the position after 22 years at the end of 2022. He also happened to be Andrew's neighbour during his six years dairying in FNQ (Far North Queensland).

Big thanks to James Geraghty — eastAUSmilk

James talks about how his family moved to the area after it began to be cleared of virgin rainforest at the beginning of the 20th century and at the time Andrew lived there was known as the biggest tropical dairy area in the world.

Times have changed with only a quarter of the farms there from when Andrew first arrived there 25 years ago, but things are on the up with a change in owner of the local processor and younger family members returning to the industry.

When Atherton Tablelands ran out of milk, families like the Bevans provided hope for the proud dairy region - ABC News

Landline : ABC iview (This link requires you to login to watch ABS's Landline)

James also talks about Cyclones, Tree Kangaroos, Ticks, Snakes, Spiders & Stinging Trees, as well as all the stories about life in Far North Queensland!

This was recorded in October 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Teresa Dent, Chief Executive GWCT (Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust) & board member EFG (Environmental Farmers Group) , and Peter Shallcross, a local farmer member EFG & Chairman Nadder Valley Cluster.

Like usual we start with a little bit about the about the background of our speakers, with Teresa a farm consultant for many years before joining the then GCT, which evolved into GWCT, and Peter being a dairy farmer in the local area.

We then move on to discuss how EFG was conceived, what its goals & aims are, and how it has expanded incredibility quickly, all driven by its farmer members/owners.

We discuss the impact its had on Peter's farm, and what its meant for him practically. First having the support and back up for him to engage with outside stakeholders, in a way he never would have before, and then what the actual detail is on farm, and for Peter this has been the desire to reintroduce a tree almost lost from the British countryside 50 years ago.

This was recorded in October 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Farmer's Weekly Dairy Farmer of the Year 2017, Neville Loder.

Like usual we talk about Neville's background growing up on the family dairy farm, before travelling to various countries & continents around the world to experience farming there.

Then upon his return home he partnered up, with his now wife, Sue to begin their farming journey with their growing flock of sheep dotted around the local area until such time as they obtained their first tenancy on a local Dorset County Council farm.

The sheep went and they started with 21 cows! Then after juggling their finances to keep the cashflow the business required, they decided to make the plunge and go spring calving starting in 2011.

This proved to be a success with them being nominated & winning the Farmer's Weekly Dairy Farmer of the Year 2017. We then discuss how the business has progressed since then.

We also discuss Neville's roll as a Somerset & Avon Police Special Constable, and how comparing his life on the farm to life in the middle of Bristol  has given him a prospective that many don't have, and Neville gives some of his views to life!

This was recorded in January 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined (again) by Andrew Clune, Business Development Manager, Nitrogen Solutions from BASF.

A quick rerun over Andrew's background before we talk about today's subject Urease Inhibitors & Protected Urea.

We discuss the incoming requirements for all farmers to use a protected urea from 1st April every year, as this links back to the government's clean air strategy, and why we need to follow this industry lead initiative rather than have regulations enforced on us by the government.

We then discuss not just the environmental benefits but the financial and agronomic benefits of using these products and why really they provide a win win solution.

This was recorded in January 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Sean O'Toole, Regional Sales Manager, North UK & Europe for Silostop Agri.

As always we start with an introduction to Sean and his background, from a farm in Lincolnshire he went to college. Then upon completion of his course started in the ruminants feed industry, before progressing over the last 30 years to where he is today with Silostop Agri.

We then start the story back in 1995, and a trip to Italy, by the then owners of Silostop where they met a plastics manufacturer that had begun to play with the idea of improving the plastics used for covering silage crops.

After some trials at Leeds & Kansas University the product has then grown to where it is today.

We then talk about the difference between an oxygen barrier silage sheets and a standard polyethylene sheets, the difference in its OTR (Oxygen Transfer Rate), and move on to discuss the benefits, advantages and financial saving/return using an oxygen barrier sheet brings. 

We also talk about some of the basics to try and get your silage making process right.

This was recorded in January 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Mike Jones, Dairy Technical Manager from UK Agri-Tech Centre, based at the South West Dairy Development Centre (SWDDC) near Shepton Mallet in Somerset. 

As always we start with an introduction to Mike and his background, from starting his career on a dairy farm, managing herds to working with technology in the genetics industry to where he is now managing the different projects at the SWDDC testing technology before it becomes commercially available.

With this podcast we tested new technology of our own, using a recently acquired mobile recording device, so as well as our usual recording around a table we also walk the cows with Mike and talk about the different projects they are currently testing.

With this we had so much great information recorded that rather than one long episode we decided to split the episode into two parts.

In this first part we discuss setup of the SWDDC, the aims of the site, how projects are chosen and developed, as well as on going projects on biodiversity and detecting digital dermatitis with Hoofcount.

This was recorded in April 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Mike Jones, Dairy Technical Manager from UK Agri-Tech Centre, based at the South West Dairy Development Centre (SWDDC) near Shepton Mallet in Somerset. 

With this we had so much great information recorded that rather than one long episode we decided to split the episode into two parts, so welcome to part to of this episode.

We continue our conversation and tour around the SWDDC and this time discuss data gathering and ongoing projects on satellite grass measuring, virtual fencing. a new type of mattress as well as working with HerdVision and Oxi-Tech.

This was recorded in April 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Neil Christensen, partner in Steanbow Farms Ltd, at Pilton in Somerset.

We talk to Neil about the different aspects of the farm and how the management of the business is split with his brother, with Neil looking after all the Livestock and Mike looking after all the Operations (all the field work).

We then discuss the how the farm is affected for three months of the year, not just three days of the year, by being part of the site for one of Europe's biggest festivals, The Glastonbury Festival. What this means for the management of the farm and it's unique challenges!

This was recorded in April 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Dr Jo Matthews, Technical Trials Manager, and Harley Brown-Keech, Area Sales Manager, from Germinal GB Limited at their Germinal Horizon site in Wiltshire.

Initially we talk about the background of both our guests, and then briefly about the history of Germinal.

We then talk to Jo & Harley about the whole process of developing the different varieties for the different species, how long it takes, and the cost, before they even get to Germinal Horizon Wiltshire.

We then take a tour around the site at Germinal Horizon Wiltshire and see what is currently growing in the trial plots.

This was recorded in June 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Andrew Harrison, Technical Sales Manager, from I'Anson Brothers Ltd in Yorkshire.

As usual we start by asking Andrew about his background, from a farm in Lancashire to where he is now with I'Anson Brothers.

We then discuss the new feed mill that I'Anson Brothers are due to open about the time this podcast is released, and discussed the process of starting from scratch on a green field site and what they included and how they are already planning for the future!

Then we move on to the main topic of this podcast which is Amino Acids and discuss not just the production benefits these can bring but all the different health benefits they also bring, including improving fertility, reduction in metritis and reduction in mastitis.

We discuss that should these be considered an essential nutrient rather being thought of as a feed additive.

This was recorded in July 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Sarah Bolt & Becky Miles, two of the co-founders of Women in Dairy.

With Sarah being a returning guest we move straight on to Becky and ask her about her background, and how she got to the multiple job titles she has today!

We then move on to discuss the ten years that "Women in Dairy" has been in existence, the hows, wheres & why is started. The successes they've seen and the upcoming celebration they have planned, and then discuss what the future might bring!

Please listen until the end for an update on location & guests.

This was recorded in June & August 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Neil Groom, General Manager at Grainseed.

Like usual we start with a brief introduction from Neil about how he started in the industry to get to where he is today.

Then we move on to today's topic and start with a brief overview of the trials currently being run at Wiltshire College & University Centre Lackham, not only for DEFRA & NIAB but also the MGA (Maize Growers Association).

We also discuss some of the basic questions like what is the difference between "Flint" & "Dent" maizes, before heading outside to walk around the maize trial site and discuss when and how to determine the best time to harvest your maize.

This was recorded in August 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Sarah Bolt, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Neil Greggor, Solutions Manager at Viking Genetics UK.

As Neil's background is familiar to our regular listeners he gives us a brief overview of his career before we move to our main topic of this podcast.

Using data to make your breeding decisions.

Neil discusses how it doesn't matter your type of system, your type of cow, using all the data you have available, be it pedigrees, milk recording or genomic, it all helps you make better decisions in the choices you make when breeding the replacements for your herd.

Part of our discussion on genomic data also includes how close we are to having a reliable genomic test for non pure bred cows.

This was recorded in August 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Anthony Marsh, Director at Hoofcount Ltd

As usual we start with a brief over view of Anthony's background and how he started Hoofcount.

We then move on to today's main topic which is the development of the PediVue, from Hoofcount. The product was recently Winner of the "Best New Product" competition at the recent UK Dairy Day in September.

This follows on from our podcast in May 2024, where we discuss the project in more detail from concept to reality and everything that has been involved in between before the product was ready for market launch, and discuss what the future holds!

This was recorded in July 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Sarah Bolt, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Richard Tunnicliffe, Analytical Services Manager and Isabelle England, Technical Account Manager both from Trouw Nutrition.

As usual we start with a brief over view both of our guests backgrounds to get them to where they are today.

Then we move on to today's main topic which is silage sampling. What happens, over the next twenty four hours, once your sample is put in the post to receiving the results the next day.

We then discuss the recent change in method of mineral analysis and the drivers behind this.

This is then followed by a discussion on the results seen so far this season, and what are some of the things you could do to make the most of this year's grass silages.

This was recorded in October 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Sarah Bolt, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Dr James Wilson, Hoof Health Consultant & PDRA (Post Doctoral Research Associate) at Liverpool University.

As usual we start with a brief over view both of our guest's background from herdsman to where he is today.

Then we move on to today topic of Feet & Mobility.

We first discuss the UK Hoof Health Registry and the benefits of people sharing their data with the AHDB to improve genetic gain with regards to feet & mobility.

Next we talk about the Healthy Feet Programme, and what this actually means for people of farm, what's involved and the benefits it can bring.

Further to this we discuss feet & mobility in general, the benefits regularly mobility scoring brings, should people feed biotin, and for how long, and how often should they be trimming?

This was recorded in October 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time the team, based in the South West of England, are joined by Mickie Blackett, Supply Chain Business Growth Manager & James Taylor, Farm Manager from the Buitelaar Group.

As usual we start with a brief over view of both of our guests' backgrounds to get to where they are today.

Then we move on to today topic of Evidence Based Calf Rearing.

Not only do we take a tour of the farm, but we discuss the continuing development of the farm and it's facilities and how the business is constantly tweaking as they continue to strive for improvement of the system.

Mickie talks about the development of the modular High Health Units, how these have changed over the years and the improvements they see.

James takes us for a tour of the farm where we can see the evidence of these changes as well as discussing the different trials they run on farm, not just for themselves but also with outside partners.

This was recorded in August 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time the team, based in the South West of England, are joined by Paul Morris, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Oxi-Tech Solutions Limited.

As usual we start with a brief overview of our guest's background to get to where they are today.

Then we move on to the main topic of today's episode, the Oxi-Tech system that uses pulse oxidation to offer a chemical free solution to cleaning your milking equipment.

At the South West Dairy Development Centre (SWDDC) it was attached to the Lely robots on site, but can be fitted to any existing dairy set up and allows the cleaning of the milk plant to be chemical free.

No need to use, or handle, potentially dangerous acid or alkali chemicals to keep your system clean.

This was recorded in July 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time the team, based in the South West of England, are joined by Neil Parish, farmer, former MEP & MP and now podcaster.

Neil started life on the family farm, not far outside Bridgewater, in Somerset and so we initially discuss his life in farming, and how his farm has changed over the years to where it is today.

Then we move on to politics and discuss Neil's time as an MEP in Brussels, before becoming an MP in Westminster. We compare the two parliaments, discuss all the different Prime Ministers we've had during that time and hear a few stories along the way.

Finally we discuss Neil's move, earlier this year, into podcasting  We Can Do Both - Hosted by Neil Parish

Along the way we try not to get to political but talking to a politician we inevitably discuss a few world affairs along the way from Trump to Ukraine and the effect these events have on us all. 

This was recorded in November 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time the team are joined by Paul Harris, Founder & CEO of Real Success Ltd.

Like usual we start with Paul's background, which was outside the agricultural industry, how he began Real Success and then how he became involved with agriculture to the role he plays within it today.

Then we move on to the main topic of today's episode, People Management.

We discuss the challenges we face today as an industry for recruiting, and then retaining staff, and sometimes how the most basic things can make a difference.

Along the way we discuss little ideas and tips that can help you become an employer of choice.

This was recorded in September 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time the team are joined by Claire Winson, Head of Animal & Environmental Sciences and George Stickly, Farm Manager of Rodway Farm, from Bridgewater & Taunton College - Cannington Campus.

Like usual we start with both Claire & George's backgrounds, before we move on to today's topic of Educational Opportunities in Agriculture.

We discuss the different education options available to students, from Level 1 all the way to Level 6, depending on previous experience & qualifications, how teaching has changed in the last thirty years, to the support students can get when at the college.

We then take a brief tour of the farm and discuss some of the facilities and projects happening, on the farm.

For more details, and to register for their upcoming open day (25th January 2025), please visit Bridgwater & Taunton College

This was recorded in November 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time the team are joined by Kathryn Rowland, Senior Farm Services Manager, Kingshay Farming & Conservation Ltd.

Like usual we start with Kathryn's background, from a dairy farm in West Dorset, to where she is today with Kingshay before we move on to today's topic of the Antimicrobial Focus Report.

We take a look at different aspects and discuss the trends of the report, and look at how while the use of antimicrobials on farm is down, the overall health of the herds in the report has not suffered as a consequence.

We take a look at some of the drugs having the biggest impact on the report, regional variations, herd level comparisons and how there is no correlation between antimicrobial usage and calving pattern, milking frequency, housing period or breed.

Along the way we discuss how the results are a "good news" story for the industry and how this needs to be shared with the wider audience.

Download your copy of the report, for free, from the Kingshay website: Dairy Antimicrobial Focus Report 2024 - Shop - Kingshay 

This was recorded in January 2025 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time the team are joined by Gabby Emery, Customer Success Manager, HerdVision.

Like usual we start with Gabby's background, from growing up on a farm in Somerset, to where she is today with HerdVision before we move on to today's topic of HerdVision.

Listen as we discuss how HerdVision went from a proof of concept to be developed into the commercial product it is today.

We talk about it's ability to measure body condition score (BCS) and mobility every time an animal walks under the camera, and measures changes in BCS far more accurately than the human eye.

We discuss what measuring these changes can mean on farm, to you, and three outcomes from the all the data already showing what can be affecting the fertility of your herd.

This was recorded in July 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time Sarah Tomlinson, Technical Director, TB Advisory Service (TBAS), joins the team for an episode of the podcast.

Like usual we start with Sarah's background, graduating as a farm vet to where she is today with TBAS.

Then we discuss the history of TB, and how you used to be rewarded for the voluntarily testing your herd!

We discuss the different skin tests, and why we use the one we do here in the UK, before moving on to discuss the Gamma Test and what this brings for TB detection.

Throughout the podcast we try and dispel some of the rumours and myths about TB while offering some sound practical advise.

Additional Help and Resources

For more information on Bovine TB, please see the below links to associated websites:

• TBAS: https://www.tbas.org.uk/ 
• TB Hub: https://tbhub.co.uk/
• TB Free England: https://www.tbfreeengland.co.uk/
• ibTB: https://www.ibtb.co.uk/
• Defra TB website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bovine-tb
• Animal & Plant Health Agency, Recent TB Instruction Updates: http://apha.defra.gov.uk/vet-gateway/TB/index.htm 
• Official Veterinarian (OV) Conference: https://officialvet.com

Help & Support

If you, or any of the farm team, are concerned about how dealing with bTB is impacting your mental health, help is available via several organisations including R.A.B.I, Yellow Wellies, FCN and YANA

– You are not alone. For help, support, additional information or for someone to just have a chat with please visit the links below:

• Online mental wellbeing service – RABI: www.rabi.org.uk/how-we-help/mental-wellbeing 
• www.farmwell.org.uk 
• Mind Your Head – YellowWellies.org: www.yellowwellies.org/mind-your-head 
• YANA: You Are Not Alone – Rural Mental Health Support: www.yanahelp.org 
• www.fcn.org.uk 
• www.thefarminglifecentre.org.uk

This was recorded in February 2025 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time Ollie Simons, Crew Manager, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service joins the team.

Like usual we start with Ollie's background, on the periphery of agriculture before joining Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service to be where he is today.

Then we move on to today's subject of fire & rescue!

While we have an expectation of Ollie & his colleagues to deliver a service when we need them, we discuss with Ollie what we can do, to make their life easier & safer when we do need to call them.

From using what3words (w3w), to having an evacuation plan in the event of fire, to calling the vet for when they are needed to rescue livestock from some of the more extreme places livestock get themselves into!

This was recorded in July 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time Eric Dorr, Founder, Silage Consulting International joins the team.

Like usual we start with Eric's background, having been in the industry and worked for several companies that are household names within the industry, including Lallemand Animal Nutrition & Chr. Hansen Animal Health. Eric was also the original importer of Silostop into North America before founding his own business Silage Consulting International in 2023.

Then we move on to today's subject of Optimising Silage Production.

We discuss the problems, and therefore solutions, for good silage production worldwide, and talk about the basics of getting it right!

Should you use an additive, what about using an oxygen barrier sheet? It doesn't seem to matter where you are in the world the problems seem to be just the same!

This was recorded in February 2025 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

This time Jade Toone, Key Account Manager, Buitelaar Group and Jessica Tomley, Buying Manager Livestock, Elite Beef join the team.

Like usual we start with both their backgrounds to get them to where they are today with Buitelaar Group & Elite Beef.

Then we move on to today's subject of Elite Beef.

Elite Beef is an integrated beef scheme set up in partnership between Buitelaar Group and Morrisons (Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited) to source and supply beef into their supermarkets.

Buitelaar Group source and rear the calves, before going to Elite Beef Scheme members, where the animals are grown and finished ready for slaughter and then sale, and consumption, from Morrisons Supermarkets.

We discuss some of the different schemes available, and what different options there are to differentiate, like Shorthorn Beef.

This was recorded in August 2024 and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com