Spraying Alive

Bateman Sprayers

Spraying Alive is a podcast that opens a window into the lives of Bateman operators. How did they find their way into farming? What’s the story behind the business? Best of times, worst of times? And if they had a day to change one thing in farming, what would it be? Join us as we sit in the cab and talk about their careers, what they do away from farming and share a laugh as they recount some of the bizarre sights they’ve seen when behind the wheel. Brought to you by Bateman, manufacturers of self-propelled crop sprayers, the first choice for countless farmers, growers and contractors.

Episodes

  1. Ep5 In The Cab With Sean Postlethwaite

    8 JAN

    Ep5 In The Cab With Sean Postlethwaite

    Sean Postlethwaite of Ryton Fields Farm joins us for this episode. Situated in Ryton on Dunsmore on the outskirts of Coventry, Sean runs the family business which grows predominantly potatoes along with milling wheat, winter oilseed rape and maize.  Although Sean grew up on a farm - his parents moved to Ryton Fields Farm in 2000, he wasn’t sure that he’d follow in their footsteps. A career as a chef at one point seemed more appealing, that was until, whilst at college, a work experience opportunity at a local farm and farm shop put Sean firmly on the farming track.  We hear Sean’s thoughts on the importance of diversification in farming and how the farming community is like no other sector when it comes to sharing knowledge. Sean also talks about the support the family received from the farming community and beyond, when disaster struck the farm in 2015.  What advice would Sean give to anyone thinking of getting into farming? Without question an optimistic disposition is essential before a single seed has been drilled. Things can change very quickly, a year in farming is never quite predictable.  Away from farming family comes first, but Sean also finds time to follow a few sports, in particular football, rugby union and formula one. His sporting heroes are David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton. Asked what the soundtrack to his life would be, Sean borrows a song from Oasis, which is all about having a plan and then needing to adapt it. Which, just perhaps, may sound very familiar.

    30 min
  2. Ep4 In The Cab With Peter Wilkinson

    21/11/2025

    Ep4 In The Cab With Peter Wilkinson

    We share the cab with Peter Wilkinson of Lodge Farm Contracting. Situated in Hertfordshire, Peter farms 800 acres of arable crops and contract sprays for a number of farms within a 30 mile radius.   Peter’s story in farming began with a phone call. The consequence of dropping out of university was enough to convince Peter to flee the country. His Mother’s displeasure could wait. Whilst making his way around New Zealand, an offer out of the blue to work on his Grandfather’s farm was enough to bring Peter home.   Making the most of this opportunity, Peter threw himself into farming life. Many years later the business would be passed down to him. Being in the right place at the right time also enabled Peter to branch out into the world of contract spraying. For Peter variety is the spice of life, the split between duties on his farm and contracting suits him down to the ground.   If you ask Peter about the state of farming right now, he will tell you that things can only get better. Maintain a positive outlook, keep doing what you’re doing, the only way must be onwards and upwards.   Away from farming Peter enjoys watching Saracens, his local rugby team. Over the last couple of years Peter has swapped his boots for a pair of trainers and runs during the winter months to maintain his fitness. However, one of his most rewarding exercise regimes is a brisk walk with his dog to a country pub, followed by a good pint and decent meal. Bravo!

    30 min
  3. Ep1 In The Cab With David Jones

    06/10/2025

    Ep1 In The Cab With David Jones

    In this episode we talk to David Jones of JH & MM Jones. Based near Stratford Upon Avon in Warwickshire, David’s family have farmed in the county over several generations. Today, the business is spread across 1100 hectares, growing predominantly group 1 milling wheat and peas, as well as barley and spring beans.   We hear David’s early recollections of working alongside his father in the family’s land drainage business. Surrounded by a gang of no-nonsense practical jokers, David learned the ropes the old-fashioned way: by getting stuck in.     For David, it starts with the soil. If the ground’s not right, nothing else will be. Getting the basics right can be traced back to David’s early career. David explains how his experience in land drainage, followed by working for a forward thinking farmer helped his understanding of the land. This was to prove vital when the family came calling with an offer David couldn’t refuse.   Engineering has always been an equal passion for David. He talks about honing his technical skills at an agricultural engineering college, where he learned the hands-on expertise required to develop machinery tailored to the specific needs of modern farming.   Beyond the world of agriculture, David’s enthusiasm for engineering spills over into his impressive success in tractor-pulling, a sport that combines mechanical knowledge with raw power. His ability to fine-tune engines and push machines to their limits is testament to the deep understanding and dedication he brings to everything he does.

    1h 5m

About

Spraying Alive is a podcast that opens a window into the lives of Bateman operators. How did they find their way into farming? What’s the story behind the business? Best of times, worst of times? And if they had a day to change one thing in farming, what would it be? Join us as we sit in the cab and talk about their careers, what they do away from farming and share a laugh as they recount some of the bizarre sights they’ve seen when behind the wheel. Brought to you by Bateman, manufacturers of self-propelled crop sprayers, the first choice for countless farmers, growers and contractors.