Inside the Pod

PGRO
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The podcast for farmers, agronomists and anyone else involved in growing pulses and vegetable legumes. We cover market updates, practical and technical information, and interview those involed in farming, buying and processing the crop. Presented by Ben Pike, Matt Webster and Emily Scaife on behalf of the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO).

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Pea Bruchid Update with Dr Becky Howard

    Pea bruchid beetle was detected for the first time in peas harvested in the UK in 2025. The AIC, BSPB, NFU and PGRO are working together to identify mitigations and minimise the risk of spread from the two sites in Landbeach, Cambridgeshire and Stubton, Lincolnshire. Having been confirmed post-harvest on both sites, the crops were removed and fumigated. However, due to the risk of mature beetles overwintering in the local area we have identified the need to establish a voluntary restriction zone within which we ask that growers abstain from planting pea crops in 2026. In the intermediary, establishment of catch crops and ongoing monitoring will be undertaken at the sites for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. The two confirmed findings have raised concern within the sector, presenting challenges not only to crop integrity and yield, but also to the continued confidence of our domestic and international trading partners. If unmanaged, these issues could have detrimental consequences for market access, supply chain stability, and the reputation of the UK pulse industry. To access the full PGRO guidance, please visit Pea Bruchid (Bruchus pisorum) | PGRO

    17 min
  2. The Beans and the Bees

    15/12/2025

    The Beans and the Bees

    In this episode of Inside the Pod, we’re joined by Charlotte Apsey, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge whose research gets right to the heart of one of the biggest questions facing pulse growers. How can we improve field bean yields while working with nature rather than against it. Charlotte’s work focuses on pollination in field beans and, specifically, the role wildflower margins can play in attracting pollinators into crops. Speaking to episode host, Ben Pike, she explains why beans are more reliant on insect activity than many growers might assume, what happens when pollinators are encouraged to spend more time in and around bean crops, and how relatively simple habitat features could make a measurable difference to performance. A major part of Charlotte’s research involves on farm trials during the bean flowering period. These trials involve counting pollinators visiting flowers and linking that activity back to yield data. The aim is practical, grower relevant insight that supports productive and sustainable farming systems. Charlotte is now looking for farmers who can help host trials in the 2026 season. She is keen to hear from anyone growing field beans, either spring or winter drilled, particularly where there is an existing wildflower margin alongside the crop or where a margin could be established. Access to the field during flowering would be needed for a short period, along with basic yield information at harvest. Where possible, comparison with a similar bean field without a wildflower margin would add even more value to the work. Disruption to the crop is kept to an absolute minimum. Trial areas are clearly marked and removed afterwards, and all findings are shared with the host farm. If you are growing field beans and would like to be involved, or simply want to find out more, you can contact Charlotte directly by emailing cmea3@cam.ac.uk. Farmers can also register interest via PGRO at www.pgro.org, who are supporting the project and helping to connect growers with the research. This episode is a must listen for anyone interested in beans, pollinators and the real world impact of agri environment features on crop performance.

    26 min

  3. 27/11/2025

    PGRO Descriptive List for Peas and Beans 2026

    PGRO has unveiled its 2026 Descriptive List for pulses, which contains 11 new pea and bean varieties. Joining Ben Pike in today's special episode of Inside the Pod is Dr Chris Judge, who goes through the new varieties from this year's list, which contains seven new combining peas, two winter beans, and two spring beans. Chris also talks to us about how the Descriptive List trials performed this season, after contending with drought conditions across much of the country and a small number of trial sites failing. The Descriptive List gives growers the opportunity to compare different varieties and evaluate which will suit their situation. You can read the 2026 Descriptive List in full at pgro.org, or you can watch the full launch and presentation presented by Chris on the PGRO YouTube channel.

    32 min

  4. 21/11/2025

    Senova: Taking an Innovative Approach to Pulse Crop Development

    In this Supply Chain Focus edition of Inside the Pod, host Matt Webster speaks to George Goodwin, the managing director of Senova, a private and independent seed marketing and crop development company with an innovative approach. In this episode Matt and George discuss what companies such as Senova are looking to achieve from their breeding programs, and what's coming down the innovation pipeline, as well as looking at what products and pulse varieties Senova have to offer to growers in the industry, and Senova's working relationship with the PGRO.

    11 min

  5. 03/11/2025

    Bunge UK: Unpacking the Dynamics of the UK Pulse Market

    In this episode of Inside the Pod, host Ben Pike sits down with pulses trader James Ormerod from Bunge UK to unpack the current dynamics shaping the UK pulse market. James offers a trader’s view of supply and demand, exploring how policy, global competition, and shifting domestic priorities are influencing bean and pea prices. UK bean production has halved in recent years, falling from around 800,000 tonnes to nearer 400,000 tonnes. James attributes much of this decline to SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) payments, which have encouraged growers to take land out of production for guaranteed returns. Although Defra’s latest figures suggest a slight recovery in area, the long-term trend remains downward — a concern for both traders and processors. James also discusses how competing protein sources such as soya and rapeseed meal are setting a tough benchmark for beans in feed markets, while export demand has weakened. Still, there are bright spots: the UK’s fish feed sector and poultry market continue to provide strong outlets, and the nation’s reputation for producing high-quality feed beans remains solid. Despite short-term uncertainty, James remains hopeful that renewed policy focus on homegrown protein and sustainable cropping could help pulses reclaim their place in British agriculture — vital for food security, soil health, and reducing reliance on imported soya. For more information read the latest PGRO Pulse Market Update for September/October 2025 (pgro.org). Pea Bruchid is still a hot topic at the moment, and PGRO is still urging growers to remain vigilant and report any signs of infestation. For more information about Pea Bruchid you can listen to this episode of Inside the Pod featuring Dr Becky Howard at https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pTmSTMK7oldn4cg6ISL7e?si=B2VjTE0XQEq5IgvTxEJWsg

    29 min

  6. 29/10/2025

    Kerb-ing the Risk: Propyzamide Stewardship after Winter Bean Drilling

    In this episode of Inside the Pod from the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO), host Ben Pike is joined by Dr. Becky Howard from PGRO and Joe Martin from Corteva Agriscience to discuss responsible use of propyzamide, the active ingredient in Kerb® and Kerb® Flo, a key herbicide for grassweed control in winter beans. Becky and Joe explain why propyzamide remains a crucial tool for managing resistant blackgrass and other grass and broadleaf weeds, thanks to its unique mode of action and effectiveness in cooler, moist soils. However, they also stress that increasing environmental scrutiny, particularly around water contamination risks, means good stewardship is essential to keep this vital active available. The conversation covers best practice for application timing (typically late October to December), field selection, and measures to reduce runoff, such as avoiding waterlogged soils, minimizing compaction, and maintaining buffer zones near watercourses. Joe highlights Corteva’s stewardship initiatives, including collaboration with water companies and grower support through the Kerb Weather Data app and online CPD training resources. Listeners are encouraged to visit corteva.co.uk/propyzamide for stewardship advice and weather guidance to ensure safe and effective use of propyzamide this drilling season.

    18 min

  7. 17/09/2025

    The NCS Project - McArthur BDC

    In this episode of Inside the Pod, Emily Scaife speaks to John McArthur, Managing Director at McArthur BDC, about his involvement in the NCS Project.

    20 min

  8. 05/09/2025

    Crop Update: Pea Bruchid Alert

    In this episode of Inside the Pod, Ben Pike speaks to Dr Becky Howard about the recent confirmation of the presence of pea bruchid in a UK-grown commercial pea crop for the first time. Ben and Becky discuss what to look out for, how to prevent infestation, and what to do should pea bruchid be found in your crop. For more information about the recent pea bruchid discovery, you can read the recent press release at https://www.pgro.org/first-occurrence-of-pea-bruchid-in-uk-commercial-crop-confirmed/ For more details on the life cycle of the pea bruchid, read pages 8 and 9 of the Summer 2023 edition of The Pulse Magazine at https://www.pgro.org/downloads/summer-Pulse-2023.pdf An assessment of risk to UK pea production was produced by PGRO for the HDC Factsheet, which can be read at https://www.pgro.org/downloads/PeabruchidanassessmentofrisktoUKpeaproduction.pdf

    19 min
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About

The podcast for farmers, agronomists and anyone else involved in growing pulses and vegetable legumes. We cover market updates, practical and technical information, and interview those involed in farming, buying and processing the crop. Presented by Ben Pike, Matt Webster and Emily Scaife on behalf of the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO).

Information

  • Creator
    PGRO
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Eve Communications 2023
  • Show Website
    Inside the Pod