Podcast · Business

Kite Consulting

Kite Consulting provide business services to the entire food supply chain, from farmer to retailer and are widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading dairy consultancy companies.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 56 min

IFCN Workshop and Outlook

This week on the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Milica Kocic, Lead in Product Development at IFCN, and Kite Podcast producer Becki Reay to look back on the recent IFCN Conference in Parma, which brought together more than 200 dairy professionals from around the world. They discuss the conference theme of embracing volatility and share some of their key takeaways, from global dairy supply and demand trends to the economic outlook for major dairy-producing countries and the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. The conversation also explores the current UK…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E311 · 2 Oct 2026 · 43 min
Herd Management: Evolving Skills for Modern Dairy Farming
In this episode of the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by farmers Fliss Cobb and Conor Dunne, who recently completed Kite's Herd Manager Training Programme, to explore how the role of the modern herd manager continues to evolve. They're joined by Kite consultant Marcus Doig, who led the recent course, and Dane De Boorder, who will be taking the reins from January 2027, along with podcast producer Becki Reay. Together, they discuss the skills needed to succeed in today's dairy industry, from people management and communication to data analysis and technology. Fliss and…
E310 · 25 Sep 2026 · 44 min
ADOPT Funding
In this week's Kite Podcast, Ben Eagle is joined by Wallace Currie, ADOPT Coordinator and Knowledge Exchange Manager at the UK AgriTech Centre, farmer and current ADOPT funding beneficiary Will Tuer, and podcast producer Becki Reay to discuss how ADOPT funding is helping farmers tackle real on-farm challenges through innovation and collaboration. With the latest funding round open until 7 October, Wallace explains how the scheme works, who can apply and the support available to farmers looking to develop and trial new ideas. Will shares his experience of securing ADOPT funding through his…
E309 · 11 Sep 2026 · 30 min
Feed Efficiency and Cream awards
We kick off Episode 309 of the Kite Podcast with Chris Walkland's milk market report before hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Steve Cope of Cope Farming near Market Drayton, winner of the High Feed Efficiency Award at this year's Cream Awards, along with Kate Matthews, Senior Consultant at Kite Consulting and Steve's nutritionist, and podcast producer Becki Reay. Steve shares how he has improved feed efficiency within his business, the role it plays in overall farm performance, and the management decisions that have helped drive success on farm. Kate explains what feed efficiency…
E308 · 28 Aug 2026 · 39 min
Tenants Farmers Association supports rent reviews with landlords
In Episode 308 of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans is joined by George Dunn, Chief Executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, and podcast producer Becki Reay to discuss the challenges facing tenant farmers and the growing need to review and renegotiate rental agreements. George shares how the TFA is supporting and encouraging tenant farmers to engage with landlords as many businesses come under increasing financial pressure. The discussion goes on to explore how many tenant farmers are operating under highly insecure agreements, making it difficult to plan for the future. With the average…
E307 · 21 Aug 2026 · 46 min
Arla Workforce Shortage Discussion
In this week's Kite Podcast, Will Evans is joined by Paul Dover, UK Agricultural Director at Arla Foods, dairy farmer Tim Dale and podcast producer Becki Reay to discuss one of agriculture's biggest challenges: attracting the next generation of talent. Drawing on findings from Arla's recent farmer survey, which found that 65% of farmers believe better education and training is the key to attracting more people into the industry, the team explore the causes of ongoing skills shortages and what can be done to address them. The conversation explores the role of education in creating clear…
E306 · 14 Aug 2026 · 40 min
Drought proofing dairy - harvest decisions, feed extension & management strategies
In Episode 306 of the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle tackle the pressing issue of feed and forage management amidst the ongoing dry conditions affecting the UK. With the hottest day of August upon us, they are joined by technical consultant Becky Hewlett from Kite and Dorset farmer Jake Symms to discuss strategies for adapting to these challenging circumstances. The conversation delves into the implications of the current drought on long-term feed strategies, the potential for an autumn cut and the prospects for maize harvests. With maize harvest already underway in some areas…
E305 · 7 Aug 2026 · 48 min
Bluetongue in Focus: Signs, Strains, Vaccines and Farm Preparedness
While Chris Walkland may be away this week, but he still joins the programme with his latest milk market report, we then kick off in episode 305 of Kite Podcast by discussing a very important subject, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Rebecca Cavill of Torch Farm Vets and Laura Roberts of Sandstone Vets, alongside Devon farmer Jenny Hookway and producer Becki Reay. The conversation explores the signs and symptoms of Bluetongue, the differences between virus strains, the impact on farms and livestock movements, and why vaccination remains the most important tool in reducing disease…
E304 · 31 Jul 2026 · 36 min
Milking 10,000 Cows in 10 Days
In Episode 304 of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Marie Stephenson, who is taking on the remarkable challenge of milking 10,000 cows in 10 days as she travels from Scotland to Cornwall in support of RABI. The challenge has attracted significant interest across social and national media, creating a valuable opportunity to promote British agriculture in a positive light and showcase the people and stories behind the sector. Alongside fourth-generation dairy farmer Colin Price, Marie discusses the inspiration behind the challenge, the logistics of visiting dairy farms…
E303 · 24 Jul 2026 · 43 min
Dairy Under Pressure: Managing Heat Stress This Summer
With dry weather and repeated heatwaves creating challenging conditions across the UK, Episode 303 of the Kite Podcast focuses on the growing impact of heat stress on dairy cows and what farmers can do to minimise its effects. Hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Charlotte Ward, Technical Manager at Asterra, and Kite Consultant Paul Macer to explore how high temperatures and humidity affect cow health, fertility, feed intake and milk production. The discussion covers the key signs of heat stress, why even moderate UK summer temperatures can present risks, and the management and…
E302 · 10 Jul 2026 · 45 min
What Can UK Dairy Farmers Learn from the US?
Episode 302 of the Kite Podcast begins with a much more positive milk market report from Chris Walkland. Will and Ben are then joined by podcast producer Becki Reay and Kite Technical Consultant Amy Watson, who recently attended the Cornell Advanced Dairy Nutrition and Management Course in the US. Amy shares some of the key insights from her trip, exploring the differences between US and UK dairy systems and the lessons UK farmers can learn. The discussion covers heat stress and cow comfort, highlighting the importance of proactive management as higher temperatures become increasingly…
E301 · 3 Jul 2026 · 44 min
Dutch Nitrogen Rules: What does this mean for future of dairy?
In this week's episode of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Erik Elgersma, Founder and Director of Strategic Analysis Services BV, and podcast producer Becki Reay, as they head to the Netherlands to examine the Dutch government's latest nitrogen reduction plans and what they could mean for the future of dairy farming. Proposed measures include tighter restrictions on farms located near Natura 2000 environmental protection sites. Erik explains the background to the plans, the challenges facing Dutch agriculture, and the Dutch government's ambitious targets to reduce…
E300 · 26 Jun 2026 · 40 min
Kite Podcast Episode 300: Heat, El Niño and the Global Farming Outlook
Join us as we celebrate the 300th episode of Kite Podcast! Following on from Chris Walklands milk market update, Ben Eagle and Will Evans are joined by Torin Nicholson from Kite, James Bolesworth, Managing Director of CRM Agricommodities and podcast producer Becki Reay. With it being a record-breaking week for June heat here in the UK we are perhaps inevitably talking about the weather, as well as the wider impacts of climate patterns such as El Niño on UK and global agriculture, and what this means for crop development, feed supplies and forage potential. The group explore how crops and…
E299 · 19 Jun 2026 · 48 min
From crisis to control: could the new TB strategy for England mean we’re TB free by 2038?
In episode 299, the team delve into the Bovine TB Control Strategy for England, a comprehensive plan aimed at achieving officially TB-free status by 2038. Join hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle as they discuss the details of the strategy with expert guests Nicky Bowden and Ed Simmons. Learn about the innovative measures being introduced, including cattle vaccination, enhanced testing protocols, and local ownership initiatives designed to empower farmers in the fight against Bovine TB. And not forgetting Chris Walkland who gives us this weeks milk market report.
E298 · 12 Jun 2026 · 40 min
Business Focus: Inputs, Cashflow and Cost of Production
In episode 298 of the Kite Podcast, the team kick off with the usual Milk Market report from Chris Walkland, who is recording while away on holiday, before Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Kite Consulting’s Emily Stafford, Kathryn Rowland and podcast producer Becki Reay to talk through the growing pressure of input inflation and what it means for farm management, cashflow and overall production costs. They explore why it’s so important for farmers to really understand their cost structures. One of the key points from the discussion is the need for a solid, practical budgeting approach,…
E297 · 5 Jun 2026 · 49 min
What’s next for organic dairy?
In episode 297 of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Rob Daykin from Daykin Partnership, Shropshire farmer Tim Downes, event host and Leicestershire farmer Will Armitage and Dorset farmer Sophie Gregory, as well as podcast producer Becki Reay. They discuss the evolution of the organic dairy sector, and the upcoming organic dairy conference run by the Organic Dairy Round Table, taking place in Leicestershire next week. The Organic Dairy Roundtable has been key in bringing farmers, processors, and retailers together around a shared goal of promoting organic dairy. It…
E296 · 22 May 2026 · 40 min
Mentoring Matters: Driving Growth in Agriculture
In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle explore the role of mentoring and personal development in agriculture, joined by Helen Wyman of TwoCan Mentor and Natalie Ingman from Dugdale Nutrition. The discussion highlights mentoring as a powerful tool that can benefit individuals at any stage of their career, with Helen sharing how her programme supports participants in gaining fresh perspectives and new opportunities. Natalie reflects on her own experience, explaining how external guidance helped her navigate career decisions and prioritise personal growth alongside…
E295 · 15 May 2026 · 46 min
Managing Through Chaos: Key Insights from the DIN Conference
In Episode 295 of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by farmer Fraser Jones, podcast producer Becki Reay and milk market analyst Chris Walkland to unpack the highlights and key takeaways from the DIN Conference last week, held under the timely theme ‘managing through chaos’. The episode explores what that theme meant in practice, from geopolitical uncertainty and volatile milk markets to changing consumer demand and environmental pressures. Becki provides an overview of the conference and why it remains a key fixture in the dairy calendar, while the panel reflects on…
E294 · 1 May 2026 · 52 min
NFU Dairy Board Hot Topics: permitting, FDOM & Iran impact on costs
In episode 294 of the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle welcome new NFU Dairy Board Chair Ian Harvey and Vice Chair Rob Davies, alongside regular contributor Chris Walkland for the latest milk market report. The discussion kicks off with an overview of the recent changes within the NFU Dairy Board and the pressing priorities that lie ahead for dairy farmers. Ian and Rob outline key issues such as permitting challenges, water availability and the ongoing impact of geopolitical events on the dairy sector. They delve into the complexities of FDOM (The Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk)…
E293 · 24 Apr 2026 · 49 min
The SFS Launch: Support, Sustainability and the Future of Welsh Farming
After our usual milk market report from Chris Walkland, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Einir Williams, Head of Development at Farming Connect/Mentera Cymru, Kite consulting’s Technical Consultant Beth Parry, and podcast producer Becki Reay. The group discuss the new Sustainable Farming Scheme available for Welsh farmers, launched on April 1st. Einir and Beth explain the SFS, outlining the importance of re registering with Farming Connect to access ongoing support under the programme. The scheme includes 12 universal actions covering areas such as soil health, biodiversity and carbon…
E292 · 17 Apr 2026 · 37 min
From Uncertainty to Opportunity: IFCN Insights on the Future of Dairy
Kicking off with Chris Walklands’ Milk Market Report, Episode 292 of the Kite Podcast hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Philipp Goetz, Head of Sales and Business Development at IFCN, and podcast producer Becki Reay. The group delve into insights from a recent IFCN and Eucolait workshop that brought together from across the dairy industry to discuss what the future might look like. Discussions explore increasing pressures on dairy farmers, from rising input costs to geopolitical uncertainty, as well as significant structural shifts within the industry, including a gradual move in…
E291 · 10 Apr 2026 · 31 min
The Future of Feed Efficiency: Tech, Costs and Smarter Dairy Management
In episode 291 of the Kite Podcast, we kick things off with Chris Walkland’s latest milk market report before Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Kite Consulting’s Ben Watts and Suffolk dairy farmer Nathan Utting. Together, they explore one of dairy farming’s most pressing challenges: feed efficiency and its role in managing rising costs. The discussion highlights why truly understanding feed costs has never been more important for farm profitability. The team delves into Feedlync, an integrated feed management and weighing system that not only improves cost control but also helps farmers…
E290 · 27 Mar 2026 · 43 min
Learning from Denmark: Biosecurity Insights for UK Farmers
In episode 290 of the Kite Podcast, host Ben Eagle is joined by Sophie Brewster from AHDB, Norfolk farmer Zara Dorrington, and Kite Consulting’s Nicola Bowden to discuss the recent AHDB knowledge exchange trip to Denmark— known for its strong focus on biosecurity and herd health. The group explore the purpose behind the visit, the current disease pressures facing UK livestock producers, and the innovative biosecurity measures they observed on Danish farms. Sophie reflects on the value of farmer to farmer learning and the benefits of stepping outside routine practice, while Zara highlights…
E289 · 20 Mar 2026 · 41 min
Middle East conflict: how geopolitics will impact dairy
In episode 289 of the Kite Podcast, Chris Walkland opens with his usual milk market report. Host Ben Eagle is joined by Erik Elgersma, director and founder of Strategic Analyses Services based in the Netherlands, along with podcast producer Becki Reay. Together, the group delve into how global politics, rising geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are shaping agriculture, inflation and, crucially, the dairy markets. They explore how current events are influencing everything from fuel and fertiliser prices to packaging costs and consumer behaviour. Erik provides a…
E288 · 13 Mar 2026 · 35 min
From Oil Spikes to Export Chances: Inside the Current Milk Market
In episode 288 of the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Chris Walkland and Becki Reay to unpack the complex dynamics shaping today’s milk market, particularly as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East push oil prices toward $100 a barrel. Rising fuel and fertiliser costs — including a 50% jump in red diesel prices this month —putting mounting pressure on farmers, while milk prices continue to swing dramatically, with recent increases reported by Farmers Weekly underscoring the market’s volatility. Despite these challenges, many farmers are demonstrating impressive…
E287 · 6 Mar 2026 · 32 min
From Forage Shortfalls to Feed Price Spikes: The Feed Market Outlook
In this week’s episode of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans is joined by Kite Consultant Torin Nicholson, KW Feed procurement manager Chris Pickles, and producer Becki Reay as they unpack the growing regional disparities in forage availability across the UK. Torin highlights why some areas are seeing plentiful forage while others face shortages, and what this means for farmers trying to formulate effective rations. Chris provides a clear overview of the current feed market, discussing the volatility created by supply chain disruptions caused by US/Israeli strikes in the Middle East and the impact…
E286 · 3 Mar 2026 · 51 min
Inside the NFU Conference: Fresh Leadership, Rising Optimism, and the Future of UK Farming
In episode 286 of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by newly elected NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins and chief dairy advisor Verity Richards to unpack the key moments from this year’s NFU conference. Together, they reflect on an event shaped by resilience, collaboration and a shared commitment to the future of British agriculture. Market analyst Chris Walkland brings positive news, reporting the first GB milk price rise since October, offering dairy farmers a much needed boost after a challenging period. The conversation then turns to the dairy sector breakout session,…
E285 · 13 Feb 2026 · 51 min
From Ironman to Everyday Wins: Celebrating Mind Your Head Week
Following on from Chris Walkland’s milk market report, we’re joined by mental health advocate Tom York, who shares his powerful personal journey—from growing up in an urban environment to finding his way into agriculture. His unconventional route into the industry, combined with the strengths and challenges of living with ADHD, has shaped a strong focus on building resilience. That resilience was put to the ultimate test when Tom completed an Ironman after just 30 weeks of training—an achievement that highlights the determination and mindset he brings into everyday life. Throughout the…
E284 · 6 Feb 2026 · 44 min
Securing the Future of Our Food: Attracting Young People to UK Agriculture
In episode 285 of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Arla Foods UK Managing Director Baz Padberg, Kite Consultant Becca Oakley, and producer Becki Reay as they delve into a new cross‑industry initiative created by Arla alongside partners from universities, further education, retail, policy and food producers. They discuss why young people often overlook the huge opportunities available in UK agriculture, reflect on the industry’s current demographics, explore the initiative’s three key recommendations, and consider what needs to change to attract, develop and retain the…
E283 · 30 Jan 2026 · 36 min
Market Trends, Farm Efficiency and the Road to DairyTech
Following Chris’ usual Milk Market Report, Will Evans and Ben Eagle welcome new senior consultants Beth Parry and Tim Kneale, who share insights from their specialist work with farms across the UK and discuss the practical on farm innovations they believe are genuinely transforming efficiency, resilience and long term sustainability in dairy. With DairyTech just days away, Becki Reay and the team discuss the big conversations expected at this year’s event, including milk price movements, new technology and the future direction of the sector, as well as what they are most excited to see, from…

About Kite Consulting

Kite Consulting provide business services to the entire food supply chain, from farmer to retailer and are widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading dairy consultancy companies.

Kite Consulting is a English business podcast from Becki Reay. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Becki Reay
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1509031173

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