Farmers Weekly Podcast Episode 20: Machinery costs and is OSR worth it?

The cost of new machinery continues to scale new heights with John Deere slapping a hefty price tag on its latest X9 1100 combine.

Many growers will struggle to find the best part of £1m to spend on the flagship combine, which is capable of harvesting 100 tonnes of wheat an hour.

Is farm machinery too expensive – and how can we make it more affordable? Farm business consultant Gary Markham explains.

See also: Huge John Deere X9 combine aims to conquer competition

It’s been a terrible harvest for oilseed rape – more growers are abandoning the crop – but should we be sticking with it?

We speak to Essex grower Will Streeter and Harper Adams entomologist Tom Pope, who is looking at alternative ways of combatting cabbage stem flea beetle.

Trade was buoyant at the Thame Summer Sheep Sale – a welcome sign of confidence in breeding ewes and a successful lambing season.

Auctioneer Simon Draper gives his verdict on the sale, as do sheep seller Rob Harrison and buyer Becky O’Neill.

We’ve a special focus on prospects for wheat and barley sales – with Kent-based Cefetra grain trader Tim Porter.

And Prince Charles lends his support to a new mental health charity started by first-generation Herefordshire tenant farmer Sam Stables.

This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and senior machinery reporter Edd Mowbray, with deputy livestock editor Hayley Parrott.