Red diesel prices, Can AI replace your agronomist? & Farmers Weekly Live

Soaring diesel prices are putting fresh pressure on farm businesses – and the outlook suggests volatility could continue well into 2027.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine what is driving the surge in fuel costs, whether farmers should buy now or wait, and how hedging and reducing diesel use could help manage the risk.

We also ask whether artificial intelligence could eventually replace your agronomist after Bedfordshire grower Andrew Robinson handed control of a winter wheat fungicide programme to AI.

Plus, we hear from some of the winners at the 2026 Farmers Weekly Awards, discuss the latest debate over rural Britain and farm policy, bring you our weekly market round-up, and unveil Farmers Weekly Live – a new farm business event coming to Stoneleigh Park in July 2027.

The episode also includes the Farmers Weekly Autumn Drilling Update, in association with Bayer Crop Science.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

00:53 – Why diesel prices are soaring

03:59 – Should farmers buy diesel now or wait?

06:33 – What expensive diesel means for farming

14:10 – Autumn Drilling Update

17:02 – Can AI replace your agronomist?