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23 episodes
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Farming Today BBC Radio 4
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- Science
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4.5 • 51 Ratings
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The latest news about food, farming and the countryside
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26/07/2024: Illegal fishing in Wales; sheep shearing; robot dog
Angling groups have warned that illegal fishing is an "out of control" problem on rivers in Wales with serious impacts for endangered species like salmon, and physical danger for anglers.
Mobile sheep shearers are hard at work on a farm near Edinburgh, before the head woman Una Cameron tries to break the world record for shearing in a few weeks' time.
A Cumbrian flower nursery specialises in wildflowers, and growing them can be a far more complex business than garden varieties.
And the farm dog with a difference - it’s a robot!
Presented by Caz Graham
Produced by Alun Beach -
25/07/24 - The Royal Welsh Show 2024
This programme comes from the 120th Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells. 250,000 people are expected to attend across 4 days, with 7000 livestock entries.
It comes during an eventful week in Welsh politics, with the Cabinet Secretary of Climate Change and Rural Affairs in the Welsh Government set to become the new Deputy First Minister. So what does it all mean for future farming policy?
Presented by Charlotte Smith
Produced by Heather Simons -
24/07/2024: NAO report into farming; A tree nursery; Insect study
A report by the National Audit Office into farming published today shows much room for improvement.
A tree nursery in Fife has been working hard to become better for the environment, and is now pushing to become carbon-negative.
The longest running scientific study into the impact of cereal farming on invertebrates, the Sussex Study which is run by the Game and Conservation Trust, has just published a new paper analysing 50 years’ worth of data.
Presented by Caz Graham
Produced by Alun Beach -
23/07/2024: Agriculture budget; Scottish national park; Rural crime; Horticulture
Three conservation groups say farming budgets need to rise substantially to meet legally binding targets on nature and climate.
Scotland is to have a new national park and Galloway, in the south west of the country, has been chosen as the preferred location. Not everyone is happy, a local farmer gives his views.
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed it will switch officers from their rural crime team to other roles for the next few months because staffing is so stretched.
UK households spent around £8 billion pounds on gardening products last year according to the Horticulture Trades Association, which is complaining border delays are hitting its industry hard.
Presented by Caz Graham
Produced by Alun Beach -
22/07/2024: Flooding, Nurseries, Farm safety
New figures out today confirm that farming is the most dangerous job in the UK, the Health and Safety Executive says 35 people lost their lives on farms last year.
A Kent nursery which imports more than £3 million worth of plants a year has built a control point on its premises to help it save money on post Brexit checks on the UK border.
And there were a record number of flood warnings for England's best farmland last winter, according to analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. The ECIU warns that climate change 'presents a systemic risk to our best farmland, and therefore our food security.'
Presented by Charlotte Smith
Produced by Alun Beach -
20/07/24 - Farming Today This Week: Housebuilding, solar farms and Welsh farm policy
What will this week's announcement by the Government on changes to the rules on planning permission for large scale housing projects and for solar farms on agricultural land mean for the countryside?
The Welsh minister in charge of policy on climate change and rural affairs has drawn up new payment schemes for farmers to apply for as the EU's Common Agricultural Policy is replaced.
And one of the country’s large dairy processors is ending contracts with many smaller farms because it says they don’t supply enough milk and there are welfare and sustainability concerns.
A BBC Audio Bristol production presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Heather Simons
Customer Reviews
Informative
This is not an exciting podcast. No music. No give-aways. No comedians. This is an informative podcast covering issues facing British farmers. I'm not from the U.K., but I like to listen to their problems and solutions. It gives a broad look at agricultural issues, from the farmer, the shopper, the environmentalist, the legislator. I love listening.
Very Educational
I am from the US and really like hearing about problems and solutions. I particularly like to colorful descriptions about the weather, what is being seen, the sounds, wellie boots and all. The recent topic of invasive species was quite interesting. Please keep it up.
This is a fun podcast
I listen to this all the time. The stories are interesting, even to someone here in the US. Also helps me understand Britain better.