Farming Today

A new collaboration has been set up between scientists and the fishing industry in Cornwall, to integrate scientific research with the real experience of fishers. Assessing current fish stocks and how not to damage them, has often been a point of contention between the two, but now it's hoped that the Cornwall Fisheries Science Board will lead the way for a similar approach nationwide.
All week we're taking a closer look at agro-forestry, today we visit a farm in Shropshire which has created silvo-pasture - growing trees on the pasture used by livestock. Tim Downes says the health of his 300 organic dairy cows has improved, since he planted willow trees and walnuts.
Some potato farmers are struggling to find a market for their crop, one grower in Cambridgeshire is donating tonnes of spuds he can't sell to a food bank. It seems there is an over-supply of potatoes after a very successful growing season last year. It's not just in the UK but across Europe too. As war in the Middle East pushes up the cost of fuel, fertiliser and energy, will farmers bother planting potatoes this spring?
Presenter = Anna Hill
Producer = Rebecca Rooney

A landmark legal case over water pollution gets underway later today. Thousands of people are part of the case which claims that chicken farming and sewage spills are causing pollution in three rivers, the Wye, Usk and Lugg. The case against chicken producers Avara and Freemans of Newent, and Welsh Water, will be heard at the High Court in London. All three firms vigorously deny the claims.
A new report from MPs highlights low morale and a lack of trust in officials amongst fishing communities.
All week we'll be looking at agroforestry, or farming with trees in the mix: putting pigs into an orchard or planting fruit trees in an arable field to provide wind breaks and food.
Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

A new trial is starting this summer, as part of a programme to develop a vaccine for people against bird flu. 3000 volunteers are needed from the UK to take part, and 1000 in the USA. Researchers at the National Institute for Health and Care Research are hoping that poultry workers might take part.
A new report warns that UK farming's reliance on imported fertiliser and minerals, puts it at risk in times of geopolitical stress. Analysis, published by the National Preparedness Commission, highlights the fragility of global supply chains on which UK agriculture depends.
Fuel and fertiliser costs are soaring because of disruption caused by the war in the Middle East. That's having a big impact on farmers and it's also putting pressure on food prices as MPs on the Environment Food and Rural Affairs select committee have been hearing. They were told that food prices were 40% higher than before Covid and that the food supply chain needed urgent government support with fuel costs.
We visit a field trial of a gene-edited barley which contains higher levels of fat. Scientists believe this will make it a more efficient livestock feed, and could also reduce methane emissions by making it more digestible.
Thatching is becoming more of a challenge due to issues with some of the materials. Supplies of the right sort of wheat straw can be unpredictable and the hazel spars used to attach the thatch to the roof now have to be imported from Eastern Europe. To kick start interest in growing more locally a ‘summit’ of thatchers, farmers and plant scientists was held this week in Suffolk.
Presenter = Charlotte Smith
Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Whilst the cost of producing a crop is up, particularly the cost of fuel and fertiliser, the price paid for it hasn't risen by anything like as much. If the situation stays the same by the autumn some farmers may decide not to grow loss-making crops, leaving fields lying fallow. There are calls for the Government to fund a one-off a scheme to protect this land from soil erosion by planting cover crops, and these could also reduce the use of fertiliser. The idea comes from the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, the professional body for farm valuers and advisors.
Thatching is becoming more of a challenge due to issues with some of the materials. Supplies of the right sort of wheat straw can be unpredictable. And, Hazel spars used to attach the thatch to the roof now have to be imported from Eastern Europe. To kick start interest in growing more locally a ‘summit’ of thatchers, farmers and plant scientists was held this week in Suffolk.
We visit a field trial of a gene edited Barley which contains higher levels of fat. Scientists believe this will make it a more efficient livestock feed, and could also reduce methane emissions by making it more digestible.
Presenter: Charlotte Smith
Producer: Sarah Swadling

A new report warns that UK farming's reliance on imported fertiliser and minerals, puts it at risk in times of geopolitical stress. Analysis, published by the National Preparedness Commission, highlights the fragility of global supply chains on which UK agriculture depends.
All week we've been looking at ideas for cutting emissions on the farm. Today we join Stuart Oates, a 7th generation farmer on The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. He set himself a long term aim: to remove single-use plastics on the farm and end his family’s reliance on fossil fuels.  Towards that goal, he’s taken up a Nuffield scholarship, travelling the world to see if the UK can learn from innovations elsewhere, to reduce emissions.  We also hear from an organisation which helps farmers recycle their plastic waste.
Presenter = Anna Hill
Producer = Rebecca Rooney