The Farming Programme

Is enough being done to attract the next generation in to farming? It’s one of the questions being asked on this week’s Farming Programme,

There are harsh words for farmers on the programme this week, as they’re told they’re not doing enough to engage with those not in the industry. Plus, as it’s Armistice Day, Sean is bringing together some of the country’s biggest names in agriculture to pay a very special tribute, on the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One

It’s a very different Farming Programme this week as Sean focuses on the issue of mental health. We’ll hear from the organisations offering help, plus hear from one of the programmes regular contributors who’ll explain how a friends suicide lead him to successfully campaign to get mental health on the curriculum in agricultural colleges.

With Halloween just around the corner, Sean meets the farmer who’s just finished growing half a million pumpkins. Thankfully, he won’t be carving them all!

We find out why some Young Farmers Clubs are proposing a vote of no confidence in their National Federation.

It’s all about the weather, with the farmers who want it to rain – and those who’d rather it stayed dry. There’s the first update of the new sugar beet campaign. Also, we'll hear from MPs speaking at Wednesdays Agriculture Bill second reading in Parliament.

We look ahead to Wednesdays second reading of the Agriculture Bill in Parliament...what tweaked are needed to make it work for our farmers? Plus, we’ll take you on a ride on an historic machine that’s not one...but TWO tractors, joined together!

Sean meets the deer farmer, diversifying his business…to ensure its survival. Plus, he looks at the pressures facing agriculture in 2018 – from the summer drought to a ban on insecticides that’s being blamed on an increase in pests on crops growing in the field.

This week, the products helping crops survive extreme weather...both here and in Australia. Plus, there’s more reaction to last weeks Agriculture Bill.

Sean has reaction to the Agriculture Bill, which has finally gone before Parliament this week. Plus, if you’re a beet farmer, we’ve news from British Sugar ahead of the new campaign.

Find out why MPs will be wearing special wheat pin badges at Wednesday's Prime Ministers Questions.

Sean finds out why egg producers are facing soaring costs to feed their chickens. And, we help launch this years Love Lamb Week.

We already micro-chip our pet dogs and cats...on the Farming Programme, Sean meets the researchers who are micro-chipping SLUGS! And, find out why blackcurrants - and Ribena - could be sweeter than usual this year.

We ask ‘how is business at the moment?’ Sean hears from two companies...one selling tractors the other sprayers...who are feeling positive about the year so far.

The pea harvest is over…but it’s fair to say our farmers are from far peased…err PLEASED…with it! Find out why. Also...in the week NFU Mutual released its latest rural crime report, we hear from two farmers who’ve come face to face with criminals on their farms.

We hear from the Defra Secretary Michael Gove...fresh from a drought summit, called to help farmers facing crisis this summer. Plus, there’s a word of warning from one farmer who agrees helping others IS important...but not if you’re putting your own business at risk!

How are the dry conditions affecting our sugar beet farmers and Sean visits a farm to find out how workers are battling the high temperatures, while bringing in the harvest.

with the ongoing hot weather, we find out more about just what an affect it’s all having on agriculture – from this year’s harvest to simply feeding the animals! Also, Sean takes a look at a self-milking machine, just launched in the UK from the Netherlands…where the cows actually queue up to get milked!

We hear from farming leaders on the eventful week in Westminster and what it all means for agriculture. Plus, we meet the 12 year old farmer, winning awards for his flock of sheep

As the dry spells continues, Sean looks at the effect it could have on this years harvest...including a possible shortage of some vegetables. And, there are fresh calls for a change in the law on fly-tipping.

You might have seen the images from Saddleworth Moor – as firefighters and the army tackle that huge blaze there. With the ongoing dry conditions, what’s the advice to try and stop it happening on farmland here? Also, he’s been out with the Pod-Squad, as the Pea harvest gets underway – and, still with peas we find out about a new snack…that’s becoming the latest trend, for healthier eaters.

Farming's biggest names discuss the latest agricultural issues with Sean. Among his guests will be Farming Minister George Eustice, the Deputy President of the National Farmers Union Guy Smith, and the President of the Country Landowners Association Tim Brietmeyer.

It's all about protecting our soil on the Farming Programme. It's needed to grow crops and grass to feed animals - so what happens if it's over used? Plus, an update from British Sugar and we find out how successful last weekends Open Farm Sunday was.

as it’s Open Farm Sunday, Sean will be looking at the importance of the event and just why so many farms are throwing open their gates to the public this weekend.

We find out why Wool could be a real life-saving answer to home insulation. Plus, the fight to save some of our rarest breeds of sheep, goats and horses.