The Farming Programme

It's Open Farm Sunday, with farms across our area opening their gates - we'll preview the event and find out more about it's aims.

After UKIP and the Greens last Sunday...this week, the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats discuss their agricultural policies, ahead of Thursdays election.

This week with Ellie Codling we have the first of two pre-election specials, as we hear from the major parties and their policies on agriculture plus a look ahead to Cereals as well as the usual grain and agronomy reports.

Could a proposed change to the use of diesel engines have a crippling effect on agriculture? We hear from the farmer who's standing up for diesel! Plus, fresh concerns over post-Brexit trade negotiations...and we ask what effect has this weeks wet-weather had on crops?

Despite showers this weekend, there's concern over the relatively dry start to the year - and the effect its having on crops. Plus, Sean visits the Newark showground for the Nottinghamshire County Show...and asks why so many agricultural shows elsewhere in the country are no longer taking place.

As the main parties prepare to publish their election manifestos, Sean look at what farmers want to see from who-ever will form the next Government. Plus, the programme discusses the increasing use of drones on our farms...and asks whether they're being used properly?

The Farming Programme visits the National Space Centre in Leicester to hear more about how robotics are shaping the future of agriculture. Plus an update from Newark's sugar beet factory...with an update from British Sugar.

This week....we talk robotics and ask whether robots really are the future for agriculture. Plus, important news on one of farming major concerns at the moment on neonicotinoids.

We're with British flower growers finding out how Brexit might affect the industry....and, as it's Easter, we talk lambing and the novel way of feeding new-born lambs.

It's Ellie Codling with the Farming Programme this week and we're out in the field discussing the issue of cover crops and direct drilling.

As Article 50 is finally triggered we ask what could happen to agriculture if farm subsidies are cut.

As the Prime Minister finally triggers Article 50, we look at the financial risks, and opportunities, of leaving the EU.

The Prime Minister backs British Farming...but what are the risks and legal implications on agriculture when we leave the EU? We'll hear from one expert who says it could take 10 years before a proper British Agricultural Policy is in place.

We hear from the new chairman of NFU Sugar...in the week a supermarket giant reveals it's changing suppliers...and no longer using products made with British Sugar. Also..we'll be at the Newark beet factory, as one campaign ends...and the next one gets underway, plus water water everywhere....we're talking water management on the land.

We have highlights from the Lincolnshire Farming Conference, held at the Lincolnshire Showground this week...including life after-Brexit, and what that might look like for agriculture.

We look BACK at the NFU Conference held in Birmingham this week ... we look FORWARD to the Lincolnshire Farming Conference - being held at the showground on Tuesday. ..and questions are raised over Defra's handling of avian flu.

As the beet campaign draws to a close we get the latest from British Sugar. Also, we chat with the NFU's Chief Arable Adviser...fighting for a fair deal for British farmers.

The latest on avian flu as Defra proposes to introduce what's known as higher risk zones for some poultry producers. We'll hear from one farmers near Horncastle who's half in/half out of the zone! Also...we meet an agricultural company at Flixborough that's beating Brexit and expanding.

Advice on sulphar levels on oil seed rape...amid fears some farmers are using TOO MUCH! Plus, an update on sugar beet, with just 3 weeks to go of this years campaign...and we've news of this years Big Farmland Bird count

Why the weather and fears over pest control are causing concerns for farmers growing oilseed rape. Plus, is it time to rethink our eating habits as a shortage of certain vegetables on supermarket shelves, deepens?

Highlights from Lamma. Plus, after Theresa May unveils her Brexit plan, are we any closer to knowing what it means for agriculture?

We're looking at ways of getting the most out of soil on the land....protecting it for future generations, while making it more profitable for those in farming today. Plus...a look ahead to next weeks Lamma Show, at the East of England Showground.

A debate at the Oxford Union found in favour of the motion that the FAMILY is the biggest threat to the future of Family Farms! With that in mind, Sean looks at how big an issue it really is and has advice that could stop families - and their farms - from tearing themselves apart! Also, an update on the sugar beet campaign and bird flu!

This week is a Boxing Day edition of the Farming Programme and it's the annual Farming Pantomime, featuring all the regulars from the programme - acting (quite badly!) as Sean presents Snow White and the Seven Brexiteers.(It even includes the return of Sally Elkington)

Concerns over the future of landworkers once Brexit becomes a reality...Plus, Sean hears from two organisations offering help for those in agriculture who may struggling this Christmas.