Bees or beet? The controversial question of whether to use neonicotinoids that can harm bees on Britain’s sugar beet. The Wildlife Trusts are mounting a challenge to the Government’s green light to the emergency use of the pesticide on sugar beet seed being planted this spring. D-Day for final approval is two weeks today when scientists will rule if the there’s a real possibility of a virus threat to the sugar beet and the seed treatment will be used.

Across the week on Farming Today, we’re having a look at rare breeds. Today a success story from Northern Ireland. Back in the 1970s, native Irish moiled cattle numbers had fallen to just 30. But there are now 1000 of these freckled-faced red cattle with traditionally a white line on their backs and tummies. It’s all down to the rare breeds farm at the Ulster Folk Museum and some dedicated local breeders.

You might have seen a boom in the number of fields of maize growing across the UK; for farmers it’s excellent forage for livestock and it’s in demand as fuel for anaerobic digestors. But maize has its critics: a late harvest can leave fields bare and and poor management can lead to rainwater pouring off fields causing flooding, pollution and soil damage. The Maize Growers Association is working to tackle some of those problems and has trial sites to find more sustainable growing methods.

Presented by Sybil Ruscoe and produced by Beatrice Fenton.