The Farming Programme

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.