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Farming Today: 09/02/2011

09/02/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 09/02/2011

Warnings that horses are being abandoned due to the high price of hay.

Warnings that horses are being abandoned due to the high price of hay. Charities warn of a resurgence of fly-grazing where horses are dumped on public land.

Charities and vets express concern that horses are being neglected and abandoned because owners cannot afford to feed them. Madeleine Campbell, the past President of the British Equine Veterinary Association, says that with the price of hay reaching a record high animals across the country are being neglected.

Also, the practice of flygrazing - when horses are abandoned on public or private land - is on the increase. Nicola Markwell from the charity Redwings explains what you can do if an animal appears on your land.

The UK is the 'lazy man of Europe' according to a new report by the Soil Association. Peter Melchett from the organic charity claims the government has a laissez-faire attitude to organic farming which places the UK behind other European countries.

And the Norfolk Horn sheep is thought to be one of the most ancient breeds in the country, dating back to Saxon times. With such a rare breed every sheep is important; Anna Hill helps with the delivery of a new lamb.

Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Emma Weatherill.

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09/02/2011

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