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Farming Today: 01/08/2011

01/08/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 01/08/2011

Satellite monitored cows are helping restore wildlife habitats in the Lake District.

Farmers will be tracking their cows by satellite when the animals are reintroduced to Lakeland fells. Natural England hopes the cattle will help improve biodiversity.

Sarah Swadling hears how cattle are being reintroduced to the Lakeland fells to help improve biodiversity. Until the 1970's cattle were a common site on the hills, but since sheep took over, many environmentalists believe wildlife has suffered due to overgrazing. Natural England hopes the highland cattle will rid the commons of rampant blue moorgrass and enable other plants, insects and animals to flourish. And farmers in East Cumbria will also be able to monitor the cows from the comfort of their farmhouse using satellite technology. 

The winter barley yield was down by third this year on Mark Ireland's arable farm in Lincolnshire. This week Mark and his family have opened up the farm to Farming Today as they frantically harvest their crop. The team will be helping out in the fields and following his progress every step of the way. 

In Lincolnshire 85% of the land is used for food production. BBC Lincolnshire's Alan Stennett explains why the county is so suited to farming. 

Presenter: Sarah Swadling Producer: Angela Frain.

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01/08/2011

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