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Farming Today: Art in the Fields, Mussel farming ban, Dairy genetics

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20/05/2014

Art in the Fields, Mussel farming ban, Dairy genetics

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Art in the Fields, Mussel farming ban, Dairy genetics

Has breeding for yield been at the cows' expense? And the farm art to be seen by billions.

Tour De France viewers worldwide will see giant artworks in the fields surrounding the start in Yorkshire. And we discuss whether dairy breeding has focussed on yield over welfare.

On average dairy cows are producing around a thousand litres more milk annually than they were in 2001. Compassion in World Farming and the farmer advice body DairyCo discuss whether the breeding industry has focussed on production to the detriment of welfare.

Mussel harvesting has been banned on the Fal Estuary in Cornwall. Routine water testing found levels of E Coli exceeded limits set by the Food Standards Agency.

The Tour De France has a worldwide TV audience of billions. When it starts in Yorkshire later this year, viewers will see a series of giant artworks in farmers' fields behind the action.

Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Sarah Swadling.

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Art in the Fields, Mussel farming ban, Dairy genetics

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