Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Farming Today

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

BBC Radio 4 FM

Farming Today: Mike Tucker - Badminton, broadcasting and beef breeding

farming-today_010517_e_sophie-anton.jpg

01/05/2017

Mike Tucker - Badminton, broadcasting and beef breeding

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Mike Tucker - Badminton, broadcasting and beef breeding

A herd of Cotswold Wagyu cattle could lead the way in changing tastes for luxury beef.

Vernon Harwood meets the BBC's 'Voice of Equestrian Sport', Mike Tucker, at home on his Cotswold farm where he breeds Japanese Wagyu cattle.

This week the BBC's equestrian commentator Mike Tucker retires from broadcasting after 40 years in television. The Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire will be his last TV event but away from the microphone Mike has a passion for beef farming and is an innovator in the breeding of a renowned Japanese breed. Wagyu cattle are known for their tasty, highly marbled meat which Mike discovered in the Far East while covering the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He introduced them on to his family farm near Tetbury and now he's creating a market for his Cotswold Wagyu products in restaurants and gastro-pubs throughout the West Country. Wagyu has been called 'the world's most expensive cut of meat' and UK producers face strong competition from British beef varieties but Mike is confident that changing consumer tastes will see a major breakthrough in the next few years.
Presented by Vernon Harwood.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Farming Today

Mike Tucker - Badminton, broadcasting and beef breeding

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4