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: Brexit, Robot workers and Toad Watch

farming-today_monday_1211_getty.jpg

19/03/2018

Brexit, Robot workers and Toad Watch

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Brexit, Robot workers and Toad Watch

Sybil Ruscoe asks if UK farming is ready for Brexit.

Farming priorities ahead of Brexit, 'Kevin' the robotic farm worker and Norfolk's Toad Patrol.

Brexit is just a year away so what needs to be done in the next 12 months to make EU withdrawal smooth for British farming? Agricultural analyst Cedric Porter says top of the list should be decisions on Irish border trade, the transition period and new 'green' subsidies. 

Many farms rely on seasonal workers and EU nationals, especially for planting, weeding and harvest, but one arable firm thinks robotics are the way forward. Pollybell Organic Farms in Nottinghamshire is investing in a prototype four-wheeled rover-bot to work in the fields. 

Norfolk's Toad Watch volunteers are saving lives again this spring. Amphibians of all sorts are heading back to their breeding ponds later than normal due to the recent freezing weather and once more risk death as they cross busy roads. But human patrols, and a handy bucket, are making all the difference. 

Presented by Sybil Ruscoe.
Produced 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

Brexit, Robot workers and Toad Watch

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4