Farming Today

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

BBC Radio 4 LW

Farming Today: 01/01/20 - The Archers at 70: the farmers of Ambridge

01/01/20 - The Archers at 70: the farmers of Ambridge

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 01/01/20 - The Archers at 70: the farmers of Ambridge

Charlotte Smith looks back at 70 years of farming in The Archers.

As The Archers turns 70, Charlotte Smith takes a look at how the programme has chronicled the changes in farming.

The Archers was first broadcast on 1st January 1951. To celebrate it's 70th Birthday, Charlotte Smith looks back at how the programme has chronicled the changes in farming, and asks how the future landscape of Ambridge could look.

She speaks to the Editor, Jeremy Howe, about the role of farming in the drama, to the Agricultural Storyline Advisor, Sarah Swadling, about how fictional farms can be used to explore very real changes in farming policy over the next few years, and to the actor who plays David Archer, Tim Bentinck, about the secrets behind the sounds.

We also delve into the archives, uncovering gems like a 50s egg-washing  machine!

Presented by Charlotte Smith
Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

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

01/01/20 - The Archers at 70: the farmers of Ambridge

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4