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Farming Today: 27/01/21 Environment Bill delayed; Water management; Sexed Semen; Soft Cheese

US secretary of agriculture, EFRA Committee reports, haricot beans

27/01/21 Environment Bill delayed; Water management; Sexed Semen; Soft Cheese

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 27/01/21 Environment Bill delayed; Water management; Sexed Semen; Soft Cheese

Conservationists dismayed by further delays to the passing of the Environment Bill.

Conservationists dismayed by further delays to the passing of the Environment Bill, plus why dairy farmers are choosing to use sexed semen.

Conservationists say they are angry at another 6 month delay to the progress of the Environment Bill, which was originally launched in the summer of 2018. The Government says the pandemic has resulted in exceptional pressure on the Parliamentary timetable. However organisations including The Wildlife Trusts says it raises questions over the Government's commitment to leaving the environment in a better state for the next generation.

The importance of managing water effectively is highlighted in a report today from the National Farmers Union. It is pressing the government to bring together Water Companies, the Environment Agency and their own farming members to plan ahead for a longer-term water strategy which includes coping with flooding but also saving water too. 

As we continue our week looking at the dairy industry we look at one of the serious problems facing the industry - how to avoid producing too many male calves. The farm assurance scheme Red Tractor has brought in new rules banning the routine euthanasia of calves - so does this mean more farmer will choose to use sexed semen?  

And we speak to a large soft- cheese making firm in Nottinghamshire about the uncertainties that have come about during the pandemic. 

Presented by Anna Hill
Produced in Bristol by Natalie Donovan

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