Farming Today This Week

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Farming Today: 30/01/21: Farming Today This Week; Dairy production, Badger Cull, Heather Burning

30/01/21: Farming Today This Week; Dairy production, Badger Cull, Heather Burning

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 30/01/21: Farming Today This Week; Dairy production, Badger Cull, Heather Burning

At the end of Veganuary we take a look at dairy farming, and the end of the badger cull.

At the end of Veganuary we take a look at dairy farming; and the government announces the beginning of the end of the badger cull.

2021 wasn't an easy year for dairy farmers, Covid-19 lockdowns removed much of their market, and this year thus far hasn’t been much easier. All the while, this month's Veganuary campaign has had a focus on what campaigners say are the animal welfare and environmental problems with dairy products. We explore some of the issues - beginning with a campaign from Oat milk producers Oatly which has got some farmers hot under the collar. 

The environment minister Rebecca Pow tells us that the Environment Bill will be passed into law ahead of the COP26 climate summit in November - despite more delays in its progress through Parliament. Earlier this week campaigners criticised the government for the hold up saying it sends a terrible message to the world. 

We also hear how the government is going to bring in legislation to ban heather burning in certain blanket bog areas. The practice of setting heather-covered moorland on fire is often carried out by gamekeepers on shooting estates to create more attractive habitats for grouse. It is sometimes also used as a way of preventing wildfires - but conservationists have argued it also damages blanket bogs and other peatlands.

And Defra announced a consultation this week on the future strategy for Bovine TB with the phasing out of the badger cull. We speak to UK chief vet, Christine Middlemiss. 

Presented by Charlotte Smith
Produced in Bristol by Natalie Donovan

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