Farming Today

The worst ever recorded infestation of aphids has made 85% of the UK's salad crops unusable, according to the British Leafy Salads Association. Milder winters mean the aphids aren't being destroyed and larger and larger so-called 'blooms' are being experienced. It's meant turning to European imports earlier in the year.
Government plans to phase out cages for laying hens could put British producers at a disadvantage if the UK continues to allow imports of eggs from caged birds. That's one of the conclusions of a new report from the Animal Welfare Committee which advises government. It warns that while cage free systems are better for hens, the transition to barn eggs, where hens are free to move about but not go outside, could be costly, complex and disruptive without careful management.
This week we've been looking at the pests that farmers have to deal with - from moles to mice to grey squirrels. In Surrey a vineyard has brought in a laser deterrent to try and saver its grapes. And we meet a rat catcher in Scotland.
The Wildlife Trusts have managed to raise the money to buy the entire nine and a half thousand acre Rothbury Estate in Northumberland. The Trusts say they aim to deliver nature recovery at a grand scale. There are 12 farms on the estate and some in the local farming community have expressed concern about the impact the new owners will have on those farming businesses.
Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Sally Challoner.

Government plans to phase out cages for laying hens could put British producers at a disadvantage, if the UK continues to allow imports of eggs from caged birds. That's one of the conclusions of a new report from the Animal Welfare Committee which advises government. It warns that while cage free systems are better for hens, the transition to barn eggs, where hens are free to move about but not to go outside, could be costly, complex and disruptive without careful management.
The Wildlife Trusts have bought the entire 9,500-acre Rothbury Estate in Northumberland. The money has come from individuals, organisations, the National Lottery, what the Trusts describe as 'a low interest loan', and controversially last week, £2m from the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs. The Tenant Farmers' Association has called it 'an inappropriate use of public funding'.
All week we’re tracking down the animals that many farmers view as pests. Today we’re out with a molecatcher.
Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Commercial salad farmers have seen record numbers of aphids in 2026, not just here in the UK but in all of Europe’s major salad growing areas too. Up to 85% of the UK crop has been affected, leading to more being imported from Europe, earlier in the season.
This week we're looking at pest control on farms. Birds cause substantial damage, including taking fruit crops. We meet a vineyard owner who's employing a laser bird scarer to keep them off his grapes.
And we get reaction to the government's budget. The NFU says it was a 'missed opportunity', offering nothing to ease the dire cash flow problems facing farms, and no support for food production. We hear the verdict of the Country Land and Business Association.
Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Sally Challoner.

We hear from the president of the National Farmers Union on what farmers would like in today's budget. Tom Bradshaw calls for scrapping Inheritance Tax for farms, and adequately investing in a resilient food and farming sector.
We also hear from the Farming Minister Stephen Morgan who faced questions from the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee. He promised to improve the system for farmers applying for the government's support scheme, after what's been described as a shambles this year with thousands missing out.
And all the week we're looking at farm pests. Today it's the grey squirrel - a non-native invasive species that's massively impacted the UK's native red squirrel population.
Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Sally Challoner.

The government should suspend the consultation it launched yesterday on phasing out the use of carbon dioxide in the slaughter of pigs, according to AIMS - the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers. It's written to the Secretary of State warning that the move could put British producers at a disadvantage, as other countries - including the EU where the vast majority of pig meat imported into the uk is from - will continue to use co2. It wants the consultation process paused while discussions with the EU on closer alignment of the rules continue.
This week we're looking at pests on farm - and how to safely, humanely and legally get rid of them. Today, rats on a farm in Scotland, and the controller on why they're becoming more of a problem.
And the solar powered weeding robot that's a cousin of the ExoMars rover heading to Mars.
Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Sally Challoner.