Farmers Weekly Podcast Ep 271: Stewardship cliff edge, Agroforestry Show and beef calf strategy

In this episode, thousands of farmers face a cliff-edge when their countryside stewardship agreements expire – with nothing to replace them.

Those with mid-tier schemes running out at the end of this year – just three months away – are facing a stark choice: maintain beneficial environmental features at their own expense, or destroy them and plant  crops to earn some much-needed income.

See also: How Arable Insights farmers are using cover crops in rotation

The dilemma could be resolved by a Defra announcement – but departmental delays mean the clock is ticking and time is running out.

It’s Back British Farming Day – what better timing for Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds to deliver her first speech as minister to farmers?

Plus we visit the Agroforestry Show, and a new beef-calf strategy is launched for milk producers.

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.

To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk.

In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

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