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.