Farmers Weekly Podcast Episode 34: Growers fight for sugar beet future

Sugar beet growers hit by virus yellows could be given special permission to use neonicotinoid-treated seed next spring – if the government gives the go-ahead.

Growers are walking away from the crop after seeing yields plummet due to the disease. But will an emergency neonicotinoid application work?

See also: Beet growers reveal the massive yield cost of virus yellows

Defra secretary George Eustice hits back following criticism after suggesting UK sheep and dairy farmers could ride out a no-deal Brexit.

What was he talking about?

We’ve the latest market prices – and welcome news for farmers of an extension to annual investment allowance tax relief.

Our farm medicine usage is edging up as new sector targets are launched – but is it blip more than an upward trend?

We find out how California has cut its dairy methane by a quarter – and examine what UK producers can learn from the drive for net zero.

And we hear what happened when two Hollywood stars bought a Welsh football club and make a spoof advertisement for a farm trailer manufacturer.

This episode co-hosted by Farmers Weekly chief reporter Johann Tasker and Surrey farmer Hugh Broom, with Farmers Weekly deputy business editor Andrew Meredith.