03/08/2024: Crime in the Countryside; Renewable Energy; Rural broadband

Farming Today

Many rural people are feeling 'vulnerable and intimidated' because of crime according to the National Farmers Union. Figures out this week from the insurers NFU Mutual put the cost at just under £53 million last year - up from 50 million in 2022.

The new Labour government is putting renewable energy at the heart of its plans - it wants to double the power from onshore wind farms and triple solar power - both on buildings and in fields.

One farm is benefitting from the rain we've endured over recent months, because they want their farm to be more sustainable. So as well as reducing inputs of bought-in feed, fertiliser and fuel and creating new habitats, they are producing hydro-electric power. It keeps their bills down and they can sell electricity back into the grid.

A survey by the NFU has shown that while there has been some improvement in the provision of superfast broadband, only 34% of farmers who responded have a fibre connection.

And the combines are out at last, one farmer reflects on the joys of a little sunshine.

Presented by Charlotte Smith

Produced by Alun Beach