麻豆约拍

Cattle vets are predicting the number of confirmed cases of Schmallenberg in cows could be less than those seen in Europe. The British Cattle Veterinary Association says the signs of illness and reduced milk yield seen in affected cows on the continent last year, were not reported by farmers in the UK. The disease causes birth defects in lambs, calves and goat kids. The Government has confirmed 5 cases on cattle farms.

Farmers in drought stricken parts of the UK are being forced to rethink what crops and vegetables they plant, and when. The ground water level in the south and east of England is at its lowest levels since the dry summer of 1976. Many farmers are now cutting back on crops such as potatoes, carrots and onions which all need extra water.

And Secretary of State Caroline Spelman unveils the locations of a dozen of new Nature Improvement Areas. Its hoped the sites will help will create wildlife havens and encourage local people to get involved with nature. Mrs Spelman also responds to an announcement of a legal challenge to the planned badger cull in England later this year.

This programme was presented by Anna Hill and produced in Birmingham by Angela Frain.