27/09/2011

Anna Hill hears that hundreds of pig farmers are leaving the business each year. The industry blames the rising price of feed, which accounts for over half the cost of raising the animals. Mick Sloyan from the industry body BPEX warns that farmers are losing seven pounds on each animal they sell.

The number of hedgehogs has reduced to fewer than one and a half million - down from thirty million in the 1960s. That's according to Oxford University's wildlife conservation unit which has been researching Britain's mammals. Farming Today hears that agriculture has played a big part in their decline, as hedgerows have been taken out and habitat has dwindled.

The hot weather expected this week might be welcomed by many, but fruit farmers are worried that pests could benefit and the rest of the apple harvest could be affected. And Helen Chivers from the Met Office says after the hot spell, farmers will be faced with October frosts.

Presenter: Anna Hill Producer: Melvin Rickarby.