The Archers and BBC Local Radio collaborate for Farmwatch

BBC Farmwatch is returning to highlight England’s farming communities across BBC Local Radio and the wider BBC, including The Archers.

This year’s Farmwatch will explore the people, places and challenges shaping modern farming, with a particular focus on the cost of food as the cost of living rises for many listeners.

Presenters from BBC Local Radio stations will take part in Farm Swap, gaining hands-on experience of working on local farms.

A special investigation called Burgerflation will examine what it really costs a family to enjoy a barbecue, aiming to give audiences a clearer picture of food expenses.

Listeners can also experience farming in real time through the new Mooscast, a livestream following cows from the field to the milking parlour.

The day will conclude with an all-England evening show hosted by Harriet Cowan from Clarkson’s Farm and Joe Seels, a farmer and YouTuber, broadcast on all 39 BBC Local Radio stations.

In a first for BBC Local Radio, there will be a simultaneous broadcast with BBC Radio 4’s The Archers, celebrating rural life with a specially written episode.

Jeremy Howe, Editor of The Archers, said: “The Archers is the world’s longest-running continuing drama and has always celebrated life and farming in rural England, ever since it began 75 years ago. We are delighted to join up with BBC Local Radio’s epic Farmwatch Day.”

BBC Farmwatch begins Thursday 30 July on BBC Local Radio and across the BBC.