Farming Today

13/09/21 Badger cull considered in NI, potatoes, modern cultivators

Farming Today

Badger culls in England are underway. There are currently 40 areas where culls are taking place. Supporters say that they are an important part of controlling TB in cattle by removing badgers which is believed to carry and transmit the disease. Critics say the culls are inhumane, expensive and don’t work. Last year following an independent review of its strategy the Government announced it aimed to phase out the culls in England and focus instead on vaccinating both badgers and livestock, and controlling livestock movements. The devolved nations have different approaches with no culls in Scotland, and the Welsh First Minister saying β€˜no’ to a cull in Wales in June. In Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture has just closed a consultation on its bovine TB strategy, and is considering culling badgers for the first time, which is proving controversial. Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

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