Introduction

In this episode, a Herefordshire farmer pleads guilty to damaging the River Lugg – after undertaking unauthorised river maintenance work.

Was the work necessary? Or did it cause needless environmental damage? We look at both sides of the story – and ask what happens next?

Ag-inflation is forcing agricultural contractors to increase their prices. What should you be paying for fieldwork and other farm jobs?

On the markets, we look at this year's Beef Expo event. And as shearing gets under way, we find out the latest prospects for wool.

We run the rule over the results of the ballot which decides how the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board will spend your levy money.

And we find out why the Big Farmland Bird Count is a good barometer of the work farmers do to look after the countryside and environment.

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker and Surrey Farmer Hugh Broom with FW chief reporter Phil Case.