Farmers have reacted with dismay to reports Farmwatch may be scrapped at the end of the year
Farmers have launched a petition to save a much-loved farming programme after reports the BBC plans to axe it at the end of the year.
Radio Lincolnshire's Farmwatch show, now presented by Sean Dunderdale, has been broadcast across the county for more than 40 years and has become a firm favourite with rural listeners keen to keep track of the latest news and views from one of the country's main farming regions.
'Keeps me in touch with an industry I love'
Farmer Matt from Claypole said he was devastated by the potential loss of the show which is aired at 6pm every Sunday evening.
The Lincolnshire contractor was forced to retire early from farming after he was diagnosed with cancer. He told Farmers Guardian, Farmwatch was a programme he looked forward to listening to each week.
Read more about how farmers are coming together to fight for farming
"It is such a shame. I was forced to take early retirement because of the cancer and this is one of the only things that keeps me in touch with the industry I love.
"Soon there will be nothing for people like me who want to keep up with local things. Farming can be so isolating but shows like this keep people interested. It helps educate younger ones about farming and where their food comes from too.
'Too much spent on Strictly Come Dancing'
"I do not know what the BBC has got to gain by axing it - it cannot cost a lot to make. They are spending too much on Strictly Come Dancing. It is typical of life at the moment just full of fat cats skimming off all the cream."
The BBC said owing to corporation-wide savings it had simplified its evening weekday schedules across all 39 stations putting a focus on live sport, local news, community and new talent and grassroots music shows.听
51AV视频life 'fundamental to local radio'
It insisted farming will remain a large part of all its coverage on Radio Lincolnshire, highlighting its annual Farmwatch campaign which saw it collaborate with shows such as The Archers. But it said ad hoc specialist shows had been being removed across its radio over recent years, noting that other local radio stations also do not broadcast dedicated farming shows.
A BBC spokesperson said: "Reflecting farm life, news and information is fundamental to local radio, particularly for our stations based in rural areas like Lincolnshire. Farming will remain a key part of all our coverage on Radio Lincolnshire as will our huge Farmwatch initiative across the Local Radio network."
The move to axe the show has also been criticised by Leadenham arable farmer Andrew Ward MBE, who branded the move a 鈥榖ig shame'.
"This is another example of the BBC and others showing what little importance they place on rural life, food production and farming.
"It is one of the last programmes on the air which deals with rural life and whether you are interested in farming, rural life or the environment, it is a show that links our community."
Petition to save the show
Farmer Matt said farmers and residents were determined to do all they could to save the show and have launched a calling for the BBC to reconsider any possible shutdown.
The petition states: "I urge you to join me in this cause to save our beloved Farmwatch programme. Let's keep this vital link alive for future generations to enjoy and benefit from, just as I did with my father. Please sign this petition to show your support and help ensure that BBC Radio Lincolnshire retains this cherished programme. Together, we can make a difference."
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