14/03/2026: Fuel and fertiliser price rises, sheep shearing visas, robotics research, farm incomes

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The conflict in the Middle East is pushing up prices of fuel and fertiliser, two of the major input costs for farmers. The British Tomato Growers Association say they expect prices for consumers to rise as growers consider finishing the UK tomato season early to save money on heating. We also hear how supplies of man made fertilisers are already being affected by the conflict, and one Wiltshire farmer's struggle to source red diesel for her tractor. The Government forecast for farm business income in England for this financial year has been released. With the exception of dairy farms and some lowland grazing businesses - all farming is forecast to see a drop in income in comparison with last year. Cereal farms are facing a cut of two thirds to an income of 17,000 pounds. That's the lowest level since the survey began in 2004. Olly Harrison who farms in the North West of England talked about his farm income. A concession had allowed around 75 sheep shearers from Australia and New Zealand to work here for the season without a work visa. The policy was due to end this year and farmers warned that would compromise sheep welfare. This week the Government announced it will allow shearers in, but they will have to get a visa at a cost of £682. Jill Hewitt from the National Association of Agricultural Contractors says she hopes the extra payment wont put sheep shearers off coming to the UK. And the Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology is working with farms and robotics companies to develop all sorts of technology, including robotic lettuce pickers and even a robot sheepdog. Robin Markwell has been for a tour and spoke to Kim Cox from Agaricus Robotics about the future of mushroom picking. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Marie Lennon