Farmland birds, environmental stewardship, beetroot harvest

The annual count of farmland birds is expected to show another decline when it's published by Defra later this morning. The annual 'bird index' began nearly 50 years ago, and has seen a year on year decrease in species such as the grey partridge, the turtle dove and corn bunting. The RSPB is calling for more targeted financial help for farmers to sustain natural habitats.
It's been a good growing season for many agricultural crops, but some beetroot and potato farmers are now struggling after seeing sales fall by as much as 20 percent. With more product around, but less demand, prices are being affected, and some farmers are having their contracts cut.
We report on a free app that can help farmers work out the available nitrogen, phosphate and potash values in manure and slurry.