Broadcasts for farmers

Episode 1308,   Feb 20, 2017, 08:48 AM

1925 saw the announcement of programming for rural workers but came to be enjoyed by listeners generally.

A new morning weather forecast was introduced - and a weekly summary of farm produce prices in the home markets.

The market prices for farmers were an addition to the regular Farmers' Talks. These appeared amongst the specialised talks that comprised a fair proportion of early radio broadcasts, and made no allowance for the general listener. Typical talks for farmers at the time included Ducks for Egg Production, Experiments on the Manuring of Roots in Dorset, Phosphatic Manures for Spring Use, and one on the Agricultural Holdings Act 1923.

Farming programmes on radio developed over the years, including On Your Farm and Farming Today. These programmes served and reflected the agricultural community, whilst developing a following amongst politicians and general listeners, providing a glimpse of rural life for wistful urban dwellers.