[Troubled Waters]

BBC 1 now

[Rosemary]

Damn. It must be repeated.

[sellickbhoy]

check the BBC i player rosemary

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00mbv07/Countryfile_23_08_2009/

[Bodger]

I watched it and really enjoyed it.

[Troubled Waters]

Didn't have time for a longer post last night.  We watched it and enjoyed it as ever. The young couple with the pigs had quite a large back garden but looked like a fairly built up area so I guess anyone really can keep them if they have the space. And so cool that the lad was taking such a responsible interest and convincing his parents.

Was suprised to hear that 10% of pigs (or was is pork produced) are on smallholdings and garden keepers.  I thought that was great to hear.

I don't think Countryfile is quite as agri focussed as it used to be for those already with knowledge but I guess if ti gets other people to take and interest who might not have thought about it before then that is good.  I still like to watch it!

[Farmer]

I like the programme and enjoyed the item, but I wish they would check their facts sometimes...it was stated that the pigs were raised for 18 weeks before being sent for slaughter...26 weeks is a mean average and some take even longer before they reach their prime...commercially kept pigs are usually killed at between 18 - 20 weeks after being fed on growth enhancers...smallholder's do not rush the process!

I also felt that the item concerning eating red meat was more than a little one sided...it seemed to suggest that eating red meat is bad for you no matter what....utter rubbish...eating a varied diet and being sensible about the amount you eat is sound advice...but suggesting that your health will be detrimentally effected by eating red meat is complete nonsense...every individual is different and there are many factors that may effect your health...but one thing for certain, meat obtained from animals that have been kept free of unnecessary growth enhancers, chemicals and other additives, which have been raised in a loving and stress free environment is a million times better than most of the c**p you buy in a supermarket!

Farmer
 

[MiriMaran]

I don't think it was saying all red meat is bad for your health, but just that maybe we should be cutting down on the red meat we eat.

The problem I have with these magazine style programmes is that they only give you small amounts of information.  For example, the pig family - it may tempt silly people to do the same who don't bother to research properly before taking the plunge and then find they are way over their heads.

I did wonder what farmers watching the programme will have thought of the Meat Free Monday Campaign?!

[Rosemary]

What a stupid idea. Monday's when you eat the leftovers of the Sunday roast.