The last few months have shown just how many farmers and people connected with the countryside turn to BBC Devon Online when they want the latest information.
That is why we're now offering a whole section dedicated to matters of the countryside.
Our new pages feature Farmers' Forum; a message board where you can discuss issues with like-minded people, regular bulletins from the county's NFU, the latest Newsand Features concerning the countryside and rural affairs, Video and Audio Interviews with the decision makers, and - coming soon - a page dedicated to Devon's Young Farmers.
Grass Roots is a regular diary of one Devon farmer who was affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak and who is now looking to the future. Anton Coaker from Hexworthy will be writing from the heart as he pens his views and asks for yours.
 | Presenter Sam Smith and Producer Sarah Swadling who will be concentrating their efforts on rural affairs every Monday evening |
Our colleagues at BBC Radio Devon are also showing their commitment to the industry with the launch of a new weekly programme; "Country Matters" which will be presented by Sam Smith, a regular on Spotlight - BBC South West’s regional evening television news programme.
Sam has also worked on Radio Four's Farming Today. Sam says: “We heard how some farmers switched off their tractors out in the fields at 8.15am every morning to hear the latest update on the outbreak from the NFU’s Anthony Gibson. In the coming months we hope Country Matters will become just as vital to people in the Devon countryside.”
Sarah Swadling, BBC Radio Devon's Rural Affairs reporter, will produce and report for the show. Sarah, who comes from a farming background in North Devon and claims to know one end of a cow from the other, says: “As part of BBC Radio Devon’s commitment to rural affairs the creation of Country Matters means we will be dealing with stories of vital importance to the farming community - long after they’ve disappeared from the national headlines!”
Country Matters will be broadcast across the county every Monday evening at 7.00pm on 103.4, 104.3, 94.8 & 95.8FM
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