The editor of Farmers Weekly, Andrew Meredith, has responded to a recent article in the Guardian celebrating the 75th anniversary of the long-running radio programme The Archers. In a letter to the editor, Meredith took issue with a suggestion that his publication may not be as substantial as the Guardian.
Defending Farmers Weekly
Meredith wrote: 'Felicity Cloake’s excellent article about The Archers, marking its 75th anniversary, had one discordant note. She implied that Farmers Weekly may not count as a very substantial publishing brand when measured against the Guardian. Perish the thought. My excellent team write articles that are as substantial as brown sourdough sprinkled with bran flakes.'
He went on to highlight three recent articles from Farmers Weekly: an update on the tax treatment of ecosystem services, analysis of the nascent promise of biostimulants for maize crops, and an opinion column bemoaning morning sickness being triggered by duck poo. 'If that doesn’t butter your parsnips, you’re beyond help,' he added.
Reader's Toast to The Archers
Another letter came from Toby Wood of Peterborough, who congratulated The Archers on its 75 years of 'harmless radio entertainment'. He said: 'I shall pop into the Bull and toast the long-running soap with a pint of Shires, apparently the only drink available, since lager, stout, mild and craft beers are never mentioned.'
The Guardian invites readers to submit letters for publication on any topic covered in the newspaper.
