BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson lauded the “hysterical” Amazon Prime Video show, Clarkson’s Farm, calling Jeremy Clarkson a “very good storyteller”, but he did identify one problem with the series.
Adam wanted to remind potential farmers watching the popular show that the profession “isn’t all that bad”.
In a 2022 episode of Stompcast with Dr Alex George, the 58 year old farmer and TV presenter showered praise on the Jeremy Clarkson-led Amazon Prime series, stating it reached a “whole new demographic”.
However, the show’s potential influence on future farmers might not be as positive, as Adam fears the emphasis on the challenging aspects of farming throughout the series could deter people from considering a career in agriculture.
Adam commented: “I thought it was hysterical. I think he’s a very good storyteller. I thought it reached a whole new demographic of people to learn about the countryside.
“I don’t think it encouraged anybody to get into farming because it made it out to be completely grim. For the listeners, anybody who’s thinking about farming, and that’s all you’ve watched, it isn’t all that bad. There are some real highlights of farming.”
Dr Alex responded by saying the popular series “got people to watch it” who may not have previously been interested in a show about farming, and they might then proceed to tune into a show like Countryfile.
The youth mental health ambassador suggested that fans of Clarkson’s Farm and Countryfile seem to grasp how “amazing” the profession is, despite its undeniable challenges.
He shared his own passion for farming, stating: “There’s something about like, you know, doing things that are difficult are often worthwhile in the end because you feel like, ‘I’ve really achieved something’.”
“And I mean, as I said, I’ve been surrounded by farming. It wasn’t my upbringing, but I’ve seen farming around me, and I loved it when there’s, like, hay season, bailing and all that kind of thing.”
Dr Alex discussed the satisfaction farmers can experience when they reach that “moment” where they can step back, look at what they’ve cultivated, and realise their sheep exist because they’ve “farmed the land”.
The ex-Love Island star also expressed his admiration from afar for the “amazing” feeling of saying, “I have grown this”, and these animals are here because “I look after them”.
The Countryfile presenter agreed with the sentiment, telling Dr Alex: “There absolutely is. And you know, it is very rewarding. And it can be hard work, and it can be very challenging.”
Clarkson’s Farm, fronted by former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, wrapped up its third series earlier this year, but the Grand Tour celebrity hinted at a “rough year” for Diddly Squat Farm ahead of the fourth season.
