Adam Henson, best known for his role in BBC’s Countryfile, acknowledged the “huge success” of Clarkson’s Farm in “opening the eyes” of people to agriculture, but also pointed out some more negative aspects
Adam Henson has shared his thoughts on the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm and pointed out a specific flaw. In an episode of Grounded: The regenerative farming podcast, Adam weighed in on the massively popular series, which is helmed by former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
In Clarkson’s Farm, relative farming novice Jeremy, having left his motoring shows in the rear-view, attempts to manage a 1,000-acre farm (named Diddly Squat Farm) near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds.
Adam, who works at the Cotswold Farm Park and is known for his presenting role in Countryfile, acknowledged the “huge success” of Jeremy’s show in “opening the eyes” of many people to agriculture, but also highlighted some more negative aspects.
He said: “Some of the positivities around farming, you know, the successes we had. You know, I think…I agree that Clarkson’s Farm has been a huge success opening the eyes of many people into agriculture that wouldn’t have otherwise watched it.”
He continued. “He spends a huge amount of money; he’s up against planning; he’s up against the weather; he’s up against disease; he spends a fortune on a tractor.
“And at the end of the year, he makes diddly squat when actually, I know lots of farmers who are incredibly successful, who are farming their land, you know, in a really positive way.”
However, Adam acknowledged that it can indeed be “tough” and it’s “good” to promote these types of stories. He claimed there were “lots of difficult things” in farming at present, highlighting both mental health issues and accidents in particular.
Conversely, the 59-year-old pointed out that there had been a “huge amount” of “incredible success stories”. He also stressed the importance of building what he dubbed an “attitude” of positivity around the industry.
Earlier this year, Adam expressed his views on celebrities who go to the Cotswolds for a break from the spotlight. Penning his thoughts for Cotswold Life Magazine, Adam claimed gossip columns are “fascinated by the film stars and fashionistas”.
He wrote: “Meanwhile, the gossip columns are fascinated by the film stars and fashionistas who come to the Cotswolds to escape the spotlight (but somehow manage to be front page news, nonetheless).”
Yet, for Adam, the area holds a different significance and is encapsulated by the “working, growing countryside”. He proceeded to highlight the Cotswolds’ fields, flowers and trees.
Adam added: “For me, the area is summed up by the working, growing countryside. Its endless acres of arable fields, a glimpse of bright wildflowers and rows of beech trees standing in silhouette on the horizon.”
He also emphasised the animals, his lifelong “companions” and “neighbours” who have “been at the heart” of his beloved farm park for more than five decades.
You can next catch Adam on Countryfile on BBC One on Sunday, October 12, from 5.15pm to 6.15pm.
