A star of Clarkson’s Farm has spoken out after receiving a wave of online criticism about her appearance, issuing an emotional response that has resonated with many viewers.
Harriet Cowan, a 24-year-old farmer from Derbyshire, joined the latest series of the Prime Video programme earlier this year. The season, released across May and June, saw Cowan step into a more prominent role while long-time fan favourite Kaleb Cooper was away on tour.
During her time on the show, Cowan worked closely with Jeremy Clarkson at the farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, helping keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. Although her appearance in the series was relatively brief, she quickly became a recognisable and popular figure among viewers.
However, that increased visibility also brought unwanted attention. On Monday, Cowan took to Instagram to address a series of negative comments that had been directed at her online, many of which focused on her appearance rather than her work.
Some commenters questioned her farming credentials, suggesting she was attempting to become a media personality rather than a genuine farmer. Others criticised her for wearing makeup or appearing well-presented while working, arguing that this did not fit their perception of what a “real” farm worker should look like.
One comment claimed that farm workers “don’t apply full makeup and get their hair done to drive a tractor,” while another suggested that more “informative” voices should be given space within farming discussions. A further remark accused Cowan of seeking unnecessary attention, stating that farmers had worked for generations without public recognition.
In response, Cowan shared a candid and emotional statement, expressing frustration at the tone and persistence of the criticism. Addressing the comments directly, she defended both her experience and her right to speak about farming.
“Yes, I’m doing a panel about females in farming,” she wrote. “But I think I earn the right to do so when day in, day out I work just the same as every other farmer — covered in muck. Who cares if I wear makeup or not?”
She went on to highlight her family background in agriculture, explaining that farming was not a recent career choice but something she had grown up with. “I have farmed alongside my granddad and my dad. I genuinely love it. This is my job,” she said, adding that much of the criticism appeared to stem from her being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Cowan also acknowledged that she had previously tried to limit what she shared online in the hope of reducing negative reactions, but said the comments continued regardless. “Remember, we are real people,” she added.
Earlier this month, Cowan addressed similar issues in a column for Farmers Guardian, reflecting on her experiences as a woman working in agriculture. She wrote that while farming could still be challenging for women, her experience had not been entirely negative.
“There are still times when I have to prove myself twice over, or assumptions are made before you have even closed the cab door,” she said. “But I also have a community where I have grown up farming, and I have not been seen as any less able than the lads I work with.”
She also recalled advice from a former employer, who told her he preferred having women operating machinery because they tended to take greater care of equipment.
Cowan’s comments have prompted renewed discussion among fans of the programme and within the farming community about representation, expectations, and how those in the public eye are treated once their work reaches a wider audience.
