One of the new stars of Clarkson’s Farm has opened up about her past, where she has been farming her whole life and has been driving tractors from a young age
Harriet Cowan, the breakout star from Clarkson’s Farm, has shared her extensive tractor-driving experience in a bid to encourage more young women to consider a career in agriculture. The nurse-turned-farmhand joined the latest instalment of the Amazon Prime series, stepping up to help ex-Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson at Diddly Squat Farm while fan favourite Kaleb Cooper was on tour.
Online supporters have been singing praises for Harriet’s enthusiasm for farming and her determination to demonstrate that ‘girly girls’ can handle tractors and livestock just as competently as men. The 24-year-old even gave Jeremy Clarkson a run for his money during her stint on the show.
With over ten years under her belt, it’s no wonder Harriet seemed so at home on the farm. In a surprising twist, she disclosed the reason behind her proficiency with tractors.
The Belper-based farmhand revealed she started driving them at roughly 12 years old. During a Q&A with her half a million followers on social media, Harriet dropped this bombshell.
Answering queries on Instagram, she was inundated with questions on Monday (30 Jun). A follower asked: “How many years have you been farming?” Harriet replied: “Lived on a farm my whole life but been driving tractors from around 12.”
The Government has set age restrictions for driving agricultural tractors, with 16 to 17 being the limit depending on the distance driven and the size of the vehicle. However, children aged 13 and above are permitted to operate one under specific conditions as outlined by the Health and Safety Executive.
Ever since stepping in for the much-loved Kaleb Cooper during part of season four, the farmhand has relished her time in the limelight. She has also been candid about her past in nursing, confessing a preference for farming over hospital work.
In response to the question, “If you had to choose between farming and the NHS which one would you choose? ,” the farmhand shared a video of herself in a tractor and commented: “I mean there’s not much beating this.”
Harriet recently guided her 493,000 Instagram followers to her new business venture, Cowan Contracting.
The page’s bio states: “Cowan Contracting ~ family business. Eddy Cowan / Harriet Cowan. Contracting needs over Derbyshire. Based in Belper.”
One of the posts on the page announces: “We are Cowan Contracting. The faces behind the page: this business is a family-run business! And we promote women in farming. Please drop us a message for any contracting enquires or fodder enquires.”
Additionally, Harriet has opened up about her enduring relationship with her partner, James Booth.
