Harriet Cowan, a breakout star from Clarkson’s Farm, recently sat down with Iona Mori and Cammy Wilson for a candid interview on their Fed by Farmers podcast. As she shared her journey from farming to social media fame, Harriet’s story revealed the hard work, pressure, and unique experiences that come with being thrust into the spotlight.
From Nurse to Tractor Driver
Harriet’s journey into farming began in Derbyshire, where she was raised by a family deeply involved in agriculture. Though she initially pursued nursing, Harriet always found herself gravitating toward farming. “I started driving tractors at 12,” she recalled, explaining how she took on more farming responsibilities after her parents’ divorce. By 16, Harriet was working on the family farm, and soon after, she transitioned into contracting work.
While nursing took up much of her time, Harriet’s connection to farming grew stronger, leading her to eventually leave the medical field for full-time agriculture. However, her passion for farming was not only grounded in the work itself but also in a desire to represent women in agriculture, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Social Media Fame and the “Sheep Game”
Harriet’s rise to fame began with a simple but effective approach—creating social media content while working long hours on the farm. “I was sat on a tractor from 4 PM to 2 AM and thought, ‘Why not film it?’” Harriet explained. She began sharing videos of her farming experiences, and her authenticity resonated with viewers. “I went from 8K Instagram followers to 500,000 overnight,” she said, highlighting the overwhelming growth of her social media presence.
This sudden fame came with its challenges. Harriet discussed the intense scrutiny that came with being in the public eye, explaining how sometimes people expect you to be something you’re not. “It was crazy,” she said, adding that she would have preferred to stay the anonymous girl from Young Farmers. “I just want to be that girl no one knows,” she laughed.
However, despite the pressures, Harriet remains grounded, stating that the most rewarding part of her newfound fame is the opportunity to inspire young girls to consider farming as a career. “I’ve had so many DMs from young girls saying they want to get into farming because of me,” she shared.
Life After Clarkson’s Farm
Harriet’s time on Clarkson’s Farm was pivotal, giving her the chance to work alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Kaleb Cooper, and the rest of the team. She spoke fondly of her experience on the show, noting that Jeremy was like a father figure to her during filming. However, the exposure also brought some unexpected challenges, including the pressure of being constantly in the public eye. “I just wanted to be myself,” Harriet said, emphasizing how important it was to stay true to who she is, both on and off screen.
Looking ahead, Harriet expressed a desire to continue building her career in farming while pursuing new opportunities. “I want to buy my own farm,” she said, referring to her long-term goal of owning and operating her own land. “Farming is what I’ve always wanted to do, and now, with the opportunities I’ve had, it’s becoming more of a reality.”
The Future of Farming and Social Media
Harriet’s story isn’t just about personal success; it’s also about changing the face of farming. Through her social media presence and her work on Clarkson’s Farm, she’s helping to break down barriers for women in the industry. Her message is simple: “If you want to get into farming, start at the bottom and work your way up,” she advised. “It’s not going to be easy, but if you’re passionate about it, you’ll get there.”
As she continues to gain followers and influence, Harriet remains committed to farming and making a difference in the industry. Whether she’s lambing in Scotland, helping on the farm, or partnering with brands, Harriet is making her mark on both the farming world and social media. Her message of resilience and authenticity is one that resonates with many, ensuring her place as one of the most relatable and inspiring figures in modern farming.
With her sights set on expanding her farming business, Harriet is clearly ready to take on the next chapter in her career—one tractor ride, social media post, and farm at a time.
