Countryfile – Breaking into Farming

Countryfile - Breaking into Farming

Countryfile – Breaking into Farming: Charlotte Smith and Steve Brown are visiting first-time farmers around the country to discover the trials and tribulations of trying to break into the industry. Steve is in Hampshire finding out what made a former marine and a recruitment worker decide to enter the notoriously tough dairy industry. Charlotte is in Worcestershire to discover what made a successful hairdresser ditch the salon to rear a Valais sheep and Wagyu cattle.


 

 



 

In West Wales, Charlotte meets a pair of duck farmers who quit the rat race in London and put all their eggs in one basket. On the Isle of Wight, Adam Henson is visiting Medina College which has started a new GCSE course in agriculture, joining the pupils as they get hands-on experience looking after livestock. Charlotte also finds out why farm tenancies are few and far between.

Stories are shared of the people, places and issues at the heart of the British countryside. Popular features include the programme’s photography contest, which culminates in a yearly calendar sold to benefit charity, the Video Diary, produced by viewers and focused on life in rural areas, and the weather forecasts.

 

Countryfile – Breaking into Farming

 

As an expert in the British countryside, Countryfile – Cotswolds offers weekly coverage on BBC One of rural, agricultural, and environmental issues in the United Kingdom. The program features a diverse range of presenters including John Craven, Adam Henson, Matt Baker, Tom Heap, Ellie Harrison, Paul Martin, Anita Rani, Helen Skelton, Steve Brown, Charlotte Smith, and Sean Fletcher. Each episode delves into the unique stories, characters, and traditions of a specific location or region. The program covers a variety of topics such as wildlife conservation, farming, food production, the arts, countryside crafts, social history, and leisure activities.

Journalism also plays a significant role in the program’s agenda, with Rural Affairs Correspondent Tom Heap or John Craven presenting a weekly investigation into pressing issues affecting the British countryside. Farmer Adam Henson joined the program in 2001 and in 2009, began hosting the “Adam’s Farm” segment which gives viewers an in-depth look into running a mixed farm in the Cotswolds.

In 2013, the program celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special edition guest-edited by The Prince of Wales. The episode, “Countryfile: A Royal Appointment,” followed the team as they joined the Prince on his Gloucestershire farm to learn about his passions for the British countryside, rare breed animals, organic farming and hedge-laying. Countryfile also traveled to County Durham to explore efforts to support struggling hill farmers and to a London school where pupils are growing and cooking their own food. To mark the occasion, the program also featured a new title sequence and re-versioned music composed by David Lowe.

Valais sheep

The Valais sheep is a breed of domestic sheep that originated in the Valais region of Switzerland. They are known for their large size and the quality of their meat, which is considered to be some of the best in the world. The breed is also prized for its wool, which is long and thick, making it ideal for the production of textiles and clothing. Valais sheep are hardy and adaptable, making them well suited to a range of environments, from the high alpine pastures of Switzerland to the lowlands of other countries.

Wagyu Cattle

Wagyu cattle are a breed of cattle originating from Japan. They are prized for their high-quality, marbled meat that is considered to be some of the best in the world. The intense marbling in the meat gives it a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. Wagyu beef is often used in high-end culinary dishes, such as steaks and sushi. In Japan, there are four main breeds of Wagyu cattle, each with unique characteristics and qualities. These breeds include Tajima, Tottori, Shimane, and Miyazaki. Wagyu cattle are also raised outside of Japan, in countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

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