Countryfile’s Adam Henson recently found himself defending the beloved BBC series following a light-hearted comment during a chat about the future of British farming.
The conversation, held at Cotswold Farm Park, featured Adam alongside fellow farmer and social media figure Olly Harrison. Their discussion turned to public understanding of farming, food production, and how the industry communicates its challenges and realities to consumers.
When Adam asked Olly if consumer awareness had improved in recent years, Olly attributed much of the change to increased visibility, mentioning “the Clarkson effect” as a major influence that brought farming conversations to new audiences.
READ MORE: ‘I let Jeremy Clarkson borrow my car for Top Gear - it broke BBC rules’
READ MORE: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Explains Passing £3m Cotswolds Estate to Sons-in-Law
Olly also noted how farmers have become more proactive in educating the public—especially during heated debates over the 2024 Budget’s inheritance tax changes—by focusing first on explaining farming practices before financial concerns. This approach, he suggested, helped people better appreciate the complexities of food production.
Adam raised a question about whether education alone could shift perceptions, pointing out the lack of formal qualifications centered specifically on agriculture, food production, and conservation.
In response, Olly downplayed academic credentials, emphasizing the power of connection: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. And if you can make it so that people feel like they know a farmer—whether that’s through Amazon Prime, Open Farm Sunday, or Countryfile—that’s a good thing.”
At that moment, a nearby farmer jokingly asked, “Is Countryfile still on?”, drawing laughter from the group. Adam quickly shot back with a firm retort, calling it “the most watched factual television programme there is,” affirming the show’s ongoing relevance and popularity.
This exchange took place shortly after Adam addressed his future balancing farming duties with his television role. Despite previously hinting that stepping away from Cotswold Farm Park might mark an “end of an era,” Adam reassured fans that he plans to stay on for at least another decade.
Speaking with Cotswold Life, he highlighted the farm’s status as a family-run business and significant local employer, with 180 staff members contributing to its success. “My mantra has always been to surround myself with people who can do the job better than I can,” Adam said.
Reflecting on his work with Countryfile, he emphasized the unique opportunities the show provides: visiting fascinating farms across the country, engaging with interesting people, and learning new ideas to apply on his own farm.
“I still enjoy being part of Countryfile and doing the farming slot most weeks. It allows me to remain a hands-on farmer while sharing knowledge with a wider audience,” he commented.
Looking ahead, Adam expressed hope for balanced weather conditions, noting the challenges of extremes like last year’s heatwave and the wet conditions of 2024. “We need enough rain to make the grass grow but plenty of sunshine for our visitors,” he said.