Adam Henson, the beloved presenter of BBC’s Countryfile for over two decades, recently opened up about a missed opportunity that could have made him wealthy. Balancing his television career with running Bemborough Farm and Cotswold Farm Park, Adam has long been immersed in farming and rural life.
Since taking over Bemborough Farm with business partner Duncan Andrews in 1998, Adam has nurtured a collection of over 50 rare breed animals. However, during a filming trip for Countryfile in Switzerland, he encountered a potentially lucrative chance he now regrets passing up.
On the Talking Farming podcast, Adam recounted his experience: “We filmed bringing the Swiss valley sheep down from the mountains in Switzerland, complete with traditional yodelling, drinking, and a big celebration. I told the producer, ‘I really ought to get some of these animals, they’re beautiful.’”
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Unfortunately, caught up in his busy schedule, Adam hesitated to act, and others in the UK seized the opportunity instead. “Loads of people brought these sheep back, and they’ve become very popular and valuable. I completely missed a trick. I could have made myself wealthy but I missed it,” he admitted.
The Swiss valley sheep, officially known as Valais Blacknose sheep, are now among the most valuable sheep breeds in the UK. With prices typically ranging from £800 to £1,000 per animal, pedigree ewes have even fetched up to £10,000 at auction. Easily recognizable by their distinctive black noses, ears, and tail spots on females, these sheep were traditionally raised for meat and fleece but have surged in popularity on hobby farms.
While Adam missed out on the Valais Blacknose sheep, he remains passionate about his personal favorite: the Cotswold breed. “We’re in the beautiful Cotswold hills, named after the animal—‘cot’ meaning enclosure and ‘wold’ meaning rolling hill in Old English. This area was famous for wool production from the Cotswold sheep, so they have a special place in my heart,” he shared.
Adam continues to bring the world of farming to television audiences and returns to Countryfile this evening (10 May) at 6pm. Alongside Charlotte Smith, he’ll visit Oswestry Livestock Market, one of the largest in the region, exploring the dynamic trade environment and the vital role it plays for local farmers despite nationwide venue closures.