In the latest episode of Channel 5’s documentary series Cornwall: A Year By The Sea, farmer Max revealed the emotional challenges that come with farming, including the heartbreaking losses of his animals.
Narrated by Fern Britton, the series paints a vivid picture of life in Cornwall through the eyes of its farmers, artisans, and local businesses. The premiere episode, aired Tuesday night, focuses on the transition from winter to spring and how local farmers and hoteliers adapt to the change of seasons.
Max candidly shared a poignant moment while feeding some of his young piglets, explaining that not all of his animals had survived. As he offered root vegetables to the piglets who hadn’t yet tried solid food, he reflected on the fragility of life on the farm.
READ MORE: Queen Camilla’s Cheeky Comeback to Amanda Holden’s Flirty Marriage Tale
READ MORE: Olveston CEVC Primary Sets National Benchmark with Pioneering Pupil Wellbeing Initiative
“Farmer Max’s sows give birth outdoors, so the warmer temperatures improve the piglets’ chances of survival,” Britton narrated. However, despite Cornwall’s mild climate, farming life remains demanding and unpredictable.
Max revealed that from sow Barbara’s ten newborn piglets, three were stillborn, and tragically, the same sow accidentally crushed two of her offspring, leaving only five survivors. Another sow, Apricot, had ten piglets with one sadly passing, resulting in fourteen surviving piglets on the farm.
Currently, Max manages around 80 pigs across the farm. He described them as curious and lively creatures, noting how they quickly grow with plenty of room to roam. Despite the affection he shows them, Max admitted that forming attachments to farm animals is difficult because their lives are often short.
“There is something that stops you getting attached to a farm animal, like you would a dog or a cat,” he shared with a tinge of sadness. “It’s just part of the life cycle of the farm.”
Cornwall: A Year By The Sea captures not only the beauty of the region but also the emotional highs and lows experienced by those who live and work there.