Matt Baker, best known for his work on Countryfile, is standing by his family as they confront a tough crossroads on their Durham farm. During a recent repeat broadcast of “Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales,” emotions ran high when his mother, Janice, became tearful while discussing the uncertain future of their 100-acre sheep farm nestled in the Durham hills.
This heartfelt episode captured Matt, along with his wife Nicola and their children Luke and Molly, returning to the family farm to support Janice and his father, Michael. The family reflected on the challenges they now face after Janice was bowled over by a group of sheep—a moment that has deeply affected them all.
Matt opened up, saying, “I think it’s fair to say that we’re at a point where we need to change things up a little bit. If you want to keep farming…” highlighting that difficult decisions lie ahead.
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Janice shared her perspective on the incident, admitting, “Having my accident has really been quite an eye-opener for everybody.” Michael expressed his long-held fears: “I’ve had a fear of this happening for years. If this happened in any respect, it could be the end of farming for us.”
Despite their love for the farm they acquired before Matt’s birth, the family now realizes that adjustments are necessary. Janice reflected on her vulnerability after the incident: “I’ve always had a young outlook on life and prided myself on being fit and healthy, and then something like this happens, and you begin to feel, ‘Oh, right, I’m a bit vulnerable.'”
Matt suggested a significant change could involve altering the breed of sheep they raise. Currently, they breed Hampshire Downs, a large sheep breed that Janice noted aren’t the easiest to handle. Matt explained, “The Hampshire Downs that we have bred here for years are big sheep… I just don’t think that they are the way forward for you now.”
Janice agreed: “I agree they aren’t the easiest to handle.” With that, the family began considering shifting to a smaller breed better suited to their needs and capabilities.
Though starting this new chapter is painful, Janice recognized the necessity: “It’s quite a strange feeling… It’s the first time I’ve actually had to make a decision because of what’s happened. It’s the right decision. I know it’s the right decision, and you reach a time in your life when you think ‘I really can’t do this anymore.’ In that respect, it’s sad, but in a good way, a fork in the road might mean good things will come from it in a different way.”
Fans can watch the journey unfold on More4’s “Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales,” where resilience and family bonds take center stage as they navigate the future of their cherished farm.