On a recent episode of BBC’s Countryfile, presenter Adam Henson visited Wiltshire to spend time with the Lemon family on their historic farm near Wilton. It was here that Adam revisited a pivotal moment in his farming journey involving Peter Lemon, a seasoned farmer whose advice left a lasting impression.
The episode, aired on July 27, showcased the 16th-century Manor Farm, a sprawling 1,335-hectare operation focused primarily on arable crops such as wheat, barley, oilseed rape, and maize. Three generations of the Lemon family—David, Peter, and the young James—work collaboratively to sustain and evolve the farm’s legacy.
James, aged 18, is already deeply involved in farming and aspires to build a sustainable future in the industry. During their conversations, Adam shared memories of his early career while James discussed his ambitions. This sparked Peter to offer some hard-earned wisdom about the path to becoming a successful farmer.
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Peter advised, “No farmer’s son should go straight home after college. You will make mistakes managing people, and if you’re on your own family farm, those mistakes stay with you forever. Working on another farm lets you learn, make errors, and then move forward without that baggage.”
Adam then recounted how Peter had once delivered similar advice to him, prompted by Adam’s own father. “Peter came to put me straight, and his worldly advice honestly made me feel a little inadequate at first,” Adam admitted. “I realized I really needed to step up to the plate.”
Despite the initial challenge, Adam reflected positively on the experience: “Since then, we’ve done well.” The three men shared a laugh, highlighting the strength of their shared farming heritage and the importance of learning through experience.
Countryfile continues to celebrate the rich stories behind Britain’s agricultural communities, blending tradition with forward-thinking farming practices.