The return of the second series of ‘Our Dream Farm’ has revealed the emotional toll on presenter Matt Baker as he bids farewell to contestants on the Channel 4 farming show. The program, which also sees Baker serving as an executive producer, throws hopeful applicants into the competitive challenge of vying for a 15-year tenancy on a 600-acre National Trust farm in Eryri, North Wales. Baker confessed that the departure of contestants hits hard due to the strong bonds formed, describing the atmosphere as one with ‘incredible camaraderie’.
The 47-year-old host, who grew up on a farm himself, finds the process particularly poignant. “We’re working on the farm as we go, so we might be filming one minute and then someone will walk off to deliver a lamb! It’s the magic of farming. I’ve grown up in that life and love it - as do the applicants, so it’s emotional if their time is up,” reports Wales Online.
‘Our Dream Farm’ aims to illustrate the gritty reality of farm life, capturing the country’s growing interest in agriculture. Matt praised the diverse group of contestants, recognizing their commitment to potentially spending the next 15 years managing the farm as ‘real’.
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Applicants are given the chance to pitch their business plans, share their vision for the farm, and get hands-on with everyday farming tasks and experiences on the estate.
Matt remarked: “This isn’t a competition where you win a trophy - this is a life change. To be offering that opportunity is incredible. It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle, and viewers are fascinated by the passion that applicants have to embrace it. Our Dream Farm shines a light on that and shows how unbelievably hard work farming is.”
Previously in the series, Matt admitted finding it difficult to remain on the sidelines during the shoot of his new rural affair, despite usually being more involved in Countryfile. He revealed the challenge he faced in stepping back. “It’s hard not to get involved but it’s their selection process, I’m not taking on the tenancy, so it was hard for me to step back. I joined in when I needed to. Sometimes I was lambing at two in the morning. It was great, and I love it. I’m really proud of it.”
The latest episode of ‘Our Dream Farm’ with Matt Baker airs on Channel 4 tonight at 6pm.