Farmer Focus: Clarkson’s Farm flies flag for UK ag globally
© Kandice Griffin Instead of writing about some of the obvious issues facing global agriculture this autumn, I thought I would look for light and positivity.
Pop culture is slow to cross the ocean and even slower to reach the state of Kansas. That said, I watched Clarkson’s Farm for the first time this month and am very curious as to how the show is viewed by the UK farming community.
See also: Farmers Weekly Podcast Episode 98: Clarkson on picket line and food security
About the author
With my sister living in the UK, my general interest in agriculture, and me writing this column, I can honestly say I have very much enjoyed learning about British agriculture through the show.
I am sure some of it is “made for TV”, but don’t underestimate the positive coverage it is giving you on a global level.
I think first it conveys that the job is far more difficult than people on the outside realise. As we in Kansas sit stuck in major drought, it is hard to think about how much mud you guys deal with in a normal year.
Second, the show does a great job of briefly explaining farm economics. Several times, whether it is potatoes, wool, or empty ewes, the show does well exposing the blunt finality of farm losses.
Third, I hope the rural youth situation in general is as good as it is on the show. I actually started watching after I was told I reacted “like Kaleb” when I told someone their plan was stupid.
Ellen, who helps Jeremy with the ewes, also seems beyond her years in competency. I know basically zero about sheep, but being raised around pastured cattle my whole life, I can at least see nuance in animal handling and she obviously knows what she is doing.
Hopefully, there are a lot of Kalebs and Ellens running round the countryside!
Last, I can’t believe how compliant the “management class” is when it comes to rules and regulations. When Kaleb asks Jeremy about his “accident book”, he responds, “Maybe we don’t have accidents on this farm.” I wonder if farm subsidies have strong-armed compliance?
Regardless, from half a world away I will be waiting for the Lamborghini tractor and the Greta Thunberg insults in series two.