Countryfile favourite Adam Henson has opened up about the growing pressures facing British farmers, admitting that running a farm has become “so difficult” amid soaring fuel and fertiliser costs.
The 60-year-old BBC presenter gave viewers a rare and emotional glimpse into the reality behind life at Bemborough Farm in Gloucestershire during Sunday night’s episode of Countryfile. While many fans know Adam as one of the warm and familiar faces of the long-running BBC programme, away from the cameras he is also battling the harsh realities facing the farming industry.
Speaking candidly during the episode, Adam explained that while rare breeds are his true passion, it is arable farming that keeps the business alive financially. He revealed that the dramatic increase in costs over recent months has left farmers struggling to plan for the future.
Adam said: “Rare breeds might be my passion, but it’s arable farming that usually pays the bills here. With red diesel nearly doubling in price and fertiliser up by around a third in recent months following the conflict in Iran, I’m catching up with our farm manager, Martin, to see how that’s affecting us.”
Reflecting on the uncertainty farmers now face, he added: “With these external forces that are out of our control, it’s so difficult to plan, isn’t it?”
Farm manager Martin admitted the situation has become incredibly challenging, explaining that fuel, energy, fertiliser and labour are now some of the farm’s biggest expenses. He revealed the team has already reduced cultivation work and introduced new efficiency measures in an attempt to survive the mounting financial strain.
Martin explained: “We’ve got all the GPS. We’ve got people that are switched on, trying to reduce the amount of fuel. But it’s still very expensive when that tanker turns up.”
Adam also pointed out how vulnerable UK farmers are to global market prices, saying they are effectively “at the hands of the world” because Britain produces such a small amount on the global scale.
Martin agreed, admitting: “It’s really difficult producing something and then being told what you’re going to have to sell it for. Costs are escalating beyond our control.”
Despite the grim financial outlook, Adam revealed the farm is trying new methods to reduce dependence on expensive fertiliser. He explained that the team has started growing different crops together to naturally improve nitrogen levels in the soil and create greater biodiversity.
The presenter later asked Martin how he felt about the farm’s overall progress this year, with the manager admitting last year had been “a disaster” due to severe drought conditions. However, he said this year’s crops are looking much healthier, although spending still needs to be carefully controlled.
Ending the segment on a hopeful note, Adam reassured viewers that despite the enormous pressures, there have still been positives this spring, particularly for planting and young livestock on the farm.
