Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan has criticised the BBC's Countryfile, claiming the Amazon series has achieved more for British farming in five years than the long-running programme ever has.
The 25-year-old joined the team at Diddly Squat farm for season four of the Prime Video show as a replacement for Kaleb Cooper, who was absent for several episodes while on a book tour.
Cowan's criticism of Countryfile
Cowan, who became a fan favourite during her time on the series, initially offered a curt "no comment" when asked for her opinion of Countryfile. However, the young farmer soon made her feelings clear.
"I think Clarkson's Farm shows the harsh realities of farming, from farmers' perspectives, and it's done so much for farming," she told The Telegraph. "I think in the five years it's been out, it's done a lot more than Countryfile ever has and that speaks loads."
Cowan stressed that her criticism was not aimed at the BBC programme's presenters, whom she has met and described as "lovely". Instead, she argued there is a significant difference between showcasing the countryside and representing the realities faced by those trying to make a living from it.
Rewilding concerns
"They're all about species of trees and birds, and obviously we care about that, but we worry more about the actual hardships of farming," she said.
Cowan was particularly critical of the emphasis placed on rewilding, arguing that leaving productive farmland to become overgrown can be difficult for working farmers to understand. She explained that farmers can look at fields covered with brambles, ragwort and weeds and see land that could instead be producing food.
"In our heads, that's like wasting the land, because you could be making food from that," she said.
While Cowan insisted farmers still care about protecting habitats for birds and insects, she argued that producing food has to remain a priority.
Future appearances and farm protest
After becoming a breakout favourite with viewers, Cowan has not ruled out making another appearance on Clarkson's Farm, although her own growing agricultural commitments could make finding the time difficult.
Elsewhere, Clarkson's Oxfordshire pub became the target of a graphic protest by vegan activists, who staged a mock barbecue featuring a realistic-looking dog. Campaigners from animal rights group PETA descended on The Farmer's Dog in Burford, where they displayed the imitation animal appearing to have been charred on a barbecue.
