BBC Countryfile star Frank Carr has died aged 35. The North Yorkshire hill farmer, who appeared on the programme with presenter Adam Henson, had previously spoken about the family motto that guided him through difficult periods.
Grandmother's advice for 'dark' moments
Frank, a fourth-generation farmer at Lee Gate Farm, once revealed the words of wisdom passed down from his grandmother that supported him during challenging times. Asked by a Farmers Guardian journalist about the most valuable advice he had ever received, Frank said: "Well, it came from my father but also he got it from my grandma. It's, 'When things look dark, turn your face towards the sun and the shadows will fall behind'."
The journalist appeared struck by Frank's response, calling it "deep" - something Frank agreed with.
Views on farming's future
In the same interview, Frank discussed what he felt was a widespread misunderstanding about farming. "That we're killing the planet," he answered. He also shared his views on the sector's future, describing his perspective as "positive" because there was "opportunity out there".
These comments were made before his last Countryfile appearance, broadcast in August. On the show, Adam told audiences that Frank had "taken on a huge amount of debt in a bid to make a future in farming" in North Yorkshire's Malhamdale.
Frank spoke openly about the complex nature of farming life, highlighting both its difficulties and benefits. He said: "In farming, everyday is an opportunity to learn. Farming is a very rewarding profession although it can be very challenging mentally, it can also be very rewarding so that's another reason why I love what I do."
He also discussed the financial challenges confronting the sector. "At the end of the day farming is a business so the financial aspect is always an issue. There's no real clarity on the future, especially for hill farms," he added.
Tributes from Farmers Guardian and fans
Farmers Guardian announced Frank's death on social media, posting a lengthy tribute. It stated: "We are deeply saddened by the death of North Yorkshire hill farmer Frank Carr, aged 35. Frank was a familiar face to Farmers Guardian readers and someone we were fortunate to work with many times over the years."
The publication continued: "He was a true friend of Farmers Guardian and will be greatly missed."
The newspaper's editor, Katie Jones, paid tribute, saying: "Frank will be remembered not only as a talented young farmer but as someone who represented the very best of the next generation - committed to his family, his livestock, his land and the future of British farming." She added: "Our thoughts are with Frank's family, friends and everyone who knew him."
Numerous fans also offered condolences in the comments, with one writing: "Such terribly sad news, thinking of all of Frank's family and friends," while another described him as "a big loss to the farming community". A third added: "The world has lost an amazing soul. Kind, gentle, caring, intelligent, funny, beautiful person inside and out. Utterly heartbroken with this news, the industry won't be the same without him."
