Countryfile star Frank Carr has died aged 35. The farmer, who appeared on the BBC programme alongside presenter Adam Henson, had previously opened up about the family mantra that helped him through difficult times.
Frank, a fourth-generation farmer at Lee Gate Farm in North Yorkshire's Malhamdale, once shared the advice passed down by his grandmother. Asked by a reporter from Farmers Guardian about the best 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 reporter appeared taken aback by Frank's heartfelt words, describing them as "deep" - a sentiment with which he agreed.
Reflections on farming
During the same Q&A, Frank also shared what he believed was a common misconception about farming. "That we're killing the planet," he replied. He also offered his thoughts on the future of the industry, describing his outlook as "positive" because there was "opportunity out there".
These reflections came ahead of his final appearance on Countryfile, which aired in August. During the programme, Adam told viewers 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 candidly about the bittersweet reality of life as a farmer, highlighting both the challenges and the rewards of the profession. He shared: "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."
Financial pressures and tributes
Frank also spoke about the financial pressures facing the industry. "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."
Farmers Guardian announced Frank's death on social media, sharing a lengthy statement with its followers. It read: "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 added: "He was a true friend of Farmers Guardian and will be greatly missed."
The newspaper's editor, Katie Jones, paid tribute to Frank, 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."
Many fans also paid their respects in the comments section, with one writing: "Such terribly sad news, thinking of all of Frank's family and friends," while a second said he was "a big loss to the farming community". A third typed: "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."
