Countryfile presenter Adam Henson has clarified his future plans regarding both his farm and the BBC programme, following his previous admission that departing from the Cotswold Farm Park would signal the 'end of an era'. Adam, 60, has revealed he continues to relish his role on the Countryfile team and remaining hands-on at his farm, particularly as the former complements the latter.
Adam Henson's Farm Future
Adam also discussed his Cotswold Farm Park and how it continues to flourish. He inherited the farm from his father Joe, who initially began operating it in 1971. Adam confirmed in a recent interview with Cotswold Life that he has at least another decade remaining on his farm tenancy, meaning he won't be departing anytime soon. He told the magazine: 'We're still a family-run rural business and a large local employer, with 180 people on the books, all of whom are central to the success of the business. My mantra has always been to surround myself with people who can do the job better than I can.'
Countryfile Role
Regarding his future, he added: 'I still enjoy being part of Countryfile, doing the farming slot most weeks. I go all over the country behind the scenes on some fascinating farms and talking to really interesting people, picking up ideas I can bring back and share – and I still work as a farmer, which means I can speak to other farmers in a knowledgeable way. We don't want a heatwave like last year nor a wet year like 2024. We need enough rain to make the grass grow but plenty of sunshine for our visitors.'
Adam's remarks followed his revelation to the Daily Express that he and his wife Charlie had been making plans to eventually relocate to a bungalow. He said: 'While I was pulling on my wellies and chasing my dad out of the door to join him on the farm, my own children aren't interested in a career in farming. Sure, they can lamb a sheep and drive a tractor, but my daughter lives in Perth as an events organiser and my son is a financial advisor in Leeds. So when the tenancy runs out in 12 years' time, Charlie and I are moving to a bungalow close by in Winchcombe, where we have a few acres and will keep a few sheep and the dogs. It will be the end of an era, but I will still be able to enjoy the lovely countryside.'
Support Network
During a separate conversation with Reach Plc, Adam discussed how fortunate he felt to possess such a strong support network surrounding him following some challenging periods in recent years. He said: 'My characteristics are that I am an upbeat person, and I have an incredibly supportive family, wife, and children, and people around me. I have had some very difficult times in my life, both in business and personally. My wife was very ill a few years ago, my parents dying, and I lost a nephew. We have gone through foot and mouth challenges, Covid, and we have had some tough times, but I've never had poor mental health because I've had that fantastic support system around me.'
Countryfile is set to air tonight (June 14) at 6.15pm on BBC One.
