Well folks, the secret is out! For ten months last year, our farm has been a bit of a… well, a zoo, really. Not just the usual animal kind, but a whirlwind of cameras, microphones, and a whole BBC Scotland film crew! They’ve been with us through thick and thin, capturing the highs, the lows, and everything in between for the new series of “This Farming Life.” And let me tell you, it’s been an experience.
We’re incredibly excited (and maybe a little nervous!) to share our story with you all. This series really delves into the reality of modern farming, and we’re proud to be a part of it. Our journey focuses on a few key aspects of farm life that are close to our hearts, and I wanted to give you a little peek behind the scenes.
One of the biggest challenges facing farming families today is succession. It’s a complex issue, full of emotion, practical considerations, and often, a fair bit of disagreement! We’ve been grappling with this ourselves, trying to figure out the best way to pass the torch to the next generation while ensuring the farm’s future. The cameras were there for the difficult conversations, the moments of frustration, and the glimmers of hope. It’s not always pretty, but it’s real, and it’s something so many farming families can relate to.
Alongside the succession story, we’ve also been showcasing Nick’s innovative approach to sheep farming. He’s been working hard to develop an “easy care” system, focusing on Easy Care sheep breed that are hardy, low-maintenance, and require less intervention.
And finally, because let’s face it, farming isn’t just about sheep and cows (although they are pretty great!), we’ve been exploring the vital need for farm diversification. In today’s economic climate, relying on just one source of income isn’t always enough. We’ve been looking at different ways to supplement our farming activities, from adding holiday accommodation to raising dairy calves, and the cameras have been there to capture the ups and downs of these new ventures.
Being filmed for “This Farming Life” has been the most amazing experience. It’s been challenging to have cameras following us around all the time, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. It’s forced us to reflect on our decisions, appreciate the hard work we put in, and see our farm through a different lens. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and we’ve definitely had some stressful moments! But most importantly, we’ve learned a lot about ourselves and about the resilience of the farming community.
We hope that our story resonates with other farmers, and that it gives the wider public a better understanding of the realities of rural life. We’re excited for you all to join us on this journey. Keep an eye out for “This Farming Life” on BBC Scotland – we’ll be sure to share the broadcast details as soon as we have them. We can’t wait to hear what you think!