Adam Henson is very likely Britain’s’ best known farmer, regularly presenting to millions of viewers on BBC’s Countryfile.
He reckons he has the best job in the world and who are we to disagree?
Far from being an armchair expert, he still works on his family farm in the Cotswolds having developed it into a spectacular visitor experience to enthuse the public about conservation and how the UK’s farmers put the food to the tables of the nation.
Away from his farm, Adam makes a huge number of public appearances and corporate talks and his story and passion for the outdoors is a complete inspiration.
Audiences can be as varied as the wonderful Women’s Institute ladies, care home residents, agricultural groups and festival and theatregoers.
Adam Henson succeeded his farm tenancy from his father in 1999; his old friend Duncan and his family joined him in the business running the 650-hectare estate, together with the Cotswold Farm Park visitor attraction. It’s home to over 50 breeding flocks and herds of British rare breed farm animals.
In 2001 he applied for a presenting position on Countryfile as they were looking for someone who was interested in farming and the rural domain. He was lucky enough to be chosen from over 3,000 applicants to become a TV presenter.
Since it’s move to Sunday evenings, it has presented Adam with the opportunity to frequently present from his own farm, talking about the day-to-day joys and challenges of running a modern arable and livestock farm.
In addition to Countryfile, which Adam presents alongside fellow Great British Speakers talent Steve Brown, Ellie Harrison and Anita Rani, he has presented Nigel and Adam’s Farm Kitchen With Nigel Slater, and BBC’s Secret Britain with Ellie Harrison. It delved into Water World of Wales, the Mysterious Moors of Yorkshire and The Hidden Highland of Scotland.
Adam now has three seasons of BBC Lambing Live alongside Kate Humble under his belt. What makes this different to this other programmes, is that it is filmed live with each episode featuring a year in the life of a sheep farmer, with half of the programme live from the lambing shed based on the farm.
Adam has written several hugely popular books – including Like Farmer Like Son, A Farmer and His Dog, A Breed Apart, and My Life on the land – has a monthly column in Countryfile magazine, as their resident farmer, as well as the Cotswold Life magazine.
In 2022, Adam’s farm installed a second batch of solar panels to protect it from rising energy costs and to try and become more self-sufficient. Adam is very vocal on sustainability and the environment, and is encouraging other businesses to follow his lead and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
“Reducing our impact on the planet by increasing our green energy supply is part of our journey to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable whilst maintaining a viable business through cost savings.”