Three points from David Richardson OBE on BBC Countryfile

Earlier in the day I was fortunate to receive some warm hospitality from the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA), where I took the time to chat to representatives about a project I am working on to promote the benefits of grazing native cattle breeds as part of a regenerative farming system.

Then I attended the Royal Agricultural Societies of the Commonwealth's AGM (RASC)  being held on site. In 2014, I was able to travel to Brisbane, Australia on the RASC bi-annual congress as a next generation delegate. What I learnt on that trip and the connections I made have helped to shape my career to date. So I was keen to attend the AGM and forge strong links between the RASC and CARAS moving forward.

As I sat down for the meeting to start, everyone stood to welcome the patron of the charity, HRH The Princess Royal. As we sat down to get comfortable again, The Princess only came and sat down next to me, I couldn't believe it! I certainly wasn't expecting that...

She smiled and said 'oh hello again' and the meeting commenced. Having been privileged to have met HRH on many occasion in recent years, we have struck up a rapport surrounding our love of keeping Gloucester Old Spot pigs. But sadly we weren't able to continue that conversation as the meeting was in full swing.

The primary reason for me attending the Royal Norfolk Show was to organise a reception hosted by the English Panel, supported by Anglian Water and guest speaker, renowned agricultural commentator David Richardson OBE FRAgS. 

At 4pm approx 40 members and guests arrived in the Long Acre Marquee, to join together for a drink and a few presentations. Firstly by Anglian Water as sponsors, then by David Richardson, who I'd asked to speak about his career in agricultural journalism and how things had changed over time. 

David explained his background, coming from farming stock in Norfolk, and accidently became involved in TV and radio, after his stint with the Young Farmers movement. He explained how much air time, together with in depth knowledge and understanding was given to farming programmes and how fast-paced the media reporting has now become.

3 points that David mentioned which struck a chord with me was how he referred to the relevance of BBC Countryfile. Having watched the programme for many years myself and appeared a couple of times, I've seen how the programme has changed and how frustrated the farming community have become when the programme doesn't cover the real heart of farm life, the highs and lows, the realities etc.

So when he said that BBC Countryfile is important because it is:

 - Made by Non Farmers

 - About Farmers

 - For Consumers

The penny dropped for me... 

The programme will not always please the farming community because it is about them, not for them. 

And with millions of viewers every Sunday night, it is an important programme in promoting key subject areas, but perhaps doesn't go as in depth as we (The Farming Community) would like.

So, what farming programmes are out there that hit that sweet spot?

What have I missed??

I'm incredibly grateful for David for taking the time to address us, with some important words of wisdom that really resonated with me. David is someone who I deeply respect, and am proud to know.

I came away from the Royal Norfolk Show tired, but incredibly excited and honoured to be working with some inspiring, high profile people, who together make the food and farming industry so great.

Pictures by Tim Scrivener