Countryfile: Adam's Farm: My Life on the Land

by Adam Henson

In 2001, Adam Henson was chosen from 3,500 applicants to become a presenter on Countryfile . Adam's agricultural knowledge and open manner soon made him a popular figure and when the programme moved to its current Sunday evening slot in 2009, he began to present a weekly report from his own farm in the Cotswolds. There, the ups and downs of the farming calendar, as told in Adam's straight-talking fashion, soon became one of the most popular parts of the programme as viewers watched him endure the stress of TB testing and his sadness at losing valuable cattle as well as the highs of spring lambing. This is the first book by Adam Henson, and it is an enthralling, first-person account of the drama, emotion and sheer hard work that is life on Adam's Farm.

Genres: Nature, Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time I readed this book and the second time round was better then the first.

[David Rudin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, full disclosure, I’m a big fan of the eight minute spots entitled "Adam's Farm" on BBC’s Countryfile that you can watch on Youtube. Second, I’m one of those people who is not just imagining but actively planning to start a small hobby farm. So this book hits the mark. It is basically a first person accounting of the trials and tribulations of farming in modern day Britain on a mixed arable crop and livestock farm.
The stories are personal, honest and go into the detail that the tv spots simply can’t. The narrative flows back and forth between the various dramas unfolding on the farm: Will the Barley crop be successful with the wet spring? Will the cattle pass their TB test so they can be sold? Is my new Highland Bull “Eric” going to successfully get the cows in calf?
And so these plot lines weave together through the seasons, through the ups and downs of a farming year, the book broken into four sections corresponding with the four seasons. And as I finished the epilogue it was with much regret that the book was done and I made myself a promise to reread it over the winter when I can savor it once more.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!!! Written in a way that feels more like you are having a conversation with Adam than reading a factual book. It is both highly educational and interesting as well as being a very good read.

[Chris Allum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first book, it was a nice follow on, but it can also be read without having read the first. Adam's style of writing is easy, informative without getting technical. Overall a good read and one I would recommend to followers of Countryfile

[Rachel Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to read about the ups & downs of modern day farming from the old techniques to the new technologies.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Adam's honesty and humility, could read his words for hours on end.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the book is a bit old now, so many of the topics are still relevant. I loved reading about rare breads and the less romantic aspects of farming.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it didn't take me long to finish it. I read it in hardback and the print was quite large. I think it would be very informative and I recommend this book for non farming folk to read, as it gives a good overview of what farming entails and the daily difficulties that farmers face. A year in the life of a farmer is pretty much the same year after year, Each step happens more or less at the same time for everyone and repeats year in and year out. I like the structure of this book in that each chapter covers a different aspect or month in the farming year; so while I was busy drenching lambs it was interesting to hear Adam's way of doing things too.

While I enjoyed this book I wouldn't read it again. As I was reading it I thought it was written with non farmers in mind as it did cover the very basics of everyday farming life but then at the end of the book Adam was calling on farmers to work together more, which left me unsure as to who the book was supposed to be aimed at. Having said that, my man (who is a sheep and cattle farmer) really enjoyed this book aswell, so maybe it is aimed at everyone after all.

[Rob Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at the life of a British farmer. Adam tells us the highs and lows of farming as well as explaining the reasons behind many of the decisions many farmers have to face. Its a wonderful book for anyone who wants a peek into the life of a modern farmer trying to survive in a fast food world.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant read for anyone who likes farming and in particular Adam's Farm from BBC's Countryfile.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book. It was informative rather than enjoyable. I learned a lot about land use and animal husbandry in UK.

[Dave Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

best read in conjunction watching TV's Countryfile. More attention needs to be drawn to farming - we are so insulated from it by supermarkets.