Matt Baker opened up about what really goes on behind the scenes in farming, shutting down some of the biggest misconceptions about rural life.
Matt Baker with his wife and co-star Nicola (Image: ITV)
Countryfile star Matt Baker has opened up about the challenges and misconceptions that come with countryside lifestyle and farming.
Living the rural life is all the 47-year-old has known due to growing up on his parents’ sheep farm in the Durham Dales.
After a stint of living in London for his broadcasting career, the presenter returned back to his happy place on the farm, with his wife Nicola and their two children, Molly and Luke.
To give an insight into what it takes to live such a life, Matt, alongside his family, brought the reality to screens with their Channel 4 show Our Farm in the Dales.
He has since used his expertise to help others compete for a farm tenancy on the programme, Our Dream Farm.
While shows like these have been insightful and educational, the presenter says there is still a big misconception about the countryside lifestyle.
Matt stressed that while people may think the hard work only occurs in warmer months, this is not the case.
“It’s not as bucolic as people imagine. Our countryside goes on in winter, the tougher months are really challenging,” he explained.
The father-of-two also shut down assumptions that farm duties aren’t full time, adding: “But let me tell you, it’s very hard work, it’s a tough life, and it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle.
“Families are wrapped up in this constantly, and they work together.
“I think the togetherness and the community are very strong in the rural community.”
Speaking to the Daily Post, the presenter went on to say “the biggest misconception” is the lack of understanding about food production.
“You only have to try to grow cress on the window sill, think about a bit of food production, and then ask yourself the question, are you still doing it?,” he added.
“And if you’re not still growing cress on the window, why not?
“A lot of people can’t be bothered, so be thankful to the people that are producing your food.”
Last month, Channel 4 announced that a new series of Matt’s Our Dream Farm will be back on screens later this year.
The show follows seven shortlisted applicants who have been brought together to get to know the farm they hope to live on.
To secure the tenancy, the candidates complete farming tasks each week in order to prove their capability, monitored by The National Trust.
Addressing his return, Matt said: “I am delighted we’re back for a second series, shedding light on the tenant farming world and the challenges our farming community faces in not only producing food but also in looking after our environment.
“It’s an incredible farm and I hope viewers will indulge in the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy learning about Welsh hill farming traditions, culture and techniques.”
