Channel 4 Commissions 'A Year On The Farm'

A new series – A Year On The Farm (working title) – has been commissioned by Channel 4.

The 4x60' series, which is due to air later this year, will capture the hidden rural dramas that take place every day in the farming community.

Produced by KEO West, A Year On The Farm will follow four family farms to provide an insight on the financial risks farmers take to rear high quality produce, using some of the best practice available. The series reveals the world of cows, sheep, pigs and poultry by filming for a year in farms from Essex to Glamorgan, Cumbria to Sussex.

In addition to market challenges, farmers also face threats to their livelihood and livestock such as the outbreak of disease that would destroy a farm, to a snow storm that could kill hundreds of sheep.

Despite these challenges, the series reveals the beauty of the farms and the quirky, surprising nature of the animals. These farmers are steering away from the mass produced, industrialised farming techniques that are typically used to supply produce to our supermarket shelves. Instead, they are opting for a more holistic and 'closer to nature' approach.

A Year On The Farm is being overseen by Channel 4 Documentaries Commissioning Editor Michelle Chappell. Kari Lia is Executive Producer for the series.

Michelle Chappell said: "A Year on the Farm shows a world of farming we often don't see from the farm gate. These are family farmers committed to quality, and the clear working bond between the animals and their owners is extraordinary. Who knew cows line up to be milked and turkeys give back chat?"

Kari Lia added: "It's an incredible privilege to be let inside this unique world – a million miles away from the urban hustle. Our farmers' relentless dedication and hard graft of is truly inspiring."

www.channel4.com

(JP/MH)