Image source(s): Top left: Alex James – Getty Image, Top right: Kelvin Fletcher – BBC, Middle: Jeremy Clarkson – Amazon Prime Video, Bottom left: JB Gills – Premier Inn as shown here, Bottom right: Matt Baker – Channel 4
Meet the Celebrity Farmers Making Waves in UK Agriculture
In the UK, we rely heavily on our farms. There's the food and materials our farmers produce, of course, as well as the thousands of jobs the industry provides. Agriculture is a tough but rewarding lifestyle, and we're all very lucky to have people who take on the roles with pride.
Growing up on our family farm in Cheshire, we've always known there’s something special about the farming way of life. So, for us, it's been fantastic to see how the appeal of rural life has been given a bit of a spotlight in recent years. Some of the UK's most well-known faces have decided to trade in glitz and glamour for muddy wellies and trusty wax jackets!
It's clear that we're witnessing a welcome phenomenon: celebrities becoming farmers. Fortunately, it's not just a trendy experiment - this dedication to farming reflects a profound appreciation for the land and a desire to contribute to the country's backbone. The attention these stars bring is just what the doctor ordered for an industry that sees a lot of struggles.
So, who are the famous faces who have taken the plunge into the world of farming? Well, we thought we'd introduce you to a few in this blog post.
The Impact of Celebrity Culture on Farming
Over recent times, more and more A-list celebrities such as Zayn Malik, Chris Pratt, Reese Witherspoon, Amanda Seyfried, and Oprah Winfrey have all traded their "real life" in places like star-studded Beverly Hills to get their hands dirty on farms out in the countryside.
We all know that celeb culture has an uncanny ability to dictate what's trending and what's not. When Hollywood stars and musicians swap city lights for country fields, it’s more than a lifestyle choice—it’s a megaphone for important issues.
Whether it's in the States or right here in the UK, the influence that public figures can have is incredible. Farmers, suppliers, and basically anyone who eats food can rejoice – this breakthrough is like a gold star for agriculture, and it's about time!
How? Well, here’s how a celeb's love for the land is helping out:
- Raising Awareness: Celebrities have a huge fan base, so when they talk farming, people listen. Suddenly, sustainable living, organic farming, and supporting local growers take centre stage. The lightbulb moment comes when we stop thinking of produce as just, well, produce. Instead, we see the individuals who poured their heart and soul into growing it – our neighbours, in many cases – and the power we hold as consumers to make a positive impact on their lives.
- Changing Perceptions: Who says farming is dull? Not the celebrities! By sharing their adventures in agriculture, they're sparking a fire that could ignite a passion in the next generation. Younger people may choose to go into farming themselves or offer vital support to those already in the trenches. After all, if their favourite stars can do it, why not them?
- Promoting Sustainable Practices: Many celebrity farmers are all about going green and having organic farms. With their influence, the ripple effect spreads, motivating fans to trade in wasteful ways for habits that nurture the planet. It’s all about making those small changes that add up to a big difference in the long run.
- Boosting Local Economies: When celebrities get involved with local farms, it’s a big deal. Media attention and tourists flock to the area when they're involved, and that means a boost for the whole community.
- Advocacy and Support: By getting to grips with the realities of what it takes to be a farmer, celebrities can help highlight any important issues and push for positive changes. Whether that's fair pricing or mental health support, it's all a step in the right direction for others who may not have the platforms to make their voice heard.
As we've talked about in our blog previously, the agricultural industry needs to be recognised and supported, so if celebs are a way to shed light on that, then this is certainly something to be grateful for.
5 Celebrity Farmers in the UK
Now, let's meet the famous farmers who are making a big impact in rural Britain.
Kelvin Fletcher
Kelvin Fletcher, best known for his long-running role as Andy Sugden on "Emmerdale" and for winning "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2019, has traded the fictional farm for a real one. He and his family now own a 120-acre farm in the beautiful Peak District - not too far from us here at Hollands in fact!
Although perhaps playing a farmer on TV couldn't quite prepare Kelvin for stark reality, he and his family have thrown themselves into farm life with enthusiasm. They’ve tackled everything from lambing to mucking out, sharing their highs and lows with fans through social media and television. Their journey was showcased in "Kelvin's Big Farming Adventure" in early 2022, and they continued to share their farming life in the ITV series "Fletchers' Family Farm" in 2023.
The down-to-earth family is a firm favourite in the farming community, and you can see their pure enjoyment and love of the rural lifestyle shine through.
Jeremy Clarkson
You can't think of fast cars without thinking of Jeremy Clarkson - the outspoken TV personality who often revels in controversy.
From crop catastrophes to livestock mayhem, his Cotswolds farm, Diddly Squat, has seen it all. And luckily for us, he's sharing the drama in his addictive show "Clarkson's Farm".
Love or loathe him, you can't deny that he's provided a massive boost to the farming industry and helped showcase rural issues and the pure hard work that goes into what ends up on our dinner table. The popularity of the programme has been immense, drawing a huge number of visitors to his farm shop. At one point, the influx of fans even caused a 3-mile-long traffic jam!
And if you’re a keen viewer, you might have noticed Clarkson sporting some of our popular brands, like Ridgeline, which we love to see.
JB Gill
JB Gill, a member of the boyband JLS, has swapped the stage for a more rural setting and now runs a successful farm in Kent, specialising in turkey and pig farming.
Using his celebrity platform to educate others about the importance of farming, JB's dedication to the lifestyle is truly inspiring. Food doesn't magically appear; he knows that, and he's determined to instil this awareness in the next generation, so they understand the journey from farm to fork.
By opening his farm gates to school groups, he gives kids a chance to slip on some wellies and learn by doing. Alongside this, he hosts the popular CBeebies programme, "Down on the Farm," which is all about sharing farming knowledge with a younger audience.
Matt Baker
Matt Baker’s celebrity farming story is one of continuity and tradition. Having grown up on a farm, he continues to manage it alongside his TV career, showing viewers the beauty and hard work involved in farm life.
As a familiar face on "Blue Peter," "The One Show," and "Countryfile," Matt always brings his love for the countryside to the screen. His approach isn’t about glamorising farm life — it’s about showing its genuine challenges and rewards, making it relatable and inspiring for everyone tuning in.
By candidly sharing his experiences – the successes and setbacks alike – he encourages a new level of understanding and respect between urban and rural communities.
Alex James
Blur bassist Alex James has managed to carve out a rural path for himself that combines his love for music with a clear passion for farming.
On his scenic Cotswolds farm, he not only produces award-winning cheeses, but also hosts the popular music and food festival, The Big Feastival, in the summer months.
The rockstar has a huge social media following and uses his reach to inspire a new generation to truly appreciate the hard work behind British farming. Through his cheese-making journey and annual festival, he showcases the beauty of rural life. Plus, he often discusses farming issues in interviews; again using his platform for a good cause.
Summary
British agriculture gets a major leg up when celebrities throw their support behind it – and we couldn't be happier to see these influencers helping to put farming front and centre.
However, we would like to mention that these celebrities do offer a slightly more unique position compared to our everyday farmers, and it's important to continue to support and appreciate all those who work tirelessly to help put food on our tables.
So, if you're wondering how you can show your support, why not follow along with us on our blog? Rural life is at the heart of everything we do, and we love bringing you the latest news, stories, and tips from the world of British farming.
You can also let us know in the comments below if there are any particular topics you'd like us to cover - we always love to hear from you.
About the Author
Robert Coates is no stranger to the world of farm clothing! Residing on his family farm in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, he understands the importance of durable, practical garments for those who work the land. Whether he's discussing the latest innovations in waterproofing or sharing tips for selecting the best wellies, Robert's expertise is built upon his daily interactions with the challenges and rewards of agricultural life.
