Blog Post
Three points from David Richardson OBE on BBC Countryfile
Milly Fyfe • 6 July 2022
What I took from David Richardson OBE's presentation at the Royal Norfolk Show
Last week I had the pleasure in attending the Royal Norfolk Show as part of my role as English Panel Secretary on behalf of The Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS)
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
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Northamptonshire Farming Entrepreneur Milly Fyfe® ARAgS will head up a new radio show called ‘Tastes of the Shire; exploring Northampton’s food and farming scene from field to fork’ airs for the first time on Saturday 1st June. The show will feature a variety of interviews with grassroots farmers, producers, makers and foodies from Northampton and the surrounding countryside, to discover what is made, produced, sold and available to enjoy around the local area. Milly commented ‘I have a real passion for sharing amazing stories interviewing inspiring people who grow, rear, and process the food and drink we can enjoy, found right on our doorstep. I hope to take you all on a culinary journey exploring the people behind the farm gate, shop counter, restaurant kitchen and factory wall to discover what makes Northampton taste great.’ The show launch coincides with Northamptonshire Food and Drink Week , which is a campaign to bring people together to celebrate the food and drink scene across the county. Available on 106.9FM, NLive Radio is Northampton’s local radio station and hosts a variety of different music, business and specialist shows including Open4business, 90’s, R&B, rock and the Golden Hour. Station Manager Martin Steers commented ‘We are very excited to welcome a new food and farming show to our station, packed full of engaging conversations with local businesses, producers and food brands. Milly has really grasped the opportunity and we hope that many people tune in to learn more’. The Tastes of the Shire radio show with Milly Fyfe will air on the 1st Saturday of each month, 3-5pm on NLive Radio, the station that loves Northampton. Notes Who is Milly Fyfe ® ARAgS? Milly is from Yelvertoft ( Northamptonshire) and farms with her husband Andrew alongside their two young sons, where they rear beef cattle, sheep, arable crops a few pigs and a kitchen garden. Milly has a background in Marketing and PR and also founded a social enterprise called No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC , helping more people to cook from scratch using local, seasonal produce. In 2023, Milly was awarded an associateship from the Royal Agricultural Societies , farming’s equivalent of an MBE, for her work connecting consumers with UK food production. She is also the current NNBN Northamptonshire business person of the year, a silver Local Food Hero through Northamptonshire Food and drink awards, has a podcast called The Countryside Kitchen meets and was recently recognised by Small Business Britain as a top 100 female entrepreneur in the UK. You can find out more about Milly on social media using the handle @ MillyFyfe on Twitter and Instagram or @MillyFyfeOfficial on Youtube , Facebook and Tiktok . About NLive radio NLive Radio is the local radio station for all the people of Northampton, it operates under a not-for-profit community radio license from Ofcom which is held by and run in partnership with the University of Northampton. All the presenters are volunteers made up individuals from across the community, including staff and students from the University. The station broadcasts on 106.9fm across Northampton, online at nliveradio.com and it's on dedicated smart phone app, as well as on smart speakers via “Launch N Live Radio”
Somerset and former politician Neil Parish launches a new podcast today
A collaborative farming industry event taking place on 27th February at 1 birdcage walk with TIAH, CARAS, IAGRM, FCN and the Farmers Club under 35's
Here is is the 2 minute clip which was produced and shared across social media to highlight the harvest on our farm - Enjoy!
