ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ

Jeremy Clarkson has returned with the fifth series of his hit show Clarkson’s Farm. 

While Jeremy’s sets out to make his Diddly Squat Farm a success to delight viewers, the programme has also been hailed for the insight it offers into a range of rural professions – from farm manager Kaleb Cooper to veterinarian Dilwyn Evans. 

Through the role of 'Cheerful' Charlie Ireland, it’s also sparked a growing appreciation of the role of the Land Agent.  

In a piece for the ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ blog last year, Andrew Black FRICS, a Chartered Surveyor of more than 20 years' experience and ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ alumni and lecturer set out his appreciation for the show and its depiction of the Land Agent’s role – noting growing interest from students in land and property courses as a result. 

As the first set of episodes for this year’s season premiered, we sat a group of land and property students at ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ Adams down in front of Amazon Prime – and asked for their views of this year's show. 

Among those inspired to study REALM by the show was Andrew Dickenson, now in his second year of a BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management (REALM) degree.

He said: “Compared to previous seasons, the latest episodes have arguably come across more representative of the challenges facing the agricultural industry.  

“Clarkson's Farm now appears to address issues post-diversification - whilst continuing to look forward to the future of agriculture.

“A repeating theme of the latest season so far has been on the recent Inheritance Tax changes made by the current Labour Government.  

“The show has helped depict the scale of impact these changes will have on the industry, whilst also showing the importance of the role of Rural Surveyor or Land Agent through the role of ‘Cheerful’ Charlie - and how such roles help bridge the gap between farmers and Government Policy.  

“The show definitely raises awareness of the profession - and has hopefully encouraged more people to consider a degree in Land Management and join the next generation of Rural Surveyors!” 

Arlo Foster is a Chartered Surveyor (Rural) Degree Apprentice in his third year. He combines his studies with a job working for Savills in Chelmsford, Essex within their development team. 

He said: “The show does do a good job at representing rural professions, which helps drive people into the sector.  

“I do think sometimes it does potentially gloss over some of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to which help clients make informed decisions - and only shows the results, normally in a quite frank moment from Charlie! 

“On a positive note, the show does do a good job a representing how varied a rural role can be, for example when Charlie had calculated how the pub was performing, which most people wouldn’t even consider as something a rural advisor would do. 

“It really shows rural professionals can turn their hat to most trades when needed. I think moments like this can really appeal to young people looking for a varied job, supporting agriculture.  

“There is far more room yet within the show to explore other roles that a land agent does and I hope, as Clarkson runs out of novel types of farming, these storylines and roles of a land agent will be explored.” 

Fellow third-year apprentice Tom Bridge said: “As ever, I enjoyed tuning into Clarkson's Farm as, for a rural surveyor, it offers entertainment in a somewhat relevant setting! 

“Something that Clarkson does well in this series is capture the very real challenges faced by farmers - but he acts it out in such a way that it can be understood by even the staunchest of city-dwellers, which helps raise awareness of issues in the sector.” 

Emma Hall has just completed her second year of studying REALM. 

She said: “Clarkson’s Farm is a highly accurate depiction of the industry and its ability to reach such a large audience promotes knowledge of the industry and the professional roles surrounding it.  

“It creates an insight for viewers that are not typically from a farming or rural background to see all the good, the bad and the ugly that being in this industry has to offer.  

“Charlie Ireland is a particularly valuable figure in the show, highlighting how the rural industry is not just comprised of farmers, but the professionals that work with them, who are essential for modern agriculture. 

“Charlie’s role tends to bring Jeremy down to earth, with the technical issues that come with his ideas for the farm. He then works to get past these issues make the ideas happen, and I can imagine this is a very rewarding feeling, seeing Jeremy’s ideas come to life.” 

First-year REALM student Ellie Slade noted: “One of the most valuable aspects of Clarkson's Farm is the way it depicts farming not just as agricultural production - but as a complex business, requiring qualified rural professionals and their expertise. 

“Charlie's role demonstrates the importance of rural professionals - helping farmers navigate planning regulations, environmental schemes and financial pressures.

 
“In reality, many farmers rely on advisers like Charlie because farming has become much more complex than traditional practices. Modern farms aren't just producing food, they've also become tourism businesses, environmental projects and financial enterprises.” 

Phoebe Jones is a first-year Rural Enterprise and Land Management student. 

She said: “By showcasing these different enterprises, the series highlights the reality of rural businesses, demonstrating that not everything is as straightforward or profitable as it seems.  

“The new season illustrates many of the challenges currently faced by farms across the country, with ever-changing government legislation as well as environmental pressures, giving viewers who may have a limited knowledge of the agricultural industry a valuable glimpse into how these rural enterprises are structured, managed and adapting to meet evolving demands.  

“Despite the praise which the show has been given in increasing public awareness for the industry, Jeremy Clarkson has limited experience himself - and is not fully representative of an average farmer. 

“His financial position allows him to have the freedom to face risks which most farms could not afford, as well as having experienced help such as Kaleb, who helps to hold the farm together while Clarkson is looking into the newest gadgets - which are not all that necessary for his production systems!” 

Phoebe has also found the show to be useful when discussing her chosen career with friends and family. 

She added: “Personally, when applying to university, I often found it difficult to explain what Rural Enterprise and Land Management involved.  
 
“Due to Charlie's prominence in the series, I can now refer to his role as an example of what I am intending to achieve. 

“Charlie provides reliable advice while also offering a sensible approach on many of Clarkson's ideas, which are often not as viable or profitable as Clarkson thinks. 

“The series shows the impact of changing government policies, in terms of rising input costs and inheritance tax concerns - which have both dramatically impacted farming businesses around the country.  

“Charlie's involvement in helping Clarkson navigate these challenges once more demonstrates the significant value that rural professionals offer to farming enterprises.”

Ready to explore a career in Land Management? Visit us at our Open Day on 15 August to discover what ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ can offer you, join our Land and Property Management Experience Day on 28 October for hands-on insight into the sector, and explore resources such as to learn more about the opportunities available.

As the series drew to a close this month, Jeremy revealed he was being treated for prostate cancer – and later, thanks to treatment, he is currently in remission.

Andrew Black added: “On a personal note, having also been affected by cancer, I would like to thank Jeremy for his openness in sharing his health journey. His willingness to speak candidly about his experience helps raise awareness and encourages important conversations. We all wish him a safe and speedy recovery.”