Countryfile star emotional as he quits family farm with 'disinterested kids'
Countryfile presenter and farmer Adam Henson has opened up on what the future holds for his family as he prepares to leave his farm in the Cotswolds when the tenancy runs out
Countryfile's Adam Henson has shared a poignant moment, declaring "it's the end of an era" as he contemplates leaving his beloved farm in the Cotswolds once the tenancy expires.
The well-known TV presenter and farmer resides on the expansive 650-hectare Cotswolds Farm Park estate with his wife Charlie. He revealed their plans to relocate to a nearby bungalow, acknowledging that their children have chosen different paths and won't be taking over the agricultural reins.
Off-camera, Adam dedicates himself to running the family farm, continuing the vision his father Joe initiated in 1971.
Speaking to the Daily Express, he reminisced: "My dad was ahead of his time by opening a farm for people to come and visit, bottle-feed a lamb or hold a chick."
Adam recalled his own childhood enthusiasm for farming, contrasting it with his children's career choices: "While I was pulling on my wellies and chasing my dad out of the door to join him on the farm, my own children aren't interested in a career in farming."
He acknowledged his children's capabilities but noted their different professional directions: "Sure, they can lamb a sheep and drive a tractor, but my daughter lives in Perth as an events organiser and my son is a financial advisor in Leeds."
Looking ahead, he shared their future plans: "So when the tenancy runs out in 12 years' time, Charlie and I are moving to a bungalow close by in Winchcombe, where we have a few acres and will keep a few sheep and the dogs."
Despite the change, Adam expressed his enduring affection for the rural landscape: "It will be the end of an era, but I will still be able to enjoy the lovely countryside."
In a heartfelt conversation with Reach PLC, Adam revealed the tough challenges he's faced in his life, opening up about his wife's battle with cancer, the heartbreaking loss of his parents, and his nephew.
Adam expressed, "My characteristics are that I am an upbeat person, and I have got an incredibly supportive family, wife, and children, and people around me.
"And within the business, I have got a business partner who I was at Agricultural College with and he is one of my closest friends and what we do is surround ourselves with people that are excellent within their own role in the business. Whether that is a manager or a farm manager, and we work really closely with the team and we are all very honest and open with one another."
He went on to share, "I have had some very difficult times in my life, both in business and personally. My wife was very ill a few years ago, my parents dying, and I lost a nephew."
Despite numerous hurdles such as foot and mouth disease, the Covid pandemic, and other personal tribulations, Adam credits his mental resilience to the robust support system he has built, "We have gone through foot and mouth challenges, Covid, and we have had some tough times, but I've never had poor mental health because I've had that fantastic support system around me."
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