BBC Countryfile

Why is it that BBC Countryfile often seems to reject any idea that progress must take place in agriculture, and that farming like any industry, must evolve if it is to survive.

It may be very charming and picturesque to show pictures of small scale farms and markets, attractive special breeds of cattle and the delights of farmers markets. But the world moves on.

The development of cattle markets in tonight's episode is depressingly familiar in its blatant support of the old market and rejection of the new. This is despite recognition of the benefits of the new market by the actual farmers who depend on an efficient, safe and accessible place to buy and sell the their livestock!

Following from the wholesale markets, does no-one at BBC realise that supermarkets are actually important to ordinary people because they offer good value, fresh(!), high quality, varied food with the possibility of action when things go wrong. They also give jobs to local people.

It seems to me that food production, like any business needs to be in the real world not in some heritage playground populated by characters like Adam Henson (how many times in 3 minutes can he say " MY farm, MY cattle, MY sheep....? ) with their "special breeds". Life for most of us is not a hobby and business is not a game.

If very large farms and mechanised production systems are best for the industry, then so be it. I am sure agriculture never stood still in the past so why should it now?

I am a 'young' OAP who loves the UK to live and holiday in, and I also love the BBC. However this obsession with the old country set, from the Archers through to some aspects of Countryfile is a disappointing part of the best broadcasting operation in the world.

Please BBC - take a real world approach to the countryside and move forward.

Peter Kelly

Peter may I be the first to welcome you.

Have you sent a letter to the BBC?

Welcome, Peter Kelly.

Countryfile doesn't receive much discussion around here, and I very much doubt anybody in an editorial position will see your comments. I echo Jon's advice to send it off to the BBC directly.

So much for the programmes revamp, Yet the Scottish version Landward seems more willing to move with the times. Maybe the BBC believe there proving a show for people who liked farming from years gone by.

Many thanks for replies. I have submitted this to Points of View

Not sure if this is the best place but we shall see.

I was just so annoyed at the one-sided nature of the programme tonight, as I have been on previous occasions.

Is it just me or do other people see this?

Thanks again

Peter

As I have said, on the number of occlusion I have caught the programme, it always moaning about how the good old ways are dieing out and boogy men new stuff is coming to get us.

What are you on about?

Really? It's not a well-written post, I grant you, but for someone with your intelligence, I find it hard to believe that you couldn't grasp what he was trying to say.

He said that on the various occasions that he's seen Countryfile, it's been filled with people complaining about how the 'good old ways' of doing things are in decline, along with scaremongering over the 'new ways' and endemic reluctance to accept change.

Long-term members will be well aware that 623058 isn't the best at spelling or articulating his opinions with great sophistication, but he does clearly make an effort - and I suspect it's a far greater effort for someone without those skills to try to express themselves in writing than it is for someone like you to try to understand them.

Thanks. I think it was the "boogy men new stuff" thing which threw me.

I'm not at all knocking barcode's contribution to this board, I'm sure he's aware I've made my appreciation clear.