Food production is a mystery for most people in the 21st century. Sure, they are better informed about nutrition, exercise, and the countless varieties of cuisine. But it may as well be magic when it comes to growing crops, raising livestock, or bringing food products to market. Humanity has long since moved away from the dirty grind of agriculture into the much cleaner realms of digital technology. Few people want to think about the continued need for farmers and the crucial work they do.
However, TV host and England’s “Sexiest Man of the Year” Jeremy Clarkson proves in his new series, “Clarkson’s Farm,” this is a huge mistake. Clarkson runs a 1,000-acre farm in Oxfordshire, and the series documents his journey to reconnect modern audiences to the work of their ancestors. The result of this endeavor is some of the most entertaining, informative, and surprisingly profound television to come out in a long time.
In its first season, Clarkson’s idea seems like a novelty more than anything else. Accustomed to the world of media and big cities, he is utterly ignorant about all things related to farming. Yet Clarkson takes on several projects with great aplomb, only to find himself repeatedly humbled by the experience. Fortunately, he is helped by his expert farmhand Kaleb Cooper, and business management wizard Charlie Ireland, and the three create “Diddly Squat Farm,” aptly named given the shenanigans and mishaps the reality show depicts.
Each episode demonstrates just how difficult farm work is. Besides
