In the latest episode of BBC’s Countryfile, presenter Adam Henson paid a visit to the Lemon family’s historic farm near Wilton, Wiltshire. The farm, a sprawling 1,335-hectare estate dating back to the 16th century, is managed across three generations who cultivate wheat, barley, oilseed rape, and maize.
Adam, 59, took the opportunity to reflect on his own journey into farming during a heartfelt conversation with 18-year-old James Lemon, the enthusiastic young farmer aiming to lead the family’s move toward sustainable agriculture. The farm has evolved considerably since it passed from David Lemon to his son Peter in 1970, and now to Peter’s son David and his wife Millie, with James preparing to carry on the family legacy.
During the episode, Peter shared a key piece of advice often given to young farmers: “I’m a great believer that no farmer’s son should go home immediately after college. You will make man management mistakes, and if you go home, your mistakes will follow you. But if you work on another farm, you can learn from your errors and move on.”
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Adam recounted a personal story linked to this wisdom. “Your grandad gave me similar advice when I was just a little older than you,” he told James. “My dad actually called him and said, ‘You need to come home and put my boy straight.’ He did, and it was invaluable advice — though it did make me feel a bit inadequate at the time. It made me realize I had to step up my game.”
Despite the initial discomfort, Adam noted, “We’ve been successful ever since,” prompting laughter between the generations. This candid moment underscored the importance of experience, mentorship, and learning from others in farming’s demanding world.
Countryfile continues to showcase the dedication and evolution of farming families across the UK, airing Sundays on BBC One and iPlayer.