Ep 1. Tractoring
- June 11, 2021
- 54 min
-
8.4 (1,743)
Clarkson's Farm is a British reality series that follows Jeremy Clarkson, the former host of the popular motoring show, Top Gear, as he takes on the challenge of running a farm. In this first episode of the series, titled "Tractoring," viewers are introduced to Clarkson's new venture and begin to discover the highs and lows of agriculture.
The episode begins with Clarkson discussing his decision to purchase a 1,000 acre farm in the English countryside. He explains that he knows nothing about farming but is determined to make a success of his new venture. Clarkson, who is used to driving powerful and fast cars, is now in charge of a fleet of tractors and farm equipment that he is learning to use.
Clarkson's excitement quickly turns to frustration as he discovers that the farm is plagued with problems. The first of these is the farm's drainage system, which is in poor condition. After a discussion with an agronomist, Clarkson realizes that he needs to spend a significant amount of money on land drainage before he can even start planting crops.
The next challenge for Clarkson is to plow his fields and prepare them for planting. The farm's previous owner had used a technique called "no-till," which means that the land has not been plowed for years. This has resulted in the soil becoming compacted, making it difficult to plant crops. Clarkson enlists the help of a local farmer, who shows him how to correctly use a plow.
Despite his best efforts, Clarkson soon realizes that he is not getting very far with his plowing. The tractor keeps getting stuck in the mud, and Clarkson becomes increasingly frustrated. He explains that there is a steep learning curve when it comes to farming and that he has a new appreciation for farmers and their hard work.
The episode also shows Clarkson trying to decide which crops to plant. He consults with an expert who advises him to plant a mix of crops, including barley and oil seed rape. Clarkson is also keen to try farming vegetables and decides to start with potatoes.
In addition to planting crops, Clarkson must also take care of his livestock. He has a small herd of sheep that he needs to move from one field to another. Clarkson enlists the help of his girlfriend, Lisa, but the sheep prove to be more difficult to manage than he anticipated.
The episode ends with Clarkson feeling overwhelmed by the challenges he has faced on the farm. He admits that he has a lot to learn and that farming is a tough business. However, he is determined to make a success of his new venture and is hopeful for the future.
Overall, "Tractoring" is a great introduction to the series and shows Clarkson's struggles and triumphs as he navigates the world of farming. It is an entertaining and educational show that highlights the importance of agriculture and the hard work that farmers put in every day.