UTV to broadcast a ‘year of farming’

The ITV broadcaster in Northern Ireland, UTV, is currently producting Rare Breed – A Farming Year which will show how local farms cope across a 12-month period.

The 12 months are spread across 12 episodes and revolves around 16 local farming families.

Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV Television said: “UTV cameras have been out in all weathers and on every type of farm to bring viewers the very best of Ulster’s farms and farming families. We get to meet that rare breed of men and women who look after our farmland – preserving it for future generations and helping feed this current one.

“Coming from a farming background, I was very keen that UTV showed a series that reflected rural life across Northern Ireland. Rare Breed – A Farming Year does just that, showing the highs and lows farmers experience in what is one of Northern Ireland’s most important industries.”

Right across Northern Ireland, Rare Breed – A Farming Year meets the breeders of pigs, poultry, sheep, and cattle; the growers of the grain and grass and the producers of eggs, potatoes, parsnips and carrots.

Kelda Crawford McCann, Producer said: “This is a one-off insight into one of Northern Ireland’s largest and oldest industries. Discovering that our local produce not only ends up on our tables, it is an international commodity worth millions to the economy and provides work for tens of thousands of people.

“The series reflects the working lives of a range of local farms working hand in hand with nature and the weather, showing how young and old share in this seasonal rhythm that brings food from the soil to the kitchen table.”

Rare Breed – A Farming Year starts on UTV next Monday 16 January at 8pm. The programme is sponsored by Irwin’s Bakery and has been shot in High Definition.