We are farmers (US) and have watched every episode of Clarkson's Farm, since the start, with deepening respect for Jeremy's willingness to look a fool while learning like a madman. From car-driving buffoon (not casting aspersions; we are fans of that side of his oeuvre also!) and rural dilettante to a man who puts serious personal money (and effort) where his mouth has led him, and whose heart breaks for those who, lacking his resources, remain determined to make a go of it, somehow.
Somewhere in the middle, he is raging against his neighbors on the council who don't trust him, blocking this or that, and refusing to allow his cameras into their meeting. They will not be a prop for his trivial novelty show. Sometime after that, offscreen, I believe there must have been an epiphany (or many small ones) that reoriented his perspective. If not a man *of* the people, he's begun working as a man *with* the people.
Farmers have to be a helluva lot smarter & committed than the average white collar keyboard clicker. We've seen many "back to nature" types come and go in past decades. Now, along with the push to the trades, we are seeing younger-generation families pick up where grandparents left off and others digging from scratch into the complexities of trying to make a living (mostly) off the land in the modern world. Not for everyone, no participation trophies, and the red tape here is as bad or worse than the UK. Indeed it is truly a calling. Good luck and God bless those willing to take up the challenge.
This piece is foundational to any functioning society. The UK is "the canary in the coal mine". People around the world have chosen or been forced to deny these facts, and we are all paying the price. Thank You for sharing.
Brilliant. My heart swelled with pride as I read this, although I am and have always been American. I read and listen to European vloggers sometimes, and it's been surprising to hear what they think of America. The number one thing these vloggers say from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Portugal is how much they love seeing American flags when they visit. That's an odd thing, isn't it? But it does show how much they long to feel pride and connection to their heritage without being called a racist.
Your response reminded me that about 15 years ago my visiting brother-in-law, who is British, commented how "you never see the Union Jack flown on houses in Great Britain". It surprised him that so many flew the stars and stripes on their homes.
"...a country is not just its laws, and not just its GDP. It is the dignity of work, the continuity of place, and the confidence to say that certain ways of life are worth preserving."
Yet again, brilliantly stated. And why those of us who love America want Americans to work, businesses to re-shore, and hollowed-out Rust Belt towns to thrive once again.
I loved Jeremy’s Clarkson Farm series. Hysterical!
We are farmers (US) and have watched every episode of Clarkson's Farm, since the start, with deepening respect for Jeremy's willingness to look a fool while learning like a madman. From car-driving buffoon (not casting aspersions; we are fans of that side of his oeuvre also!) and rural dilettante to a man who puts serious personal money (and effort) where his mouth has led him, and whose heart breaks for those who, lacking his resources, remain determined to make a go of it, somehow.
Somewhere in the middle, he is raging against his neighbors on the council who don't trust him, blocking this or that, and refusing to allow his cameras into their meeting. They will not be a prop for his trivial novelty show. Sometime after that, offscreen, I believe there must have been an epiphany (or many small ones) that reoriented his perspective. If not a man *of* the people, he's begun working as a man *with* the people.
Farmers have to be a helluva lot smarter & committed than the average white collar keyboard clicker. We've seen many "back to nature" types come and go in past decades. Now, along with the push to the trades, we are seeing younger-generation families pick up where grandparents left off and others digging from scratch into the complexities of trying to make a living (mostly) off the land in the modern world. Not for everyone, no participation trophies, and the red tape here is as bad or worse than the UK. Indeed it is truly a calling. Good luck and God bless those willing to take up the challenge.
he celebrates England's heritage by brewing a German-style beer. Whatever, dude.
I went this year to the pub, the brewery, and the farm.
This piece is foundational to any functioning society. The UK is "the canary in the coal mine". People around the world have chosen or been forced to deny these facts, and we are all paying the price. Thank You for sharing.
Jeremy is a good Man He has his moments that can make you think and Laugh your ass off
Brilliant. My heart swelled with pride as I read this, although I am and have always been American. I read and listen to European vloggers sometimes, and it's been surprising to hear what they think of America. The number one thing these vloggers say from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Portugal is how much they love seeing American flags when they visit. That's an odd thing, isn't it? But it does show how much they long to feel pride and connection to their heritage without being called a racist.
Your response reminded me that about 15 years ago my visiting brother-in-law, who is British, commented how "you never see the Union Jack flown on houses in Great Britain". It surprised him that so many flew the stars and stripes on their homes.
"...a country is not just its laws, and not just its GDP. It is the dignity of work, the continuity of place, and the confidence to say that certain ways of life are worth preserving."
Yet again, brilliantly stated. And why those of us who love America want Americans to work, businesses to re-shore, and hollowed-out Rust Belt towns to thrive once again.
Yeah, but can we buy it in the states yet?