Countryfile sparks wave of complaints as farming special leaves BBC viewers furious and ‘unwell' - but who's in the wrong?

Daily Mail​

05-05-2025

Countryfile sparked a wave of complaints after a farming special left some BBC viewers furious and 'unwell'.
Sunday's instalment of the show featured presenters Adam Henson, Sammi Kinghorn and Matt Baker.
The special episode showcased their different techniques during lambing season and even captured a sheep giving birth.
'With the health of the animals being so important and then you've got unpredictable outcomes and of course the physical and mental strain of looking after so many animals,' Adam said. 'Lambing can be a tough time for sheep farmers.'
The programme delved into how Matt was dealing with a change in sheep breed on his farm, while Sammi and her father demonstrated how they get ewes to foster lambs.
However, the instalment was hit with backlash from some viewers who expressed their issues with what was shown on the episode.
One posted on X: 'What the lambing #CountryFile, 4/5/2025 isn't looking at is how male lambs not chosen as tups for breeding are treated, & how the male presenters on the programme would like being treated that way (ouch!!).'
'I don't understand how farmers can put all this care and attention into the wellbeing of their flocks only to then send them for halal/kosher slaughter at a later date...'
According to the Express, someone else said: 'I don't feel well #countryfile.'
Some found the episode uninteresting and wrote: 'Time to ditch Countryfile. It's so dull.'
Another commented: 'The poor mother, her lamb is huge… #Countryfile.'
While others spoke positively of the episode and one penned: 'What's happened to #Countryfile tonight?
'It looks like they've suddenly remembered it used to be a programme for farmers and those involved in the countryside. More of this please.'
Last year, Countryfile was bombarded with complaints just minutes into a show as fans raged 'I can't believe it!' over a baffling report.
However, the instalment was hit with backlash from some viewers who expressed their issues with what was shown on the episode
The BBC show usually gives insight into farming and rural life, but some took issue with the episode being dominated by oysters.
The instalment was presented by Joe Crowley and Adam Henson and Joe headed to Scotland to discover more about the famous Stranraer Oyster Festival.
He followed fishermen as they caught the oysters in the sea to provide for the 10,000 that are used for the festival for punters to enjoy.
Still, many were confused that the show was mostly dominated by seafood and fishing.
Countryfile airs weekly on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.