When I was a child, I wanted to be a farmer. When I was about nine, I used to help one of the local farmers out during harvest time, gathering bales and such, and he even showed me how to burn the stubble in his fields (not a method used today) then left me to get on with it! Can you imagine the health and safety implications of this today? Yet in rural Oxfordshire circa 1984, this was just more colourful childhood experience. I had a great time, even though it was bloody hard work, as you point out.

I live in Devon now, so am well aware of the challenges faced by farmers here. I'm pleased the likes of Jeremy Clarkson are raising awareness of these issues, because I think there's a lot of ignorant nonsense spouted about farmers, and we need to properly support them in changing times. It's a way of life that needs to adapt with the times, yes, but it should not be wholly lost or abandoned.

Great article. :)