Television has long been a powerful medium for shaping public perception, and its portrayal of farmers has undergone significant changes over the decades. From early stereotypes to more nuanced representations, the evolution of farmers on TV reflects broader societal shifts in how we view rural life and agriculture. This exploration delves into the various ways farmers have been depicted on screen, examining the impact of these portrayals on public understanding and agricultural policy.
Historical portrayal of farmers in early television (1950s-1970s)
In the early days of television, farmers were often depicted through a narrow lens, reinforcing stereotypes that had long existed in popular culture. These portrayals typically fell into two main categories: the simple, uneducated rustic or the salt-of-the-earth, wholesome country dweller. Both representations, while different in tone, often failed to capture the complexity and diversity of rural life.
The 1950s saw programmes that tended to romanticise farm life, presenting it as an idyllic escape from the pressures of urban living. Farmers were frequently shown as wise, steady individuals deeply connected to the land. However, these portrayals often glossed over the harsh realities and economic challenges of agricultural work.
As television matured in the 1960s and 1970s, some shows began to offer more nuanced depictions of rural life, though stereotypes persisted. The changing landscape of American agriculture, with the rise of industrial farming, began to influence how farmers were represented on screen, leading to more varied portrayals.
Shifting narratives: the rise of the “salt of the earth” archetype
As television evolved, so did the portrayal of farmers, with a noticeable shift towards the “salt of the earth” archetype. This characterisation presented farmers as hardworking, honest, and deeply rooted in traditional values. While this image was generally positive, it sometimes oversimplified the complexities of rural life and agricultural work.
Green acres (1965-1971): subverting urban-rural dynamics
Green Acres took a unique approach to the portrayal of rural life, using humour to explore the clash between urban and rural cultures. The show followed a New York attorney and his socialite wife as they attempted to adapt to farm life. While it played on rural stereotypes, it also subverted expectations by often portraying the rural characters as more savvy and adaptable than their city counterparts.
The waltons (1972-1981): romanticizing agrarian life
The Waltons presented a nostalgic view of rural life during the Great Depression and World War II. The show portrayed farmers and rural families as resilient, close-knit, and morally upright. This idealised representation resonated with viewers and contributed to a romanticised perception of agrarian life, often glossing over the hardships and complexities of the era.
Little house on the prairie (1974-1983): pioneering farmer narratives
Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, Little House on the Prairie offered a historical perspective on farming life in the late 19th century. The show depicted the challenges and triumphs of pioneering farmers, emphasising family values, hard work, and perseverance. While it provided a more realistic portrayal of the difficulties faced by farmers of the era, it still maintained a somewhat idealised view of rural life.
Comedic representations and rural sitcoms
Comedy has played a significant role in shaping the public’s perception of farmers and rural life. Rural sitcoms, in particular, have been a staple of television programming, often relying on stereotypes for humour while occasionally challenging preconceptions about farm life.
Hee haw (1969-1997): cornpone humor and musical variety
Hee Haw was a long-running variety show that combined country music with sketch comedy. The show heavily featured rural stereotypes, often portraying farmers as simple-minded but good-natured. While it was popular among rural and urban audiences alike, it reinforced many existing stereotypes about rural life and agriculture.
The beverly hillbillies (1962-1971): fish-out-of-water tropes
This iconic sitcom followed a family of rural Ozark residents who strike it rich and move to Beverly Hills. The show played heavily on the contrast between rural and urban lifestyles, often portraying the rural characters as naïve but morally superior to their city counterparts. While it relied on stereotypes for humour, it also challenged perceptions by showing the rural characters’ adaptability and wisdom.
Petticoat junction (1963-1970): small-town farming community dynamics
Petticoat Junction focused on the lives of residents in a small farming community, centring around a rural hotel. The show portrayed farmers and rural residents as quirky and lovable, emphasising the close-knit nature of small-town life. While it relied on some stereotypes, it also depicted the entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness of rural communities.
Contemporary portrayals and reality TV farming
In recent years, there has been a shift towards more realistic and diverse portrayals of farmers on television, particularly through the medium of reality TV. These shows have offered viewers a closer look at the realities of modern farming, challenging long-held stereotypes and showcasing the complexity of agricultural life in the 21st century.
Clarkson’s farm (2021-present): celebrity-driven agricultural reality
Clarkson’s Farm follows former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson as he attempts to run a farm in the Cotswolds. The show provides a unique perspective on modern farming, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers today, from bureaucratic red tape to the impacts of climate change. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of the difficulties and complexities of agricultural work.
Farmweek (1972-present): long-running agricultural news program
Farmweek is a long-standing British television programme that focuses on agricultural news and rural affairs. Unlike dramatised portrayals, this show offers factual reporting on issues affecting farmers and rural communities. It has played a crucial role in informing both rural and urban viewers about the realities of modern farming and agricultural policy.
Our yorkshire farm (2018-2022): modern family farming docuseries
This popular docuseries follows the lives of Amanda Owen and her family on their remote hill farm in Yorkshire. The show offers an intimate look at the realities of modern family farming, showcasing both the challenges and rewards of rural life. It has been praised for its authentic portrayal of farming and for challenging stereotypes about women in agriculture.
Breaking stereotypes: diverse and complex farmer characters
As television narratives have evolved, so too have the representations of farmers. Modern shows are increasingly portraying farmers as complex, multifaceted characters, moving beyond the stereotypes of earlier decades. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the diversity within the agricultural community and the complex challenges faced by modern farmers.
Heartland (2007-present): multi-generational ranching drama
Heartland is a long-running Canadian drama that centres around a family-run ranch. The show depicts multiple generations of farmers, showcasing the blend of traditional practices and modern techniques in contemporary agriculture. It addresses issues such as sustainable farming, the challenges of maintaining family farms, and the intersection of rural and urban life.
Bless this mess (2019-2020): millennial urban-to-rural transition
This short-lived sitcom followed a young couple from New York City as they moved to rural Nebraska to take over a family farm. While it played on some fish-out-of-water tropes, the show also explored the realities of modern small-scale farming and the challenges faced by newcomers to agriculture. It highlighted issues such as sustainable farming practices and the economic pressures on small farms.
Yellowstone (2018-present): modern ranching and land conflicts
Yellowstone presents a gritty, modern take on ranching life, focusing on the Dutton family’s struggle to maintain their vast cattle ranch in Montana. The show delves into complex issues facing modern farmers and ranchers, including land use conflicts, environmental concerns, and the clash between traditional agricultural practices and modern development pressures.
Impact of farmer representation on public perception and agricultural policy
The evolution of farmer representations on television has had a significant impact on public perception and, by extension, on agricultural policy. As portrayals have become more nuanced and realistic, there has been a growing awareness of the challenges faced by the farming community and the importance of agriculture to national economies and food security.
More accurate representations have helped to bridge the gap between urban and rural audiences, fostering a better understanding of agricultural issues. This increased awareness has, in some cases, led to more informed public discourse on agricultural policy and support for initiatives that benefit farming communities.
However, challenges remain. While some shows offer more realistic portrayals, others continue to rely on outdated stereotypes. The persistence of these stereotypes can perpetuate misconceptions about farming and rural life, potentially influencing policy decisions and public support for agricultural initiatives.
As television continues to evolve, there is an opportunity for even more diverse and accurate representations of farmers and rural life. By showcasing the complexity of modern agriculture, including its technological advancements, environmental challenges, and socio-economic realities, television has the power to shape a more informed and empathetic public understanding of farming and its crucial role in society.
The future of farmer representation on TV lies in continuing to challenge stereotypes, embracing diversity within the agricultural community, and providing honest, multifaceted portrayals of rural life. As viewers become more engaged with these authentic representations, there is potential for a more nuanced public discourse on agricultural issues and more supportive policies for farming communities.