Adam Henson shares scary moment from Countryfile Christmas party 

Mr Henson’s latest book, called Christmas On The Farm, covers an incident that happened during a secret Santa party for the show’s cast and crew. 

The event saw oxen dressed up as reindeers, while BBC presenter John Craven took on the role of Father Christmas. 

Mr Henson wrote: ‘As soon as we came into sight, lots of the presenters and crew ran out and jumped on the trailer which, in retrospect, was pretty stupid. 

‘The oxen plodded on steadily until, unfortunately, a gust of wind suddenly whipped John’s red Santa hat off his head, and it fell past the face of Philip the ox. 

‘Philip jerked, causing the trailer to jolt forward and everyone on board to jolt too.’ 

Mr Henson confirmed that thankfully nobody had fallen off the trailer and added: ‘Although there was one scary moment when I thought he might – the ox didn’t bolt with the legend that is John Craven on his back’. 

‘You saved my husband’s life’ 

Earlier this year, Mr Henson announced the launch of the second series of his farmer wellbeing podcast. 

Having lost a close friend who died by suicide and learning about the troubling statistics around mental health issues in the farming community, in October 2023 Mr Henson created the Keeping on Track farmer’s wellbeing podcast series, in collaboration with health and prevention specialists, The Sound Doctor. 

The farmer and celebrity said that the feedback from the farming community has been so positive, that the podcast has been followed up by a second series. 

Mr Henson said that the aim of the series is to encourage more communication within the farming sector so people do not have to suffer in silence and can receive support before it is too lat. 

He added: “I was at an event recently, and a lady came up to me and said ‘You saved my husband’s life’.   

“When quizzed, she explained that he’s a farm a manager and had been in a very dark place mentally, but the podcast series has given him a huge lift and helped him seek support.   

“We hugged and both shed a tear. I thought to myself that if we’ve helped just one person, then it’s a job well done.“ 

A recent study by the Farm Safety Foundation has revealed that 92% of UK farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today. This marks an increase from 82% in 2018.   

A study conducted by RABI has also shown that farmers have higher levels of mental ill-health than non-­ farmers. In 2021, it was found that one in three farming people were possibly or probably depressed. 

READ MORE: Keeping on Track: Farmer’s wellbeing podcast launches

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