BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland, with support from Northern Ireland Screen, have commissioned Farm 999 from Stellify Media.
The series centres on farmers who are also increasingly under threat from criminal gangs.
Presented by Steph McGovern, the 15-part series, starting on Friday 07 November, features dramatic farmyard accidents, rural crime investigations, heroic rescues and raging fires from some of the UK’s most beautiful but isolated communities.
The series gets access to previously unseen CCTV, body cam and mobile phone footage from the incidents alongside the personal accounts of those involved.
Each episode brings viewers into the heart of these dramatic events following the challenges faced by emergency services in the air and on land who tend to life and death situations in often remote and inaccessible locations. It also follows police operations and investigations in the areas cracking criminal gangs and clamping down on the perpetrators.
Presented from a working farm at CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) in County Antrim, Steph McGovern gets insights into some of the stories and issues covered with a range of expert guests and campaigners offering advice and guidance. She also talks to other farmers who have faced similar situations to those featured in the series, who share their personal experiences.
Investigating reporter Paul Colgan is on the ground at various locations around the UK meeting first responders, conservationists and accompanying dedicated rural crime units on operations to tackle organised crime.
Steph McGovern said: “Farm 999 will take viewers into the heart of the UK’s stunning countryside giving a unique perspective on what it’s like to live and work there. People in rural communities are used to dealing with challenges, but this is an unseen side of life here.
“Farming can be a dangerous profession and when accidents happen it’s often a matter of life and death in these isolated locations. We hear jaw dropping stories first hand from those impacted and get to see incredible footage from the first responders coming to the rescue of people, livestock and possessions. We also get an insight into the chaos criminals are causing in rural communities and have unrivalled access to the policing operations trying to tackle it.”
Muslim Alim, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime said: “We’re excited to bring Farm 999 to BBC Daytime audiences. With Steph McGovern guiding us through these dramatic stories, the show takes viewers into the heart of rural life – from dangerous farmyard emergencies to the fight against organised crime, highlighting the resilience and bravery of farmers and first responders. Thanks to Stellify Media for producing such a compelling series.”
Justin Binding, Commissioning Executive for BBC Northern Ireland said: “Farm 999 gives viewers an insight into the lives of rural communities in all corners of the UK and the challenges they face. There are some brilliant personal stories from the people impacted and a reminder of the importance of the first responders and rural crime units to these communities. And of course it was great to welcome Steph to Northern Ireland and for the series to be presented from here. And joining Steph is award-winning journalist Paul Colgan, a seasoned broadcaster from Northern Ireland, who will be on the ground in various locations, investigating the issues that affect farmers and rural communities.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Screen says: “We are delighted to support Farm 999 through our Hot House initiative. The series shines a light on the realities of rural life — the dangers, the resilience, and the sense of community that define it. It’s fantastic to see such powerful storytelling and collaboration between BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland, with Northern Ireland once again providing the creative talent behind an ambitious production that will resonate with audiences across the UK.”
Kieran Doherty, CEO and co-founder of Stellify Media said: “Farm 999 covers everything from life threatening accidents, to devastating wildfires, to shockingly audacious livestock thefts – all captured by self-shot footage – and told by the people impacted. It shines a light on the extraordinary strength and spirit of a community where every challenge is met with grit and good humour, and every day brings a reminder of how resilient rural life can be.”
Farm 999 was commissioned for BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland with support from Northern Ireland Screen as part of the Hot House co-commissioning initiative and is produced by Stellify Media with support from Fifth Season.
Jon Creamer
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