BIG WEEK ON the Farm was a big hit for RTÉ, with an average of 326,000 people tuning in to watch the live farming show.
This represents a 17% increase on RTÉ One’s typical average viewing figures for the slot. The programme was watched by just over a quarter (26%) of people who were watching TV at that time.
Big Week on the Farm, which was presented by Áine Lawlor and Ella McSweeney, was broadcast live from Monday to Friday last week at 7pm from John Fagan’s farm in Co Westmeath. The show aimed to give viewers an insight into what happens on farms across Ireland during the busy spring period.
Over the course of the week 60 lambs were born on the farm, including a live birth. Viewers learned facts about several animals including pigs, horses, hens, goats and cows.
A new world record was also set when Donegal man Ivan Scott sheared a sheep in 37.9 seconds, beating the previous record of 39.31 seconds (which was set in Australia in 2010).
RTÉ One channel controller Adrian Lynch said he is “delighted … viewers really connected with Big Week on the Farm”.
Farming is hugely important to Irish society and one of the backbones of the Irish economy. We wanted to create a special week of programming around farming that was engaging, entertaining and highlighted the role science and technology play in Irish farming.
The programme was one of the top five programmes on RTÉ Player last week, attracting over 42,000 streams to date for the main show and online exclusives.
The series was produced by Independent Pictures.
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