Devon farmer’s life immortalised in portraiture for BBC series

The life of a veteran dairy farmer who refuses to slow down is to be celebrated in a new BBC television series presented by British rapper Tinie Tempah.

Alec Burrough hit the headlines in April 2020 when it was revealed that aged 86, he was still working every day on his farm in East Devon to feed the nation.

He was hailed as a farming hero during the first Covid-19 lockdown as he kept working every day throughout the pandemic – despite suffering from a chronic lung condition and being told by the government to self-isolate.

See also: Farmer, 86, working every day to #FeedTheNation

Now his life will be celebrated in an episode of the new series, called Extraordinary Portraits, which will be shown on BBC One on Sunday 3 April.

The six-part series recognises everyday heroes being immortalised in art. One of the 30-minute episodes will focus completely on Mr Burrough, now 88, who has his portrait painted by acclaimed British portrait and still life artist Caroline Pool.

Looking after cows

Mr Burrough’s love of farming sees him working full time at Peradon Farm, Cullompton, a 105ha farm with 120 organic cows, 15 chickens, three ducks, two geese and his beloved dog, Shadow.

He gets up at the crack of dawn every day to care for his cows and ride his tractor, working alongside his son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.

“It’s such an incredible honour to have been chosen to appear in the series and to have my portrait painted in this way,” said Mr Burrough.

“I don’t feel special. I’m just doing what I’ve always done. Farming and family have both kept me going and that’s what gives me a sense of purpose in life.”

Mr Burrough drives the same Nuffield tractor every day that he’s driven for more than 50 years to carry out his farm tasks.  

Alec Burrough’s daughter-in-law, Louise, and grandsons Jack, Harry and George with Tinie Tempah © Chatterbox Media

Horses and ploughs

He has witnessed many changes in farming over the decades. “When I moved to this farm with my family as a young boy we had a few cows and we were farming with horses and ploughs in a time before tractors,” he recalled.

“Now everything is mechanised and our farm has diversified into holiday lettings and renewables, as well as continuing to produce more than one million litres of milk a year.

“It’s amazing to think it’s the same farm and I’ve seen it all in my lifetime. Certainly, no one could ever say farming is boring.”

Suzy Klein, head of BBC Arts, said: “Portraiture has traditionally been a way of commemorating the figures we think of as significant or powerful.

“What makes Extraordinary Portraits different is that we shift the focus to everyday heroes – shining a light on incredible people whose bravery, courage and good deeds make them truly special, and who we feel deserve to be celebrated.”