The Minister for Agriculture, Food, the Marine and Defence, Mr Simon Coveney T.D, was joined by members of the agri-food industry from across the country today, to launch a new behind-the-scenes farming series, which will broadcast on UTV Ireland in 2015.
‘Rare Breed’ provides an in-depth look into the successes and struggles of farming life in Ireland, throughout a calendar year. A total of 21 farmers across the country are taking part in the series, which gives a unique insight into all aspects of farming life and practices – from beef, dairy, horse and poultry farms, to vegetable, pig and even Christmas tree farms.
The producer and director of the series was Kelda Crawford McCann while Laurian Duff served as editor. The cameraman was Michael Quinn while Post-Production took place at Yellow Moon Post Productions in Belfast and Half Light Audio Post Productions in Cork.
Minister Coveney said of the show: ‘The Irish agriculture industry is worth €24 billion annually and Ireland is seen as one of the global leaders in high-quality agri-food production and exportation. ‘Rare Breed’ shines a spotlight on the importance of agriculture in Ireland and I look forward to following the series.’
Michael Wilson, UTV Ireland Managing Director, said: ‘Coming from a farming background, I am delighted to announce ‘Rare Breed’ as part of UTV Ireland’s schedule. ‘Rare Breed’ is about giving people an access-all-areas pass to one of Ireland’s biggest industries – on farms both big and small. The series also documents the intriguing contrasts between well-established farmers and the more tech-savvy farmers beginning their careers in the agri-sector.’
Kelda Crawford McCann, Producer of ‘Rare Breed’ said: ‘I am always fascinated and inspired by the level of commitment and dedication shown by Ireland’s farming community – particularly when you see our local produce displayed on supermarket shelves, across the world. This is the biggest series of ‘Rare Breed’ we have filmed to date. Our cameras have been out in all conditions as farmers worked through torrential rain and beaming sun – from Carlow to Cork and Tipperary to Donegal. The results have been outstanding and the finished product will be a heart-warming, family programme.’
‘Rare Breed’ is a 12-part series which follows the lives of farmers across Munster, Leinster, Connacht and Ulster. The series will begin on UTV Ireland in January 2015. UTV Ireland, Ireland’s newest television channel, will launch on January 1st 2015 and further details of the UTV Ireland schedule will be announced soon.
For further information on UTV Ireland, visit www.utv.ie.
