Let's get this show on the road!

In its 17th year, the roadshow is in full swing attending school events, county shows and food festivals across England and Wales, teaching children and adults in a fun and interactive way about the importance of farming and the hard work of British farmers.

This year, the roadshow has a new presenter, taking over from Johnny Ball who decided to hang up his hat after 16 years. Adam Jones, who has two young children of his own, has settled into the role naturally, bringing a lot of entertainment and bundles of energy to the Let’s Talk Farming experience.

“I’m passionate about talking to the next generation and the public about farming, particularly those that are unsure about what farmers do,” says Adam. “I love to educate them on what our purpose is as a farmer, and getting both adults and children to look out for the Red Tractor logo as a way of supporting the industry.”

Adam’s passion and enthusiasm, along with his sense of humour, has certainly been infectious; children up and down the country can’t get enough of the resources and activities on offer on the stand, particularly Adam’s impressive animal balloons!

The Let’s Talk Farming experience involves Adam giving an insight into the day in the life of a farmer and how this links to the food we eat. The children are provided with the opportunity to answer questions for a chance to win little goodies such as a cow pencil.

A variety of activities are on offer at the Let’s Talk Farming trailer, from milking the famous Annabelle, a model dairy cow, to milling wheat into flour, and finding the Red Tractor logo on the produce, all to help illustrate the farming-to-fork journey.

The roadshow has seen classes of 30 school children at a time attend, with teachers also eager to get involved and learn more about the industry.

“The children are currently learning about food in school, so, as teachers, we feel it’s important that they understand where their food comes from, as well as appreciating their local environment,” says one teacher from Upton St Leonards Primary School in Gloucester.

A range of fun resources can be picked up from the stand, including activity booklets, promoting why we should be backing British farming.

So if you’re planning to visit one of the county shows this summer, make sure to look out for the Let’s Talk Farming trailer.

Getting to know Adam

Q: What were you doing before taking on this role?

A: Before the roadshow I was managing a farm park called the Stables Farm Park in Redditch in Worcestershire and prior to that I studied at Hartpury College, so I’ve always had my hand in farming and I’m passionate about showing the public what it’s all about.

Q: What’s been the biggest attraction to the Let’s Talk Farming experience?

A: What draws people initially is the bright colours of the trailer. Annabelle, our milking cow, is a huge attraction, with lots of children wanting to give milking a go. Generally, the stand can get quite noisy with lots of excited kids and this attracts passers-by to stop to see what’s going on.

Q: Tell us what your favourite show has been so far and why?

A: My favourite show has to be the Royal Three Counties because it’s my home show. But also we had lots of classes of primary schools stopping by on the first day, with teachers taking away the activity books for the classroom – this all makes the job so rewarding.

Q: What’s the weirdest balloon figure you’ve had to make?

A: “I’ve had all sorts of requests, but Queen Elsa from Frozen and the Incredible Hulk were the most challenging. One boy asked for a red tractor, now that’s one I’m definitely going to have to start practicing!”

Q: What’s the strangest question you’ve been asked at a show?

A: “I’ve had some rather random questions, but I have to say all very relevant! One being what type of bean is a baked bean, and where do peanuts grow. Thankfully, I knew the answers!”