Harriet Cowan Uses Clarkson’s Farm Fame to Break Barriers in Farming and Mental Health
Clarkson’s Farm Star Harriet Cowan Champions Women in Farming and Mental Health as She Takes on Chatsworth Role
Harriet Cowan, the breakout star of Clarkson’s Farm, is proving that her sudden rise to fame is about far more than just television. At only 24, the young farmer and nurse is using her platform to shine a spotlight on issues that matter deeply to her: the role of women in agriculture and the mental health struggles often faced by farmers.
Cowan, who appeared on the most recent season of Jeremy Clarkson’s hit Prime Video series, stepped into the spotlight when she temporarily took over at Diddly Squat Farm while Kaleb Cooper was away. Her no-nonsense approach, quick wit, and farming know-how quickly won the admiration of viewers across the country. But for Harriet, fame isn’t the end goal. Instead, she sees it as an opportunity to give farming—and the people behind it—the recognition they deserve.
From Belper to the Spotlight
Farming is in Cowan’s blood. Her family has long farmed in Belper, Derbyshire, and she credits her grandfather for sparking her passion for the land. Alongside her work on the family farm, Harriet has also balanced shifts as a nurse—a testament to both her work ethic and her desire to help people. Now, however, her future seems increasingly tied to agriculture, not just as a livelihood but as a cause worth fighting for.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Harriet revealed that she’s planning to create a series of online videos documenting her daily work and challenges on the farm, with the first set to debut on YouTube this Sunday. These videos, she hopes, will give the public an unfiltered look at farming life—its hardships, its triumphs, and its vital importance to the nation.
Championing Women in Farming
One of Harriet’s key messages is the need to better recognize and celebrate women in agriculture. “I am a massive advocate for women in farming because I think it is a massive industry where women’s roles are overlooked,” she explained. “We need to get the whole of the country to realise how much of an impact women have in farming.”
Her words strike a chord in an industry still often seen as male-dominated. For Harriet, visibility is crucial. By stepping into the public eye and speaking out, she hopes to inspire a new generation of young women to view farming as not only a viable career but one where their contributions are valued and respected.
Addressing Farming’s Silent Struggle: Mental Health
Equally important to Harriet is tackling the mental health crisis within farming communities. Agriculture is a notoriously high-pressure industry, with long hours, financial uncertainties, and isolation all contributing to high levels of stress and depression.
“The industry is such a low and dark industry where farmers don’t talk about mental health and don’t want to talk about it,” Harriet said. “If I can make an impact on those two things [women in farming and mental health] then I will have done my job.”
Her openness on the subject is refreshing, particularly for younger audiences who have followed her on social media. Harriet often shares glimpses of her life on TikTok and Instagram, breaking down stereotypes of farming as an outdated or joyless career. For her, farming is not just about hard graft—it’s about community, resilience, and pride.
Honoured at Chatsworth Country Fair
Adding to what has already been a transformative year for her, Harriet was invited to serve as president of the prestigious Chatsworth Country Fair, an annual celebration of British countryside life. It’s a role she takes seriously and with great pride.
“It dawned on me as I was driving to Chatsworth that I was coming as president for the show and I am so proud,” she said. “It is such an honour to have been asked. I am really looking forward to looking around and meeting plenty of people while I am here.”
A Bright Future Ahead
While her time on Clarkson’s Farm may have been short-lived—producers have confirmed she has no current role in upcoming episodes—Harriet’s presence has left a lasting impression. Jeremy Clarkson himself praised her contributions, saying she “saved my life” during her stint at Diddly Squat.
For Harriet, though, the spotlight is not about personal fame but about the bigger picture. With her growing platform, she is determined to keep pushing conversations about farming into the national spotlight. By advocating for women in agriculture and speaking candidly about mental health, she is helping to reshape how the British public views farmers—not as faceless workers in the background, but as essential individuals whose lives and struggles matter.
As Harriet Cowan steps confidently into her new role as both farmer and advocate, one thing is clear: she is not just a television personality. She is a voice for change in one of Britain’s oldest and most important industries.
