Countryfile bosses have issued a defiant response to complaints from viewers about a controversial dairy farm segment hosted by Matt Baker, saying they felt it was "an important subject to feature."
As he has been for pretty much every Sunday for the past decade, County Durham presenter Matt was on screen last weekend as the long running BBC show aired its latest episode.
But, within moments of former One Show star Matt's visit to visited the Lilburn family farm in County Down, Ireland, viewers were left appalled by their "zero grazing system" approach to dairy farming.
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The technique adopts the unorthodox approach of bringing the grass to the cows rather than them being outside.
While farmer Richard Lilburn was delighted with the positive impact the technique had had on their operation, Countryfile viewers blasted the system as "cruel," with many quickly making their feelings very clear on Twitter.
And, a week on from the episode airing, the fallout from it spiralled onto famous BBC viewer opinion show Points of View.
A series of differing opinions appeared on screen as the episode was addressed, with one viewer saying they were "disgusted" and another deeming the content "inappropriate."
They fumed: "Comments saying the BBC have to portray it as it is don't cut the mustard. The content just isn't appropriate.
"It's more like Farmers; Weekly now. Surely it should be about celebrating our countryside, not making us upset?"
However, other Countryfile viewers praised the show, with one writing into Points of View to say: "You can't go too far when educating people on the reality of farming.
"If people are to support British farming then they need to know what farmers go through, but also what the animals do."
Points of View went to Countryfile for a response and a spokesperson said: "Countryfile has been following the Lilburn family in County Down throughout the year, and in this episode they explained their approach to dairy farming known as 'zero grazing' or 'cut and cover.'
"This method was recognised in the Best Practice Guide of the Agricultural & Horticultural Development Board in 2019 and has increased significantly over recent years, which is why Countryfile felt it was an important subject to feature.
"It was made clear in the programme that the method has its critics and the report also addressed the different ways this farming family feels they are ensuring the welfare of the cows is protected."
