Farm Smart: Emmerdale Star Kelvin Fletcher opens up on his unexpected journey into agriculture

In the latest instalment of our AgVentures with Herdwatch series, the team travelled to the Peak District to visit Kelvin Fletcher, best known for his role as Andy the farmer on Emmerdale.

After two decades on screen, Kelvin made a remarkable transition into real-life farming. Despite having no farming background, he and his wife Liz took on a new challenge and embraced rural life.

From Emmerdale to real-life farming

In 2020, the Fletcher family were planning a move to California, but the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything. Instead, they moved to a 120-acre farm in the Peak District, drawn to a more rural lifestyle.

Kelvin admits he “knew nothing about agriculture” at the beginning, but it wasn’t long before farming became a central part of their lives.

Today, the Fletchers run a low-input farming system that allows Kelvin and Liz to continue their acting careers while learning and developing their farm.

Fletcher’s Family Farm and life on screen

Their journey has captured national attention through their ITV show Fletcher’s Family Farm, which follows the highs and lows of farm life while raising their four children.

Their story continues to resonate with audiences, offering an honest look at the realities of farming for newcomers.

How Herdwatch supports daily farm life

The Fletchers have been using Herdwatch for almost two years, helping them stay organised and on top of daily farm tasks.

From recording medicine purchases to tracking treatments and breeding records, Herdwatch has replaced scattered notes with a simple, reliable system.

Having everything in one place has made it much easier for Kelvin to manage his flock and stay organised, even while balancing a busy family and media life.

You can follow the Fletcher family’s journey on Instagram @fletchersonthefarm to see behind-the-scenes farm life.