As Ireland’s most successful home grown reality series it’s no surprise the IFTA nominated show is returning for its Fourth Series. This year Feirm Factor adds one more element as Ireland’s very own FBD Insurance joins forces with Land Rover Ireland to give the contestants a prize worth fighting for, a fully insured Land Rover Discovery.
‘Feirm Factor’ has become a beacon to Ireland’s young farmers who have availed of the Series as a platform to show us the world they live in and teach us what it’s like to survive in the agricultural industry. It is an opportunity for 12 of our finest farmers to do 24 farming tasks over a ten week period in front of our Judges and one wins and drives home in the Amazing Prize.
The new series will see Maura Derrane return as the shows glamorous presenter along with Resident Farming Expert Seán ó Lionáird who will be accompanied by an array of agriculture experts throughout the series.
Making their Feirm Factor debut this year will be Professor of Veterinary Clinical Studies in UCD Dr. Michael Doherty, former Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan, former Green Party Leader and Minister for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sargent, Entrepreneur Pádraig O Céidigh, RTE Broadcaster Éanna Ní Lamhna and agriculturally minded brothers Pádraig & Peadar O’Scanaill all have a say in helping to find the Feirm Factor prize Winner.
Series 4 will be first Broadcast on Monday 13th February at 9.30pm on TG4.
For more Information you can find us on Facebook & Twitter (@feirmfactor4 ) or on our very own Website www.feirmfactor.ie
Programme 1 – TX Monday 13th February 2012
This is where it all begins for the 12 Farmers who will contest the Fourth Series of Feirm Factor – Only One will be driving home in the Land Rover Discovery 4 Commercial courtesy of FBD Insurance and Land Rover Ireland with One Year’s Comprehensive Insurance from FBD thrown in ! Once again the Series is anchored by Maura Derrane but in each Programme this year, we have one Guest Judge from the World of Farming joining our Resident Farming Expert Seán Ó Lionáird helping us to find out who really has the Feirm Factor. Joining us will be Dr. Michael O’Doherty, Head of Veterinary Science in UCD, former Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan, TV Broadcaster Eanna Ní Lamhna, expert Dairy Farmer Pádraig Ó Scanaill, former Green Party Leader Trevor Sargent, Entrepreneur Pádraig Ó Céidigh, Veterinary Surgeon Peadar Ó Scanaill and many more.
It promises to be the most competitive contest yet as a mix of 2 Female and 10 Male Farmers from as far afield as Slovakia to Roscommon to Wicklow to Cork fight it out for the Most Coveted Prize in Irish Farming – Feirm Factor Champion 2012.
Programme 2 – TX Monday 20th February 2012
It’s time for the tasks to begin as the 12 Farmers hoping to drive home in the Land Rover Discovery Commercial courtesy of FBD Insurance and Land Rover arrive at Clonakilty Agricutural College in Co.Cork. Our Guest Judge is Michael O’Doherty, Head of Veterinary Science in UCD. Maura, Seán and Michael will test the farmers on Dosing Cattle, Working with a Bucket Loader and Tractor and finally on their knowledge of a wide range of Farm Animal Breeds. The eliminations begin next week so it’s all to play for now – One slip up could cost you your place
Programme 3 – TX Monday 27th February 2012
Which of the 12 Farmers will drive home in the Land Rover Discovery Commercial courtesy of FBD Insurance and Land Rover. Our Guest Judge this week is former Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan. Maura, Seán and Mary will test the farmers on Fencing, Animal Handling of Calves and also their knowledge of Key Dates of important Agricultural Events in Irish History. Three farmers will be heading home this week based on their performance in 6 tasks so far – There is a surprise in store !
Programme 4 – TX Monday 5th March 2012
Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co.Cavan plays host as the 9 surviving farmers are put through their paces of deserving their places in the competition. Our special Guest this week is Former Green Party Leader and Minister for Food and Horticulture Trevor Sargent. The farmers are assessed on machinery work, sheep separation and their knowledge of food. The judges have taken the scores, the results are in, and one more farmer is hitching a ride home and out of the competition for good.
Programme 5 – TX Monday 12th March 2012
The remaining 8 farmers return this week to Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co.Cavan where our Guest Judge, top dairy farmer Pádraig O’Scanaill awaits. This week the farmers will be assessed on their knowledge of stock, grass measurement skills and dairy animals. One more farmer will be leaving the competition this week.
Programme 6 – TX Monday 19th March 2012
This week the remaining 7 farmers in the hunt for the Land Rover Discovery and the year’s comprehensive insurance from FBD are in Kildalton Agricultural College in Co.Kilkenny. This week’s Guest Judge is RTE Radio Personality and Wildlife Expert Eanna Ní Lamhna. She along with Seán and Maura will test the farmers on more machinery work, wall building and horticulture – One more farmer will be leaving the competition this week.
Programme 7 – TX Monday 26th March 2012
The remaining 6 farmers return to Kildalton Agricultural College in Co.Kilkenny where they are tested on welding, a safety task courtesy of FBD judged by Ray Storan and finally an equine task judged by Rosemary Gaffney of Kildalton College. Another tough week and a surprise is in store for the farmer heading home this week.
Programme 8 – TX Monday 2nd April 2012
This week the remaining 5 farmers head for the beautiful grounds of Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate, Co.Dublin. It’s all to play for now as the competition is tight. The first task this week is the business task with Entrepreneur Pádraig Ó Céidigh as Guest Judge. Next it’s a safety task as the farmers are one by one tested on their knowledge of the workings of a PTO shaft. Finally, Guest Judge and Veterinary Surgeon, Peadar Ó Scanaill tests the farmers on their knowledge of diseases and ailment effecting Irish farm animals. It’s another very tough week and one more farmer leaves the pack.
Programme 9 – TX Monday 9th April 2012
The final 4 farmers in the running for Feirm Factor Champion 2012 head over to the UK where they are hosted by Harper Adams University of Agriculture in Shropshire. They are tested on their Tractor Ploughing skills and some intensive General Knowledge before heading further south to the home of the Land Rover Experience in Gaydon, Warwickshire. This is the episode they’ve all been waiting for as the final task of the series includes the experience of driving the Land Rover Discovery for the first time. Then the judges must make the toughest decision of the competition so far – Who’s made in through to the final.
Programme 10 – TX Monday 16th April 2012
Charleville Castle Tullamore, Co.Offaly welcomes the Feirm Factor final three who are now only minutes away from finding out who will follow in the footsteps of Tom McGillycuddy, Caroline O’Neill and Gavin Satchwell and take the crown as Feirm Factor champion 2012. The Land Rover is in place, but only one will drive home in it with its comprehensive insurance from FBD. Over the past ten weeks Maura, Seán and all of their Guest Judges have deliberated the fate of twelve exceptional farmers who have come from all corners of Ireland. The myriad of tasks have tested their physical and mental endurance, their business potential, and their agricultural know how. One has stood out from the rest and the judges have finally decided who they feel has the Feirm Factor 2012.
