Countryfile Adam Henson hits back as show slammed with furious 'trigger warning' backlash

Countryfile star Adam Henson has spoken out after receiving backlash for tackling the controversial topic of shooting on the BBC programme.

Back in 2023, Countryfile explored the UK's shooting scene, a move that was well-received by fellow farmers and those within the shooting community. However, it also sparked outrage from some disgruntled viewers.

It featured different individuals spending large amounts of money to shoot living birds, with many claiming they would be left "jobless" should they no longer be allowed to continue with the controversial tradition.

According to Adam, the BBC was inundated with "a huge amount of letters from people complaining" after the episode on shooting aired.

He explained: I took some sheep to a school in North Birmingham a couple of years ago, and I was talking about the providence of field to fork, you know, people understanding what's on your plate.

"So secondary school, 1,600 kids in the school, 11-18 year olds, and the headmaster said, 'I'm bringing extra staff and fewer children into assembly when you bring the sheep out.'

"I asked, 'Why?' and he replied, 'Because there's an awful lot of people that will have never seen a sheep before, and there might be a riot; they might go crazy."

He added: "So you've got people in our country, young people, who have never seen a sheep. So for them to understand shooting and a normal shoot day is impossible."

Addressing viewer concerns, Adam conceded that shooting can be "quite difficult to justify" for some. However, he firmly believes that the practice and its contribution to the rural economy is "a very good thing", which he supports.

Adam was quick to express his respect for differing opinions, especially regarding bird shooting.

He commented: "Some of the very large shoots and some of the stocking rates of birds that they put into the woods, if that was a free-range chicken system, it wouldn't be allowed, because tens of thousands of birds running around in a wood eating everything and turning it into a mud bath is not a good thing."

In light of the controversy sparked by the episode, Adam is convinced that the agricultural sector must take the initiative to "self-regulate" and "do the right thing".

He argues this approach will prove to the government, the public, and detractors that "it is a sensible thing to be carrying on with".

It comes after Countryfile viewers demanded the show come with a "trigger warning" after a scene left them stunned. During the programme, Adam gave viewers an insight into the extreme criteria that bulls need to follow to enter a sales auction.

He began: "This is the business end really, it's really important that the bulls have two fully descended testicles which are symmetrical with no lumps or bumps and then we measure the testicles.

"Each breed varies with age and circumference, and this one is 43 centimetres".

Adam asked: "Is that good?" to which the vet replied: "Yes, that's above average for his breed."

The farmer added: "And actually, that's where the money is actually, isn't it? Because he's going to produce calves, so that's essential".

The vet concluded: "This guy next year should be settling 95% of his females over a nine-week period so if he's not good down there then he won't be reaching those figures".

The surprising inspection was a shock for viewers, who flooded to X to share their disappointment online.

"There needs to be a trigger warning for this show in future," wrote one viewer as a second agreed: "I was eating my tea in front of that [shocked emoji]."