A County Fermanagh farming family will feature in the new UTV series of ‘Rare Breed’ which will air tonight (Thursday, January 18) at 8.30pm.

‘Rare Breed – A Farming Year’ is the ground-breaking year-in-the-life observational documentary series charting the agricultural year, giving a unique insight into one of Northern Ireland’s largest and oldest industries.

The hit series follows a number of farming families across the province, and this year will feature Emma and Rodney Balfour, from Mullygarry in Fermanagh, who farm sheep part-time while both work full-time for the health service.

Now in its twelfth year, the series has taken viewers into the farming world through the lives of farmers all across Northern Ireland.

This new series follows 12 families working in a variety of sectors on farms of all shapes and sizes.

Filmed during 2023, each episode captures the highs and lows of each month of the year, as the families deal with economic and environmental challenges.

The families featured reflect the diversity and innovation in Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.

Be they big or small, traditional beef, sheep, dairy, pig or arable, farm shops or even tourism, the passion and commitment shines through in every episode.

Tony Curry, Programmes Editor at UTV, said: “‘Rare Breed – A Farming Year’ continues to shine a light on our thriving agri-industry in Northern Ireland.

“It’s an industry that never stands still and this series, like all the others, demonstrates how the farming community is using technology and modern methods for their businesses.

“It’s fabulous that our audiences enjoy watching the day-to-day events of farming life, and hopefully they are learning more about the ‘farm to fork’ journey.”

Strident Managing Director, Kelda Crawford-McCann said: “It’s always a pleasure to meet the families that take part in ‘Rare Breed’.

“This series has something for everyone – from families just starting out on their farming journey, to third- and fourth-generations combining the old with the new, and learning from each other.

“It’s a great reflection of the breadth and depth of farming in Northern Ireland.”

UTV’s Mark McFadden and Rita Fitzgerald narrate the series, that is sponsored by NIE Networks.