Big Week on the Farm was a ratings hit for RTÉ, with an average of 326,000 people tuning in – a 17% increase on the average viewers for the time slot of 7pm to 8pm.

Áine Lawlor and Ella McSweeney presented the show live from John Fagan’s farm on the shores of Lough Derravaragh in Co Westmeath. However, there were also live broadcasts from other farms around the country – ranging from a fish farm to a bee apiary.

Over the course of week, 60 lambs were born on the farm and viewers were given an insight into the lives of pigs, horses, hens, goats and cows.

A new world record was set when Donegal man Ivan Scott sheared a sheep in 37.9 seconds, breaking the record set by Australian man Hilton Barrett six years ago.

The role of farming in Irish society

RTÉ One channel controller Adrian Lynch said: “Farming is hugely important to Irish society and one of the backbones of the Irish economy.”

The aim of the programme was to “engage, entertain and highlight the role science and technology play in Irish farming”.

Across the week, 1.5 million people watched the show and it has also proved popular on RTÉ player.

It was one of the top five programmes, with over 42,000 streams.

The show proved popular on social media also, with #OnTheFarm trending most nights.

Read more

Watch: Donegal man breaks world record for sheep shearing live on RTÉ