UTV's Rare Breed farmers return to beat Eastenders

The first episode of the fourth series beat EastEnders which was broadcast at the same time on BBC NI, achieving an average audience of 184,000 viewers.

Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV Television commented: “I am delighted to welcome the Rare Breed farmers back to our screens. Once again the ratings prove how loved the series is by our audience. For a locally produced programme now in its fourth series, to achieve a higher rating than a network soap is a huge feat and one that we are very proud off.”

The next episode of the fly on the wall series on Monday 18th January at 8pm looks back at the month of February in 2015. During the episode, Toomebridge farmer James Alexander reacts to a suspect TB result amongst his herd of cattle. Meanwhile, with lambing season in full swing, Co. Donegal farmers Alison and Wade McCrabbe tend to their second batch of sheep on their farm in Raphoe.

Produced for UTV by local independent production company Crawford-McCann, the series is once again narrated by Mark McFadden. Sponsored by Irwin’s Bakery and shot in High Definition, Rare Breed – A Farming Year continues on Monday 18th January 2016 at 8pm.