Countryfile viewers were left "in tears" during Sunday's episode as the BBC programme delved into the impact the looming inheritance tax changes are having on farming families, with one unwell farmer expressing his devastation with a heartbreaking admission.
The conversation was aired shortly after the Treasury recently ruled out any reversal of the agricultural inheritance tax reforms that have sparked widespread concern amongst Britain's farming community.
Farming minister Dame Angela Eagle confirmed earlier this month that ministers would not reconsider the measures announced in last October's Budget.
The government has dismissed mounting speculation about potential amendments to the policy, which farmers have dubbed the "tractor tax".
Farmer Charles Rees was also diagnosed with cancer this year
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From April 2026, agricultural estates valued above £1 million will face a 20 per cent levy, ending their previous exemption from inheritance tax.
The agricultural sector has expressed deep frustration over the decision, with many warning the measures could threaten their operations' survival.
Families fear they may need to dispose of land, equipment and livestock to meet tax obligations.
In the latest Countryfile instalment, presenter Charlotte Smith chatted to Charles Rees, a fifth generation farmer who owns 370 acres of a 1,200-acre farm in Pembrokeshire.
He is one of a group of elderly or unwell farmers that farming unions are particularly concerned about, because they say they don't have time to plan for the inheritance tax changes. In February, Charles was diagnosed with cancer.
Charles Rees was visibly devastated by the looming tax hike on farmers
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Charles' speech has also been affected by his illness, which makes it even harder for him to communicate with his family about the future.
He detailed how the latest inheritance tax plans echo a struggle the family has faced before.
When Mr Rees' own father died in the late 1970s, farmers were then subject to a similar tax, meaning he had faced a similar situation back then.
"It took me 10 years to pay it off," he recalled. "So I couldn't do anything but farm with a little tractor and a stick.
"And then once I'd managed to pay all that tax off, we had a few good years."
"Tell me about the farm, what's special about it for you?" Ms Smith asked.
"Well, I've been here 70 years," Mr Rees reflected. "It's everything I've ever done."
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When asked about the impact of the last 12 months, he explained tearfully: "It's been hard for me, lying in the hospital bed thinking, 'how am I going to save my farm?'
"And trying to have all this treatment to save my life."
In a heartbreaking admission, he added: "And sometimes I think, 'What the hell are you doing it all for?' Because if something doesn't change by next April, I'd probably top myself."
"You've really thought about it?" Ms Smith asked, prompting Mr Rees to respond: "Oh God, yes."
"Because of the farm?" the presenter clarified, which the farmer confirmed.
"I'm only looking after the place for Tom," he shared. "My father looked after it for me, and my grandfather... That's what it is."
"And you think it'll be harder this time around for Tom, to be able to pay the tax?" Ms Smith probed.
"Yeah, he's not going to have a chance. Not a hope," Mr Reeves admitted before excusing himself from the interview.
Charlotte Rees spoke to Charles Rees about his concerns
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His concerned wife Ruth continued: "Yeah, you try and carry on," before getting emotional herself.
She shared: "But I find it very sad that when he was diagnosed he genuinely said to me one day, 'to be honest, I'd be better off if I didn't have treatment'."
But thankfully, since April, Charles has undergone surgery and is now recovering.
The farmers explained they still have hope thanks to to their grandchild, Rory.
Reacting to the upsetting scene, fans fumed on social media, expressing their hopes that the Government is watching.
One penned: "Dear @UKLabour ...do hope you are watching #Countryfile... and the very negative impact the inheritance tax bill is having on farmers. Hang your heads in shame #LabourOut."
"#Countryfile yet more evidence that #RachelReeves is lacking common sense," another commented.
BBC Countryfile viewers were left in tears over the interview
|BBC
"#Countryfile just watching these poor farmers, broken and in bits by the #inheritancetax just wrong!" another echoed.
Someone else wrote: "Didn’t expect to have tears watching #Countryfile my heart goes out to Charles and his family…"
"#Countryfile @charlottebsmith thank you for highlighting #IHT Charles is a wonderful farmer," one more added.
Others expressed sympathy but disagreed with calls for a U-turn, with one arguing: "Got to say I’m feeling sorry for the farmers for once watching #Countryfile. Although if this inheritance tax is too much for them then sell the farm and pocket millions."
"But most rich people don’t have a lower IHT rate nor do they have several years to pay it off," another posted. (sic)
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.