‘Contractors’ the fascinating observational entertainment based documentary series is returning for Season 2 to TG4 at 9.30pm on Thursday March 21.
Exploring the working lives and personal narratives of eight agricultural contracting families from diverse locations over a 12 month period ‘Contractors’ offers a unique, practical and personal insight into contemporary life in rural Ireland.
Featuring contracting crews from Meath, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Cavan and Donegal the series highlights their professional challenges, the high and lows of their daily routine and their hopes and dreams, presenting a no-holds barred portrait of eight extraordinary crews for hire – all members of an agricultural sub-economy without which farming would not be possible.
These are real, hard working people. Some are full-time farmers who offer their skills and machines for hire come ploughing season and harvest time.
Others are dedicated contractors who hire additional help for the busy months – among them, mums, dads and students earning money to cover the rent – a connected community in a no-nonsense world where time costs money and excuses count for nothing.
In their company, we’ll share the ups and downs, daily routines, unexpected twists, good times and bad as eight contractors gear up to tame the land.
We’ll discover not only how they deal with shrinking margins and logistical challenges, but also how they manage the equally daunting balance of work and family life.
Contractors are the heartbeat of rural Ireland – crucial players in a food-producing sector that is central to Ireland’s economy.
Their job is arguably more difficult than that of farmers themselves and without them, modern farming itself would not be possible.
Producers say, “Over the course of the eight episodes – each one defined by a separate theme based on the time of year and the work involved – we will intercut between the personal lives and daily routines of our protagonists.
“As the series progresses, we’ll get to know them as we become increasingly invested in the challenges they face both on and off the job.”
Watch Contractors from Thursday March 21 on TG4 at 9.30pm. The series is repeated on Sunday nights.
