The Chronicles of Armagh

In this BBC Two Northern Ireland documentary episode of a new series, farmer Kenny Gracey of Tandragee shares how his passion for rare breeds sparked a second career, bringing his charismatic animals onto both the large and small screen. The programme blends documentary entertainment with a touch of drama, offering UK viewers a quick overview and at‑a‑glance programme highlights within the BBC Two Northern Ireland programming for the British TV and UK television guide.

Short 16 is a one‑hour documentary episode that forms part of a new series exploring unconventional careers in rural Britain. The episode follows Kenny Gracey, a farmer from Tandragee, as he explains how his lifelong fascination with rare livestock breeds has evolved into a second profession that sees his animals featured on both the large and small screen. Broadcast on BBC Two Northern Ireland, the programme blends personal narrative with wider agricultural insight, offering UK television audiences a fresh perspective on the intersection of farming and media. Viewers can expect an in‑depth review of the day‑to‑day realities of keeping heritage breeds, from the meticulous breeding programmes to the challenges of maintaining genetic diversity. The episode intersperses on‑farm footage with behind‑the‑scenes clips from television productions that have used Kenny’s animals as stars, illustrating how a niche hobby can become a source of entertainment and education. The storytelling is anchored by Kenny’s warm humour and his articulate description of why each breed matters, making the documentary feel both informative and emotionally resonant. Among the highlights are intimate close‑ups of rare cattle, sheep and poultry, each introduced with concise historical context that underscores their cultural importance. The programme also showcases the logistical side of filming on a working farm, revealing how lighting, camera rigs and production crews adapt to the unpredictable rhythms of rural life. Additional features include interviews with breed‑society experts, a brief look at the market for heritage meat and wool, and a charming segment where Kenny demonstrates training techniques that have helped his animals become reliable on‑screen performers. Short 16 taps into a growing appetite for authentic countryside content on British TV. UK viewers who enjoy documentaries that celebrate local heritage will find the episode both entertaining and educational. The focus on rare breeds resonates with a nationwide interest in sustainable agriculture and food provenance, while the behind‑the‑scenes glimpse of the entertainment industry adds a layer of drama that broadens its appeal beyond traditional farming programmes. As a result, the documentary sits comfortably alongside other beloved BBC Two Northern Ireland offerings that highlight regional stories with universal relevance. The episode forms a natural complement to the channel’s commitment to showcasing Northern Irish culture and industry. Within the broader BBC Two Northern Ireland programming slate, Short 16 contributes to a series of documentaries that celebrate the province’s agricultural heritage, joining titles such as The Farm Kitchen and Rural Roots. By spotlighting a local farmer whose work bridges the gap between rural tradition and modern media, the programme reinforces the channel’s reputation for delivering high‑quality, regionally focused entertainment that resonates with the entire UK television audience.