When Britain’s farming community finds itself knee-deep in crisis, who steps up to help? A spirited band of farmers’ children has answered the call with a brand-new British Farming Charity Anthem that puts a funky (farm)house spin on an old classic.
Dubbed the “Young Farmers,” this enterprising supergroup has partnered with British butter brand All Things Butter to revamp “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” into a cheeky charity single, affectionately titled “E-I-E-I-Woe.”
Proceeds from every download of this modern earworm benefit We Are Farming Minds, an organisation devoted to supporting rural families.
A Nursery Rhyme for the 21st Century
The original “Old MacDonald” predates Twitter, tractors, and just about everything else—after all, it’s over 300 years old. But farming has changed drastically since then, and so have its challenges.
Enter the Young Farmers’ updated lyrics, capturing the trials and tribulations of today’s agricultural world while keeping an upbeat glimmer of hope for the future.
The track comes with a seriously catchy beat—one of those tunes that worms its way into your head and refuses to leave.
Give it one listen, and you’ll find yourself humming it in the shower, in the car, and probably while trudging through the supermarket aisles.
A snippet of the lyrics sets the tone:
“Old McDonald had a farm
Ee-aye-ee-aye-woe
And on that farm, it’s all gone south
Oh no, oh no, noIt’s got quite bad
The weather’s gone mad
We want to be like our mums and dads”
The Real-Life Struggles Behind the Song
To craft lyrics that ring true for British farmers, All Things Butter surveyed 2,000 of them to learn exactly what keeps them up at night. The results paint a sobering picture:
- Inheritance Tax Worries: Almost half (48%) fear that these taxes could wipe out family farms that have stood for generations.
- Unpredictable Weather: One in three (34%) cited extreme storms and late snowfalls as major threats to crops and livestock.
- Questionable Future: A fifth of respondents (21%) doubt their farm will still exist in a decade.
- Strained Finances: Nearly half (42%) believe farming is no longer profitable. Desperate times have led a quarter (27%) to open farm shops and pushed a staggering 40% to take second jobs.
Without urgent attention, cherished family farms—some passed down across centuries—could vanish before the next generation gets a shot at the land.
A Call to Action
For All Things Butter co-founder Toby Hopkinson, the project came from a place of genuine concern: “Since starting the butter business two years ago, we’ve felt a duty to support our British agricultural industry.
In such a short time, we’ve seen heart-breaking challenges plaguing our farmers. We’re thrilled to partner with We Are Farming Minds on this anthem, which not only raises funds but also shines a light on these urgent issues.”
Making a Difference, One Download at a Time
Emily Jones, a spokesperson for We Are Farming Minds, appreciates the power of a catchy tune: “We’re incredibly grateful for the efforts of All Things Butter and these young voices.
‘E-I-E-I-Woe’ is not just a powerful message; it’s a wildly catchy track that ensures the plight of Britain’s farmers won’t be ignored. We need initiatives like this to spread awareness and secure a sustainable future for farming.”
Join the Chorus
Looking for a meaningful way to stand with British farmers? Download “E-I-E-I-Woe” and spread the word about the British Farming Charity Anthem.
Every listen offers vital support to rural communities and ensures that the voices of British agriculture continue to resonate—loud, proud, and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
The single is now available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music so what are you waiting for, download Old Macdonald E-I-E-I-Woe and join the movement to support British farmers.