Meet the 11-year-old boy who is determined to become a farmer – he rents his own land, breeds sheep and even taught himself to spin their wool.
Joe Trofer-Cook’s passion for farming was sparked after his grandad Pete Cook, 74, built a planter in the garden for his seventh birthday.
He started selling homegrown produce and saved “every penny” to buy his first four sheep – Rhubarb, Strawberry, Pumpkin and Radish.
With the profit made from selling veg and sheep, Joe was able to rent a plot of land from a farmer in his village in Billinghay, Lincolnshire.
Over two years later, Joe now owns 37 sheep, 12 chickens, two cows and a Border Collie, Spud
He wakes up at 4am to feed his animals and once delivered lamb triplets before going to school.
The little entrepreneur was recently donated a wheel and has learnt how to spin the sheep's wool to sell.
Mum Clare Trofer, 47, said that tending to his animals is a form of “therapy” for Joe who has autism and anxiety.
Farmer Joe, as he’s known, has even appeared on BBC's Countryfile and Channel 5's Springtime on the Farm.
Clare, a cleaner, from Billinghay, Lincolnshire, said: “He the kindest, loveliest, quietest child you’ll ever meet – and so devoted.
“Most children are born into this world of farming, but this is something he’s built for himself.
“Joe was diagnosed with autism in lockdown, and it’s been the best form of therapy.
“He never asked to have friends over after school, all he wants to do is go straight to his animals.
“He started by growing his veg and selling it on his trolley outside the house.
“Now he’s youngest exhibitor at the Lincolnshire show with his sheep in the 125 years it’s been running.
“He is determined to become a farmer and run his own farm.
“I’m so proud of everything he accomplished."
