Entertainment · Film · 3 hrs ago
Documentary follows two feuding Devon farmers named Derek
A documentary called Derek vs Derek has become a global hit by following two neighbouring farmers in Devon, England.
Derek Banbury, 72, runs a conventional cattle farm, while Derek Gow, 61, is restoring his land for wildlife.
Their opposing approaches reflect a wider tension between intensive farming to produce food and rewilding to support nature.
Gow has created ponds and wildlife habitats and brought back species, while Banbury values tidy fields and says intensive farming helps feed people.
Their disagreements have included disputes over leaking silage, wild boar and hedge-trimming.
Filmmaker James Dawson visited Gow in 2022 and decided the film should include both men.
The film highlights the gap between food production and rewilding, but no further plans are given.
A documentary called Derek vs Derek follows neighbouring Devon farmers Derek Banbury and Derek Gow, who have sharply different approaches to farming and land management.
Banbury uses intensive farming practices, while Gow has spent recent years rewilding his land.
The two have clashed over issues including leaking silage, wild boar and hedge-trimming.
Filmmaker James Dawson visited Gow in 2022 and decided the documentary should feature both men.
The film has become a global hit, according to the Daily Mail.
- Who
- Devon farmers Derek Banbury and Derek Gow, who are neighbours.
- What
- A documentary called Derek vs Derek follows their opposing approaches to farming and land management.
- When
- Filmmaker James Dawson visited Gow in 2022; the article was published on November 2, 2026.
- Where
- The farmers’ neighbouring properties are in Devon, near Okehampton.
- Why
- Dawson decided the documentary should feature both farmers after meeting Banbury while visiting Gow.
Derek Banbury
Derek Gow
Farming approach
Derek Banbury
Banbury uses intensive farming practices and says they help supply food.
Derek Gow
Gow rejects fertilisers, pesticides, hedge-trimmers and mowers as he rewilds his land.
Land management
Derek Banbury
Banbury values order and neatness and objects to the state of Gow’s land.
Derek Gow
Gow has created ponds and wildlife habitats and brought back or reintroduced wildlife.
Banbury took over the farm from his father.
Filmmaker James Dawson visited Gow to make a documentary about his rewilding and decided to include Banbury.
The Daily Mail published its article about the documentary.
- Farmers
- Derek Banbury and Derek Gow
- Location
- Devon, just west of Okehampton
- Banbury’s farm
- 400 acres with about 600 dairy and beef cattle
- Banbury took over farm
- 1976
- Filmmaker’s visit
- 2022
What people are saying
I like order and neatness. It makes me happy.
That's not farming, that's just a bloody mess. Just look at it
I don't want to broaden my mind. I don't agree with him and I never will
I've done it for 50 years and I won't change.