Farmer Mike Wilkins represents industry at Bake Off - Farmers Guide
Mike Wilkins, a fourth-generation farmer and this year's young farmer of the year, proudly represents the agricultural community on the popular baking competition, The Great British Bake Off.
The 29-year-old baker helps out on his family farm, collaborating with his parents and sister. Mike supports the LGBTQ+ community in the agricultural sector and served as an ambassador for the National Farmers Union in 2022.
Mike, who manages a farm in Wiltshire, graduated from the Royal Agricultural University located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
He is currently in the running with fellow participants on the hit Channel 4 show, demonstrating that farmers can excel at baking as well.
Mike describes his baking approach as “cozy and nourishing.” He enjoys creating substantial, satisfying dishes using top-notch local ingredients, perfect for sharing with friends and family at celebrations and events.
He particularly enjoys incorporating seasonal fruits and edible flowers that he grows in his garden and farm, and he's even taking on the task of creating his own wedding cake.
Mike mentioned, "One of my greatest skills in baking is my ability to quickly create a large cake for a special occasion or prepare a large quantity of desserts for a big group, even when I'm under a tight deadline."
I usually find myself baking late at night. My friends often tease me about my late-night culinary adventures, but they can’t deny they love the treats I make. With a large family and a close circle of friends, I always want to bring something along when I go out.
"I struggle with timing and finesse, but those don't really matter in the tent, do they? When I begin baking at midnight, I often end up finishing around 3am. By then, my finesse is even worse than normal, especially since my coordination is affected by my dyspraxia."
A Cozy And Supportive Environment
When Mike recounted his first experience stepping into the iconic Bake Off tent, he expressed, "Entering the tent was like stepping into a fairy tale; it’s truly enchanting. It seemed so much bigger in real life than it appears on screen – there’s so much room."
Being in front of my workbench for the first time was one of the most bizarre moments of my life. It was as if I had won a lucky day to visit the Bake Off tent, and I half-expected to be ushered out at any moment so the actual bakers could take over.
One of my main memories from that first experience in the tent is Gill and I making every effort (and not quite succeeding) to avoid tumbling down the steps as we entered.
The farmer from Wiltshire mentioned that the vibe inside the tent is “really pleasant.”
The entire team is incredibly wonderful. The camera operators, sound technicians, producers – everyone is really friendly and helpful.
“It all feels so easy and casual that you quickly forget the cameras are even there,” he explained.
Mike shared his favorite part from the show's first episode, mentioning how he and Alison singing and dancing to the Magic Mike theme was one of the “most surreal, hilarious, amazing, and unforgettable experiences” he's ever had.
Mike expressed, "That memory will stay with me always."
Cheer for Mike by tuning in to The Great British Bake Off every Tuesday at 8 PM on Channel 4.
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