The Fabulous Beekman Boys: Gay urbanites turned organic farmers
A new Planet Green docu-series features an out and proud urban couple turned awkward but eager organic farmers.
Thu, Jan 14 2010 at 2:49 PM EST
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Photo: Planet Green/Chris Ramirez Can a fabby gay couple from the city become fabby biodynamic farmers? Apparently yes, at least in a new Planet Green show dubbed The Fabulous Beekman Boys. Those boys are Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, two out and proud urban men who decide to try homesteading at an upstate New York farm, a.k.a. Beekman 1802.
“Who says gays can’t raise kids?” say the couple — while bottle-feeding a baby goat! The Fabulous Beekman Boys doesn’t begin airing until June, but I got to see a few clips at the Television Critics Association Cable Tour Panel earlier today. What I learned: Urbanites look funny when they try to farm. We see Josh and Brent buy a pair of cute piglets — that nimbly escape and tear across the farm, with the would-be farmers chasing after them in wide-eyed panic.
Luckily, the guys have the help of one Farmer John, who loves his goats so much he tears up while talking about them. On a panel at the TCA event, Josh and Brent talked about how the milk from Farmer John’s 80 goats got them making yogurt and cheese — then crafting goat milk soap (“It really was the best soap that we’d ever used”) — then starting a small soap business — then getting into arguments about all the work this eco-friendly endeavor entails. Because Josh still works full time in the city while Brent plans big events and projects at the farm, the couple ends up bickering fairly often on the show about how they spend their weekends.
Organic farming may not always be idyllic, but from what I’ve seen, The Fabulous Beekman Boys promises to be entertaining, often hilarious, and hopefully full of tasty organic, homegrown food. I’m told we’ll get to taste some food from the Beekman farm at a reception tonight; I’ll report back with a taste test!
Related on MNN:
- Our interview with 'The Fabulous Beekman Boys'
- Video: 'Beekman Boys' offer MNN readers some green advice
Bottom photo by Planet Green / Joao Canziani
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Comments
lezleywhitaker
06/01/2011 17:20 PM
i'M UPSET OVER THE AWFUL AND NEGATIVE COMMENTS. MY SISTERS AND I ARE IN OUR SIXTIES AND HAVE A NINETY YEAR OLD MOTHER. THE SHOW IS VERY TASTEFULLY DONE. WE ALL ENJOYED GOING TO THE FESTIVAL AND NEXT TIME WANT TO STAY IN HOTEL. THANK YOU BRENT AND JOSH. WE HAVE A LOT OF FUN DISCUSSING YOU BOYS WITH OUR HUSBANDS AND SONS. THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WE GET OUT OF YOUR SHOW. BUT THEY PUT UP WITH US. LOVE YA
michael in pa
04/12/2011 12:44 PM
boys will be boys so much beter then jersey shore
Guest
06/02/2011 07:56 AM
I came to this site because I used to watch this show several years ago and was curious if it was still on the air. After reading the article above I started reading the comments to see if others loved the show as much as I do. Just a little background info. I am a mother of 5, 32 yrs. old and if it matters straight and in a loving relationship of 16 years. I gave birth to a baby boy last November that I carried for my cousin and her partner. It really saddens me to know that this kind of.... More
Billy
04/11/2011 12:17 PM
Come on people, are you kidding, this is probably the best show on TV right now!!!
Rebekah
04/06/2011 13:27 PM
These guys are cute, funny and living my goat farming dream. I just love them and wish I could be their neighbor. You guys should move to Northern California and have a farm here!
j0npaul
04/06/2011 01:34 AM
thank you guys for sharing your lives with us the show is great keep up the great work and i pray every thing works out for y'all yes i live in the south and said y'all lol
jKfromchi
03/15/2011 13:16 PM
I am not here to comment on the show. Haven't seen it, nor will I watch it.Question is why are straight people always called homophobes or gay bashers if they disagree with the gay community? I don't flaunt my straight marrage in public we keep our private lives in our house. What the gays do in thier own homes I couldn't care but what I don't like is their life style being forced in my face. Like I said my choice not to watch so I won't....but just don't call me a homophobe or gay basher, I.... More
Judi
03/12/2011 07:56 AM
We are farmers, goat, geese, checkins,bees and organic vertabiles. We are a older straght couple and we enjoy the show for just what it is, entertainment. I like the idia of using a small farm as the base for a organic business. We are thinking about fellowing their example.
Beverly
03/11/2011 22:32 PM
I don't know if you have thought of this or if anyone else has brought this up but you could sell the wool from you Llama, and possibly some of your other animals. You don't have to do that much to it. I am sure there are other local farmers that may be able to help you in doing this and making a nice profit from it. I am a knitter and I also crochet sometimes it is difficult to find the yarn I want for a project, however if I could purchase the raw goods direct from a farmer that doesn't.... More
lewis
11/20/2010 07:13 AM
we love of your products. you have shown america it is possible to own, work, and live on a farm. this has to be the best reality show i enjoy watching.
David
11/19/2010 04:29 AM
I got to see this show once in Maryland and loved it. Up here in wouthwest PA I have not been able to see the show as there is no channel here that shows it. My partner and I have given up the metro life a bit over a year ago and we have started a goat farm. It is all new to us and at times things get crazy. The 8 girls I have are all registered Oberhasli and Sables except one that is mixed. All are pregnant now and will start kidding in mid March. Then all hell will break loose with milking.... More
Larry Williams
11/05/2010 23:30 PM
Two years ago I gave up the corporate world and started farming (moved from FL to upstate NY - my northeast roots - NJ) - Did I snap? All I ever did before was planting a small urban veggie patch. Now I have 38 acres, 12 Alpaca, 2 cows, 2 goats, 13 chickens and (naturally) a dog and a parrot. My wife is still working in FL supporting my wild ride. I am learning as I go and probably do more wrong than right. Spent six months of the first year doing all the farm chores with a farm induced broken.... More
Linke
01/25/2011 14:55 PM
Hey Larry! you can watch some episodes online at Hulu.com. Hulu is great for catching up on shows and past season episodes -- not just of FBboys, but ALL TV shows old and new. I love it! For some reason, FBboys only have one full episode available at the moment on Hulu, but there are TONS of great clips and commentary for the whole season.
Charla Cauthen
10/10/2010 18:48 PM
I really do like the show. It is enjoyable to watch these guys learn to farm. I love the goats and the llama. I like everything about the show,, and of course the guys on there.
kc
10/09/2010 16:25 PM
Love the goats and the Llama and all the activity on the farm!
I like the show, couldn't care less if they are gay...I am not watching it because of sex-what difference does that make anyway? It is just people.
I am in Deep South Mississippi, so there ya go :o)
Who couldn't love Polka Spot?
John Turner
09/23/2010 05:05 AM
I was shocked after reading the rant from that homophobic sicko redneck. I know I should not be calling him names but it really upset me that someone could be so mean and vicious. Personally, I believe this person has some latent homosexual desires which makes him hate himself thus other gay people. Actually, I feel terribly sorry for this person. Such anger and hate cannot exist in a happy life. I bet he is lonely, hates himself and no one else cares for him.
John Turner
09/23/2010 05:05 AM
I was shocked after reading the rant from that homophobic sicko redneck. I know I should not be calling him names but it really upset me that someone could be so mean and vicious. Personally, I believe this person has some latent homosexual desires which makes him hate himself thus other gay people. Actually, I feel terribly sorry for this person. Such anger and hate cannot exist in a happy life. I bet he is lonely, hates himself and no one else cares for him.
Judi
09/22/2010 22:35 PM
I loved the show but it would be nice if you would explain how you do things, not just the funny parts. We have a goat and geese farm in Washington state, live off grid and have a big garden. The how toos make a difference.
Kelly Baker
09/11/2010 11:13 AM
I really love the show. It is a great expression of true love and then they express it through their farming and preparing every dish of fresh farm food they serve their honored guests. They show how true hospitality is done.
They really get down and dirty on the farm and show us all what they have to do to maintain their home-based business, which their farm is sustaining that too. And they do it while loving eachother openly. I think it is just great that they can bring such a.... More
Kelly Baker
09/11/2010 10:51 AM
Very good show. It shows us what really goes on in a farming situation and where some of our food comes from, which is really important. Especially in these times, this show is of major importance for information and just getting acquainted with an alternate lifestyle, which can be very shocking for some. Good going guys!!!
joan jay
09/09/2010 14:17 PM
I came to say that I like the show. So I'll say it. I like the show. What I saw here was painful to read, and I read it all. What I find to particularly troubling is the fact that the opposing factions refuse to recognize that others may have a different opinion. The gay opponents are unabashedly insulting. The supporters are screaming for the bashers to get out, go away, kill yourselves, etc.
Disagree. Nothing wrong with that. But you don't need to be disagreeable. Or do.... More
Posttedman
09/07/2010 22:23 PM
Wonderful great show-can see why many like farmer John-the big cuddly bear but anyone else thing he may be a liitle slow or simple?
Anonymous
08/29/2010 13:40 PM
Is there a way to order the goatmilk soap they make/sell? I think this would be a great Christmas gift.
Nikko
08/29/2010 14:20 PM
They sell their goat soap, goat cheese and a few other select products.
Bev
08/28/2010 21:13 PM
I watched the show for the first time last Wednesday! I was immediately
enthralled with the energy of Josh and Brent, and Farmer John and the goats.
Too bad it seems to be the last episode this year; I will look forward to the next season. It really does show respect for farming,the hard work that goes into it,
the imagination of the two men and how they are going to be successful.
Keerp going green! Kudos on your show! Bev in Laguna Beach California
Nikko
08/11/2010 02:05 AM
My wife and I like this show for so many reasons and none of them are for or against homosexuality. We believe that people are entitled to be who and what they want to be. It makes no difference to us that Josh and Brent are gay. It's just really nice to see farm animals being so well cared for in a world where so many of them are abused. I am impressed how city dwellers can take on a farm and make it a successful business that seems a very inviting place to live. If I could only give up my job.... More
farmerwantabe
08/10/2010 23:46 PM
I love your show. I made my husband and cousin watch an episode and I have decided that the three of us are moving to a farm and "living off the land".
becky
08/08/2010 18:18 PM
This show is funny and refreshing. I adore Farmer John ..Mwah!
lyndasbramlett@hotmail.com
08/07/2010 22:58 PM
I wish someone would feel so much love for me when someone thought of me like you do with the goats! Love you farmer john.
oneazspirit
Today 18:20 PM
Love the show. Love the guys!! Can I move in for a week in the Fall. I'm in Az. now and miss the colors?
shellie
07/31/2010 11:53 AM
Just discovered it and I look forward to seeing lots more!
lyndasbramlett@hotmail.com
07/30/2010 00:50 AM
You guys are so funny. And the family I never had. Love yall!!!!!!
GodGunsGutsGlory
07/24/2010 20:37 PM
I was looking into some show about abortion and saw the commercial for this show based on a pair of filthy sodomites!
I see their future. It contains FIRE and BRIMSTONE!
As does anyone else here who promotes filthy faggotism!
emw
03/21/2011 13:38 PM
usually have something buried deep inside themselves that they cannot admit. Guess you're headed for Fire and Brimstone yourself, eh?
auscutter
03/21/2011 13:43 PM
in your eyes, maybe i am headed there, but if you get there before me be sure and save a spot for me and dont use all the tanning oil up
Kelly Baker
09/11/2010 10:56 AM
You need to open your heart and your mind to human beings of all kinds and live and let live. Love is the greatest commandment and I didnt hear any love in your blog at all.
JADEWIND
08/29/2010 13:33 PM
THAT YOU FEEL THIS WAY, AND FEEL YOU ARE "HOLIER THAN THOU."
YOU ARE PATHETIC....I WILL PRAY FOR YOUR PITIFUL SOUL, IF YOU HAVE ONE.......
Ron Bass
08/11/2010 21:33 PM
You know religions don't condemn, so why are you? You committing some of the worst abominations possible - that of condeming someone and not accepting them as they are. If you dont like two people being happy in a committed relationship, dont buy the soap!!
Guest
07/31/2010 12:03 PM
Someone needs a big hug.
(And a hobby that does not involve trolling the internet 24/7. It's just not healthy.)
lyndasbramlett@hotmail.com
07/27/2010 20:36 PM
really, people still think like this?
lyndasbramlett@hotmail.com
07/25/2010 00:17 AM
Buy whose judgment was this made? I have watched every show and have yet to see abortion. Filthy and sodomite, when? Who are you, have you checked the mirror lately ? and have you seen a saint?
lyndasbramlett@hotmail.com
07/23/2010 23:32 PM
Whats the need for two animals? They make a point and so does the animals!
Gladys McMilleon
07/21/2010 14:21 PM
Why is there only one llama? I would think knowing the way you guys feel - you would have at least another llama to keep Polka Spot company. Also, please make sure the goats keeps away from Polka Spot at meal times.
skippygonefarmin
08/05/2010 16:21 PM
Llamas are often used as guard animals for sheep and goats. They seem to enjoy the job, but they only do it if they are the only llama. Oddly, if there is another llama, the two of them focus only on each other, and ignore the sheep and goats.
LaVonne
07/20/2010 08:57 AM
This is the most creative show on television, ever. Those Two boys are just wonderful, so warm, intelligent and funny as hell. Keep religion and judgement out of this! I look forward to each new episode and watch the re-runs as they make me laugh. Good job Josh and Brent.
patricia scalise
07/17/2010 20:01 PM
i knew of the show but........havent watched it until this evening....i love it.....living in the area (utica) holds special interest and im finding the whole concept of the show very fresh.....i would have loved to have volunteered to wrap the soap and look forward to visiting and purchasing some.....i love you guys and your goats are wild.............
