0:00:02 > 0:00:04NARRATOR: 'We push our rookies hard. They see the good...
0:00:04 > 0:00:05- How cool is this?! - '..the bad...
0:00:07 > 0:00:10'..and downright astonishing.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12'We give them glamour... CAMERAS CLICK
0:00:12 > 0:00:14'..show them excitement...
0:00:14 > 0:00:16'get their hands dirty... BLEATING
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- '..put them under pressure... - Oh, no, no.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21'..make them laugh... GROWLING
0:00:21 > 0:00:24'..all so they can experience their dream jobs.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28'Today's rookies will be getting their hands,
0:00:28 > 0:00:31'knees and boots dirty as they wade into the world of farming.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35'Let's go All Over The Workplace.'
0:00:54 > 0:00:57There is nothing like the smell of fresh air.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00And this is nothing like the smell of fresh air.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04I don't know what those sheep had last night, but it don't half stink.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06You see, farming is not a bed of roses.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09You have got to muck in and get your hands and feet dirty.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12And our rookies are prepared to do just that.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16They are two girls with a passion for farming.
0:01:16 > 0:01:17'Our first rookie is ten
0:01:17 > 0:01:19'and from the Far East.
0:01:19 > 0:01:20'Well, Suffolk.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23'She already has some good knowledge of cattle
0:01:23 > 0:01:24'from her Young Farmers' Club.'
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Hi, I'm Holly and I want to be a farmer.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30I'd like to be a farmer because you get to work with cows,
0:01:30 > 0:01:32and I love cows.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35One of the hardest things about farming for me
0:01:35 > 0:01:37would be the getting up early.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40I'm definitely not an early bird.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43'Next up is the city farming rookie from London.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45'She is really into sheep.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48'And she volunteers regularly to work with the little woolly ones.'
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Hi, I'm Megan
0:01:50 > 0:01:51and I'd like to be a farmer.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54My family thinks it is a bit funny that I want to become a farmer,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58because it is not really a job that people have in the city.
0:01:58 > 0:01:59- Really? - SHEEP BLEATS
0:01:59 > 0:02:01SHE LAUGHS
0:02:01 > 0:02:04I would like to go into dairy and wool farming.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05The main challenge for me would be
0:02:05 > 0:02:08dealing with the weather and early mornings.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11'Talking of whether, we've brought the budding farmers to a wet and
0:02:11 > 0:02:14'windswept corner of North Yorkshire.'
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Holly and Megan, welcome to sunny North Yorkshire.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- What do you think of it so far? - It is cold.- Nice.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23This is mild weather. Come on!
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Now, Megan, you live in London, don't you?
0:02:25 > 0:02:28So, how different is where you live to this place?
0:02:28 > 0:02:32There is no buildings are traffic or noise or people here.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- Yeah, it's very peaceful.- Yeah. - Very, very peaceful.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Holly, are you from a farming family?
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- No.- So why are you so mad about farming, then?
0:02:39 > 0:02:40I just love cows.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43But cows are absolutely enormous. Aren't you are a bit worried that
0:02:43 > 0:02:44- they're going to squash you?- No.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Well, you're obviously both very passionate about farming,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50but let's see if your parents think you are suited
0:02:50 > 0:02:52to a life on the farm.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Getting up early isn't her natural forte, shall we say.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00I think it would be really good for Holly to learn about farming
0:03:00 > 0:03:05as a lifestyle, that it is a 24-hour-a-day job.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08It is not a question of turning up nine till five and going home again.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11She needs to learn that it isn't just turning up at the farm
0:03:11 > 0:03:13and cuddling the sheep and cuddling the goats
0:03:13 > 0:03:16and putting them away in the evening.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18I think one of the things that, for her, is going to be challenging
0:03:18 > 0:03:21but also really amazing is seeing, you know,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24the size, and the scale of it, the kind of big flocks of sheep,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26and sheep that are not going to come up to you and cuddle you,
0:03:26 > 0:03:28because they weren't raised in a city farm.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Holly, you're not very good at getting up in the morning.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32You know how early a farmer has to get up in the morning?
0:03:32 > 0:03:35About five o'clock in the morning! How are you going to cope with that?
0:03:35 > 0:03:39It will motivate me because my cows need me.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42That's nice. And, Megan, you might struggle with animals
0:03:42 > 0:03:45that aren't used to human contact.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Yeah, I think, cos I'm used to the animals on the farm,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51they are used to, like, people touching them and going up to them,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53so this could be very different.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Well, we've got a lot of work to do. Come on, let's go.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04'Messing about in dung not for you?
0:04:04 > 0:04:08'There are plenty of other jobs in farming that aren't quite as stinky.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11'What about an animal nutritionist?
0:04:11 > 0:04:12'Animals are like people,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16'and what they eat has a big influence on how healthy they are.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18'Diet checks help keep them in tiptop condition,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21'and that is where the nutritionist comes in.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23'Vets, too, look after an animal's wellbeing,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25'preventing sickness using all the same techniques
0:04:25 > 0:04:27'that doctors use on us.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30'Prime livestock sells at auction for big money.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33'Why not try your hand at being a livestock auctioneer?
0:04:33 > 0:04:35'If you can talk the hind legs off a donkey,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37'this could be the job for you.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38'Who will give me five? 10 at the back.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40'Any advance on 10? Yes, 15.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43'And 20. 25. Going, going, gone!'
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Right then, have you got any idea what we're going to be doing next?
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- BOTH:- No.- OK, well, you two are going to be sheep farmers
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- for the day. Yeah? you really like sheep, don't you?- Mm-hmm.- Great.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Come on then. Let's go.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59'We are at a hill farm at one of the northern, most northerly dales
0:04:59 > 0:05:03'in North Yorkshire. It is 2,000 acres in size.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05'That is bigger than 800 rugby pitches.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10'It is home sweet home to hundreds of farm animals and nine children.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14'Their parents are hard-working sheep farmers Amanda and Clive.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17'Neither of them are from a farming background.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21'Amanda is one of a small number of female shepherds in the UK.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25'She met husband Clive when she came one day to collect a ram.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27'Aw! Now that's romance.'
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Clive and Amanda, what are your three top tips
0:05:31 > 0:05:33for a career in farming?
0:05:33 > 0:05:36The first step would be to get as much experience as you can
0:05:36 > 0:05:37and hands-on experience.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41If you get an opportunity to work alongside people with sheep,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43that is a great way to learn.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45At certain times of year, lambing time and things like that,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47where farmers are looking for extra help,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50that is a great way to get loads of experience.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53You need to stick with it, keep that enthusiasm,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55even when things don't look to be going your way.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56There are a lot of people out there
0:05:56 > 0:05:58who will be willing to help you along the way.
0:05:58 > 0:05:59You need to talk to people.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Get yourself to auction markets, get yourselves to Young Farmers' Clubs,
0:06:02 > 0:06:04and talk to people.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07'Amanda and Clive's top tips are...
0:06:09 > 0:06:12'There is no better way to learn than getting your hands dirty.
0:06:13 > 0:06:14'Farming is hard graft.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17'Remaining positive is essential. And...
0:06:18 > 0:06:22'Joining a Young Farmers' Club is a great way to meet folk in the know.'
0:06:22 > 0:06:24There is going to have to be a fourth top tip.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Always have some baler twine in your pocket, string.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- Like you?- That is a top tip.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32How much land do you have?
0:06:32 > 0:06:332,000 acres.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36So, it is a big farm, we are a hill farm, you see,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39so a lot of it is literally just grazing for the sheep.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42What would you say the hardest part of your job is?
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Certain times of year are tougher than others.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Lambing time is a tough time, because we don't get to sleep much.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51We tend to work almost
0:06:51 > 0:06:53right throughout the day and night.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- With resting...- I think the term is 24/7, really.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58That's right. So that is a pretty tough time.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59You have to show devotion.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03When the sun is shining, and the lambs are playing and everything...
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Everybody's happy, then it is a wonderful place to be, isn't it?
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Out with your dog and out on the moors, you know,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11you know, it is the finest thing you can do.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13So, can you tell us what the first assignment is going to be?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Yes, we're going to look at some sheep,
0:07:15 > 0:07:19and we're going to have a little bit of a rounding up with the dog,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22and hopefully, hopefully, see if we can't get the dog
0:07:22 > 0:07:24to work for you guys.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28'12-year-old sheepdog Bill has had a long career working with...
0:07:28 > 0:07:30'sheep.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32'In his spare time, he likes to chase chickens.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34'But he can never catch them.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37'Let's hope he and the rookies have more success with the sheep.'
0:07:37 > 0:07:39We're going to give him his right-hand command.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41So that is a way.
0:07:41 > 0:07:42Anticlockwise. OK?
0:07:42 > 0:07:46So, wherever you are standing, you are bringing the sheep towards you.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47It is anticlockwise.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50So, you've got... If you want him to go clockwise, that way,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54it is "Come-bye". So, try and remember C-clockwise, "Come-bye".
0:07:54 > 0:07:58If you use those two commands, you can even make him go left or right.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01'So, just to get that right, or was it left,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03'C is for clockwise.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05'So that is come-bye.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06'A is for anticlockwise
0:08:06 > 0:08:08'and that is away.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10'The sheep are naturally wary of the dog,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12'so by tactically moving around them,
0:08:12 > 0:08:14'Bill can coax them in the right direction,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16'or at least that is the theory.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18'Let's see how the rookies do.'
0:08:18 > 0:08:19HOLLY: Away.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21AMANDA: Bill, away.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- He's turning. - Just keep encouraging him. Away.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- HOLLY: Away.- 'It doesn't look like Bill is listening to them yet.'
0:08:26 > 0:08:28You've got to send him that way.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- BOTH: Away.- Away.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31'Come on, girls, don't be sheepish.'
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Give him the command, one of you girls.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Give it a good shout.- Come-bye.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- 'That's better, Holly.' - Well done. Well done.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40BOTH: Away.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41Away, Bill.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- AMANDA: Good lasses. He's listening to you.- Well done.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48'Bill is on it now, as the girls' confidence and voices are rising.'
0:08:48 > 0:08:49Come-bye.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- Go on, shout.- BOTH: Come-bye. - Yeah, he looked, did you see there?
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Instant reaction.- Brilliant.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Right, keep encouraging him. Come-bye.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56Come-bye.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Very good, Megan, very forceful.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01'Who'd be a sheep, though, having to run away from Bill all day?'
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Now, when you want him to slow down
0:09:03 > 0:09:06and just get him a bit of time just say, "Steady, Bill."
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- HOLLY:- Steady, Bill.- Steady.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09You're in control.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- BOTH: Come-bye.- Come-bye, Bill.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Come-bye, Bill. Come-bye.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20'Uh-oh. Riley's getting in on the act.'
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Away! Away!
0:09:23 > 0:09:26'Not sure Bill is getting the message.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29'Nope. Not getting the message, Bill.'
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Now, what we are going to do now,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33we're going to take the sheep home into the sheep pens,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37and we're going to work at giving them some medicine.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42So we want you to round them up and take them back home.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46So, have you remembered which command to give him?
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- Go on, then.- Come-bye, Bill.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Excellent. He's taking your commander there.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52He's bringing the sheep. Brilliant, brilliant.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Come on, keep egging him on. - Come-bye, Bill.- Come on.- Come-bye.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57Come on, you're desperate here.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Come-bye, Bill!
0:09:59 > 0:10:00- Come-bye.- Tell him to stand.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- BOTH: Stand.- Stand. That's it.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Right, let's follow them down home then, girls.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10'Well done, Megan and Holly. Good work.'
0:10:17 > 0:10:20I'd definitely recommend farming as a career choice.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22It is one of the best jobs in the world.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25You get to work with animals, drive tractors,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28gadgets and gizmos are really important nowadays,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30and you're often out in the great outdoors.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32What could be better?
0:10:35 > 0:10:37'The sheep are heading for the pens,
0:10:37 > 0:10:41'and Megan and Holly for a real hands-on experience.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44'They are going to give some vitamin supplements to the sheep.'
0:10:44 > 0:10:46It is multivitamins we're giving them,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50and it just makes sure that they keep healthy all winter.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Right then, girls, we're going to chase a few sheep into this pen
0:10:53 > 0:10:56where we can get to grips with them.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58Perfect. Right.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Come in, squeeze in here, girls.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03We'll show you what happens next.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06They don't like it, but it is very good for them.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07So they have to like it.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Clive, how do you know which ones you have done and which ones you
0:11:09 > 0:11:11haven't done? It is just chaos, isn't it?
0:11:11 > 0:11:14That's right, that's why we've got them in this narrow pen.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- We've pushed them back as we've done them.- Oh, I see. I see.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Right.- Here we go. I will help you for the first time.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21OK, go on, put it further in.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Keep it going in there. You won't hurt it.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25A bit further. There.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Squeeze the... Well done.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32Well done. You want to try that again? Just in there.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Perfect. Well done.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39You just gently, over the top of the tongue and done a bit...
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- That's perfect.- 'Come on, then, Megan.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- 'Your turn with the cuddly critters.'- Ready?- Yeah.- Very good.
0:11:45 > 0:11:46- Well done.- That was great.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Do you want to do it again?
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Well done. Fantastic. You are doing well.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Oh! Ahh! Lovely and furry, isn't it? Lovely and woolly.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00'Uh...don't give up the day job, Alex.'
0:12:00 > 0:12:01- Yeah?- Yes.- Well done.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Sheep farming, I think, is really enjoyable.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11I really enjoyed doing the medicine, particularly.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14'When I was doing the medicine for the sheep, I was quite relaxed'
0:12:14 > 0:12:17and I found it quite fun, but it was something I hadn't done before.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19'What I found hard was, particularly,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21'the sheep dog running,'
0:12:21 > 0:12:24because sometimes didn't pay attention to what I was saying.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27I still think sheep farming is something I want to do in the
0:12:27 > 0:12:30future, because I love sheep and it is very hands-on.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Holly, I think you have done absolutely great today.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35I am really impressed with how you handled the sheep in the sheep pens.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37I think you should be very proud of yourself.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39You have done a great job.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41I can see a farmer in the making.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Megan, your handling of the sheep was really impressive.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49I'm sure that you would make a very good sheep farmer.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57'The population of the world is growing, and by 2050,
0:12:57 > 0:13:01'it is estimated there will be an extra two billion mouths to feed.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03'Technology is making a big difference
0:13:03 > 0:13:05'to the way food is farmed.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07'Soon we will be seeing driverless tractors
0:13:07 > 0:13:09'and unmanned drones in our fields.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12'Some crops are now produced using hydroponics,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14'that is growing in liquid to you and me.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16'Hydroponic farms can pop up anywhere,
0:13:16 > 0:13:18'from underground bunkers to skyscraper roofs.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22'Insects need much less food than traditional farm animals,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25'so insect farming is growing in popularity as a cheaper and more
0:13:25 > 0:13:28'environmentally friendly way to make food.
0:13:28 > 0:13:29'Don't fancy the bug burger?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32'Scientists are now able to grow meat in labs.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37'But the first lab-grown burger cost a whopping £215,000 to make.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43'The rookies have had a go at sheep farming,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45'but there are many other types of farms.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48'That is why Alex and the rookies have popped lower down the Dales
0:13:48 > 0:13:50'to look at a different kind of farming.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52'This is an arable farm.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54'In other words, it grows crops.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56'We are about to meet the farmer.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00'Richard Ormston was born into life on the farm,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02'and it is all he ever wanted to do.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06'He went to work on the family farm when he left school at 15.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09'44 years later, he is still at it.'
0:14:09 > 0:14:12What are your three top tips for arable farming?
0:14:12 > 0:14:13A think if you make lots of money,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16don't spend it on big grain tractors.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Try not to spend all your life driving tractors around.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Have outside hobbies and things like that.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25If you don't make a good job of sowing the entire field,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27it is an uphill battle all the time.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34'Don't blow it all on top-of-the-range tractors.
0:14:36 > 0:14:37'Farming demands a lot of your time,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40'but making time for your family and friends and other interests
0:14:40 > 0:14:42'is also important.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47'Healthy, productive crops stem from well sown seeds.'
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- What is grown in this field?- We are sowing winter wheat in this field.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53It is for biscuits, digestive biscuits, mainly.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- Custard creams, nothing but the best.- Oh, wow, that's quite nice.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02'Megan is first up to get behind the wheel of the super tractor.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05'Closely watched, of course, by Richard.'
0:15:05 > 0:15:08If you can steer a little bit left, it's pulling in a little bit.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Just turn it that way a little bit.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13That's it. You are doing very well, yeah.
0:15:16 > 0:15:17Nice and straight.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25'Time for Megan to turn the plough over, ready for the return journey.'
0:15:25 > 0:15:28That's it. Now let go. That's it. Perfect.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32To turn around, you just turn the steering wheel lots
0:15:32 > 0:15:35and lots and lots. More, more, more, more.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37'Clever stuff, Megan. And cool as a cucumber.'
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Put that into backwards.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43That's it. And turn the steering wheel the other way now.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53There you go.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54And off we go again.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58'Time to see how Holly's driving goes.'
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- You nervous?- No.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04When you are ploughing, you have to look behind you all the time
0:16:04 > 0:16:07to make sure it is making a good job.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- Still nice and straight. - Yeah.- There you go.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Turn left again. That's it.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16'Holly seems to be a natural.'
0:16:16 > 0:16:18There you go. Not too tiring?
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- No.- Good.- I quite like it.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Good. As fast as you can.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Very good. That's it.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26You are good at this.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29You've done this before.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- No, I haven't.- You must have done. - It's good behind.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42'Richard has whizzed back to base and replaced the plough
0:16:42 > 0:16:45'with a seed drill and cultivator.'
0:16:45 > 0:16:46What is a cultivator?
0:16:46 > 0:16:51It breaks all the soil up really fine, so every seed can grow,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54and it makes all flat and level and a perfect seedbed.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Well, let's get some of this seed into the ground.
0:16:56 > 0:16:57- Good idea.- Who is going to go first?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- Me.- OK, Megan, come on, let's get cracking.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04'They're off. And right away,
0:17:04 > 0:17:06'the machine is breaking up the earth
0:17:06 > 0:17:08'and planting the little red seeds.'
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Keep it lined all the way up the field.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20'Megan is concentrating hard and doing a great job.'
0:17:20 > 0:17:21A bit farther right, I think.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24Good.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26'Now it is Holly's turn to sow the seeds.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34'It feels like these girls have been driving for ages. They are so calm.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39'Even Richard seems impressed by their tractor skills.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43'After harvesting, Richard sells his wheat to traders who in turn sell it
0:17:43 > 0:17:46'on to companies who make our much-loved biscuits.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50'In a few weeks' time,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52'hopefully, little green shoots will start appearing
0:17:52 > 0:17:54'where Holly and Megan have been working.'
0:17:57 > 0:18:00It was better than I expected it to be.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Because I'm more used to doing animal farming,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05but I really enjoyed having the opportunity to drive the tractor.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08I think the sowing was definitely harder than the ploughing.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11You had to keep in a straight line, that was really hard,
0:18:11 > 0:18:13because you had to concentrate loads.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15I still want to be a sheep farmer, but it could be another
0:18:15 > 0:18:17opportunity that I could do something different
0:18:17 > 0:18:19as well along with sheep.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22My favourite part was the assignment was probably ploughing.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24The three-point turn was really fun.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Turning the wheel really fast.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Megan, your furrowing was really straight.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30'You managed to turn the plough over
0:18:30 > 0:18:33'at the end of the field. Reverse at the end,'
0:18:33 > 0:18:34shunting around, it was good.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37'Holly, your ploughing was lovely and straight.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39'You managed to avoid a few big stones, thankfully.'
0:18:39 > 0:18:42For the future, I think you will do really well.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44OK, rookies, you've got one more assignment left.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48So, we better get moooooooving.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53'Alex and the rookies have travelled just along the road to a different
0:18:53 > 0:18:56'kind of farm. Here, it is a mix of dairy and arable.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01'On the farm, there are 250 cows and four robots.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02'Eh? Robots?
0:19:02 > 0:19:05'You can't farm robots.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06'Just kidding.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09'These babies are here to milk the cows.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14'And they can suck about 30L of milk from each cow per day.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18'On this farm, that totals 7,500L a day.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21'That is enough for around 50,000 bowls of cereal.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24'Meet Andy Eastabrook.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28'He is the man who looks after these milk-making creatures.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31'He studied agriculture at uni before working on a farm.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33'And he knows a thing or two about cows.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35'Nice shorts, Andy.'
0:19:35 > 0:19:37So, Andy, can you run through your three top tips
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- for becoming a dairy farmer? - Number one, be committed.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43There aren't set hours, there aren't set days of work,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45you can be getting up at five o'clock in the morning
0:19:45 > 0:19:47to help with a calving, you could be staying up till
0:19:47 > 0:19:5010 o'clock at night, and you might be working on Christmas Day.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52So make sure you are committed to doing that.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55The second thing is to show that you are enthusiastic.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58If you like cattle, let it be known that you want to work with them.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Thirdly, show compassion towards these animals.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02We are here to serve them, not the other way around.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04They are living creatures.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08Yes, there is an economic side to it, but we need to care for them.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13'Looking after cows is 24/7.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15'Taking time off can be a problem.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19'Being keen can get you a long way.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23'Living creatures deserve respect.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25'Make sure you treat them well.'
0:20:25 > 0:20:27How many different breeds of cow do you have?
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Probably about nine or ten different breeds.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32We've got the Guernseys in the shed,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35we've got some Holstein Friesians in the other shed,
0:20:35 > 0:20:39and there is a range of continental and native breeds
0:20:39 > 0:20:41and crossbreds mixed in that shed as well.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Certain cows have been bred with different production traits in mind.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50These Guernsey cows have been bred with high-fat and milk quality for
0:20:50 > 0:20:51making ice cream, cheese, butter,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54whereas the Holstein Friesian has been bred more
0:20:54 > 0:20:56with a focus on liquid production.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58What time do you start and finish work?
0:20:58 > 0:21:00I normally get up at about five o'clock
0:21:00 > 0:21:02and I'm on the farm for 5.30.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04I usually work through till breakfast,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06go and have some breakfast and then come back out onto the farm.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09My day usually finishes at about 6.30 in the evening.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13But quite often there's late calvings in the evening,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16through the night, it is by no means 9 to 5.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- So, shall we get on with the first assignment?- Yeah, let's get started.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21'For various reasons,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24'some cows occasionally get milked away from the robotic system.'
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- Ugh!- Oh!- Look at that. There we go. There we go.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29This is like a sausage.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33'Ugh! This experience might make Holly rethink her
0:21:33 > 0:21:35'"cows are cute and cuddly" theory.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39'Megan and Holly will be helping to milk this cow in order to feed her
0:21:39 > 0:21:42'newly-born calf.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46'There is a lot of concentration here as the girls firstly clean the
0:21:46 > 0:21:50'teats before attaching the unit that sucks out the milk.'
0:21:55 > 0:21:56Perfect.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- Then you can see the milk's started to come to this pipe.- Yeah.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Going into the bucket, ready for her calf.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07OK, so this calf gets 2L in the morning and 2L in the afternoon.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09So if you want to do the honours.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Just hold it out, it should get the idea.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16What is this calf called? Has it got a name? Or has it got a number?
0:22:16 > 0:22:17It hasn't got a name yet.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19What about Steve?
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Sounds good. Looks like a Steve. - Is it a boy or a girl?
0:22:21 > 0:22:23It is a boy, so Steve is very appropriate.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Hi, Steve. Milk time. Come on, Steve.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28'Steve seems to be enjoying the milk that the girls have
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- 'just helped get from his mother.' - It's cute.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Got a powerful sucker on him. Look at him.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35He's doing exactly the same with his tongue as that milking unit was
0:22:35 > 0:22:36doing to the cow's udder.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38He has just wrapped his tongue around the teat
0:22:38 > 0:22:41and just creating that vacuum to draw the milk out of the teat.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- He seems to be wagging his tail, does that mean he is happy?- Yeah.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- Definitely.- 'Finally, Holly gives Steve a new straw bed.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48'So he can relax after his milk.'
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Right, I'm afraid it's not all glamorous, so now that we have
0:22:51 > 0:22:54finished feeding the calf, let's go and do some cleaning up.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55ALEX LAUGHS
0:22:56 > 0:22:58See you, Steve. Catch you later.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07As a chef, farmers are an integral part of my business.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11Without the farmers, creating the wonderful produce that they produce,
0:23:11 > 0:23:14whether it's vegetables, meat,
0:23:14 > 0:23:15and really taking care of that produce
0:23:15 > 0:23:19and giving me the best possible product is to use in my restaurant,
0:23:19 > 0:23:21my restaurant wouldn't be these success it is.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24As a chef, it is really important for me that I know exactly where my
0:23:24 > 0:23:28produce comes from, so I want to know the guy who rears the pigs,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31has the beef for me, grows the vegetables.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33This is really, really important to me as a chef.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Over the years, in the restaurant, it has been really important
0:23:36 > 0:23:39that I had built up this degree of trust with my producers, my farmers,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42from everyone who supplies the food to the restaurant.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45I need to understand their world and they need to understand my world.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50'Megan and Holly are learning loads about farming.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54'But they are about to realise that sometimes you just have to get your
0:23:54 > 0:23:55'hands dirty.'
0:23:55 > 0:23:59So I just want you to scrape off anything where the udder goes
0:23:59 > 0:24:00that isn't sawdust.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Pull it down into the lane and then rake some fresh sawdust
0:24:04 > 0:24:07over the top, so that they have got a nice clean bed to lie on.
0:24:07 > 0:24:08And just keep going right the way down the row.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14I can see a problem ahead.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17That is a big bit of dung, that, isn't it?
0:24:17 > 0:24:19That is a monster.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25'Good work, Megan. No time to be squeamish,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27'just time to dump the dung.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31'Holly's turn to be a hygiene operative.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33'I wonder if she still thinks cows are cuddly.'
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Scrape it right down off the step, Holly.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42'Yes, yes, not bad, Holly. Well done.'
0:24:42 > 0:24:44It was a bit out of my comfort zone,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47as I'm used to sheep and much smaller animals.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49I feel the assignments went really well.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52I was really in my element, working with dairy cows.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54My favourite part about the assignment
0:24:54 > 0:24:55'was feeding the baby calf.'
0:24:55 > 0:24:57I think I'm still set on cows.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01But this is a little grim, the way they poo.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Holly, I thought you were very enthusiastic,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07I liked that you were interested in the cows.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09I think you need to gain a little more confidence working
0:25:09 > 0:25:11with the cows.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Megan, I thought you were also very enthusiastic,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15'you were proactive with the cows,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18'and it was evident that you've worked with livestock before.'
0:25:18 > 0:25:20You could certainly have a career with cows.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26'Our rookies have had a farm-tastic experience.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29'Shepherding, ploughing, and caring for cattle.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32'But have they got what it takes to make it in the industry?'
0:25:39 > 0:25:42I think that the pair of you should be really proud of yourselves.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44I think there is no reason whatsoever
0:25:44 > 0:25:47why you couldn't both become farmers.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50You have certainly got all the attributes that you need.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52If you want it bad enough, it can happen.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56You girls just stick at it and never give in.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- RICHARD:- Megan, hopefully, driving big tractors and noisy machinery
0:26:00 > 0:26:01hasn't put you off the job too much.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Holly, for the future, I think you will do really well.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07You are really keen and I think you will have no problem at all finding
0:26:07 > 0:26:08a job in farming as well.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Holly, I certainly think you would make a good dairy farmer,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14as long as you can address your confidence with the cows
0:26:14 > 0:26:16and the fact that you will get covered in slobber.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Megan, I think you would make an excellent dairy farmer,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20from what I saw of your skills with the cows,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I wish you would consider a career with cows instead of sheep.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26I'm sure you would have a lot more fun.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28So, Megan and Holly, you've had a really good go at farming,
0:26:28 > 0:26:32you've had a go at dairy farming, sheep farming, and arable farming.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37You have also found out that farming is long hours and it is hard work.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Megan, do you still want to be a farmer?
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- Yes.- And do you still want to work with sheep?
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- Yeah.- No doubt about it?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47You're not swayed by these lovely Guernsey cows behind us?
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- Not really.- Come on.- No? OK, and what about you, Holly?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Do you still want to be a cow farmer?
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Yes, although I would be open to other options.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59As in sheep. I just really enjoyed working with them,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01and they are a little bit smaller and easier to handle.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03That's really good. Well, because you have worked so hard
0:27:03 > 0:27:06and you have done so well, I think it is time that we had a bit of
0:27:06 > 0:27:08relaxation, don't you?
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Why don't we go to the moooovies?
0:27:12 > 0:27:15The movies, the moooovies.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Don't you find it amoooosing?
0:27:17 > 0:27:18It's very funny.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Come on, then, let's go. Come on.