0:00:02 > 0:00:06# Come join us down on the farm today
0:00:06 > 0:00:10# Learn about nature along the way
0:00:10 > 0:00:12# From seeds to crops, and field to barn
0:00:12 > 0:00:15# So much to do down on a farm
0:00:15 > 0:00:17# Summer, autumn, winter, spring
0:00:17 > 0:00:20# Ploughing, planting, harvesting
0:00:20 > 0:00:23# With JB and Storm to lead the way
0:00:23 > 0:00:29# Come join us down on the farm today. #
0:00:31 > 0:00:35Hello, I'm JB, and welcome to Down On The Farm.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Spring has arrived, and there's lots to do,
0:00:37 > 0:00:41so while I get on with tidying up, let's find out what Storm is up to.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47QUACK QUACK
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Now, I've been told that this farm in Nottinghamshire grows
0:00:54 > 0:00:58lots of lovely orange-coloured vegetables.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59But I haven't seen any.
0:00:59 > 0:01:05All I've seen is lots of fields and tractors, and lots and lots of hay.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08I think the vegetables must be hiding.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14There they are.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19And this is Joe. He's the carrot farmer.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Over the winter months, Joe and his team hide all the carrots
0:01:27 > 0:01:30under a layer of plastic and lovely warm hay -
0:01:30 > 0:01:31just like a sleeping bag -
0:01:31 > 0:01:33so that the carrots are kept cosy and warm,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36and they're ready to be picked in spring.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39So, today, I'm going for a ride in this big tractor
0:01:39 > 0:01:43called a harvester to pick the carrots.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46It scoops up all the carrots and shakes off the dirt.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49And then they're put in this trailer,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51ready to be sent for packing.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Joe, that was amazing.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55I can't believe how fast we've picked all those carrots.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58These machines do make it much easier for us,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00but we still need to know what the quality's like,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02which means you have to pick some by hand.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Don't worry, I've got some helpers over there,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06but you may get your hands dirty.
0:02:06 > 0:02:07All right. Let's go help.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- Hi, guys. So, this is where the carrots are all hiding.- ALL:- Yeah.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- What are you doing? - Picking them up.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19You're picking them up. Can you show me how it's done?
0:02:19 > 0:02:24So, we dig in our trowel and lift up the carrots...
0:02:24 > 0:02:26like that.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- Storm, look what I found. - That's huge!
0:02:30 > 0:02:33What's the biggest carrot you've ever picked?
0:02:33 > 0:02:34Probably this one.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39These carrots are called Chantenay carrots,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42and they're usually very small.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43But, as you can see,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46carrots can grow into lots of different shapes and sizes.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48OK, I think we've got enough carrots now.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50Who's going to help me carry the crates?
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- ALL:- Me! Yeah!
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Now it's time to head back to the farm to see what we have found.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00So, we've collected all our carrots, and we've washed them,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02and now it's time to sort them by size.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- So, do you want to help me? - ALL:- Yeah!
0:03:04 > 0:03:07So, we need to find out which carrot fits in which of these holes.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Shall we have a go?
0:03:11 > 0:03:15It's our job to post the small carrots in the small holes,
0:03:15 > 0:03:17and the big ones in the big holes,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20so that they're separated ready for the supermarket.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25After all that work, I think we deserve a treat.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Anyone fancy some carrot cake?
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- ALL:- Yeah!
0:03:29 > 0:03:31And while we tuck in,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34why don't you find out what else happens in spring?
0:03:37 > 0:03:41The warming sun and lengthening days of spring offer plants
0:03:41 > 0:03:45and creatures a chance to grow and make new life.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48But they need to get their timing right.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Most frogs lay frogspawn in late winter,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55so that their wriggly tadpoles are ready to feed on green algae
0:03:55 > 0:03:59when it blooms in ponds at the start of spring.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04This bee has laid her eggs early in spring.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06She has an orchard full of pear blossom,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09and a great chance to collect lots of nectar and pollen
0:04:09 > 0:04:12for her young to feed on when they hatch.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Baby birds need lots of food.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22These blue tit chicks hatch at the same time
0:04:22 > 0:04:26as millions of caterpillars emerge from the buds of oak leaves.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Fat juicy caterpillars are exactly what blue tit chicks need
0:04:30 > 0:04:33to help them grow bigger and stronger.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36It can be hard to get your timing right
0:04:36 > 0:04:39when you're relying on the changeable weather.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45That's why lots of farmers plant new crops under polytunnels at this
0:04:45 > 0:04:50time of year - to protect them from late frosts and too much rain.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58Spring is a time of hope, in nature and for many of us,
0:04:58 > 0:05:02and we certainly hope for good weather when the time comes
0:05:02 > 0:05:05to celebrate the season and enjoy the spring bank holidays.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12BUZZING
0:05:15 > 0:05:20Today, I'm very excited. I'm visiting a local farmers' market.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23It's a bit like going to the supermarket, except that it's
0:05:23 > 0:05:27outside and everything's made by the local farmers.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31I've got my list. I've got my bag. Now let's see what we can find.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37This is the Spring Farmers' Market in Wye, in Kent.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Kent has lots of farms which grow fruit and vegetables.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46And, today, some local children have come down to the market to
0:05:46 > 0:05:47help me find what I need.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- Hi, guys. How you doing?- Good.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Do you guys like vegetables?
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- Yes.- Kind of.- "Yes" and "kind of".
0:05:57 > 0:05:59OK, well, what are your favourite vegetables?
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- Carrots.- Cabbages.
0:06:01 > 0:06:02You think you'd be able to find me some?
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09Oh, we've got some cabbage. There we go. And some carrots.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Well, thanks, guys. I've got my vegetables.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- And hopefully I'll see you soon. - Bye.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18There are lots of things to taste before you buy.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20There are pies,
0:06:20 > 0:06:21and crabs,
0:06:21 > 0:06:22and strawberry jam.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24And look - home-made sausages.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- Do you mind if we try some? - Yeah, sure, guys. Go ahead.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Come on, then, boys, let's try these tomato and basil ones.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35That's nice, isn't it, boys? Mmm.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39But I'm saving my money for my favourite - the cheese stall.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- Hi, guys.- BOTH:- Hi.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43Who here likes cheese?
0:06:44 > 0:06:47And what kind of cheese do you like?
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- Cheddar cheese.- Cheddar?- Cheddar.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51OK, well, I love all kinds of cheese.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54So, do you think you could find me some cheese for my shopping list?
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- Yeah.- This one?
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Well, I'll take a piece of your chilli cheese, then, please.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03Of course, sir. That one there would be...£3.60.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Thank you very much.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07All right, guys, well...I'll see you soon. Bye.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- BOTH:- Bye!
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Well, I've had a lovely day here at the farmers' market.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16I've got my sausages, I've got my cheese.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19I even got some vegetables, and LOTS of other things.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23So, while I go and make some lunch, why don't you enjoy our spring poem?
0:07:24 > 0:07:26CLUCK CLUCK
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Wake up, sleepy bunnies
0:07:28 > 0:07:30The day is bright and new
0:07:30 > 0:07:32The spring sunshine is in the sky
0:07:32 > 0:07:34There's lots of things to do
0:07:34 > 0:07:35Eat up, hungry bunnies
0:07:35 > 0:07:38It's time for tasty lunch
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Springtime brings new grass and food
0:07:40 > 0:07:41for you to munch and crunch...
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Stay warm, fluffy bunnies,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48It's still chilly outside
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Your coat will keep you nice and warm
0:07:51 > 0:07:53So you don't have to hide
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Jumping playful bunnies
0:07:55 > 0:07:57You bounce and hop and run
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Out in the fields and round the farm
0:07:59 > 0:08:01It looks like such great fun.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05OINK OINK
0:08:05 > 0:08:07SPLAT
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Mi encantan tus animalitos.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Did you get that?
0:08:12 > 0:08:14I'm trying to learn Spanish for today's special guests,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16and I've heard that they're friendly,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18fleecy, and from a country
0:08:18 > 0:08:22in South America called Peru, where they speak Spanish.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Donde estan los animales?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27That means, "Where are the animals?"
0:08:27 > 0:08:28Oh, look. There they are!
0:08:30 > 0:08:32These are alpacas.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37Boy alpacas are called macho, which means male in Spanish.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41And girl alpacas are called hembra, which means female in Spanish.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44And today I'm visiting this very special farm that has
0:08:44 > 0:08:47lots of alpacas.
0:08:47 > 0:08:48I wonder how I can help out.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- Hi, Vicki.- Hi, JB.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52Well, this is a big herd of alpacas.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- Yes, we've got about 96 alpacas and four llamas on the farm.- Wow.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58And is it true that they speak Spanish?
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Because I've been trying to learn.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01Oh, I'm afraid I've only taught them English.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Oh, no.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06So, who have we got here, then?
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Well, this is our babies' group from last year.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10We have another 30 babies due this year.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12And have they had breakfast already?
0:09:12 > 0:09:15No, we're about to feed them Would you like to give me a hand?
0:09:15 > 0:09:16- I'd love to.- Great.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Vicki breeds alpacas on her farm,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30and uses their soft fleece coats to make hats and scarves
0:09:30 > 0:09:32later in the season,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35just like these cool hats and scarves.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44Alpacas are herbivores. That means they eat grass and hay.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Today, we're feeding them special alpaca food.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Well, Vicki, these are super-cute.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54How come some of them have really fluffy fleeces?
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Well, the fluffy-fleeced alpacas -
0:09:57 > 0:09:59they've got more of a teddy bear appearance.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- They're called Huacaya alpacas.- OK.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04And the ones with the ringleted fleeces are called Suri alpacas.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Cool.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09And is there anything else that I can do on the farm today?
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Well, all of these babies are weaned now,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13so they're all ready to be halter-trained. So, if you want
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- to give me a hand halter-training, that'd be fantastic.- Definitely.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- They're very hungry, aren't they? - They're very greedy.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Vicki trains all her alpacas to use a halter like this one.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30This gets them used to humans so they won't be scared.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36Baby alpacas are called crias, which is Spanish for baby animal.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40And today we're going to take them for a walk around the farm.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43My new friend is called Faro.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Good boy, Faro.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Well done, Faro.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Thank you, Vicki, so much for showing me your alpaca farm.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Thanks for coming along. It's been great having you here today.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56And while I grab a few more cuddles with Faro,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59why don't you find out what else happens in spring?
0:11:01 > 0:11:03CLUCK CLUCK
0:11:03 > 0:11:05BEEP BEEP
0:11:05 > 0:11:09Have you ever seen a building like this before?
0:11:09 > 0:11:10Do you know what it is?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14It's a flour mill, where we take wheat
0:11:14 > 0:11:17and turn it into flour which people can use for baking.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22This is Michael, and he works in this flour mill.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26It's a special kind of flour mill,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29because it gets its power from this stream.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Michael's going to show us how.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Every month, local farmers bring trailers
0:11:39 > 0:11:41full of their harvested wheat grain.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46The wheat grain needs to be kept dry
0:11:46 > 0:11:48so that it stays fresh for being milled,
0:11:48 > 0:11:53so Michael keeps it in these big concrete bins called silos.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55So, this is the grain we've just had delivered.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56It's come straight off the field,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59so it still has a few bits of husk and straw in it.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03This goes through the grain-cleaning machine to
0:12:03 > 0:12:04remove those unwanted pieces.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09All the grain that we had delivered earlier
0:12:09 > 0:12:12by tractor and trailer is coming from the grain silo
0:12:12 > 0:12:15and it goes into the grain-cleaning machine, which has a sucker on it
0:12:15 > 0:12:16to suck all the dust out,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19and a shaker that shakes a sieve that removes all the straw.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22The wheat then goes to the mill for grinding into flour.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27So, inside these big plastic tubs are the millstones.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29These are very big and very heavy.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33The top one is going round, and the wheat goes in the middle
0:12:33 > 0:12:35and gets ground into the flour.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41The millstream is feeding the waterwheel which is going round.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43This is making the belts in the mill go round,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45which makes the millstones go round,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48which grinds the wheat into the flour.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55So, this is the freshly ground, healthy wholemeal flour.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Michael then delivers his flour to shops
0:12:57 > 0:13:01and businesses, like this bakery, where they use the flour to
0:13:01 > 0:13:04make dough to bake tasty food like bread,
0:13:04 > 0:13:05cakes,
0:13:05 > 0:13:06and pastries.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08Yummy.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13QUACK QUACK
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Storm and I have had a brilliant time,
0:13:15 > 0:13:17and we hope you've enjoyed it too.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21You can check out even more great things from Down On The Farm
0:13:21 > 0:13:22on the CBeebies website.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24See you next time. Bye.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29# Come join us down on the farm today
0:13:29 > 0:13:33# Learn about nature along the way
0:13:33 > 0:13:36# From seeds to crops, and field to barn
0:13:36 > 0:13:38# So much to do down on a farm
0:13:38 > 0:13:40# Summer, autumn, winter, spring
0:13:40 > 0:13:43# Ploughing, planting, harvesting
0:13:43 > 0:13:47# With JB and Storm to lead the way
0:13:47 > 0:13:53# Come join us down on the farm today. #