0:00:02 > 0:00:03Across the country,
0:00:03 > 0:00:08thousands of farming families work tirelessly around the clock.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10- Whoa!- Stop arguing, girls.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Give over!
0:00:12 > 0:00:14HE WHISTLES
0:00:14 > 0:00:16But there's one day each year,
0:00:16 > 0:00:20when they get to leave the daily routine behind.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Right, here we come, Dorset!
0:00:22 > 0:00:24These are show days.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27'A very, very warm welcome to the show.'
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Where they come together as a community
0:00:30 > 0:00:33to showcase the fruits of their labour.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37I just love showing my girls off!
0:00:37 > 0:00:40And try to win prizes for their breed champions.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Smashed it.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44And award-winning produce.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46That's really nice cheese, that.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49It was very good, darling!
0:00:49 > 0:00:51There will be highs...
0:00:51 > 0:00:53That's what we want to see, red. Red is the best!
0:00:53 > 0:00:55..and lows...
0:00:55 > 0:00:57She's not happy enough to go.
0:00:57 > 0:01:03..for the dedicated farmers who give everything to walk away a champion.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04Fingers crossed!
0:01:10 > 0:01:14There are nearly 10,000 dairy farms in the UK,
0:01:14 > 0:01:16home to almost 2 million cows.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21They supply us with millions of litres of milk every day,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24and are the backbone of British agriculture.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26COW MOOS
0:01:26 > 0:01:27Come on.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Today, we're meeting two families from Kent.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Trevor Warne, and Holly Berin and Ben Dyer,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38are getting ready to show their prize animals at this year's
0:01:38 > 0:01:40County Show in Surrey.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43It's their chance to show their hard work to the world,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45and to compete for top prizes.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Come on, girl.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00On a farm just outside Dover in Kent, it's the start of a new day.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03It's 5am,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07and Trevor and his son are already hard at work on the morning milking.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10I love milk. I drink milk every day.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14You know, I drink at least three pints, four pints a day.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15It gives me that...whoa!
0:02:15 > 0:02:18It gives me a buzz when I drink it.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20I tell everybody, drink milk, it keeps you young!
0:02:30 > 0:02:34For 42-year-old Trevor, dairy farming is a passion,
0:02:34 > 0:02:36handed down through generations.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39My father's side were all herdsman.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41My dad, he's milked cows.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45My grandad milked cows and my great-granddad, he milked cows.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49It's a job, but it's also a hobby for me.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53The skill of getting high yields out of cows, that drives me.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55I mean, when the milk tanker comes
0:02:55 > 0:02:58and you get the milk ticket to see how much milk's in the tank,
0:02:58 > 0:03:00that gets me going big-time.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01Big-time.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Trevor is the herd manager for the Goddard family,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11who own the 660 cows on their 800-acre farm.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15He starts at 4am, and he has a long day,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18tending to the herd.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Luckily, he has a large family to help.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25His wife, May, assists with the calves.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29When they see the bags, that means food time!
0:03:31 > 0:03:35His eldest son, 22-year-old Sonny, works on the farm,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37and manages his own herd of Jersey cows.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43While his other son, Olly, works the tractor, helping with the harvest.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51Next comes six-year-old daughter Cleo, and five-year-old son Jude,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55and four-year-old grandson, Tyler, who are all learning the ropes.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Even new baby, Hope, is being started early.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Hope loves the cows, she loves coming out on the farm.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09I'm passionate about encouraging youngsters into this industry.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Right, you're going to lead it?
0:04:11 > 0:04:15A lot of youngsters think it's just about work, work, work,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18work, work - well, it is hard work.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Hold this hand, on here.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23'But there's also a lot of passion, pride.'
0:04:24 > 0:04:27'My young son, Jude, when he started to lead his calf,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29'and he was so proud of himself.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33'He wants to be like what I'm trying to do, and that's why I do it.'
0:04:33 > 0:04:35My daughter, Cleo...
0:04:35 > 0:04:38COW MOWS
0:04:38 > 0:04:40She's like, "Dad, I want to train my calf."
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Sometimes I have to calm her down, she's so keen!
0:04:43 > 0:04:44SHE SCREAMS
0:04:45 > 0:04:47There you go!
0:04:49 > 0:04:51LAUGHTER
0:04:51 > 0:04:54I think the mouse...
0:04:54 > 0:04:56The mice have been chewing it!
0:05:02 > 0:05:06While Trevor has his family to help him, just down the valley,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10his friends Ben and Holly are doing their milking on their own.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Come on, girls.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Neither 30-year-old Ben, or 25-year-old Holly,
0:05:17 > 0:05:22are from a farming background, but both were smitten from an early age.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26We used to go for days out to the Kent County show, with my family,
0:05:26 > 0:05:30and just loved watching the dairy cows, the Holsteins,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33walking around the ring. It was something I really wanted to do.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Loved it, addicted to it.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39I just really, really love animals, and found dairy farming.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44And I wanted to have a go at milking cows.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46And it just went from there.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I didn't look back.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52It's this love for dairy farming that first brought them together,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54when Ben needed help with some show cows.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58I offered to help with clipping his cows, so yeah,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01I clipped his first team, and...
0:06:01 > 0:06:03She done a good job, so she stayed!
0:06:03 > 0:06:05LAUGHTER
0:06:05 > 0:06:06Pretty much!
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Basically!
0:06:14 > 0:06:17This very committed couple are employed by the Billings family
0:06:17 > 0:06:22to manage the 340-strong herd, virtually on their own.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23So, while Ben does the milking,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27Holly has to give the hungry calves their breakfast.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Let's put these out.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34So, every calf gets two litres.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36I broke my two-litre jug.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40So, I'm on a one-litre jug!
0:06:40 > 0:06:41So, extra scooping!
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Okey dokey, let's go!
0:06:46 > 0:06:49I always talk to the cows, especially the calves as well.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50Like...
0:06:50 > 0:06:55Especially when you're teaching them to get onto the teats and stuff,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58yeah, there's a lot of talking involved!
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Like, you're coaxing them to do it,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04so I'm just talking them through how to do it!
0:07:04 > 0:07:06I sound so weird!
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- Not that they've got a clue what we're going on about, but...- No.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Ben and Holly's dream is to own a farm of their own,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16so they've been buying calves, gradually, to build up a herd.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19This is one of mine and Ben's calves.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21We have three heifer calves,
0:07:21 > 0:07:26we're going to rear them so we have our own nucleus herd here,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28and two bulls.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31We're looking to sell those towards the end of the year,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33and hopefully make a little bit of money.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I love the face of this one, it's really, really different.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Yeah, unfortunately he's a male,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44so he's going to go to market, but, yeah,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48he's got a really standing-out face with his two white patches.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50He was born, and I was like, "Wow!".
0:07:50 > 0:07:52It was awesome.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01The calves and the morning milking might be done,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04but there are still hundreds of cows, over 200 acres,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06to be checked and fed.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Come on.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13So, these cows are just having a bit of a break at the moment.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16This is sort of like holiday time for them.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18So yeah, we come out here once a day and check them,
0:08:18 > 0:08:22make sure there's nothing going on, make sure they're all all right.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26Ben and Holly have been living and working together on this farm
0:08:26 > 0:08:28for five years now.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32Smooth!
0:08:32 > 0:08:37Dairy farming is their life, as well as their passion.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41You've got.. You've got to love cows to do this job, I think.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- Yeah, it's a huge commitment.- Yeah.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Definitely, they're definitely part of your life.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53I see these cows more than I see some of my friends and family, really.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Not only do they have to work such long hours,
0:09:00 > 0:09:05dairy farmers also have to cope with an unpredictable milk market.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07So, farmers are always looking for ways
0:09:07 > 0:09:10to improve the amount of milk the herd produces,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13using careful breeding and the latest technology.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24On Trevor's farm, he's finished the milking.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26It's 10am,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30and time to check if any of his cows are ready to become mothers.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Come on, girls.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Come on, Hope. Get in there. Go on, girl.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40What we're doing now is just checking if these cows are in heat.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43After an examination, Trevor is happy that his cow, Hope,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46is ready to begin the breeding programme.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51Like many dairy farmers, Trevor buys in bull samples.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Breeding technology has become so advanced
0:09:54 > 0:09:56that he can even choose what characteristics
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Hope's calf will have.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59Overall, she's great type,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02but I'd like to increase her milk production.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04And it won't increase hers, obviously.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07I talk like it is going to increase her milk production,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09but the next generation will be a lot better milker.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14Breeding good stock is so important for Trevor and his family's future,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17that he's willing to pay hundreds of pounds for samples.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20That's what it comes in. Just give it little shake...
0:10:21 > 0:10:24And then we're going to defrost it.
0:10:24 > 0:10:2540 seconds.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28BELL DINGS
0:10:30 > 0:10:31Right.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40That's it, it's gone.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Even for an expert farmer,
0:10:42 > 0:10:46there is no certainty his cow will fall pregnant.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50For now, all Trevor can do is keep his fingers crossed.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Meanwhile, Ben has noticed
0:11:04 > 0:11:07that a cow due to give birth is lying down and not moving.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09The calf could be stuck.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13This has been calving for a few hours now,
0:11:13 > 0:11:14not really getting on with anything,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16so I'll put my hand in and give a check,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19make sure it's in the right position.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Sometimes it can be backwards, or have a leg stuck, or something.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26So I want to check and make sure it's all in the right place.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29But this potential new mother doesn't want to play ball.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34For these young farmers,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37a successful birth is vital to the business.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41They'll do anything they can to save the calf.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Let's get her in. Let's get her in.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45COO MOOS
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Eventually, they get her into the barn.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53Ben gets a proper look at her, and finds the calf is out of position.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Yeah, she had one leg back behind the other one,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59so I've just corrected that, pulled it up forwards.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Go through out there.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05It's important for Ben to get the calf out as soon as possible.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09I just want to get it out now...
0:12:12 > 0:12:13Take that gate back a bit.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17HE SIGHS
0:12:20 > 0:12:24For Holly, these are the most challenging moments as a farmer.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28And in just a few minutes,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Ben helps the cow give birth to a healthy calf.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39A nice little heifer.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43After thinking they were going to lose her,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45it's a proud moment for everyone.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52If Ben hadn't have gone in, we could have lost mum and calf.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56She's had a lovely, healthy calving.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59As you can see, she's licking it like crazy.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03I do feel like I'm their mum, because obviously,
0:13:03 > 0:13:08the mums, they've to go to work and yeah, I'm their nanny!
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Before long, this newborn is already strong enough
0:13:15 > 0:13:18to take her first steps in the world.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27For both these farms,
0:13:27 > 0:13:32the cycle of pregnancy and birth is at the very heart of what they do.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35After all, it's new mothers that make milk.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39But for these competitive farmers,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42there's something else on their minds...
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Show day!
0:13:44 > 0:13:50Showing is a very, very important part of what I do.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53You're getting an opportunity to exhibit your animals.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56If we win the first prize, in the ring,
0:13:56 > 0:14:00then we're able then to market the genetics from that one cow
0:14:00 > 0:14:02and we can profit from it.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06It's another form of income, instead of just the milk.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08That's what we've got...
0:14:08 > 0:14:11You've got to make the money from genetics as well,
0:14:11 > 0:14:13because we've invested a lot in it.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18With the show looming, there's a lot to get done,
0:14:18 > 0:14:22especially if just two of you run the whole farm.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24When showtime comes,
0:14:24 > 0:14:28there's a huge amount of extra work to do on top of your normal routine.
0:14:28 > 0:14:29Farm life comes first.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33Yeah, the show is just our little thing...
0:14:33 > 0:14:37Extra, we do that on top of the farm stuff.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41There's a lot of competition in the industry at the shows.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43You don't want to lose.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45You go because you think you've got a good cow.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51We take it so personally, because, you know,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- you work with them every single day, and you want to win.- Yeah.
0:14:57 > 0:15:04I have to clip 13 animals within a few days of the show,
0:15:04 > 0:15:06so that's highly intense.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11Especially as I could easily spend two hours on one cow
0:15:11 > 0:15:14to get her ready, so to fit...
0:15:14 > 0:15:16There's a lot of this involved.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Come on, Holly!- Yeah!
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Over at Trevor's, he's also thinking about the show.
0:15:26 > 0:15:32And it has a special and romantic significance for Trevor and May.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36When I started showing dairy is when I met Trevor.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40It was actually at the Edenbridge Show that we met, wasn't it?
0:15:40 > 0:15:45Yes, we wasn't... It wasn't dating, we just met there,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47and sort of got to know each other.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49And then, a few months later,
0:15:49 > 0:15:53May wanted a calf to show, so she came up,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56picked a calf, and then... Yeah, the rest is history.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00We got talking about cows, and I realised May would listen to me,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02because nobody listens to me, really.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05They're like, "Can you shut up about cows, please?
0:16:05 > 0:16:07"There's more to life than cows.".
0:16:07 > 0:16:10No, there isn't! And May agrees with that.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15And the dairy theme even carried through to their wedding day.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21It took a bit of persuading May
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- for me to have a milk churn to sit on, but...- No...
0:16:24 > 0:16:25It did! A little bit.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29Yeah.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Romance aside, Trevor's ambition for this year's show
0:16:35 > 0:16:38is to come home with a different kind of trophy.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41This time, for the farm's champion cow.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43So, this is Lucy.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46She's a show cow, and a seriously good herd cow as well.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49I just love looking at them.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I just love it.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53This is what I get, I get a buzz out of it,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56like anybody who'd look at their lovely sports car,
0:16:56 > 0:16:57or something like that.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00That's why it's so nice to go to a show and compete.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02When you get there you just feel,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06whoa, you know, it really gives you that real buzz.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12So, two farms who believe their cows are the best.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14And to make it more interesting,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Ben and Holly will be going head-to-head against Trevor
0:17:18 > 0:17:19at this year's show.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Well, Trevor is a very good friend of mine.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24He got me into cows.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28He's got such passion for it, and it rubbed off on me.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Now I just want to beat him!
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Ben worked for me when he was younger.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37And he's gone on to do the rest himself, really.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39But he's got this great cow.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43And she's been trying to take on Lucy at most of the shows.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46And at the Kent, she pipped her to the post.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Boom!
0:17:50 > 0:17:53You know, I was happy for Ben but I was absolutely gutted,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55I had a lump in my throat, that Lucy had come second
0:17:55 > 0:17:58because I was really excited that she might get first.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Well, we're one-all so far.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03And so, yeah, it's the best out of three.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06It's a rivalry that has played out for years.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09But tomorrow's show will be the decider.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11It'll be the final...
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Yeah, the final one for this year.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Could literally go either way.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Yeah, we'll see how it goes.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29After all their hard work, and months of preparation,
0:18:29 > 0:18:32the day of the show has finally arrived.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41The prestigious Edenbridge and Oxted Show in Surrey
0:18:41 > 0:18:43is starting to come to life.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46It's one of the highlights of the local farming calendar,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49and an important show for the cattle-breeding community.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Up to 40,000 visitors are expected through the gates,
0:18:54 > 0:18:58to experience the best of what the rural South East has to offer.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08In the dairy section, preparations are in full swing.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12The cows' beauty parlour is open for business.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14It's like going to the hairdressers.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16It's like the cow salon.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19And then we do our hair later on with this, so...
0:19:19 > 0:19:24Over at Ben and Holly's stall, true beauty takes time.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29We started at 2.30am, washing, getting these ready.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Picking up all of the poo.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33I love show mornings.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36It's just a mad rush to get everything done.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38There's a bit of dirt there.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41When Holly squeegeed them off, she didn't clean the squeegee first.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Who was doing the squeegeeing?
0:19:43 > 0:19:45You!
0:19:45 > 0:19:50For the farmers, cow beauty works on an industrial scale.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53With clipping, blow-drying, powder,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55and even super-strength hairspray.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57All right, then.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01All this hard work is to hide any imperfections,
0:20:01 > 0:20:03and give them the best chance of winning.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06We are trying to reduce the flaws.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09So we're trying to trick the judge.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- Cheating!- Cheating!
0:20:11 > 0:20:14No, the cheating is the 50 quid we gave him this morning!
0:20:15 > 0:20:20We're not cheating, we're just... trying to make her look beautiful.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30But jokes aside, the boys are keeping a close eye on each other,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32with so much at stake.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34We're going to battle it out today.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Bit nervous, really.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39You always are, it's all about competition, isn't it?
0:20:49 > 0:20:52It's not long to go before everything kicks off.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57But Ben and Holly have spotted a problem with one of their cows.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00She's been too comfortable and eaten too much,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04and made more milk than we assumed she would have done.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08The fullness of the cow's udders is a big factor in judging.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12One of their girls is already at the perfect milk level.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15She's looking spot-on now for the class,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18where we would want it to be in two hours' time.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21So, we're thinking, two hours' more milk,
0:21:21 > 0:21:26is it then going to spoil her by having too much milk on her?
0:21:28 > 0:21:32They need to decide whether to milk her, or wait.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36The welfare of the animals comes first.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Can she wait?
0:21:39 > 0:21:41When's the class? What's the time now?
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Quarter past seven. - Quarter past seven.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54Ben decides she's fine, and wants to get her ready for the showring.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57We'll do it, and we can always just take a little bit off, can't we?
0:21:58 > 0:22:01That's Holly's not impressed face!
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Meanwhile, Trevor has a few problems of his own.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22There's something wrong with his cow's food.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Ben, you haven't got any spare food, have you, which I could have?
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Mine's gone hot.- You want some food, do you?- Yes, please.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29We'll help you out, no worries.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Have you got some spare? - Yes, yes. He needs some food.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- That's really good of you, mate. - No worries, mate.- Thanks very much.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43The show is starting to fill up,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46with crowds eager to see what's on offer.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49'Attention. This is a ten-minute warning.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53'We are going to be starting at 9am. Thank you.'
0:22:53 > 0:22:58Time is ticking towards the first competition of the day.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Ben and Holly simply can't manage all the prep on their own,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04so they've enlisted a team of helpers.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07They're brilliant. We have done a show without them.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Just the two of us. We took a big team, and it was mayhem.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16And Holly's mum is filling in as chief cow beautician.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21What we're putting on is a coat of product that will make them shiny
0:23:21 > 0:23:23and look sleek.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25You can't see it so much on the white cows,
0:23:25 > 0:23:29but it's much more evident on the black ones.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31But it's not just the cows that are getting ready.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34Nervous. Always get really nervous now.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37It's like these last five minutes take for ever.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41Mum, do you reckon you could run to the tent, please,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43and get my tie, please?
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Can you run now, because you'll probably have enough time.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51The competition is moments away.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53But Holly's not happy.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55You know on that show-shine stuff?
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Someone's accidentally done the jet setting,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00and now it looks a bit silly.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Yeah?
0:24:03 > 0:24:05I think that's probably Mum.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15Today's dairy cow competition will be judged by farmer Ben Yates,
0:24:15 > 0:24:18who has also brought along the family for a day out.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23I've been judging about eight years now.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26I've been showing cows about 15-20 years.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30We're looking for cows that we can see can survive in our systems
0:24:30 > 0:24:32at home, which have got plenty of strength.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35They've then got to have great feet and legs
0:24:35 > 0:24:38so they can walk round farms, into milking parlours.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42And then we want a really good udder.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44It shows they can produce milk.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Engaging the audience when we're judging is very important.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I want to be able to tell people what I'm looking for,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53and explaining what the difference... Why this one's better than that one.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57We try to make sure that everybody knows exactly what I feel
0:24:57 > 0:24:59there... Is the difference...
0:24:59 > 0:25:02And hopefully the exhibitors understand what I'm saying, too,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05and feel that I've given them the right reasons, too.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Put our hands together, please.
0:25:09 > 0:25:14But what makes a good cow can be a matter of very broad opinion.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Everybody's got their sort of cow they like,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20whereas you have a judge who has a different opinion
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- and you can really burn.- Yeah.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Holly and Ben enter the ring for their first round.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30You're blocking me.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34First of all, I'd like to thank Edenbridge and Oxted Show
0:25:34 > 0:25:36for inviting me to judge the show today.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Real privilege to come down here,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41and great to start the day off with such a good class.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43They're each leading a calf they believe can win.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Once classes begin, it's one after the other, after the other,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52and it's a brilliant adrenaline rush.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55You don't really have time to think about the last class
0:25:55 > 0:26:00- because you are in on the next one. - Yeah, you don't.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04Ben and Holly have worked hard to breed these calves to show level.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05A win would mean everything.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Time to make a decision.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17And Ben's calf takes first prize.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19An incredible start.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Thank you. Ta.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33And it's not just the crowd who are impressed.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Without further ado, we're going to lead off with this calf.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37This calf, I fell in love with when it first came in the ring.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40A real sharp calf, a calf with a real big future,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42a real cow-making heifer, I hope.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45It's a great first result for them both.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Good start. Good start, yeah.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49- See how the rest of them do.- Good.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52That's good. Great start to the day.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04The show is in full swing, and the public are flooding in.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11Over in the cattle section, they're ready for the next competition.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19After a morning of sprucing up the cows,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23time for Trevor to turn the spotlight on himself.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Well, you've got to look smart against a smart cow, try to, anyway.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31I'm not very good at doing ties, though, but there you go.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33That's not bad for me, to be honest.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36It says Holstein Young Breeder there.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38I like that.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41That means I'm still a young breeder, if I wear this tie.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46With an early win under their belts...
0:27:46 > 0:27:48That's fine, that fits.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50..Holly and Ben are feeling hopeful.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54See how it goes.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59But things could change, now that he and Trevor are going head-to-head.
0:27:59 > 0:28:00Yeah, we're getting close now.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Nerves are there. I've already run to the toilet once, so,
0:28:03 > 0:28:05that bit's out the way.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Both are bringing out their big guns.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12It will be Ben's prized Alison up against Trevor's champion, Lucy.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15She is doing all right, Lucy. We'll just see how she goes.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Would've liked a little bit more milk on her
0:28:18 > 0:28:21and I would've liked her to just relax a little bit.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23All my cows seem to be really fired-up today.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27I don't know if Ben's sabotaged me with the food he gave me.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30It might have something in it and made them a bit hypo.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34As they wait to be called in,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Trevor can't help doing a little last-minute comparison
0:28:37 > 0:28:38with Ben's cow.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49Trevor and Ben enter the ring.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56There's no competition like the competition between two dairy men.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Well, ladies and gentlemen, we come to our first in milk class,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01and what a credit this class is.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03We may not be in the big dairy country down here,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06but what quality we've got in this class, it's quite tremendous.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09COW BELLOWS
0:29:11 > 0:29:13There are four others in the ring,
0:29:13 > 0:29:17but they're only interested in each other.
0:29:17 > 0:29:18Morning, mate.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22It's a friendly rivalry, but Ben wants to show his former boss
0:29:22 > 0:29:23he's his own man.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30And Trevor wants to prove he's still got it.
0:29:34 > 0:29:35Steady, steady, steady.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40It's getting tense as the judge scrutinises each cow.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Now, he must decide.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45Steady, steady, steady.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Steady.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56And Trevor takes first prize.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01The judge pulled me up at the front, number one.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04That was it, I was ecstatic.
0:30:04 > 0:30:05- Well done.- Thanks, mate.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Well done.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12She's the sort of cow that's either at the top or at the bottom,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15and unfortunately today, she's at the bottom,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17but that's the way showing goes.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19You know, Ben...
0:30:19 > 0:30:22I didn't like looking at his sad face,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25but then I had a really smiley face so, you know...
0:30:25 > 0:30:26It made me buzz!
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Ben's cow, just when you get in amongst them,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33she wasn't quite clean enough for me.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37I mean, I'm happy - Trevor's cow was a good cow.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Just don't like losing to him.
0:30:46 > 0:30:51It's midway through the day, and time for a spot of lunch.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54For everyone.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57After the stresses of the morning's competitions,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Trevor gets to celebrate his lead
0:30:59 > 0:31:01by taking some time out with his family.
0:31:02 > 0:31:09Edenbridge has been running since 1837, making this the 179th show.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14For generations of farmers, it has been a well-earned day out.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17But for the many urban visitors that come every year,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20this Home Counties show is an important link
0:31:20 > 0:31:22with the countryside and rural life.
0:31:24 > 0:31:25It's a really lovely show.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28We've got our cows and sheep all set round us in an enclosed space,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31so a really good place for the public to come
0:31:31 > 0:31:32and see what's going on at the show
0:31:32 > 0:31:35and all the different animals that are on farms.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40Shows like this are very important.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44We've got to educate everybody to what our industry is about,
0:31:44 > 0:31:48where milk comes from, that it is a 24/7 job.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52It is important. Milk is one of the key ingredients to life, really.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Especially popular is the livestock section,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59which is the real heart of the show.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02It's the largest collection of cattle seen together
0:32:02 > 0:32:03anywhere in southern England.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09It's one of the many reasons why it's so important
0:32:09 > 0:32:10to the farming community.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14BLOWS HORN
0:32:18 > 0:32:21The family lunch break is over,
0:32:21 > 0:32:25and time for the competition between the two friends to kick off again.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31Just a few last minutes for those all-important touch-ups.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33It's like your foundation.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36You know, we're putting the foundation on the legs this time.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Trevor may have won the first competition,
0:32:39 > 0:32:41but Ben isn't beaten yet.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45He wants to make sure he has his best cows for the next round
0:32:45 > 0:32:47and asks Holly for advice.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49What do you think?
0:32:49 > 0:32:51These two?
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Um... Let's have a look.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58Yeah, definitely those two.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Because they're taking out two cows in this competition,
0:33:04 > 0:33:08Trevor's roping in his niece to help.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Maxine's the best handler here.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12She knows how to hold on to one if it goes a bit wild.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14She's stronger than me.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16She could pick me up in the air like that,
0:33:16 > 0:33:18so I gave her the one who's a bit tough.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24Trevor's wife May and baby Hope, are here to cheer them on.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28And the farmers are back in the ring.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37Whoever's cows are the most identical, will win this one.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Me and Ben, we're basically focusing on each other in that class.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Everybody else isn't there, to be honest with you.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- All right, Ben?- All right?
0:33:52 > 0:33:57'This is one of the best line-ups we've seen in a very long time.'
0:34:01 > 0:34:04There are a lot of buyers and dealers at the show today
0:34:04 > 0:34:07who are looking out for the competition winners.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11Rosettes are invaluable to their business.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Showing is very important for the promotion of our cattle.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Bringing them to the show is our shop window
0:34:16 > 0:34:20for all the other breeders to see the cows,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23and then winning makes it all the better for us.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26But for Ben and Trevor, it's more personal than business.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Well, ladies and gentlemen, we've come to the pairs' class.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39When I'm judging the pairs' class, I like a pair to be a pair.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45And I'm going to go with this pair right here as my winning pair.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Trevor's done it again.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Super pair of cows. A real credit to the breeder.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56That unbelievable feeling inside.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58The butterflies now have gone into something else.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01They've gone into, like, a swarm of bees and butterflies and everything.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03I just feel crazy inside.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Then we're going to go to this pair here.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07A super, super pair.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09And Ben and Holly come in second place.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- Well done.- Thank you.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14Who wants the beer tokens?
0:35:16 > 0:35:20I felt we had, I thought a good pair, but they were second today.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Felt a little bit hard done by. Just in my opinion.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26HE CHEERS, SHE LAUGHS
0:35:27 > 0:35:31That's what we want to see. Red. Red is the best. Well happy.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Trevor's cows... Yes, we don't judge faces,
0:35:34 > 0:35:35we judge the cows,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38and he's just been the guy that's got the right sort of cows today.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Yeah, very impressed with them.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44- Mate, I'm so happy.- Doing all right.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Really happy with that.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54The day is beginning to come to an end.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56But the crowds are still flowing.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04In the cow tent, all thoughts are on the last competition.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06It's 2-0 to Trevor.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09But there's still everything to play for.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Ben and Holly are double-checking everything.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- Can you just check Norma? - Huh?- They let Norma lay down.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- Can you go and have a look at her? - Yeah.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19I'll get the numbers.
0:36:19 > 0:36:25Over at Trevor's stall, he has a few last-minute tricks up his sleeve.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Ollie's putting the baby oil on now.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29He's just rubbing it over the udder, so it shines a little bit.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32We always have one person to do that
0:36:32 > 0:36:34because if you get baby oil on your hands,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37it's like a slippery fish, the halter is.
0:36:37 > 0:36:38You can't hold on to it,
0:36:38 > 0:36:42and the cow just runs away with you and the halter goes over there
0:36:42 > 0:36:45and you're like, "Bye-bye, cow!". Gone!
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Meanwhile, for Ben and Holly,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50this is their last chance to get everything right.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57This one is all about which farmer is the best breeder.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Don't worry about that one.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01You sure?
0:37:01 > 0:37:03This is the championship now. This is the finale.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11The very best cows have been entered,
0:37:11 > 0:37:13and winning here will carry a lot of prestige.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18And it's drawing massive attention.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21There's even more pressure for Trevor
0:37:21 > 0:37:23because Sonny, his eldest son,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26is also in the ring with his own prized cow.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32These old friends have been battling it out at shows
0:37:32 > 0:37:33throughout the summer.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42The judge has changed for this competition,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45so will he see Trevor and Ben's prized cows differently?
0:37:54 > 0:37:57All the long hours, the hard work and dedication,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59have come down to this moment.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Lucy, don't run away.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05It could help Ben and Holly towards their dream
0:38:05 > 0:38:06of owning their own farm.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12And for Trevor, it could help him boost the size of his beloved herd.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18The judge lines them up for a final assessment.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28There's a lot riding on this.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31All Ben and Trevor can do is wait and hope.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48And Ben has won at last, with Trevor in second place.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55It's good to have a bit of competition with Trevor again today
0:38:55 > 0:38:58and it just shows how close those two cows are, really.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Good girl.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Could have gone either way, it was like splitting hairs.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06He won that, so good on him.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08We've got to give him something, haven't we?
0:39:08 > 0:39:12This prize has really given Ben and Holly a boost.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16It means that this young couple are on the road to success
0:39:16 > 0:39:18and a bright future in farming.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Yeah, all good.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Being in the championship is really encouraging for the future,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27to come back and try and do it again, and do better.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31It just means that we are doing things right when we're at home
0:39:31 > 0:39:34for the other 300-odd days.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48The Edenbridge and Oxted Festival has turned 100 acres of empty fields
0:39:48 > 0:39:52into a showground that's celebrated the best of the British countryside.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55It's been a long competition.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Soon it will be over for another year.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04All the winning farmers take one last opportunity
0:40:04 > 0:40:06to parade their champions.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Is it just the only one in the class, was it?
0:40:12 > 0:40:16'Welcome to the Edenbridge and Oxted show cattle parade.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19'I do believe we're going to show you a few sheep later on.'
0:40:21 > 0:40:25Holly leads with their prize-winning calf.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27And Trevor follows behind with champion, Lucy.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36'Cast your eyes on the cattle as they come through the gate now.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41'We go to our dairy section and our supreme dairy female.'
0:40:41 > 0:40:46Ben is awarded one last grand prize for breeding.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47- Cheers.- Congratulations.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48Thanks so much.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57All done for another year, and, yeah, we've done all right, so, happy days.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Slowly, all the farmers make their way out.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03The day has been a triumph for everyone involved.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06It's a drug and I'm addicted to it. It's great fun,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09and I've got friends all over the world from doing this job.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Judging the shows, it's nice to meet people as well,
0:41:12 > 0:41:16and the respect that you get back from people is really, really good.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27As the site winds down, the families finally get a chance to reflect.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29I think we've had a really good show this year.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Good fun, good rivalry...
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- ..and all worked out fair in the end, I guess.- Yeah.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40I've had a good day, actually.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42We've had top-of-the-class wins, really.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Really, really happy.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51Brilliant, absolutely over the moon at how we did today.
0:41:51 > 0:41:56The winning is really good promotion for our herd,
0:41:56 > 0:42:01and it's a good building block for the future family, hopefully.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04COO MOOS
0:42:04 > 0:42:07It is a big family outing, really.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09It's a bit like a holiday.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13We don't get away from the farm much,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16so this is our fun break, really.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18Yeah, that's true.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25And the boys are already planning next year's showdown.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Next year, I think we'll get them lined up and see what happens then.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- You know.- That's it.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33I've got another one in the jewel box at home.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- I haven't taken her out yet. - I've got two I left.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Yeah?- They probably could have won today.- Really?- Yeah.