0:00:02 > 0:00:07Across the country, thousands of farming families work tirelessly around the clock.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Stop arguing, girls. Give over.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16But there is one day each year...
0:00:17 > 0:00:20..where they get to leave the daily routine behind.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Right, here we come, Dorset.
0:00:23 > 0:00:24These are show days...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- OVER TANNOY:- A very, very warm welcome to Melplash Show.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29..where they come together as a community...
0:00:31 > 0:00:33..to showcase the fruits of their labour.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36I 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 > 0:00:43..and award-winning produce.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45That's really nice cheese, that.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50It was very good, darling.
0:00:50 > 0:00:51There will be highs...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54That's what we want to see, red. Red is the best.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- ..and lows... - She's not happy enough to go.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02..for the dedicated farmers who give everything to walk away a champion.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Fingers crossed.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15The UK dairy industry is worth billions to our economy.
0:01:15 > 0:01:21Its future success relies on the ingenuity of our hard-working young farmers.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25They're not quite sure about this new stuff.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32One award celebrates those who work relentlessly
0:01:32 > 0:01:34to keep the dairy industry thriving.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38I would like to welcome each and every one of you
0:01:38 > 0:01:42to the Cream Awards 2016.
0:01:42 > 0:01:48This year's category for Young Farmer of the Year has two outstanding finalists.
0:01:48 > 0:01:5127-year-old Jack Ayles
0:01:51 > 0:01:57and 27-year-old Hayden Jenkins have both impressed the judges with their drive...
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Another heard every two years.
0:02:01 > 0:02:02..ambition...
0:02:02 > 0:02:04I think I've got to learn as much as the cows have.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07..and vision.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Trying to create the perfect herd.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12In just a few days' time,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15one of them will be crowned Young Farmer of the Year.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21Jack was a trailblazer and I think he could actually set a pattern for young farmers.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24I feel Hayden has a real passion for the industry
0:02:24 > 0:02:28and that's demonstrated with all the extra off-farm activity he does.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44This year's first finalist is 27-year-old Jack,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48who lives in Cornwall with his wife Stacy and three young children -
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Jack Junior, Heidi and baby Fi.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Very important to have family around, keeps you grounded,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58keeps you focused as well, you know?
0:02:58 > 0:03:01You come home in a bad mood or whatever, with the cows, and then,
0:03:01 > 0:03:05you know, you can just see the kids and relax, really, yeah.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13Originally from Sussex, Jack moved here with his family three years ago.
0:03:13 > 0:03:19They live in a cottage close to the farm where Jack manages a herd of 350 cows.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27When it comes to helping out, it's a real family affair.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31We like to work with Daddy. We help him milk the cows.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- I put the teats in the... - And I do as well.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Heidi likes mucking in, quite literally.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41You've got it all up your face as well, look!
0:03:41 > 0:03:43I like mud.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47You like mud. Well, that's a good job you like mud.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49- I'm never going to have a bath. - Never?
0:03:49 > 0:03:51You're going to be pretty smelly.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55There's one thing that the children love even more than getting mucky,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and that's taking care of Curly, the Jersey calf.
0:03:59 > 0:04:06So, Curly is in here cos when he was born, his mum stood on his leg,
0:04:06 > 0:04:10so he couldn't go out in the field with all the other ones.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14So these two have been looking after him
0:04:14 > 0:04:18and making sure he gets his milk and fresh straw and, you know,
0:04:18 > 0:04:20he's well looked after.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23He's doing really well now. He's walking back on his leg again
0:04:23 > 0:04:27and soon he should be reunited with the herd.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32When Curly's back to his best, the children have got big plans for him.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36I would like to take him to a show and lead him around.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41Well, you're not actually leading him, I am.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49I've been lucky with farming that it's a fantastic place to bring up children
0:04:49 > 0:04:52and the kids are always out on the farm, it's a great place.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55They see animals, they see life, they see death, they see birth.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58And I think it's a great way for them to grow up.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Six-year-old Heidi is already showing entrepreneurial abilities
0:05:04 > 0:05:07with her newly-established guinea pig business.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10She's my favourite because of the colour.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Heidi breeds and sells her guinea pigs for a bit of pocket money.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Although I have to clean them out, and pay for all their food,
0:05:19 > 0:05:20and she keeps all the money.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22So it's a bit unfair.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Jack's children obviously have the farming gene.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33And he inherited his from his grandfather, David.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Grandad was a farm manager on a farm in East Sussex
0:05:38 > 0:05:40where he worked for 20-plus years,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43so we grew up on the farm and around the farm.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47I've been milking cows there since I was about 11.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50But Jack's father took a very different path in life.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54He became a professional racing car driver,
0:05:54 > 0:05:58competing in races like the British Touring Car Championships
0:05:58 > 0:06:00and Le Mans 24 Hours.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05My dad was a professional racing driver.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09I was lucky enough, obviously, to travel all around Europe with Dad.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12But Jack had no interest in following him into the fast lane.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15It was always about farming for him.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Racing was always there but I always wanted to be on the farm,
0:06:19 > 0:06:21on the farm with Grandad and the cows.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25That got me early and since then I've always wanted to own my own cows.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36I had a herd of British white cows on our little smallholding,
0:06:36 > 0:06:37where we used to live.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Built that up to about 40 cows and calves.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42As soon as he was old enough,
0:06:42 > 0:06:47determined and ambitious Jack went to agricultural college,
0:06:47 > 0:06:49where he met the love of his life, Stacy.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53We've been together nine years now.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Nine years.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Since moving to Cornwall, the couple haven't looked back.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03I love Cornwall. We wouldn't ever... Well, I wouldn't ever move.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Coming from Sussex, where life is really busy,
0:07:06 > 0:07:08I wouldn't change it for anything, being down here.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11And I hope we wouldn't ever have to move.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13It's just so beautiful down here.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18Peaceful. Life is slower. And the kids love it.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22We've got so much space, and the beach just ten minutes away.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Now they've found the perfect location,
0:07:27 > 0:07:33Jack's dream is to expand his herd and one day have a farm of his own.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Winning the Cream Awards Young Farmer of the Year
0:07:36 > 0:07:38would help him along the way.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41He's brilliant at what he does and he loves every aspect of it -
0:07:41 > 0:07:43the good and the bad.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47He's got a talent for it and he knows every single one of these cows.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53What calf belongs to what cow, and he loves it.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56When you're good at something, you enjoy it,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59and it's always what I wanted to do.
0:08:09 > 0:08:1575 miles away at the tip of Cornwall's beautiful Lizard Peninsula
0:08:15 > 0:08:18is our other finalist, 27-year-old Hayden.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23He comes from a long line of farmers.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26My great-great-grandfather, Athanasius,
0:08:26 > 0:08:31he was a miner and he went mining in South Africa in the late 1800s, I believe.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38And came back after six years with enough money to buy the first farm.
0:08:38 > 0:08:44And that is sort of how the farming in the family got there.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48The generations that followed continued on the farming tradition,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51all the way down to Hayden's mum and dad,
0:08:51 > 0:08:56so it seems natural that farming is in his blood too.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59When I left secondary school and came home to the farm, 16,
0:08:59 > 0:09:03I started to take on more of the cow duties.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06I've been doing that ever since and just love it, really.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Hayden now looks after the herd of 250 full-time,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13taking over the duties from his dad, Roger.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22I used to run everything and Hayden told me after a few years of being here
0:09:22 > 0:09:24that I wasn't running the cows well enough.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27So I said, "Well, if you can do better, you better show me how."
0:09:27 > 0:09:29And he's done a very good job.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32So now, I do find it an advantage that he's taken the cows over
0:09:32 > 0:09:36and I can then run the finances and try to keep the ship afloat.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44Hayden's not the only one of the family who's taken on a major role.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49My sister, Cristina, is a large part of the book-keeping on the farm
0:09:49 > 0:09:51and also does quite a lot of milking,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54and looks after the young stock and calves with Mum.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56I mainly help with the calves.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Rearing the calves, feeding them.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Cleaning them out, different things like that.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Generally being there.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- And refereeing family disputes.- Yes! - THEY LAUGH
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Family disputes aside,
0:10:14 > 0:10:19Hayden's found a very scientific way of keeping a close eye on his herd.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22He believes it's important for the welfare of the cows.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25This is the animal database.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Every animal on the farm has a record here,
0:10:28 > 0:10:33so we can bring up their number and find out every single piece of information
0:10:33 > 0:10:35about them that we've entered on the database.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40So it gives me a lot of information that I can talk to the vet about the animal.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45And also you can look out for animals who we're looking to calf.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48All sorts of different things that you wouldn't remember,
0:10:48 > 0:10:49because there's so many, basically.
0:10:55 > 0:11:01One of Hayden's other projects is to introduce a new way of looking after maternity cows.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07Cows come in to here about five days before they calf.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10They come up here and do their own thing.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15Put them into a nice, loose bed and they can just relax and chill
0:11:15 > 0:11:16before they have their babies.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20It's just a nice, soft area for the calves to land,
0:11:20 > 0:11:24and for the cows to have a really good few days of relaxation
0:11:24 > 0:11:26before they get back onto the milking system.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Probably the biggest transformation we have had on the farm in the last ten years,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33it really has been a big difference.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35It seems to have had a really good impact on the farm.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Good morning, Jason.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Another part of his philosophy is to have a very close working relationship
0:11:44 > 0:11:47with his local vet, Jason Parker,
0:11:47 > 0:11:51who visit once a week with his shopping trolley full of kit.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56I've had the pleasure of coming to Treworgie for a couple of years now.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I've known Hayden since July 2014.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05It's nice to see a young man coming into the industry and being very positive about it,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07because, as I'm sure people are aware,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09those are relatively few and far between.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Hayden, very go-ahead, very positive outlook,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15which you definitely need in this game.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Yeah, as you can see, obviously making a go of it.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Certainly from a vet's perspective, I do like to work with him.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Such is Hayden's passion for the herd, he can talk about them...
0:12:27 > 0:12:29well, until the cows come home.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- He knows everything, doesn't he? - COW MOOS LOUDLY
0:12:36 > 0:12:38About what's going on, yeah.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- Be quiet!- You so-and-so!
0:12:45 > 0:12:48We had a farm walk here a while ago and Hayden, well,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50I told him in the end to stop talking about the cows
0:12:50 > 0:12:52cos I think people were losing the will to live.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57But Hayden had it all off pat and he knew what he was talking about.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59It was very impressive, really.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Wanted to share it.- He did, yes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06When he's not looking after his herd,
0:13:06 > 0:13:11adventure-loving Hayden is an active member of his local young farmers' club
0:13:11 > 0:13:13and has a real passion for outdoor pursuits.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17It's this zest for life,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21and his drive to bring modern techniques onto the farm,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24that has earned him his Cream Awards nomination
0:13:24 > 0:13:26for Young Farmer of the Year.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31We're always looking at ways to improve the way animals are looked after
0:13:31 > 0:13:37and the way animals are housed, the way we grow their feed.
0:13:37 > 0:13:38I believe if you want to be good at your job,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40you have to fall in love with it.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43That's what I guess I've done,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45rightly or wrongly.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Hopefully that's what people are seeing in me.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02The consumption of milk is as old as mankind itself
0:14:02 > 0:14:05and has always been central to our way of life.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13Over the centuries, as our population has increased,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15so has our demand for all things dairy.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25The Victorian era saw the start of milk delivered direct to the customer
0:14:25 > 0:14:27in a horse-drawn float.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30And glass bottles were introduced in the late 1800s.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39These days, the local milkman is becoming a thing of the past.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43But our thirst for milk is still as strong as ever.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51In the UK, around five billion litres are sold every year.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58However, it's not been easy for dairy farmers in recent years.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00They have faced one crisis after another.
0:15:02 > 0:15:09Devastating diseases like foot and mouth forced farmers to destroy millions of their cows.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12And then there's the challenge of fluctuating prices,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15meaning farmers often get less money for their milk
0:15:15 > 0:15:17than it costs to produce.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24It's caused a lot of controversy and affected families like Hayden's.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29It was the '90s when they deregulated the Milk Marketing Board
0:15:29 > 0:15:31and things started to get very difficult.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35The prices started to drop and they carried on dropping until now.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39We cannot understand why we shouldn't get a fair price for what we produce,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- because it's something that everybody wants.- Yeah.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45It's very demoralising.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Over the last three years,
0:15:47 > 0:15:51it is estimated that nearly one in ten dairy farms in England and Wales
0:15:51 > 0:15:54have been forced to close their doors.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59For some farmers, more public awareness about their plight
0:15:59 > 0:16:03is the way forward and Hayden is one of them.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10If the price of milk went up to the consumer by about 5p per litre,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14which I am sure most people wouldn't blink an eyelid at,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16it would seriously change our outlook at the farm.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19I really want people to realise what they're buying.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21I want them to go into a supermarket and think,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23"Wow, someone's put a lot of hard work into that."
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Not just, "It's milk to go on my cereal tomorrow morning."
0:16:26 > 0:16:28I don't think we're asking for too much.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31We want people to know how much work goes into that bottle.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36Hayden is not alone in wanting to make positive changes for the future.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39What is different today is we have a younger generation that is showing
0:16:39 > 0:16:44enormous interest in agriculture, which it was not 20 years ago.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47We now have, amongst British farming, youngsters that want to come in.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48That's the other challenge,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51how do you actually create opportunity for youngsters to come in
0:16:51 > 0:16:53with land values as high as they are?
0:16:53 > 0:16:56But what's really interesting at the moment is we are blessed with
0:16:56 > 0:16:58a new generation that is actually passionate,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01sees the opportunity and is pretty well-equipped.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Back in the lush, green fields of Launceston,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15family man Jack is hard at work.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21He's with co-worker Ben, whose family own the farm.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- I think the cows are looking well. - They're looking good, aren't they?
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- There you go, look. - THEY LAUGH
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Jack has been managing their herd for three years,
0:17:32 > 0:17:38but last year he and Ben's family entered into a pioneering partnership known as shared milking.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Shared milking is basically - I own the cows
0:17:43 > 0:17:45and then they're on someone else's land
0:17:45 > 0:17:48and you split the revenue between you.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53We have 350 cows currently here, of which I own 140,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55and the rest are rented in from the Hawks.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Dad obviously owns the farm.
0:17:58 > 0:18:05We share milk with Jack, who does a lot of the cow side of things.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08I do any other job, really -
0:18:08 > 0:18:12the tractor work, the young stock, and Dad's around and helps.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16This scheme is rare in this country,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20but can offer huge opportunities to survive as a farmer.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24Jack first saw it in practice while on a gap year in New Zealand.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29I saw the career path over there.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32So you can literally start from nothing
0:18:32 > 0:18:34and work your way up to owning a farm.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37I was lucky enough to spend some time with some share milkers.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43That's where I decided that was going to be how I ended up with my own farm.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Being in the UK, becoming a share farmer and owning your own farm
0:18:47 > 0:18:50is a lot harder, and I wanted to prove you can do it here.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Jack's innovative approach caught the attention of Ben's parents,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Richard and Barbara.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00They were keen to learn more about his fancy New Zealand ideas,
0:19:00 > 0:19:01so they joined forces.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04He's really good at his job.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- He's got great motivation. - Great motivation, yes.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09So he set us on the road as well.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Keeps us going.- Share farming works really well for me.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17I can work with Ben, with Richard, we can bounce ideas off each other.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21But there's no, "You've got to do this" or "You've got to do that."
0:19:21 > 0:19:23That suits me really well.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27It's very fortunate to find someone so near to help us this way.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Working on the same hymn sheet, if you like.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Very much the same process.- Yes.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36He's definitely a workaholic.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41It's easy to become one when your family is so involved.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43I don't think it's a bad thing that he's a workaholic.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46But the kids and I love what he does.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Don't bite me!
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Jack also helped to design the farm's New Zealand-inspired
0:19:55 > 0:19:58open-plan milking parlour.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00He believes this makes milking quicker,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03easier and less stressful for the cows.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08And his pioneering methods don't stop there.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12This spring, we decided to milk once a day.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15The idea behind that was they would produce less milk,
0:20:15 > 0:20:17but it would be of higher quality.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21We're aiming for quality, because that...
0:20:21 > 0:20:25in my opinion, is the only way to make a bad milk price any better.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29If you can have a better quality of litre, then you get a better price.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33With his sights firmly set on one day owning his own farm,
0:20:33 > 0:20:38Jack now has even bigger plans and wants to create the ideal cow,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42which will bring both quality and quantity.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44We have various different breeds of cow.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47We've got Friesians, we've got Jerseys...
0:20:47 > 0:20:49So you've got the Jersey, which gives good-quality milk,
0:20:49 > 0:20:51and the Friesian gives a bit more of it.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55And then you put in the fertility together and create a hybrid, basically.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58We're trying to create the perfect herd.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03It's Jack's forward-thinking, drive and innovative ideas
0:21:03 > 0:21:07that have put him up for the title of Young Farmer of the Year.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11I'm always looking for things to improve, things to do on the farm,
0:21:11 > 0:21:13different targets to beat.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17I go on social media quite a lot and see what other farmers are up to.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21I want to try and beat those targets, really,
0:21:21 > 0:21:25and be in the top 5% to 1% of the country.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- Jack is driven, isn't he?- Yes.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29He wants to get experience.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33I think he wants about 2,000 cows by the time he's 30, or something.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38Our farm enables him to increase and achieve his goals.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41I love to be challenged, yes. That's what keeps me going.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Over in Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula,
0:21:58 > 0:22:03Jack's fellow finalist Hayden is also striving to make a big difference to his farm.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09Hayden and his dad, Roger, are trying out their new milking robot,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11which involves training cows to milk themselves.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16As they feed, a robotic arm milks them
0:22:16 > 0:22:20by using highly-advanced cameras to detect their teats.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32We just had two cows walk in the robots on their own,
0:22:32 > 0:22:34after about a week.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Yeah, they're taking to it really well.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38They look like they're enjoying it.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42But sometimes you just can't teach an old cow new tricks.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51No.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56The older ones are harder to train because they're in old habits.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00They don't like change. The younger cows are a lot more inquisitive,
0:23:00 > 0:23:01they want to go in and see what's going on.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04They like new technology, just like us youngsters.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08But you're always going to have this, when you have a change.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10It's always going to be a bit of...
0:23:10 > 0:23:12You're going to get the odd cows that aren't going to adjust.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Technical issues!
0:23:19 > 0:23:23He is the technical buff, if you like.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26He's always had a natural ability with the technical stuff.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30He'll use the technology to improve the management of the herd and make it more efficient.
0:23:33 > 0:23:39We'll be phasing out the old milking system and bringing up the new robotic system.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41So, it's a real time of transition.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45It's exciting, but also a little bit nerve-racking.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51However, all of Hayden's grand plans for modernisation mean nothing
0:23:51 > 0:23:54if the cows won't go into the milking robot.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56To make it more tempting,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58they have to offer a little gentle encouragement.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03So, we're just giving them a little bit of cake,
0:24:03 > 0:24:07which is a blend of different feeds, put into a little pellet...
0:24:08 > 0:24:10..which they absolutely love.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12So, when we come to milking them next week,
0:24:12 > 0:24:16they'll know why they're going in,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18to get a bit of feed and then it won't be such a shock.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30Roger is also keen for the cows to enjoy the new futuristic milking parlour.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34We want it to be a pleasant experience for them.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37As soon as they get into their stall and have some feed,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40they'll be happy then.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43The stress will disappear once their stomachs are full.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Just like the cows, Roger had to be convinced
0:24:49 > 0:24:53before buying into this new self-milking system.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56I dismissed the idea because of the amount of money, investment.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58After tapping my calculator a lot,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I came to the conclusion that if we jiggle things around a bit,
0:25:01 > 0:25:06we could move some finance from labour into robots.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Many dairy farmers, like Hayden,
0:25:08 > 0:25:12also believe that this way of milking is more beneficial for the cows.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19She's happier, she's moving around on her own time.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23She can have her own watch, basically, and she can go when she wants to.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24So, less stress.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32The robot also means that 5am wake-up calls to milk the cows
0:25:32 > 0:25:34could become a thing of the past.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42There's nightlife and things you want to enjoy at the weekends.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45And you don't really want to be getting up at five o'clock in the morning
0:25:45 > 0:25:46every weekend to milk the cows.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49So we want to have a life, basically.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Both Hayden and Jack have shown real drive and a fresh vision
0:26:00 > 0:26:02for the future of dairy farming.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07They're both hoping their hard work will be rewarded at this year's Cream Awards
0:26:07 > 0:26:10when one of them will be crowned Young Farmer of the Year.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16I think being Young Farmer of the Year
0:26:16 > 0:26:19would definitely help in what I'm trying to do.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22It's Jack's ambition and innovative farming ideas
0:26:22 > 0:26:25that have earned him his nomination.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27I'm so proud of Jack.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31He gets really embarrassed when I say things like that but...
0:26:31 > 0:26:36to even be nominated for something like this is massive.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40I think it's the recognition that he so deserves.
0:26:40 > 0:26:45I feel proud that he's chosen this farm to have his dream, if you like.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Yes, as a springboard. If Jack wins, it'd be a really great feeling, yes.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50It will be a good feeling.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52I really would like to win.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57I think having a dad who's a racing driver naturally makes you quite competitive.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Yeah, I wouldn't be too happy coming second.
0:27:07 > 0:27:13Hayden's positive outlook and dedication to reinvigorating his family farm has got him this far.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18It would be a great honour to win Young Farmer of the Year.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21I think it would be a big achievement for myself,
0:27:21 > 0:27:26my mum and my dad, who've put a lot of work into the business in the last 20 years.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29On behalf of all my family, my aunties and uncles,
0:27:29 > 0:27:33to great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents,
0:27:33 > 0:27:37to think that I've perhaps given something to them back.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40It would be great to think that I'd done that.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42We're very proud of Hayden and what he's done on the farm.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45We're impressed by his knowledge of the industry
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- and his knowledge of cows.- I think, you know,
0:27:48 > 0:27:53every youngster that's trying hard deserves to be recognised.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56I would certainly hope that Hayden will win the award, for sure, yes.
0:27:56 > 0:28:03Tomorrow night's ceremony is also a rare chance for hard-working young farmers to take a night off.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07It'll be good to have a night out, a night off from the kids.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09I bought a fair few dresses.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13I'm not really used to this black-tie thing.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15I like my wellies and the mud.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17It's quite nice to get dressed up.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19I'm normally in work clothes every day.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22It's quite nice to get dressed up and go see how the other half live, perhaps.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27Looking forward to meeting some more deserving farmers as well.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Yes, it's exciting. I'm looking forward to it.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Tonight, the Cream Awards will honour the achievements
0:28:49 > 0:28:53of the very best and brightest stars of the dairy world.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55In its fourth year,
0:28:55 > 0:28:59this glamorous occasion will bring together over 300 farmers, vets,
0:28:59 > 0:29:02and those involved with the dairy industry.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08It's time to hang up the wellies for a night of celebration.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35Tonight's awards are being held in Solihull, in the West Midlands.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Hayden has brought along his dad, Roger, for this special occasion.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43With a pre-awards dinner just an hour away,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46there is just time to get the glad rags on.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54We've had a fair journey up, yes. Quite a lot of traffic on the roads.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56I expect we'll buck up as the evening goes on.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58It's been a long day since five o'clock this morning.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03They may have had to endure a five-hour car journey from Cornwall,
0:30:03 > 0:30:07but they are looking forward to what tonight may bring.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09A little bit nervous, maybe. But it'll be good, I'm sure.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Hopefully Hayden will win something.
0:30:12 > 0:30:13All being well.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18It is, it's a good feeling to get changed.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20I think we're generally working in rough clothes and dirty.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22It's nice to change up to go out, yes.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Makes a change from a boiler suit, doesn't it?
0:30:26 > 0:30:28You just feel smart, don't you?
0:30:28 > 0:30:31A bit of James Bond in you, and on you go.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Forgot my cuff links.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Luckily, resourceful Roger's got a plan.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41A couple of paperclips will do.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46Cuff links sorted, it's time for Hayden and Roger to hit the red carpet.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Meanwhile, Jack and his wife Stacey have already arrived
0:30:57 > 0:31:00and are getting a taste of the paparazzi treatment.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04We started the Cream Awards about four years ago
0:31:04 > 0:31:08when we were looking at ways to encourage development in the dairy industry.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11It won't have missed anybody that the dairy industry
0:31:11 > 0:31:13has been going through some quite tough years.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15So it's a good reason to go out and celebrate.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20The winners are people who are exemplars of everything that's good in the industry,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23people who can actually be rewarded for their success.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26They're making such a great difference to UK farming.
0:31:28 > 0:31:33Jack is hoping he will be one of those rewarded for his dedication to farming.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Once inside the venue, he and Stacey get to work mingling
0:31:36 > 0:31:38with the who's who of dairy.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52The Cream Awards are hosted and judged by leading figures
0:31:52 > 0:31:55who represent different parts of the industry.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01They're here to champion and reward the remarkable efforts of all those nominated.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05The awards are extremely important.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07They're called the Cream Awards,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10which means that this is the night to be awarded.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15The people who come forward in these awards, they're very efficient,
0:32:15 > 0:32:18very go-ahead and very dynamic.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22People that others can look up to and people who will give this country,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25and this industry, something to boast about.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29First, it's time for what everyone has been looking forward to,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32a rare chance to be wined and dined.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- Hi, I'm Elliott.- Nice to meet you.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35Jack.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- Jack.- How are you doing?
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Dinner is served.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42A three-course dinner is a great chance
0:32:42 > 0:32:44for these hard-working farmers
0:32:44 > 0:32:46to enjoy the best of the local ingredients.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51And, of course, some liquid refreshment.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58Really enjoyed it. Very good quality and plenty of it.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- That's the main thing.- Not only is the food a hit,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03everybody at the table is having a good time
0:33:03 > 0:33:05getting to know each other.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Whether you're producing the milk from the cows,
0:33:08 > 0:33:10whether you're a vet looking after the cows
0:33:10 > 0:33:13or whether you're a processor or retailer, it's tough.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16So it's very nice for everybody to come out for the evening
0:33:16 > 0:33:17and really let their hair down.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Hopefully it will build relationships for the future.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22It's really nice to meet the other candidates.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24I think everyone's really worthy of the award.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26It will be interesting to see what the judges make of it.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29But I think everyone's done a good job to be here, really.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31It's great.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Roger's enjoying himself so much
0:33:35 > 0:33:38that he's forgotten all about his little wardrobe problem.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Dad's cuff links are holding together, seeing as he forgot them,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46so all good.
0:33:46 > 0:33:47He's more of a film star than I am.
0:33:49 > 0:33:50With dinner over,
0:33:50 > 0:33:54it's finally time for what these young farmers are here for.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03We are here for the Cream Awards 2016.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Can I say how delighted I am to be here this evening?
0:34:18 > 0:34:21I look out across this amazing setting
0:34:21 > 0:34:26and there is no doubt it is the cream of the dairy industry.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30As President of the National Farmers Union of England and Wales,
0:34:30 > 0:34:37it was an absolute privilege to be involved in the judging of this year's Cream Awards.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44I would like to welcome each and every one of you.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Those of you that haven't seen me before,
0:34:46 > 0:34:47I wouldn't really be surprised.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Although I have been on TV,
0:34:49 > 0:34:54I must admit this is my very first dairy industry award.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56So, please be gentle with me.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03Throughout the evening, 14 Cream Awards will be given out,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06including an award for the most hi-tech farm.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13And for the farm with the best health and welfare of animals.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Our next category is for innovation.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26The automatic drench gun wirelessly connects to the weigh scale
0:35:26 > 0:35:31or recorder and precise dosage for each animal is calculated
0:35:31 > 0:35:32and transmitted to the gun.
0:35:34 > 0:35:35Well, there we are.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38Can somebody explain to me afterwards what that actually meant?
0:35:40 > 0:35:42The wait is almost over,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46as it's nearly time for the Young Farmer of the Year award.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56I would imagine they are feeling a little bit nervous,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58so it'll be nice to see the result very soon.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02Hayden and Jack are the only two finalists.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05To get this far, they were up against some tough competition.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11The submissions this year were brilliant.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14It really was the cream floating to the top of the milk.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18When I saw the calibre of the young people coming forward this time,
0:36:18 > 0:36:21it proves to me that the dairy farming sector does have a bright future.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25What's particularly attractive about the Young Farmer of the Year Award
0:36:25 > 0:36:29is that this is an industry where you need young blood coming in.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32You need people with new ideas, new ways of looking at things.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37Our next award, Young Farmer of the Year Award.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Both of these young men have worked extremely hard to get here.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Hayden is an established farming business.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54I feel he has a real passion for the industry
0:36:54 > 0:36:58and that's demonstrated in all the extra off-farm activity he does.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02At the same time, he has a responsibility to carry on with the farming business.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05We've just had two cows walk in the robots on their own.
0:37:05 > 0:37:06They look like they're enjoying it.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09It's a real time of transition.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12It's exciting, but also a little bit nerve-racking.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Something that came across loud and clear,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17this passion for growing it for the future.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20He's developing the foundation that was put in place by his parents and,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23hopefully, it will grow on into the next generation afterwards as well.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25I believe if you want to be good at your job,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27you really have to fall in love with it.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30That's what I guess I've done.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Rightly or wrongly but, yeah...
0:37:32 > 0:37:34hopefully that's what people are seeing in me.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Tonight's second nominee is Jack.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47Jack has a passion for farming.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48He's come into it without any land
0:37:48 > 0:37:52and he has built up a dairy herd of a considerable size.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55I love to be challenged, yeah. That's what keeps me going.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58This is in contrast to many farmers who have been in this for years,
0:37:58 > 0:38:00who tell you there is no future in it.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03What he is demonstrating, through his hard work, through his tenacity,
0:38:03 > 0:38:06through his passion, is that it's perfectly possible
0:38:06 > 0:38:11for people with the right ideas to show how they can grow and develop,
0:38:11 > 0:38:13even in difficult times.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15When you're good at something, you enjoy it.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19It's always what I wanted to do.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31Jack Ayles of AP Farming, and Hayden Jenkins of...
0:38:31 > 0:38:32Treworgie?
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Please come up to accept their awards.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Jack and Hayden are voted joint winners.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48It's been too hard for the judges to separate these innovative young farmers.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07We've both won Young Farmer of the Year.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- It's the best way, I think. - Yeah, it's great.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17- I don't think it's sunk in yet. - No. It's unbelievable, really.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20I can't remember anything they said when I walked up to get it.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27- Well done.- That went well, I think!
0:39:32 > 0:39:35We don't have to say, "There can only be one winner."
0:39:35 > 0:39:39We are blessed with two people of extremely good quality.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Both of them were extremely impressive, in different ways.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Each one of them deserves this prize.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Despite their young age,
0:39:48 > 0:39:51we know that these people have got something special about them
0:39:51 > 0:39:54and I hope that, on the back of that,
0:39:54 > 0:39:58they will go forward with more confidence into the future
0:39:58 > 0:40:00and have a more successful career.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22I think once we spoke to each other, we both realised we were pretty worthy of it.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- And, well, we both won. - It's great, yes.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26Couldn't have been better, really.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29I'm going to show off this award to anyone who'll look at it.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34He's won!
0:40:37 > 0:40:40He's won. Joint won, but he won.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Did a good job.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45He said to begin with, "It's a joint winner."
0:40:45 > 0:40:47I looked at Jack and he was like, "It's a joint winner."
0:40:47 > 0:40:50I was, like, "Joint winner?"
0:40:50 > 0:40:54And then they both went up. I was, like, "They both won."
0:40:54 > 0:40:59So, yeah, really happy. Bless him. It's good. He deserves it.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Because the joint thing shocked me so much, I was a bit...
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- I didn't actually cry. Do you want me to cry now?- No.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- OK.- It's fine.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12I was as proud as they were, I think,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15when they went up onto the stage and received those awards.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17They are the future of the industry.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28To have my son recognised is a great privilege.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32Pleased that he'd been recognised for the hard work he puts in.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35He works a lot harder than lots of people.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37I'm very proud, obviously. Chip off the old block.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39He's learned everything he knows from me.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48I hope the rest of the industry will realise there is some youngsters out there that still want to do it.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51They need to be really supportive of us in the next few years,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54because without us there isn't going to be any milk.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58So I hope that people will recognise the hard work behind the milk.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02This could lead to other potential opportunities in the future.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06You know, if you're looking for the next step or whatever,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09and they see you've won Young Farmer of the Year,
0:42:09 > 0:42:10it can only be a good thing.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Riding high on their huge double win,
0:42:13 > 0:42:18Jack's planning on taking tonight's celebrations one step further.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21I'm just going to go and spray champagne everywhere.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22- Why not?- I'm with him.