0:00:02 > 0:00:03Across the country,
0:00:03 > 0:00:07thousands of farming families work tirelessly around the clock.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Argh! Stop arguing, girls, give over.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13WHISTLING
0:00:14 > 0:00:17But there's one day each year
0:00:17 > 0:00:20where 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 > 0:00:26- TANNOY:- A very, very warm welcome to Malpas Show.
0:00:26 > 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.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40And try to win prizes for their breed champions...
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- Smashed it. - BLEATING
0:00:42 > 0:00:43..and award-winning produce.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45That's a 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!
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Cattle farming is one of the most
0:01:15 > 0:01:17traditional forms of farming in the UK.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Today, we're meeting two families
0:01:21 > 0:01:24whose lifeblood is connected to their herds.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Beef cattle farmers Robert and Sandy Tedbury from Sussex
0:01:32 > 0:01:34and Hertfordshire-based Bridget Borlase
0:01:34 > 0:01:36are busy preparing
0:01:36 > 0:01:39for one of the largest cattle championships in the country.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Come on! Go on, Gem.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Winning awards helps boost the reputation of their livestock
0:01:44 > 0:01:47and their business, so there's a lot at stake.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52All year has been leading up to this event
0:01:52 > 0:01:56and both families have their eyes on the prize.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09Rural Hertfordshire is home to hundreds of farms.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15And Bridget's family
0:02:15 > 0:02:18have been working this farm for five generations.
0:02:18 > 0:02:19Come on, girls.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Always loved the cows.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32When I came back from school, my father said,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35"That's where your passion is, you know,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37"get on and you run that side of the business."
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Having grown up on the farm,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Bridget now lives there with her own family.
0:02:46 > 0:02:47Wave to him, Sammy.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03And five-year-old son Sam already has farming in his blood.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05I'm already five
0:03:05 > 0:03:09and when I'm six I'll be able to trim my sheep on my own.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- Isn't that right, Mum? - It is, son, yeah.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20The farm has been in the family for 80 years
0:03:20 > 0:03:24and breeding cattle has always been close to Bridget's heart.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29My passion, right from when I was probably Sam's age,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31was pedigree livestock.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Always loved the cows.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Bridget's grandfather, Bert,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40first introduced the Simmental cattle to the farm
0:03:40 > 0:03:44and now Bridget has grown the much-loved herd to 250.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47I've spent more time reading the herd books
0:03:47 > 0:03:52of how the cattle were bred than I ever did studying at school.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53MOOING
0:04:03 > 0:04:04ENGINE REVS
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- Excuse my driving! - SHE LAUGHS
0:04:07 > 0:04:11To manage a farm this size takes much dedication
0:04:11 > 0:04:13and Bridget is up at dawn every day,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16relying on her farm buggy to get her around.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21It's one thing as a farmer,
0:04:21 > 0:04:25we spend as much time driving in reverse as we do going forwards!
0:04:25 > 0:04:29So, it's always really annoying when you meet people on the road,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31on a narrow lane, that can't reverse.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35It's always a bit of a standing joke with farmers that
0:04:35 > 0:04:37the driving tests should be done in reverse.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Bridget's spent her life on this farm,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46but this devoted cattle farmer can't get enough of it.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52I know all the names of the cows,
0:04:52 > 0:04:57probably more than all my friends' names, but I do.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02My other half, James, thinks it's slightly sad,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04but he likes cutting them up in the butchery!
0:05:04 > 0:05:06MOOING
0:05:09 > 0:05:15The reason James likes cutting up the meat is because he's a butcher.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17While Bridget is busy in the field,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20James is running the family's two butcher's shops,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22selling meat from their own cattle.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Orders come into me from any time from nine o'clock at night
0:05:26 > 0:05:29through till midnight, very often beyond,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31and we start at six o'clock in the morning.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34The couple first opened the butcher's shop ten years ago
0:05:34 > 0:05:37to try to boost business after the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43It completely knocked the UK livestock industry for six, really.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Many, many farmers were struggling,
0:05:46 > 0:05:51particularly the sort of family farms, as we are.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53So we were looking for something to diversify into,
0:05:53 > 0:05:59had no idea really what we'd be good at, or what we should do.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01But, by chance, really,
0:06:01 > 0:06:06our local council encouraged us to think about selling our own meat.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08We hadn't a really got a clue what we were doing
0:06:08 > 0:06:14but we were guided by an ex-butcher who said he'd help us out.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16And it snowballed from there, really.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25We supply in the region of 20, 25 retail outlets,
0:06:25 > 0:06:32anything from restaurants right the way through to just little cafes.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Today, we're delivering pork, lamb and beef.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44We had one restaurant that rang us up urgently,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46"Can you supply six sirloin steaks?"
0:06:47 > 0:06:49We were closed.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53So, "Yeah, how soon do you need them?" "We're serving starters now!"
0:06:53 > 0:06:56So I had about a 15-minute turnaround from the call
0:06:56 > 0:06:59to get six sirloin steaks to a restaurant.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02We did it, got it done, great feedback.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Morning, guys, how are we? Morning.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- Morning, Tom, morning, Brad. - How are you?
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Yeah, fine, thank you.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14There you go. Thank you, my friend.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- So, this is Tom - the chef/owner. - Hi, there.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21A multi-talented chef.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24He's nearly as good as me, actually!
0:07:24 > 0:07:27I've taught him all he knew! Knows.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30They think they work as hard as we do,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- but I think we can beat them! - HE LAUGHS
0:07:45 > 0:07:4780 miles away, in Sussex,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50farmers Robert and Sandy have been up since 6am,
0:07:50 > 0:07:53tending to their 440-acre farm.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00There's an endless list of daily jobs.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Good girl, Iris! Hello, sweetie.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12I think, with farming, definitely they say it's in your blood
0:08:12 > 0:08:16and I think that's right because it's not a nine-to-five job.
0:08:16 > 0:08:21Unlike Bridget and James, who diversified to boost business,
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Robert and Sandy have to rely on the income they make from breeding.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30I am seven days a week, 365 days a year.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33I cannot afford to employ anybody.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38The income that I can make from what I do
0:08:38 > 0:08:43will not service another full-time or even part-time person.
0:08:43 > 0:08:49I do what we can manage without employing help.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54As well as working on the farm,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Sandy sometime supplements the family income
0:08:57 > 0:08:59with a little part-time cleaning.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01MOOING
0:09:04 > 0:09:08That leaves Robert to deal with the day-to-day running of the farm.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10As a modern-day cowboy,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12he has the tricky task of rounding up 100 cattle,
0:09:12 > 0:09:16not on a horse, but in a four-by-four.
0:09:17 > 0:09:18Hello, boy.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23Pedigree Aberdeen Angus. Eight years old.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Born and bred in Oxfordshire.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Great Chew Jericho he's called.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34He has to move them round between fields
0:09:34 > 0:09:36to make sure they graze evenly.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Come on!
0:09:42 > 0:09:45It's a huge undertaking that he has to perform alone.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Come on, come on!
0:09:47 > 0:09:50I've got to go and protect my Land Rover now
0:09:50 > 0:09:51because they'll decimate it.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53MOOING
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Tsk! Go on!
0:09:55 > 0:09:56Tsk! Go on!
0:10:00 > 0:10:04But with cattle weighing up to 1,000kg,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07rounding up a herd can be dangerous work.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09In Britain alone, they have been responsible
0:10:09 > 0:10:13for over 75 deaths in the last 15 years.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16That's what happened to quite a heavy, robust gate,
0:10:16 > 0:10:20with two bulls, one each side of it, wanting to get to each other.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24They didn't get to each other, but they broke the hinge
0:10:24 > 0:10:27and they made the gate look like Bacofoil.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Good girl.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35As well as dealing with his own herd,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Robert also has to look after Sandy's pride and joy,
0:10:38 > 0:10:40her Highlands.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Come on! Come on, girl.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46This way. Come on.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49I saw my first Highland
0:10:49 > 0:10:5435-plus years, actually more than that, I think.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56We were up in Scotland.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58I just thought they were beautiful.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03I love the long hair, I love their big horns.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04I just fell in love with them,
0:11:04 > 0:11:10so I then started collecting China Highlands.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19But Robert wanted to take Sandy's collection one step further.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24I decided that I'd buy the wife a couple of calves.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26I think it was an anniversary present,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- it could have been a birthday. - No, it was anniversary.
0:11:31 > 0:11:37To actually have the real thing, it was all my Christmases in one!
0:11:39 > 0:11:43That is one of their favourite places of being brushed.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46I could always sell them if we split up and parted.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50We kept the animals and they were Highlands.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54And their numbers have gone from two to 50.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Sandy just can't resist them.
0:11:58 > 0:12:04If a Highland animal at a sale licks her hand, it's in, it's coming home!
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Just got to lick her hand, that's all it's got to d.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11It could kick her, but as long as it licks her hand, it's coming home.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13It's not quite like that.
0:12:20 > 0:12:26Back in Hertfordshire, Bridget is nervously waiting for the local vet
0:12:26 > 0:12:29who works with over 100 farms in the region.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Hello, how are you?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Hello. All right, thank you. How are you?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40She suspects one of her prize-winning cows,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42who's off to the show, might be pregnant,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45something she's been hoping for.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Getting her bred hasn't been as straightforward as it normally is.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Every time she's been in season has been when we've been away from home,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57at a show or something.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01We'll be over the moon if we have a positive result.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06So it's fingers crossed that she's taken.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11I'm just scanning with an ultrasound scanner, like humans do.
0:13:11 > 0:13:17A calf from a champion mother is worth a lot to the farm
0:13:17 > 0:13:21as they can sell for thousands of pounds.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23She's pregnant.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29That's really good news that she's in calf.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Thank God for that.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Just checking for twins now, and make sure there's nothing...
0:13:34 > 0:13:37About 10% of our calvings would be twins.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41We did have a set of triplets last year but that's exceptionally rare.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44So, yep, just the one in there.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47Like I say, heartbeat, so it's a live foetus,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- and taken a picture as well. - Thank you.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51It's a great result for the farm,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55but the prized mum-to-be is already carrying a few extra pounds
0:13:55 > 0:13:59in preparation for the show, which is not ideal.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02They're specially fed to go to shows.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07It takes six months really to feed a cow to have it in perfect condition.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10You're looking to get a bit more roundness and shape,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12build it up slowly.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16If you try and feed them very hard quite quickly,
0:14:16 > 0:14:20all you get is lumps of fat, which isn't what we want.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25We like them to be, we say, fit not fat.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- Unfortunately, show condition is on the fat side.- Bordering on fat.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- Yes. She is a little bit chunkier than I would like.- Yes.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37She's just gearing up for the big diet. I'm going to join her.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39THEY LAUGH
0:14:40 > 0:14:41MOOING
0:14:48 > 0:14:49With the pregnancy confirmed,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Bridget can now focus on the all-important show day.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57Going to do shows is, for the cattle, our shop window.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02Bridget spends hours getting them to a certain specification.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04It's only 24 hours to go
0:15:04 > 0:15:08and her cows have to look their best to impress.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11First impressions as a judge are very important.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14You want an animal to immediately hit you when it comes into the ring.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16"Yeah, I like that. I wouldn't mind taking that one home."
0:15:18 > 0:15:21If we can win some prizes, it can add value to that animal.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25It can add value to that animal's progeny.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29We're are all vying for that silverware.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34They're set with hairspray.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37They smell great on show day!
0:15:37 > 0:15:39These cows have as much money spent on their haircare
0:15:39 > 0:15:41in a year as I do.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54Back over in Sussex, show day preparations are also in full swing
0:15:54 > 0:15:57with prize-winning cow Gem, the apple of Sandy's eye...
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Oh, hello, you.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Oh! You like that.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03..being given a wash and brush-up.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07She's my favourite.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11I suppose because I started with her in the very beginning,
0:16:11 > 0:16:13so I've done all the training with her.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19The best bit about Gem is what we call homebred,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21so she's my own breeding.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26If you're lucky enough to win with a homebred, it feels even nicer.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31To be a winner at the show, it's all down to what the judges think.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Nothing's guaranteed.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35One judge will pick one animal,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39another judge will pick a totally different animal.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41There may not be very much between them
0:16:41 > 0:16:44but the judge is always going to be right on the day,
0:16:44 > 0:16:45even when he's wrong.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Right or wrong,
0:16:48 > 0:16:53for Sandy, it's all about showing people her beloved Highlands.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56I've got to say, of course I'd like to win.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01But, part of it, I love, just love showing my girls off.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04They're just beautiful.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07For Robert, coming first is everything.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11We like to win. I don't do it to be there.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14All this money and all this time we've spent,
0:17:14 > 0:17:20we have to go and do everything to the best of our ability to win.
0:17:28 > 0:17:29With the big day tomorrow,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32it's finally time to get the show on the road.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Aye!
0:17:34 > 0:17:35But this is a challenge in itself.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Some of these have been to shows and they're seasoned campaigners,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42and they'll, we hope, load quite easily.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Some haven't been at all before,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47so it can sometimes be a little tricky.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51It's Gladiator the bull's first time away from the farm,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53so he's a little cautious.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57Bridget's son, Sam, is keeping well away.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08It's always a bit tense, loading up.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Making sure that they get on alright.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16We take our own hay because we know where it's come from,
0:18:16 > 0:18:17it's been made here,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20so they'll go to the show and be on exactly same food.
0:18:20 > 0:18:26Meanwhile, Bridget's still struggling with Gladiator.
0:18:28 > 0:18:29Come on.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35Bring the passports down - they're just to the left of my chair.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Paperwork has to go with the animals.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Each animal's got a passport.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47The only thing it hasn't got, like yours, is a picture.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Come on.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54And Gladiator's finally on board.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57It's now time for the rest.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59All right, you get Fara, Ben.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Tsk-tsk.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04I will hopefully be going down for a day,
0:19:04 > 0:19:05which I'm not too bothered about,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08although she does get a little touchy over it.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11They get up really early,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13pretending to fluff them and talcum powder them
0:19:13 > 0:19:15and make them smell nice.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19And I can just stay up and make sausages, it's easier!
0:19:19 > 0:19:21HE LAUGHS
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Drive steady, you've got valuable property on there.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Safely onboard,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38all Gladiator and the other cattle can do now
0:19:38 > 0:19:42is to get their beauty sleep, ready for tomorrow's show.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56Today, the Edenbridge And Oxted Agricultural Show
0:19:56 > 0:19:58will open its doors.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Home to one of the largest cattle championships in the country,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06this prestigious event is a highlight of the farming calendar.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16Most of those competing have camped at the showground overnight.
0:20:17 > 0:20:23But there's no time for a lie-in on show day with so much to do.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32You want them to look nice
0:20:32 > 0:20:35and to go out with a dirty bottom wouldn't look right,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38so they've go to have a clean bottom.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Robert and Sandy have been up since 4am
0:20:41 > 0:20:44making sure their cattle look the part for the show ring.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47I'm apprehensive, I'm nervous
0:20:47 > 0:20:50because, when you look in the shed, you think,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53"Oh, is that one better than mine? Is that going to beat me?"
0:20:53 > 0:20:56So you are nervous that you're going to make
0:20:56 > 0:20:59the very best job for your animal and for your businesses at home.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03You're going to show your cattle off
0:21:03 > 0:21:06to the very best of your ability on the day.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09You don't really know whether you've done that until it's finished.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Bridget has also been up bright and early.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21I left the children with my parents in the caravan
0:21:21 > 0:21:24at five this morning. I managed to creep out
0:21:24 > 0:21:26and come down here to give the cattle their breakfast.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30It's the lull before the storm.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Always nervous on show morning.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35You've got butterflies in your tummy,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38you're kind of anxious as to how you're going to get on.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41The competition's looking fairly strong this morning.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Fingers crossed that we're going to do OK, but you never know.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52As competition time approaches,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55spectators are starting to fill the showground.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Around 40,000 people are expected at the show
0:22:00 > 0:22:05to experience the very best of Surrey's country life.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- TANNOY:- Everybody's going very nicely out there.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19With judging starting in less than an hour,
0:22:19 > 0:22:23Robert is giving the last-minute touches to their Highland hopefuls.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Get the parting down through the middle,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27get it straight and get it tidy.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32Shining up the horns, it's just baby oil.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Horns are an important part of the Highland animal.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Sweeping up for girls, sweeping around for the boys.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44It's just finishing off the finer detail, that's all it is, really.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49So, last-minute spray and a combing and brushing
0:22:49 > 0:22:53and then, going out, you will see that we will do their feet.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57That's the very last thing we do.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00And then up to the show ring, and fingers crossed.
0:23:01 > 0:23:07Over in the other pen, Bridget's also doing some final sprucing up.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09We've got about six different shades of soap
0:23:09 > 0:23:12and we try and match it as best as possible
0:23:12 > 0:23:14with the actually animal's natural hair colour.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Quite nervous now - it always is.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20It's always a bit of a rush, just the hour before judging.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24We won't be talking to you in the last half-an-hour.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26You can look and see, and that's it.
0:23:40 > 0:23:41Morning, Bridget.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Ah, morning, you're here.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47At last. Which hopefully means I've missed all the hard work.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- No, it doesn't. You can help me soap this one up.- Ah, joy(!)
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Farmers have been showing their prized animals
0:23:59 > 0:24:02at the show since the middle of the 19th century.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06This show's been running for well over 175 years now.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Edenbridge has a fantastic reputation
0:24:08 > 0:24:12for really high-quality livestock entries and to win classes here
0:24:12 > 0:24:15is something that many of our exhibitors aspire to
0:24:15 > 0:24:18every year, to win awards that help them go on to improve
0:24:18 > 0:24:20the saleability of their stock.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25But it's not just about the livestock.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28We've got a superb display of vintage cars, tractors.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31We've got our fairground,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34food hall where people can try different local produce,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38all the sort of things you might associate with the countryside.
0:24:48 > 0:24:55It's 9am and this year's cattle competition is about to begin.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Both families have done everything they can.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- Hold her there, say, "Stop".- Stop.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06My tummy's going, I'm feeling sick.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09The fear, I suppose, of letting my animal down.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I think that's why, I don't know,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13I just wish I never had nerves, but I do.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Months of planning,
0:25:15 > 0:25:19feeding and grooming have all come down to this moment.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- How are you getting on then, Bridget?- Yeah, nearly ready to go.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Just final titivating.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Semis have started, so we're pretty much ready to rock.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32While Bridget waits for her moment,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35in the Highland ring, it's showtime for Sandy.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38She's taking in her pride and joy - Gem.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Wait, wait. Wait, wait, wait!
0:25:46 > 0:25:47Can I come out?
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Wait, wait, no, no, no, no! Ooh.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52No. Good girl. Good girl!
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Good girl, good girl.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Good girl. Good girl.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04There's just time for a quick pep talk before she goes in the ring.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08It's me and you. It's me and you.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09Is it me and you?
0:26:13 > 0:26:16And into the ring they go.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21Judging the Highland cattle today will be Archie MacArthur.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22Well, a Highland cow,
0:26:22 > 0:26:26you know pretty quickly an animal has got personality or not.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Stand, stand.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Archie is looking for a beefy body and a good coat of hair.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40You want a Highland cow to be good on its legs, lift its legs up.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42You want a set of horns that are going to come out symmetrically
0:26:42 > 0:26:45in the top of her head, make her look graceful.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Gem is up against three others.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05MOOING
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Good girl, good girl. Good girl.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Good girl. Steady, steady. Is that OK?
0:27:12 > 0:27:14But it's not looking good.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15It's OK.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20We're not being very good.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- No, we're not.- No. - Oh, well, don't worry.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- There, lass.- Good.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27Coming into new surroundings and different people
0:27:27 > 0:27:28is all quite strange to them,
0:27:28 > 0:27:30so you have to take that into account
0:27:30 > 0:27:34when you're looking at them and give them as much help as you can.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Good girl, walk on. Come on, come on.
0:27:40 > 0:27:41Good girl.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Finally, Archie's picked his winner
0:27:50 > 0:27:54and it's Gem who takes first prize.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58But Sandy is distracted and doesn't realise.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Hello.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01Oh!
0:28:01 > 0:28:02SHE GIGGLES
0:28:02 > 0:28:05And now she's on my stick! It's all going wrong.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Get up.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- Oh, God. - How embarrassing.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- How embarrassing. - THEY LAUGH
0:28:11 > 0:28:12We've won as well.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14I thought that she was a good animal.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16well-balanced for her age
0:28:16 > 0:28:18and I thought, "Uh-oh, this one might do."
0:28:18 > 0:28:22And sure enough, as the show went on, she did do.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27Sandy couldn't be happier with her beloved Gem.
0:28:27 > 0:28:28Yes!
0:28:30 > 0:28:32Yes, I won.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36We done things wrong, but anyway we still got a red one.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41So, excellent year. Good girl. Mwah. Right. Thank you.
0:28:41 > 0:28:42And there's more good news,
0:28:42 > 0:28:47as Gem's sister Cara has also come top of her class.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48MOOING
0:28:55 > 0:28:56Well done.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00I love my cows, but I do love my husband.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04Without him, none of this would be happening,
0:29:04 > 0:29:08so I need... Yes, he's number one.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Now the spotlight is on Bridget.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Her judge today is fellow farmer Andy Ryder.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28As soon as they come in the ring, I'm going to be looking at
0:29:28 > 0:29:30something that stands out, you know,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32and says, "Look at me", really.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35And then you go for more of the finer points after that.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37From its head back right down to its tail head,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39you want a good width down its top line
0:29:39 > 0:29:42and then, when you get to the rear end of it, you want a good shape,
0:29:42 > 0:29:43especially on the bulls.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47You want something with meat, really.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52Bridget's also been a judge herself and knows what they want.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56Now she just has to see if her cow Fara will tick all the boxes.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01MOOING
0:30:01 > 0:30:06Yeah, she's keen and eager to go, so off we go.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08Though they have stiff competition,
0:30:08 > 0:30:11as they're up against a former national champion.
0:30:12 > 0:30:13All right, Jim?
0:30:13 > 0:30:18'Jimmy McMillan, a bit of a legend in the beef-showing world.'
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Jimmy and I are great friends, we have been for years,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22but we're always vying to sort of
0:30:22 > 0:30:24just try and sneak one on the other one.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Jimmy aside, Bridget has another
0:30:29 > 0:30:32four competitors to try and beat today.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Good morning.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39- She's June-born.- June-born.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- Is she in calf?- April-calving.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Sudden noises can spook the animals at the big shows,
0:30:49 > 0:30:53so the farmers all use a stick to tickle the animals' tummies
0:30:53 > 0:30:54and keep them happy.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Tsk-tsk.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01Bridget is desperately hoping her pregnant show cow Fara
0:31:01 > 0:31:03will beat her main rival.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15But it's not to be, as Jimmy does it again
0:31:15 > 0:31:18and Bridget takes second place.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27Bridget's heifer was tremendous, but just not the power of the first one,
0:31:27 > 0:31:29but still full of the characteristics
0:31:29 > 0:31:31of the Simmental breed.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36As Jimmy's winner takes its lap of victory...
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Fair play to Jimmy, it's a really lovely heifer.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40..it's back to the pen for Bridget.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45Fara is six months younger than the one that won,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49that makes a big difference in terms of their size and development,
0:31:49 > 0:31:53so she's really held her own and I'm really chuffed to bits with her.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Let's hope it gets a little better,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59but it's a really good start to the day.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Show days attract the farming community
0:32:07 > 0:32:11and those who have never stepped foot on a field in their lives.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17However, for the farmers, it's not just about winning prizes.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19They work all hours
0:32:19 > 0:32:22and this is a chance to spend some quality time together, as a family.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- We had some of those.- Which is our favourite one there, Samuel?
0:32:26 > 0:32:29When I was your age, we had a 135 and a 165.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32They're about 60 years old, Sam.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37Taking a well-earned break from the judging, Bridget, James and son Sam
0:32:37 > 0:32:40have headed straight for the tractor display.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45OK, so which one's this one, Sam?
0:32:45 > 0:32:47That's a new one.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50And right over there, there's a really, really old one.
0:32:50 > 0:32:51Look at that.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- How old's that, Jerry?- It's a 1908
0:32:54 > 0:32:57and that's one of the first tractors after the horse.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59We're here at the show today to show people
0:32:59 > 0:33:03how farming was done back in the day.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Look, you used to sit on there.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- Sit down there.- Yeah.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10And look at that. You needed big muscles for that.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13It's important that children and adults, to a certain extent,
0:33:13 > 0:33:17understand where their food comes from and how it gets produced.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22That's your old combine harvester.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- That's a combine, Mummy. - Yeah, that's right.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33Machines like these would go on to revolutionise the farming industry.
0:33:33 > 0:33:3787-year-old tractor enthusiast Tony remembers only too well
0:33:37 > 0:33:40how different farming used to be.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Times have changed.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45We used to do everything with horses in those days.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48We used to get by.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53It was a slower pace of life, but we got the job done.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59In 1939, I was ten years old.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02My grandfather was on his deathbed
0:34:02 > 0:34:07and he said to me, he said, "Tony, in your time,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10"you're going to see some marvellous things."
0:34:10 > 0:34:13He said, "In my time, I've seen some marvellous things,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16"but nothing like you're going to see in your time".
0:34:16 > 0:34:18And it's happened.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21And I say to my grandchildren, "In your lifetime,
0:34:21 > 0:34:25"you're going to see marvellous things, the same as I have."
0:34:25 > 0:34:27What do you think, Sammy, is it like our tractor?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30No? Is it different?
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Well, in little Sam's eyes, these modern-day tractors
0:34:33 > 0:34:35are certainly marvellous.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38So much so, he tries to strike a deal to take one home.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42- Sam...- Swap you for all of our cows and we'll take the tractor.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Do you want the keys now?
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- Yeah.- Yeah? There you go.- OK, then.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49That's the best deal we've had, actually! Ha-ha!
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- That was a good deal, wasn't it, Sam?- Yeah, taking the cows.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Let's go and see the rabbits now.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- I hope he hasn't locked the case. - No, I don't think he will.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Break's over and judging is back in full swing.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03In the Highland show ring,
0:35:03 > 0:35:07it's the final showdown for husband and wife Robert and Sandy.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11They're going head-to-head with their prize-winning cows,
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Gem and sister Cara, for the prestigious Best Of Breed title.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22And the pressure is on.
0:35:24 > 0:35:30We would love to achieve Champion Highland Animal.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35If we come away with that, we'll have a drink on it in the evening.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37SHE GIGGLES
0:35:37 > 0:35:40A champion title is one of the most sought-after prizes
0:35:40 > 0:35:42at a show like this.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47You need an animal with just a little bit of attitude,
0:35:47 > 0:35:49because they show themselves off better
0:35:49 > 0:35:50when they're out with the public.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58The first Highland to get a pat on the rear will be the champion.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Stand up, come on.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Stand up. Stand up.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07And Sandy's done it,
0:36:07 > 0:36:11beating her husband to first place with her blue-eyed girl Gem.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- TANNOY:- There we are, the ladies win again.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18And Robert comes second.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23Congratulations. All is well in the Tedbury household this evening.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24Thank you very much to the...
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- We didn't expect it, but we hoped for it.- Yeah.
0:36:28 > 0:36:29We go out to win.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33I've said it before, we're competitive, we come here to win.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- If somebody else beats us, that's showing.- Fine. Yeah.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47And the first was first and the second second, how about that?
0:36:47 > 0:36:50No, no, the wife was first and the old man was second.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54Your wife was first, yes. What a wise man you are, Mr Tedbury.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59All the exhibitors that I've seen before me today
0:36:59 > 0:37:01have been a real credit to our industry.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Thank you very much for giving them your support.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07- Give me a kiss. - SHE LAUGHS
0:37:13 > 0:37:15As a married man,
0:37:15 > 0:37:19it makes me even more happy that I came second because
0:37:19 > 0:37:24it saves all the, "How did you come to beat me?"
0:37:24 > 0:37:28You won it, my dear, so you're first, I'm second. I know my place.
0:37:28 > 0:37:33Saved a divorce as well, letting the wife win, that worked very well!
0:37:33 > 0:37:35And the... Whoops! I've got to go.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37SHE LAUGHS
0:37:43 > 0:37:46The day's competitions are almost over
0:37:46 > 0:37:50and Bridget has gone on to win a first-place rosette
0:37:50 > 0:37:52with her youngest show cow - Georgina.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54- Well done.- Thank you very much.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Great result, very happy with that.
0:37:57 > 0:37:58Makes the job worthwhile.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02And she made sure she shared the glory with the family.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05It's the next generation,
0:38:05 > 0:38:09working out what a rosette is and what to do with it.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13I'm a proud mum and a proud grandmother.
0:38:13 > 0:38:14SHE LAUGHS
0:38:15 > 0:38:20To celebrate her mum's win, daughter Scarlet also gets in on the act.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- Want the rope?- Scarlet, here you go.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Pull it, Scarlet. There we go.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28Look, here we go, Scarlet's very first cow.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29Come on.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38The competitions are now almost over,
0:38:38 > 0:38:40but there's just enough time for Gladiator
0:38:40 > 0:38:44to make his debut appearance at the final judging.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46It's his first show, he's never been off the farm before,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49he's never seen any of this.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53He will be taken into the ring by Bridget's helper, Andrew.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55I'll be watching nervously from the sides.
0:38:55 > 0:38:56It's actually more nerve-racking
0:38:56 > 0:39:00watching your animals being shown than it is on the halter of them.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08So far, so good.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12At least they've managed to get Gladiator into the ring.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- How old is he?- April.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Gladiator's got in the ring first, hasn't he?
0:39:18 > 0:39:21But the nerves are starting to kick in.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23MOOING
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Bridget can only hope that her young bull will hold his own
0:39:27 > 0:39:30against the other experienced competitor.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50And Bridget's Gladiator takes first prize.
0:39:55 > 0:39:56Well done.
0:39:56 > 0:39:57Well done.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01That's his first time in a show ring.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03He behaved pretty well, considering.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Just looked a little bit nervous, a little bit apprehensive,
0:40:06 > 0:40:10but that will really settle him down and put him on a good path.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Good one.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17It must be my caring, loving touch with him... He's alright!
0:40:24 > 0:40:29The Edenbridge And Oxted Show is almost over for another year
0:40:29 > 0:40:33and, with judging finished, the families can finally relax.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40Our farmers have prepared for this day all year.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45With some of their hopes and dreams realised,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48they are all walking away winners.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Big smiles when you get a first prize, isn't it?
0:40:51 > 0:40:55Dancing, yeah. We'll be celebrating tonight, Scarlet.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57I'm a very happy girl at the moment.
0:40:57 > 0:41:02Wonderful, absolutely wonderful.
0:41:02 > 0:41:03I'm so chuffed!
0:41:07 > 0:41:10For Bridget, the prizes won today
0:41:10 > 0:41:14will help secure the legacy of her fifth-generation farm.
0:41:15 > 0:41:21Something she hopes to hand on to her children, Sam and Scarlet.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24I've really enjoyed today, I always do.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26This is what I'm absolutely passionate about.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28The kids are having a whale of a time
0:41:28 > 0:41:31and James has even enjoyed himself today.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- That one.- Dwarf lop, Samuel.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36A nice day out, isn't it?
0:41:36 > 0:41:38- Yes, it's a nice family day out. - It's lovely.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40And, for overjoyed Sandy and Robert,
0:41:40 > 0:41:44winning will help sell their much-loved homebred cattle
0:41:44 > 0:41:47and provide a boost to their farm.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50We've got to be proud about it,
0:41:50 > 0:41:52take them right to the top of their class.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- That today is a very proud moment. - Yeah.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58The best moment for us today was Scarlet leading the cow
0:41:58 > 0:41:59for the first time.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Look, here we go, Scarlet's very first cow.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Come on.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06It's a real proud parent moment.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08It comes naturally to her
0:42:08 > 0:42:11and it won't be many years before she's really going to want
0:42:11 > 0:42:13a calf in that show ring herself.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Wow, Scarlet, would you like a cow for your birthday?
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Yes, please!
0:42:19 > 0:42:21I feel 20 feet tall.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23And hungry.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25I can eat now.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Tonight will be a little bit of a party night.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32- Time for a pint.- Definitely time for more than one pint.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33THEY LAUGH
0:42:35 > 0:42:36SHE GIGGLES
0:42:36 > 0:42:38That's a first - on camera!
0:42:38 > 0:42:39MOOING