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 > 0:00:09Bring them up, Isabel. Well done.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Here they come.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Shake it, baby, shake it.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- But there's one day each year... - Come on, girl, up you go.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20..where they get to leave the daily routine behind.
0:00:20 > 0:00:21Yahoo!
0:00:22 > 0:00:23These are show days.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Welcome to the Pembrokeshire County Show.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29And they come together as a community...
0:00:29 > 0:00:32- Salute!- ..to showcase the fruits of their labour...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Had a quick look at the competition. I'm in with a chance.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39..and try to win prizes for their breed champions...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Well done. Wahey!
0:00:41 > 0:00:43It's show business, folks.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45..and award-winning produce.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47I got first!
0:00:48 > 0:00:50You have the last two jars.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52There will be highs...
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- ..and lows...- No, no! No, no.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02..for the dedicated farmers who give everything to walk away a champion.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04No way!
0:01:13 > 0:01:15The British Isles are home
0:01:15 > 0:01:18to some of the rarest breeds of pigs in the world.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Good girl.
0:01:20 > 0:01:21Across the country,
0:01:21 > 0:01:23a handful of pig farmers are attempting
0:01:23 > 0:01:27to bring these breeds back from the brink of extinction.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28Good boy.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Farmers Michaela and son Oliver Giles...
0:01:35 > 0:01:37..and the Dalloway family
0:01:37 > 0:01:39are busy preparing for
0:01:39 > 0:01:42the Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Going massive!
0:01:44 > 0:01:49It's a chance to meet other rare breeders and to show off their pigs.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Scooping those first-prize rosettes
0:01:52 > 0:01:55will help their businesses to flourish.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Billingshurst in West Sussex
0:02:09 > 0:02:13is home to Dr Michaela and her 21-year-old son, Oliver.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Come on, girls.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17Wakey-wakey!
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Here, over six green acres,
0:02:21 > 0:02:23they've built up a thriving pig farm.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Their working day starts at dawn.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31Feeding, watering and cleaning the pigs is a constant job,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34especially when there are about 60 of them.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40We've got pigs, we've got Middle Whites and British Saddlebacks.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44We've got 49 piglets here and then we've got the two horses,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48that's Oliver's old pony from when he was little, Tommy.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50And then we've got Marley, who's desperately trying to eat
0:02:50 > 0:02:53the pig food. All animals love pig food, it's hilarious.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55The dogs love it, the horses love it.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Working the farm is only part of their daily toil.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07Michaela is also a research scientist and author.
0:03:08 > 0:03:14I research into naturally occurring livestock diseases and I also am
0:03:14 > 0:03:19the government consultant for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis,
0:03:19 > 0:03:20which are parasites.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22Molly, come on!
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Oliver's following his mother's footsteps into science by studying
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- to become a vet.- Good girl, come on.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32At university,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35I'm actually known as one of the pig experts in the whole vet school.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40Lecturers send students to me to ask me questions on pig husbandry,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42pig nutrition and other such...
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Don't you just show them my book?
0:03:47 > 0:03:51And it's fair to say Michaela is pig obsessed.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58It does feel like my life, I just eat, sleep and breathe pigs.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00For some reason, I cannot get enough.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Friends, when they go on their travels,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05they'll buy me things with pigs on,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08so I think they go well with tartan.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Pigs and tartan go well, look.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14My latest are these measuring things over here.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16They've got that X factor.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Like a young girl with horses, where everything's to do with horses.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22I was that girl, by the way. I've now switched to pigs.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24So, it's just a passion.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Despite the fact they raise their rare breeds to sell,
0:04:34 > 0:04:37there's a strong pet-like connection.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Here you are, Cheryl.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43I think I love most about the pigs
0:04:43 > 0:04:46is that they're affectionate, a lot like a dog.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Just a bit cleverer.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Big Molly is my favourite.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56She's getting on a bit now, aren't you, Molly?
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Come on, then, come back with me.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00I think it's because she's so well-behaved.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Where at feed time, all the others are running up and down,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05especially in the winter, creating mud,
0:05:05 > 0:05:07she just goes and stands at her spot.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09She's always been a really good girl.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15The 60 pigs mostly have the run of this farm.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Because they overheat very easily in the sun,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23pigs will use mud to regulate their temperature.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Or find a cool, shady spot in the woodland.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Hello, Brooke.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Are you all right there? Did I make you jump?
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- Did I?- This is Brooke, one of my favourite pigs.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42She was born in January 2012, so she's five years old.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- Good girl.- It's the same like if someone's scratching your back,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52if you like that sort of thing, it's just lush, isn't it?
0:05:56 > 0:05:59I used to catch him when he was doing his GCSEs sometimes up here
0:05:59 > 0:06:03doing that for about half an hour instead of studying.
0:06:12 > 0:06:13Is that good?
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Is that good in there? Is it nice and cool?
0:06:17 > 0:06:19We find pigs are such time wasters.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- The piglets are.- We spend hours just watching.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24I've been late for work on more than one occasion
0:06:24 > 0:06:28because I've got sidetracked watching piglets being silly.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30When they start having races and things like that.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32"Sorry, bad traffic."
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Just under 70 miles away in Kent is home to the Dalloway family.
0:06:48 > 0:06:5018-year-old Alfie...
0:06:51 > 0:06:53..his older brother George...
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Breakfast!
0:06:56 > 0:06:58..and their 12-year-old sister Connie
0:06:58 > 0:07:02all intend to become the third generation to farm this land.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07My favourite thing about living on a farm and being in the country
0:07:07 > 0:07:12is that I have lots of lovely animals that I can spend time with
0:07:12 > 0:07:15and my favourite pig, Mischief.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16Good girl.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20She's my Large Black sow.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22She's two years old
0:07:22 > 0:07:26and has had one litter of piglets.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31She can be mischievous when she's hungry,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33but she's usually a very good girl.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Come on, then.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Connie's grandparents started the farm 50 years ago and,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42along with her parents,
0:07:42 > 0:07:46built it into the 100-acre livestock business that it is today.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Although Alfie has a demanding job on a neighbouring dairy farm,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57he still helps out his family.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01I like all the animals.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05A bit of everything keeps it more exciting.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Being able to do something different than everyone else does is good,
0:08:14 > 0:08:18because everyone else is, like, out shopping and if you want to,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21you can just disappear with the dogs
0:08:21 > 0:08:24and go on a walk into the peace of the fields.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Good boy.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32I'd quite like to go to an agricultural college
0:08:32 > 0:08:35because I sort of look up to George and Alfie,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38so I want to follow in their footsteps.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Their mother Debbie couldn't be prouder.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48It's wonderful they've found their vacations and they're learning
0:08:48 > 0:08:52every day, learning lots, and it's extremely enriching for them.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00There's another reason Debbie relies on her industrious children.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04As well as her own farm, she manages a second,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07much smaller farm that is attached to the nearby
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Saint Ronan's prep school.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15It's designed to bring the countryside into the classroom...
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Hey, you.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- Come on.- ..as well as supplementing the odd school lunch.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27Children don't always associate where their food comes from.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30They just think a supermarket, pick it off the shelf and take it.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33This way, they do understand and I think it teaches them to be caring,
0:09:33 > 0:09:34it teaches them to be kind.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36It gives them great enjoyment
0:09:36 > 0:09:38when they're messing around with the piglets
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and they've got chickens on their shoulders and on their heads.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43I can't wait to see them with the donkeys!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Hello, girls.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48Hello.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Come on, then.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Though the school is currently closed for summer,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Debbie's still here every day to look after the animals.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59These are our pigs.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02We've got Mary, who is the Oxford Sandy,
0:10:02 > 0:10:04and Berry, who is the Large Black.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08We also have got ducks, chickens and we've got,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11just recently acquired, three donkeys.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13And we've got five coloured Ryeland sheep.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17You're such a lovely boy.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Without the farming and the animals,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22I think life would be so dull and tedious.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24I just think it would be like a rat run.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26There's always something different,
0:10:26 > 0:10:30always something to do and they are just always so grateful.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33They are so grateful, aren't you?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Even if you do make a grumpy face at me.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41The best thing about the job, it fits in with the home farming,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44it fits in with my lifestyle and it comes easy.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48It gives me immense pleasure, I suppose!
0:10:59 > 0:11:04Back in Billingshurst, the quiet of the farm is being disrupted.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Choose one of the cones, head to it.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Show that you're leading the pig, not the pig leading you.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Student vet Oliver is entertaining five paying visitors.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23Like many farmers, Michaela's had to diversify to stay above water.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26They're not the cheapest animals to keep.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Our modest little herd is about £500 a month.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32So, what's a good business plan if you're an academic?
0:11:32 > 0:11:36The answer is to teach others what you know.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Michaela now runs ten courses a year on how to breed pigs.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45Right, so we've discussed about natural mating and how the boar...
0:11:46 > 0:11:48..covers the sow.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51You can actually use artificial insemination.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55You get three of these bottles of pig product.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57There's lots of different types of applicators.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01This is the traditional curved one and this is a push-in type.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04When you're doing a big sow like Big Molly,
0:12:04 > 0:12:07you tend to go right up to the nub,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09but when you're doing a young gilt,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12you get some, about that much sticking out still.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15But it's not rocket science. You have to make the sow in the mood.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19If you don't have a boar, you can buy boar smell in a can.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Who knew? It's a pheromone spray.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25And, Michaela, what does it smell like?
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Well, if you...
0:12:27 > 0:12:29It's very hard to describe.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32It's like a super concentrated pig smell.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38So, board next to the head, so wherever the board's pointing,
0:12:38 > 0:12:40that's where we're going to go, so turning right.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Once Michaela's given a low-down on how to breed them,
0:12:43 > 0:12:47Oliver shares the secrets behind successful showing.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49If you stand the other side, Andrea.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51So stand with the board.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56Pigs can be tricky to manage,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59so a board and a stick is used in the show ring.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03If you think you're hurting the pig, do it on your welly.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06If it hurts through your welly, it's going to hurt the pig.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11At 21, Oliver is already a veteran of the show scene.
0:13:11 > 0:13:12That's it.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16During his career, he's loaded up with prizes,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19including the coveted Pig Of The Year Award.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23I'm very competitive when it comes to showing the pigs.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27In my eyes, second place is first loser...but...
0:13:28 > 0:13:30I consider myself a very good handler.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I've won multiple young handling championships
0:13:33 > 0:13:36at various shows around the country.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38It's got to walk well. If you're stopping and starting,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41the pig's going to be jolting. It's not going to look good and it's not
0:13:41 > 0:13:44going to be free-flowing. Having the head at a certain height will then
0:13:44 > 0:13:48make the back look longer and therefore a more desirable carcass.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51And it's that sort of stuff that will catch the judge's eye
0:13:51 > 0:13:53and it does take training to do.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Back at the house, Michaela is getting dinner on.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Today's roast is one of their rare breeds,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07farmed for the intense flavour of the meat.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13This is Middle White pork, reputed to be the best pork in the world.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17The Emperor of Japan only eats Middle White pork.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19He's even bought one of our boars
0:14:19 > 0:14:22from us to take out there to breed from.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24This was a pig called Wobbly Back.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27He had something, a little bit of a dip behind his shoulder,
0:14:27 > 0:14:31so he was no good for breeding, so he went into the meat pen.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34And it is a privilege to be eating these rare breeds.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Copious amounts of sea salt.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39This is actually a spare rib roast
0:14:39 > 0:14:42and I personally think it's the best,
0:14:42 > 0:14:44very, very moist, and the meat's quite dark
0:14:44 > 0:14:47compared to supermarket pork and it is just full of flavour.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07Over on Trewint Farm, 12-year-old Connie is also busy in the kitchen.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13I am making cakes for Oxted and Edenbridge Show.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15I am well known for my pig cakes.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21The last pig cake I made was a big Victoria sponge with big ears on.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Like a lot of children in the farming community,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Connie started showing at a very early age.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33We done very well this year.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37We sort of upped our game a little bit, me and Mischief.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39This one was when I won
0:15:39 > 0:15:42overall champion of Large Black with Mischief.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48And...this was the glass I got given, the tumbler.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51So, I got given that.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56We've done better than I thought I would do.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00I was very surprised that I got anywhere with Mischief,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02cos she walks a bit weird.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06It is a bit of an odd pig,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09but I love her, so that's all that matters.
0:16:13 > 0:16:14Because I won, like, champion,
0:16:14 > 0:16:18it put me out there and people came and asked if I had
0:16:18 > 0:16:21any of her litter available to sell.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25It does make them more valuable, but obviously I'd never sell Mischief.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27But her daughter, Mary,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29is up for sale and because she got
0:16:29 > 0:16:31through to the Young Pig Of The Year,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34she's worth more than she was originally worth.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42Competition and the business it brings is all-important,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45but show days are also a rare opportunity for the family
0:16:45 > 0:16:47to have a break together.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Having a little bit of a sweep round inside,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53making sure that the toothbrushes are in and the towels.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55We went to a show recently and we forgot our towels.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59A bit tricky. Food is also important to the kids.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01For me, it's tea, the most important.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03For the children, it's snacks, crisps and...
0:17:04 > 0:17:07..the cool box with the bacon and the eggs in.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10A very good friend of mine made me a lavender pig and it helps me sleep.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It goes in with my piggy cushion that I've got.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16I've got a small piggy cushion and a lavender pig and they go everywhere,
0:17:16 > 0:17:17to the shows and everywhere.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20It helps me sleep and reminds me of home.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28Across in West Sussex, Oliver has chosen his show pigs.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31Good boy.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34So, this year, we are taking
0:17:34 > 0:17:36five pigs to the Oxted and Edenbridge show.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39I've got high hopes for three of them.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42I'm expecting to be up in the prize-money.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47A lot of the time, they have nicer shampoo than I do.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52But you want to use a shampoo just to enhance the colour on them.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57I allow him to buy £35 shampoo.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58It's nicer than my shampoo.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01£35 shampoo for a pig!
0:18:04 > 0:18:07They usually like all the scratching of the brushes,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10as you see there from his little wiggle,
0:18:10 > 0:18:13and then the hardest thing is actually keeping them clean.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16So, a pig when it's clean, it just wants to get dirty.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Showing is my passion compared to my mum's.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24She prefers all the conservation and research roles,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27whereas I'm more passionate about showing them off to the public,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29getting nice comments about my pigs
0:18:29 > 0:18:31from the judges and other exhibitors.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33That's what makes it worthwhile for me.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35But both of our passions drive each other's,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37so it works well as a combination.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43And the teamwork extends to having dinner ready on the table.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45Here is a...
0:18:45 > 0:18:49That same joint I put in, so a good bit of crackling there.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52I was a vegetarian from ten until my mid-30s.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55First of all, it was lamb, then it was pigs, then it was goat meat,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58but all reared myself, so I knew that they'd had a really,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00really good life. That's it for me.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02That's number one for me, is welfare.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- Good?- Mm.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10I'll have a bit of crackling.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Wobbly Back was very nice!
0:19:19 > 0:19:22After weeks of preparation, the moment has finally come -
0:19:22 > 0:19:24time to pack up for the show.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28It's a flurry of activity to finish the pig pampering.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32We're taking the pigs tonight
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and we're camping in our tent tonight and tomorrow night.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38The reason we do that is so the pigs can settle down
0:19:38 > 0:19:39before the show starts.
0:19:42 > 0:19:43The other farm is busy, too.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47It's beautiful to win, if only to see the smile on his face.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50I mean, when he won Pig Of The Year, as a mother,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53it was just wonderful to see that smile.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57I can see why he's competitive, but I think when you lose,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59you've got to be a good sportsman and we have a rule that we don't say
0:19:59 > 0:20:04anything derogatory about the judge's decision or any other pig.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07But in the car on the way home, he's allowed to unleash if he disagrees.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Silly boy!
0:20:17 > 0:20:22The bit I like about the shows best is the fact that we go as a family.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- Excellent, thank you. - We always have a laugh.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26We enjoy it very much.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Come on, girl, up you go.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Mischief is always amazing.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35She just loads straight up, like, "Yes, we're going away again!"
0:20:37 > 0:20:39The two younger Duroc pigs
0:20:39 > 0:20:41they are taking are a bit more of a handful.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Connie, I'm going to need you round there, love, with a board,
0:20:44 > 0:20:45with a board, yes?
0:20:45 > 0:20:48I want you to get that corner right on it, but it's not.
0:20:48 > 0:20:49Go on.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Go on, don't be silly.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01They are looking pretty good!
0:21:03 > 0:21:06It's been a year of careful planning,
0:21:06 > 0:21:10training and grooming to get to this stage and they are finally ready.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16That was so cool!
0:21:24 > 0:21:25Right, OK.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46The Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show
0:21:46 > 0:21:47is beginning to wake up.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52The two-day event attracts competitors
0:21:52 > 0:21:57and spectators to this corner of Surrey from all over the UK.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03We're now in our 180th year.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05We have over 500 cattle,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07over 400 sheep,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09pigs, llamas, goats,
0:22:09 > 0:22:112,000 horses.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17At the end of August, this is the final showdown and they come here
0:22:17 > 0:22:19specifically because we have
0:22:19 > 0:22:21probably the best judges in the country
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and they want to show their livestock to the right people.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28A win today will carry real honour
0:22:28 > 0:22:31and help the futures of their farms and families.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41It's 7pm and already warming up.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Today's forecast is for a scorcher.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49Debbie's first job of the day is to get the troops fed and ready.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Bacon is always on the menu at the show.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Always bacon and then fresh eggs from the farm.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56It sets you up for the day.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58I think my main role at the show
0:22:58 > 0:23:01is just as sort of coordinator and that's in
0:23:01 > 0:23:03a very loose sense of the word!
0:23:07 > 0:23:10It is a big day, this is always a great show.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14A lot of really good competitors out there and they're all frantically
0:23:14 > 0:23:17scrubbing and washing their pigs, so we'll see.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21I'm quietly positive, but you can never be sure.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24You don't want to be, really, do you, because it would be a fix,
0:23:24 > 0:23:25wouldn't it?
0:23:32 > 0:23:33Come on, then.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Oliver wants to beat the early morning rush-hour.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- Good girl.- He's already down at the pig wash with Brooke,
0:23:42 > 0:23:44his Middle White.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48The morning prep is all about ensuring that the pigs are clean.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Especially white pigs. They don't stay clean for very long.
0:23:51 > 0:23:52You want to get them nice and wet
0:23:52 > 0:23:54so the shampoo lathers up really nicely.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Just being careful not to get any water in the ears.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01If water gets in the ears, the head will have a head tilt.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Whilst Oliver gets stuck in,
0:24:04 > 0:24:07his mum Michaela is desperate to fuel up for the day.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Oh, I need this. 5.30 start.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Mum's usually having a coffee while I'm doing all the jobs, so...
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Or networking, as she likes to call it.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Competition time is fast approaching.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Competitors are making their last-minute preparations.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Good boy.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Connie's Gloucestershire Old Spot and her new piglets will be entered
0:24:45 > 0:24:48together in the sow and litter category.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Yeah, I think the piglets are funniest
0:24:51 > 0:24:53because they're so inquisitive
0:24:53 > 0:24:56and they just come over and bite your welly boots.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Her big hope is still her favourite pig, Mischief,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05who is taking it all in her stride.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Mischief is looking good this morning,
0:25:09 > 0:25:14as she's freshly oiled and ready to go into the ring.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16If I get, like, a rosette from the judge,
0:25:16 > 0:25:19it'll make me feel extremely happy and overwhelmed.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22If you don't have hope, you don't have luck.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24And if you don't have luck, you don't have prizes.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29So you have to have hope to have winnings.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36With not long to go, Oliver and Michaela have one last job.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40It should go between the middle of that one and the middle of that one.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I can't fit it up there. We haven't got poles.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Yeah, you have. Maria's lent us some.
0:25:45 > 0:25:46Poles.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49The daily struggle on show day!
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- This is like the Krypton Factor. - Is this my job as well?- Yeah.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Look at that, beautiful.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Crooked, just how we aimed for!
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Across the showground, everyone's getting ready for action.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Judges in the room, five minutes, everybody.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- I can't have my top button done up. Just cover it.- All right, then.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Last-minute prep just before I go in is pretty much all about me.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40The pig looks smart, therefore I've got to look smart, too.
0:26:40 > 0:26:41All the exhibitors wear a white coat.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45It's a very old tradition that has passed through the decades,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47a lot longer than I've been doing it.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52I have had a quick look at the competition.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55From my initial inspection, I'm in with a chance.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58OK, ladies and gentlemen,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00we've now got the January White Pig Class
0:27:00 > 0:27:03being shown here at the Edenbridge and Oxted Show.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07It's the first competition of the day.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Oliver is showing two pigs in this class, Fatima and Ferne,
0:27:13 > 0:27:15helped out by friend James.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19There's lots of different pigs coming in and I think we've got four
0:27:19 > 0:27:21or five different pigs in this particular class.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Now, these pigs weren't even born in January,
0:27:23 > 0:27:25so when you were having your Christmas dinner,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27they were still in Mum.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Their judge is farmer Alice Newth.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34It's my first time at Edenbridge and Oxted Show.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37It's clipped in and I've got the hair tied up around it,
0:27:37 > 0:27:38so hopefully it'll stay in now.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40After judging, it is coming straight out!
0:27:43 > 0:27:45There are five pigs in this class
0:27:45 > 0:27:47and competition looks strong.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51When you're judging, you're looking at one pig and another pig.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Which would you rather have?
0:27:53 > 0:27:54I'd personally like a pig that can walk.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Nice top line, good shape to it.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59I want little Fatima to win, though.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01She's such a correct pig,
0:28:01 > 0:28:03she really is beautiful.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08I must have about a thousand pictures
0:28:08 > 0:28:10of that same pig at different shows.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15It's decision time and judge Alice has picked a winner.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- COMMENTATOR:- It's going to go to Kim Arden.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31It's not a red rosette for Oliver, but it's the next best thing.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- Thank you very much. Thank you. - Yeah!
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Got second out of four.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- Second and third.- Second and third out of four.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Feel a little hard done by, but...
0:28:43 > 0:28:46the judge's decision is final.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50The upside is that these rosettes come with a cash prize.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53I have to pay for the pigs, so that's my job.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Every little helps, absolutely, so...
0:28:58 > 0:29:03Hopefully we'll get a few more of those, then it pays for itself,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06including the diesel sometimes if we're lucky!
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Quite often, it doesn't.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Afternoon!
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Across the showground,
0:29:17 > 0:29:2015,000 spectators are enjoying today's events.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Let's have this, Scotty Hamlin going massive!
0:29:26 > 0:29:29Surrey's Edenbridge and Oxted Show
0:29:29 > 0:29:31has over 300 trade stands.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33It's a chance to shop and watch
0:29:33 > 0:29:37the popular demonstrations of rural life...
0:29:39 > 0:29:40..the craft exhibits...
0:29:42 > 0:29:46..and, of course, the food always draws the crowds.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Back at the pig tent and Team Dalloway is up next.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Coming in here, this is a Large Black.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58We've got three in the next class.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00We've got Mischief going out,
0:30:00 > 0:30:04Ronnie going out and we've got Doreen going out.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Hope for the best, so, yeah, all good.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08Good girl!
0:30:10 > 0:30:14This is the breeding sow class and the judge will be keeping an eye out
0:30:14 > 0:30:17for which pigs are expecting a litter.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- When is she due? Is she in pig? - No, she's not in pig.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- She's going to boar next month for January's.- Right.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- That pig is going to run me over in a minute!- Oh, my God!
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- COMMENTATOR:- And it's an Old Spot that's also got the first.
0:30:42 > 0:30:43So that's gone to Joe Tucker.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49But they do pick up third and fourth place.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Thank you. Cheers.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Oh, well done, third.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Be better if she was in pig, but then I know why you're doing it.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59- Thank you.- I like them in pig.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02Good girl.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06We got a third and a fourth.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11So the third because the Duroc was a little too heavy in pig
0:31:11 > 0:31:15and the fourth because Mischief wasn't in pig, so pleased with that.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20I got a rosette. That means my hope and my luck worked.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Another one for the wall!
0:31:31 > 0:31:35Time for a well-earned ice cream for Connie and her friend.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Can I have a double scoop, please,
0:31:37 > 0:31:41of chocolate and chocolate?
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Thank you!
0:31:47 > 0:31:50It's good ice cream.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54There's a chance to see what the rest of the show has to offer.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04So, tension mounting now, a real buzz from the crowd.
0:32:07 > 0:32:12Next up is one of the biggest events in Surrey's agricultural calendar.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19It's the Shetland pony Grand National.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25It's very much like the real Grand National.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27The fences are a lot smaller,
0:32:27 > 0:32:31but, you know, it's an age group from about nine years old to 14
0:32:31 > 0:32:34and can't be above five foot in height.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37And, you know, there's been some really good jockeys come out of it.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39I mean, it's a great grounding for jockeys.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42This is my first year and I'm nine.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46Racing, you jump and you go fast
0:32:46 > 0:32:48and it's just all fun.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50I'm really excited.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55My dad is Leighton Aspell.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57He won the Grand National twice.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02You all like to win and you all like to race.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07If you can get a good start, you've got a really good chance
0:33:07 > 0:33:10of finishing right up there in the top three.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13So, eight fast and furious Shetlands
0:33:13 > 0:33:16are going to give it their best out there.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22Sit tight, bringing them all in up to the line, away they go!
0:33:22 > 0:33:23They are away.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26MUSIC: Theme from Grandstand
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Oh, all three together at the start.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30It's impossible to pull them apart.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34Oh, those two are up to it, a huge bunch of Shetlands at the back.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36I can't really sort those out.
0:33:36 > 0:33:37Daisy Harrop has the lead.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39She's got the inside line.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41She's going like the wind.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Here we go! Go, go, go!
0:33:43 > 0:33:44She's done it.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48My life, that was some race!
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Wasn't that fantastic?
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Well done indeed.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Absolutely brilliant round, and what about Cranford Fantastic?
0:34:01 > 0:34:05Didn't this little pony go so well for you? And you held your balance.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Yes, he was really good.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09And may I ask, how big is Cranford Fantastic?
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Because, my darling, you don't look very big.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14He's 42 inches.
0:34:14 > 0:34:1642 inches high.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18That is wonderful. Well done indeed.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35Back at the show ring and next up is the white pig championship.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41And Oliver is hopeful about his Middle White, Brooke.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44The judge is now going to split these up into what's going to be
0:34:44 > 0:34:47the supreme champion pig, so which pig is closest to perfection.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52The judge will be looking for a straight back.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54You could iron a shirt on that back, couldn't you?
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Look at it, it's beautiful.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03The judge is treading on the grass to try and see her feet,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05because good feet are really important,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07and this long grass is masking,
0:35:07 > 0:35:09if they've got dodgy feet, it would mask it.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Brooke hasn't. Brooke's got awesome feet.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13But the judge disagrees.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23And Alice Newth has made her decision.
0:35:23 > 0:35:24She's got the card in her hand.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28APPLAUSE
0:35:28 > 0:35:30MUFFLED COMMENTARY
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- Her toes are a bit long for me, on the front.- OK.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42It's tough. There's...
0:35:42 > 0:35:46There's a few nice pigs in the ring. The judge gave a valid reason
0:35:46 > 0:35:48why she didn't put Brooke as champion or reserve.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Her front toes were a little bit too long.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53So that comes down to my preparation of her.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56I should have trimmed them a little bit.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58It's a little bit of a kick in the teeth,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00especially as she looked so good.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02The judge obviously preferred a modern pig
0:36:02 > 0:36:04rather than a traditional, today.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11It's one of the hottest days of the year.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17And it's not just the spectators feeling the heat.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21For the farmers, the pigs' welfare comes first
0:36:21 > 0:36:23and they are helping them to cool down.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28Yeah, he's overheating, bless him.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Going to drink out of the bucket of dirty water, but that's OK.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35He's a bit like Rocky, isn't he, with his towel on him?
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Pigs don't sweat like other mammals,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39so to reduce the risk of overheating,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42they are mainly active at dawn and dusk.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Only able to sweat through their hooves and snouts,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47today, they need all the help they can get.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52They like to keep cool by being dirty and in the shade.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54And they are exposed to the sun in the ring.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Nice and cool, it's back out into the ring.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05This is probably going to be one of the hardest classes
0:37:05 > 0:37:08for the judge to judge because there are a lot of pigs in here.
0:37:08 > 0:37:13With seven pigs showing, the judge has her work cut out.
0:37:13 > 0:37:14I've got to bear in mind so many pigs there
0:37:14 > 0:37:16and how hot it is getting,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18especially the pigs have been oiled up, playing on your mind,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20"I've got to get through these a bit quicker
0:37:20 > 0:37:22"for the pigs so they don't suffer."
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- Cut across.- Sorry!- Cut across.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Connie's pig is proving a little tricky to handle.
0:37:31 > 0:37:32Oh, hello!
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Pig, get up.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37It's like being in a mosh pit.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Can you just stand still so I can check the underline?
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Looking at the underline.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50See if you can slow her down.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- Thank you.- Sorry.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59Bit energetic.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03..lot of very good pigs here.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Finally, the judge makes her decision.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Connie and Alfie don't get a rosette this time.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14A little bit disappointed with her.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18A bit stressed now because it's hot and my pig's running away.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26She has been trained and she's been to loads of other shows,
0:38:26 > 0:38:30she's just slightly...wonky in the head department.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Oh, hot.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Leaving the pigs in the shade of the tent,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Michaela and Oliver take their prize money
0:38:42 > 0:38:45and go in search of some retail therapy.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50They're beautiful.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52You need new wellies, don't you?
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Are they wide calf? Because I've got a leg like a tree.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Oh, they are quite comfy-bumfy.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07If you can pull it off my leg, sold.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- You do take credit cards, don't you? - We do.- Yes, lovely.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12That's the winnings gone.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15You're not even going to give me 99p off?
0:39:16 > 0:39:18He's given me 99p off.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Beautiful. Now I love the boots.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Ready to get back to showing,
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Oliver still has a chance to win big before the end of the day.
0:39:39 > 0:39:44His Middle White Brooke has a shot at the breed champion rosette.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46So our judge is looking across
0:39:46 > 0:39:49to decide which is the best Middle White here.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52..And Oliver Giles. Best Middle White sow.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Yes, Brooke got it!
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- Well done.- Thank you very much.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00It's the result he was after,
0:40:00 > 0:40:03and has made all the preparation worth it.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Very chuffed to win the breed champion,
0:40:05 > 0:40:08especially against some tough competition.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Brooke won this lovely, rather lovely rosette for her troubles
0:40:11 > 0:40:13and it's put the smile back on my face.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18There is also some great news for Alfie in the Coloured Boar class.
0:40:18 > 0:40:23With some stiff competition, he's pulled off first place.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26He's got some of the better legs in this class than most of them.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Thank you very much.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Yeah, really good, very pleased.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31Thank you.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Yeah. Magic.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35Absolutely brilliant. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Yeah, really pleased.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42And Connie doesn't miss out either, in the sow and litter class.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43Gloucester Old Spot,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47Debbie Dalloway and family's beautiful Gloucester Old Spot.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- Here you go.- Thank you. - She's picked up a third here.
0:40:50 > 0:40:51Looking well for a first litter, mind.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53I am pleased with the result of that,
0:40:53 > 0:40:55because it's her first litter
0:40:55 > 0:40:58and understandably she has got less piglets
0:40:58 > 0:40:59than the other ones.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02I thought that was a reasonable result, top three.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09The Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show
0:41:09 > 0:41:10has finished for the day.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15There's been tough competition for our farmers battling it out
0:41:15 > 0:41:17in the show ring.
0:41:17 > 0:41:18Well done.
0:41:18 > 0:41:19Good girl.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Both families have walked away with six rosettes each
0:41:24 > 0:41:27to add to their collection.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29All the pigs performed well today.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31We got a first, couple of seconds.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I would have preferred them all to be red, but...
0:41:34 > 0:41:35So does everybody else.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40We got a breed champion with Brooke, so we're pleased with that.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41He's very competitive,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44I'm a bit more philosophical about the whole thing.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48I'm really proud of Alfie and Connie.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49They did amazingly well.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52They kept their cool in such hot conditions,
0:41:52 > 0:41:54because it is absolutely sweltering out there.
0:41:54 > 0:41:55The pigs are bubbling over with heat.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59So, yes, really pleased and I think they should be, too.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04Their success has shown how a year of graft and commitment can pay off.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09It's a worthy reward for this future generation of farmers.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11I've had fun today, overall.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13It may not have been the results I wanted with the pigs,
0:42:13 > 0:42:15but I've had fun talking with other exhibitors and catching up.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18I'm proud of Oliver all the time, yes.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21He puts so much time and effort into his pigs.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25He does all the hard work for shows, so, yes, I'm very proud of my son.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Very.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32These shows are our holidays.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34We come away, we have fun.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37I think we'll carry on doing it for a good few years yet.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40It keeps us all together, doesn't it, as well?
0:42:40 > 0:42:43It's a good thing to do as a family.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Turned out fantastic.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46A farming day. An amazing day.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48It has been an amazing day.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Not just good, but amazing.