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0:00:11 > 0:00:15- There's nowhere like Wales - when the weather is fine.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17- Today, it's glorious.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- I'm in the Llangennech area, - not far from Llanelli.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23- This is Ty'r Eglwys Farm...
0:00:23 > 0:00:28- ..the home of Geraint and Sheryl - Thomas and their children.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Geraint's parents, - Rhys and Margaret...
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- ..don't do much on the farm, - these days.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- They live in a lovely cottage - nearby...
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- ..that looks out over this paradise.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- The farm specialises in Ayrshire - and Holstein dairy cattle.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- These excellent cows - produce milk of the highest quality.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59- I look forward to spending some time - with the family.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- June 2016
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- Rhys Thomas has transferred - the management...
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- ..of Ty'r Eglwys Farm, - Llangennech...
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- ..to his son, Geraint.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28- But the joy of seeing the cattle, - and the show cattle in particular...
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- ..remains strong.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- This is the group I'm preparing - for this summer's shows.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- A group of eight or nine.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- It's a case of slow cooking.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- By the time they reach boiling - point, they'll be ready for showing.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49- Ayrshire cattle have become a very - popular class in recent years.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- Yes, they have a strong presence - at many shows.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- I hope to take - two of these Ayrshires...
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- ..to the show - in Birmingham next week.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- You prepare cattle for shows.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- I know that Holsteins - are fairly quiet, as a breed.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- What are Ayrshires like - - are they nice?
0:02:10 > 0:02:11- Yes, they're just as quiet.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- Perhaps they're not quite as easy - to clip.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- Some of them can be obstinate.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- A man comes in to clip them.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Professionals - know what they're doing.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- Nowadays, at the shows...
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- ..cows' udders - are closer to perfection...
0:02:31 > 0:02:33- ..than they've ever been.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- Yes, that's a crucial feature - - udders full of milk.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- When you go to the big shows...
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- ..it's important - that you get them right.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- It's not so important - at one-day shows.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48- You have to get the timing right.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53- You aim for a little too much milk - - you can always draw some of it off.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- It's better than having too little - milk with no time to produce more.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- When you face the judge at 11.00am, - that's that.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- To make it clear to viewers at home - who aren't farmers...
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- ..you exhibit on the Tuesday - at the Royal Welsh Show...
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- ..and your day begins at 4.00am.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- Our work starts at 6.00am - on the Monday, really.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- Are they good enough for the show?
0:03:24 > 0:03:25- Yes, I think so.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- You've had years of experience.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- I've never had - the same skills as Geraint.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- He's been exhibiting for many years.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- I was a late starter.
0:03:38 > 0:03:44- But it's amazing how your support - makes the job easier for Geraint.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- Yes, of course.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- It's a pleasure to see these cows - - you've put a lot of work into them.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- Leading in the ring is a tiring job.
0:03:54 > 0:03:55- Leading in the ring is a tiring job.- - Yes, it is.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- Sometimes, a cow won't cooperate - and doesn't want to be there.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- But it's an amazing feeling - when you're holding that halter.
0:04:05 > 0:04:06- Yes, it's great.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- You'll put up with a lot.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- Yes - if you're in the running - to win, you put up with it.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- I've had a few wins at the shows.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- Hard work paid dividends - in front of a large audience...
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- ..at this year's Royal Welsh Show.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- This was a class - for a group of three dairy cows.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- They came very close to winning.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- It's not just a matter of hard work - on the day of the show.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- This is where it begins.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- We have three different groups...
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- ..low yielders, high yielders - and show cattle.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51- The mix I've just prepared is - for high yielders and show cattle.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- You feed them once a day, do you?
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- Yes, and it's the same - throughout the year.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- It makes things easier for everyone.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- It means we have more spare time - in the evening.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- You use a pit for storing silage.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Yes - we don't make many bales...
0:05:08 > 0:05:13- ..though we do make some haylage - and some fourth cut bales...
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- ..where baling is cheaper.
0:05:15 > 0:05:21- Judging by the smell of this silage, - I'd say the quality is pretty high.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- We try to achieve three good cuts.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- We aim to make the first cut - on 1 May.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- This year, cutting took place - on 8 and 9 May.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- We're ready to cut again - but the weather has been against us.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- You feed the cattle - in the evening, do you?
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- Yes - we keep high yielders and show - cattle inside throughout the year.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- Milk prices aren't so good - at the moment...
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- ..but it's still important - to feed cattle...
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- ..in order to maintain yields - and produce healthy calves.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- Cows must produce a calf every year.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- There's light at the end of the - tunnel, where milk is concerned.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06- Prices are rising a little.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- But we've been in the tunnel - for a long time.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- I think they're putting bulbs - in there!
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- Yes, it's starting to shine!
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- The past two years have been tough.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19- But what can you do?
0:06:20 > 0:06:21- This is in my blood.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- We don't give up - when things aren't going well.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- Cattle may not care - about such things...
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- ..but there are magnificent views - of the River Loughor...
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- ..from their home in Ty'r Eglwys, - above the other farm buildings.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- This is a wholesome place - for calves.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- Yes, that's important.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- We built this shed ten years ago.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- Young stock need fresh air.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55- We have two yards.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- This is what we call the top yard.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- After weaning, when the calves - are three months old...
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- ..we move them up here.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- It's healthier for them.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- The other shed is huge, too.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- We can keep 100 cattle up here.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- They're in loose housing.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- When they're older, the in-calvers - are kept in cubicles.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- You use both AI - and dairy breed bulls.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- But I've noticed a few Herefords - - is the sweeper a Hereford bull?
0:07:30 > 0:07:31- That's right.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- Cows must produce calves.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- We usually sell Herefords as calves.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- We've had TB problems, but now - that we've passed the test...
0:07:42 > 0:07:43- ..I hope to sell them.
0:07:43 > 0:07:44- Where do you sell store cattle?
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- Where do you sell store cattle?- - In Carmarthen.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Carmarthen is only - 20 to 25 minutes away.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- We're very close to Llanelli.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- Is there music in your blood?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Do your children take an interest?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- No, I have rugby in my blood.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- I used to play rugby - for Llangennech, for several years.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- Now, I'm giving something back - to the village.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- I coach the under-eights - at the rugby club.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- My son will play - with the under-eights this year.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- Shouting at children makes a change - from shouting at cattle!
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- It's nice to have a break from work.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- A farmer works day and night.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- A farmer works day and night.- - It's nice to do something different.
0:08:29 > 0:08:35- Rhys, Geraint's father, has the task - of keeping an eye on the hens.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- How many hens are there?
0:08:38 > 0:08:39- About 30.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- Enough to keep you supplied?
0:08:42 > 0:08:43- That's right.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45- That's why we keep them.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- That's why we keep them.- - Of course.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- I'm the only one - who looks after them.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- It's nice to hear the sound of hens.
0:09:00 > 0:09:00- Go on.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- Go on.- - You don't have a cockerel?
0:09:03 > 0:09:04- No nonsense!
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- Get back.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- I can go through, - but I'm not sure about Dai!
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Dai is smaller than he was!
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- You can never have - too much of a good thing.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- They like mixed corn.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21- I'm sure.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- It's like cawl - cawl is great, - it has everything in it!
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- They prefer mixed corn to pellets.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- I see.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- The hens are in good condition.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- Foxes can't get into this enclosure.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38- I hope not.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- What's this - an old hat?!
0:09:42 > 0:09:43- It's huge!
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- It keeps the rain off.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- Yes, that's the idea.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- Of course, you can remember Llanelli - in its prime.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- You took produce into town - to sell every week.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- That's right.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- We grew vegetables.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- It was a big part of the job.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- Crops were transported by lorry - to shops in Llanelli.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11- Did you have your own lorry?
0:10:11 > 0:10:12- Did you have your own lorry?- - Yes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- Was this in your father's day, - when you were young?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- I wasn't involved so much.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- We also used the lorry - for harvesting hay.
0:10:23 > 0:10:24- Loose hay, of course.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26- And a loader...
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- What are they called?
0:10:28 > 0:10:29- What are they called?- - An elevator?
0:10:30 > 0:10:31- Yes, pulled behind.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- I remember them.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Have you always been a dairy farmer?
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- Is this where you were born?
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- Yes - my grandfather bought - the farm, Ty'r Eglwys, in 1904.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- Then there was another place, - lower down.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- It was called Wern y Cwm.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- My father bought that farm...
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- ..when he married.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- He sold all kinds of things.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- There was some waste, of course.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05- Shall we move on, Rhys?
0:11:06 > 0:11:07- We'd better collect some eggs first.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- We'd better collect some eggs first.- - You need some eggs?
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- You need to collect the profits!
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Quite a few eggs in here.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Are there lots of eggs?
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- I have about two dozen.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- The hens lay their share, I'm sure.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- Rhys and his wife, Margaret...
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- ..are able to enjoy - their retirement...
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- ..in a new house located - a stone's throw from their old home.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- Throughout my life, I'd wanted - to build a bungalow on the farm.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- My husband said I'd never - get planning permission.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- But we got it, - and we've done what I wanted.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- It's a lovely place.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- It's just like a farmhouse - - it's quite substantial.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- At the back of the house...
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- ..we can look down on the farm - and see what's going on.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- When we were farming, - I couldn't do much else...
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- ..because I helped with milking.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- You were outside all the time.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- You were outside all the time.- - Yes, with the children behind me.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- When both of us were milking - in the old cowshed...
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- ..the children would sit - in the cake trolley...
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- ..playing with a bucket!
0:12:35 > 0:12:40- You couldn't do that today - - health and safety would step in !
0:12:42 > 0:12:43- Yes!
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Years ago, there'd be someone - like you at every other farm.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- I'm sure you would agree, Rhys...
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- ..as they say in English, "A wife - is the life and soul of a business."
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Yes, that's true.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- My husband has been diabetic, - you see, for 49 years.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04- Really?
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- I've told him often, it's lucky - we sleep in a double bed...
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- ..because hypos - tend to happen at night.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- Hypos - when he's low on sugar.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- He starts shaking - and making a noise.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- I sleep like a log, - but I wake up at once.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- He's lucky I'm by his side, - otherwise he'd be dead by morning!
0:13:28 > 0:13:29- .
0:13:33 > 0:13:33- Subtitles
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- Geraint Thomas's - Holsteins and Ayrshires...
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- ..at Ty'r Eglwys Farm, Llangennech, - are wonderful to behold.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- He uses a method of gender selection - for breeding calves.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- We use sexed semen.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- We use the best cows - for breeding female calves...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- ..which are used - for further breeding.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- The next generation - is coming through.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- That's how it works.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- You have equal numbers - of Ayrshires and Holsteins.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- The Ayrshires - have increased very quickly.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- Have there always been Ayrshires - on the farm?
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- No, I was the one who started - keeping Ayrshires, in 2001.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- At the Royal Welsh Show, - I'd always admired Ayrshires.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- They have good udders.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- I didn't want to start - another prefix with Holsteins.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- Dad established the Gwynnog - Holstein herd in 1982.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- I decided to keep Ayrshires.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- I saw an advert - in the Farmers Guardian...
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- ..for three Ayrshires in Derbyshire, - and we bought them.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- One of the three died - just last year, aged 16 years.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- Ayrshires have changed.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Yes, they're a lot stronger, - these days.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- They're sturdy animals.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- We find that the Holsteins - have greater yields...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..but the Ayrshires - have better components.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- What about temperament and calving?
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Many years ago, - we had a few Ayrshires.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- They were a bit sharp.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- That's right - - they're not as quiet as Holsteins.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- They take greater care - of their calves than Holsteins...
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- ..but you must watch your back.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- Their colours vary.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- Some are darker, - some are predominantly white.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- The darker cows tend to come - from Canadian bloodlines.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- Canadian cattle are darker.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- It's nice to see a bunch of them - outside in summer.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- It's a pleasure to see - what kind of job you're doing.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- Sheryl, Geraint's wife, - is a local woman from Llanelli.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- When she isn't - looking after the family...
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- ..or working at home - or in a local cafe...
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- ..she likes to spend time - with her dogs.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Feeding time at the zoo!
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- Yes, isn't it!
0:16:05 > 0:16:06- These are pets, now?
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Pets - I love them!
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- This is Gwen - - she's four months old.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- This one?
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- She's a retriever, is she?
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- A golden retriever.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- And Lady is five years old.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22- Good girl!
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- Are they like guard dogs as well?
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- You know when somebody's - coming down the road
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- That's important, when you're - living in a place like this.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- Of course, you have two children.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- Your son is mad on farming.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- Your son is mad on farming.- - He loves the farm and tractors.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- Not so much about the cows, yet.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- I suppose it'll come.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- It's anything with a motor, - at the moment.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- At this time of year...
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- ..keeping growth under control...
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- ..is a constant task - for Eurig Thomas at Ty'r Eglwys.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- I think this year, dock leaves, - indeed, all kinds of plants...
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- ..seem to have leapt up.
0:17:14 > 0:17:15- It's good growing weather.
0:17:15 > 0:17:16- It's good growing weather.- - That's right, Dai.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- Grass has been growing - very quickly recently.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- Grass is growing strongly.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Plenty of grass.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- After cutting, you can bring - sheep in for a few days.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- They'll eat the fine chaff.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- But the dock leaves - are like rhubarb!
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- The fields I cut last week - are starting to grow again.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41- There's fresh grass.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43- Are you a local man?
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- Are you a local man?- - Yes, from just behind those trees.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50- Mam and Dad still live there, - but I live with my fiancee.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- I'm getting married next year.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- That's the fashion, nowadays.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- We never took anyone home until we - were sure they were the right one!
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- I'd better make it clear - that I've found the right one!
0:18:04 > 0:18:05- What's her name?
0:18:05 > 0:18:06- What's her name?- - Angharad.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08- A Welsh speaker?
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- Well done!
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- She's a teaching assistant - at Ysgol y Dderwen in Carmarthen.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- What about you - - were you in the Young Farmers' Club?
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- I joined the club in Llannon - when I was 11 or 12 years old.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- I've worked in New Zealand, - Canada and Australia.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- Have you really?
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- Have you really?- - I've seen a little of the world.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- Now, I'm back in Wales - - no more travelling!
0:18:35 > 0:18:36- No, that's right!
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- You're stuck where you are - - we may never see you again!
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Unless my wife comes with me!
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- The lower fields at Ty'r Eglwys - look across to Llangennech.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- A field of corn - is almost ready to harvest.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Let's take a look at this field.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56- What do you think?
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- What do you think?- - Where is it?
0:18:58 > 0:18:59- It's spring corn.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01- Can we see it from here?
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- The stile is rather high.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- You can see the whole field - from here.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- Maybe I'd climb the stile - if there was 50 on the other side!
0:19:12 > 0:19:13- How big is the field?
0:19:13 > 0:19:14- How big is the field?- - It's 12 acres.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- We were late in sowing this year, - because of the weather.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- It must have been - the beginning of April.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- That's early enough.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- It's a nice, even field.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- Yes, it's consistent.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- It's come along nicely.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Is that the village of Llangennech?
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- It's larger - than I thought it would be.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- Llangennech has grown, - because it's close to the M4.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- People can commute to Cardiff.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- So we grow this and use it - for feeding young stock.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- We combine it...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- ..and we buy concentrates - - some cake...
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- ..and mix it with meal.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- Every pound counts.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- It helps to save on money and straw.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- It all helps.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- There's plenty of work for all - at the farm, including the children.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Awen, the youngest, - prepares feed for calves.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- Her brother, Gethin...
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- ..is helping his father - bring the cows in for milking.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- He loves anything with wheels, - especially tractors.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- The place is full of them.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29- There are tractors everywhere.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- There are tractors everywhere.- - They're all neatly parked!
0:20:32 > 0:20:33- He hasn't just thrown them.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- He hasn't just thrown them.- - No, he parks them in a line.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Like parked cars in a car park.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- So what lies ahead for you?
0:20:45 > 0:20:46- We're hoping to go away.
0:20:46 > 0:20:52- I'm taking cattle to the All Breeds - Show in Birmingham next week.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- We need to make silage - but the weather is holding us back.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01- After that, Sheryl and I will be - going to the Great Yorkshire Show...
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- ..where I'll be judging.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- We're lucky to have - a good team of staff.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- Eurig has worked here for years, - and he's now employed full-time.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- A woman was doing the milking - yesterday evening.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- She had asked her stepmother if she - could start learning to milk cows.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24- She wanted to learn.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- One evening, I told her, - "You're on your own tonight."
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- She gave me a funny look...
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- ..but I told her I wouldn't be far - away, if there were any problems.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Since then, she's done - the evening milking.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- It means I have more time - with the family.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44- Have you ever been in the parlour?
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- Have you ever been in the parlour?- - Yes, I've milked a few times.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49- I'm a bit short, though.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- Kicking height is just here!
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- More often than not, - he'll get me to wash up.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Washing the parlour takes time.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- If I'm on my own, - it takes half an hour.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- I'm particular about washing up - - cleanliness is important.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- We produce high-quality food, - after all.
0:22:10 > 0:22:16- If Sheryl washes the parlour for me, - I can get on with the calves.
0:22:17 > 0:22:23- The past 18 months or more - have been tough for dairy farmers.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- But there is light - at the end of the tunnel.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28- Yes.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- The past 18 months to two years - have been very tough.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37- Prices started falling two years ago - and they fell quickly.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- They're a third - of what they should be.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- It's taken years of expenditure - to make the farm what it is.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46- Yes, many years.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- It doesn't happen overnight.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- If we want the business to grow, - and to make it work for Gethin...
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- ..we have to invest in it now...
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- ..to make sure the business - will be there for him.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- He's just a young boy now, - but the years fly by.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- What will he be - the fourth - or fifth generation?
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- He'll be the fifth generation.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- My great-grandfather - bought the farm in 1904.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- He didn't farm it much - - he passed it on to my grandfather.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- If Gethin wants to stay at home...
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- ..the outlook is good - - he's certainly interested.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- He'll be the fifth generation.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- S4C subtitles by Trosol Cyf.
0:23:52 > 0:23:52- .