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0:00:17 > 0:00:20- I'm in the magnificent - Vale of Clwyd...
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- ..in Llanrhaeadr near Denbigh.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- This is Pen Bryn Llan farm...
0:00:27 > 0:00:32- ..the home of Elfyn and Meinir Jones - and their three sons.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34- It's a proper family farm.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- When you have three sons - on a family farm...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- ..they do more than you think.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- The youngest - is now in his last year at school.
0:00:45 > 0:00:51- The middle son is a fine singer - and at a London college of music.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- The eldest is a graduate - of Harper Adams University.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- Surely one of the three - will come home?
0:00:59 > 0:01:00- We'll see now.
0:01:19 > 0:01:25- Looking down onto the Vale of Clwyd - from Pen Bryn Llan...
0:01:25 > 0:01:30- ..it's hard to believe that Elfyn - and Meinir milk 200 cattle here...
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- ..given that they're kept inside - all year round.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- We have some cows - that have been in since 2006...
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- ..while about half of them grazed.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- But for three years, - they've been in all the time.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- That's not to say some of them - might graze again next year.
0:01:52 > 0:01:53- It all depends.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- Of course, the farm's close by.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- You're fortunate that you can - rent land, in a place like this.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- Yes, it's hard to get a block - of land in the Vale of Clwyd.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- But my father rented here...
0:02:08 > 0:02:13- ..and it has been - a long-term contract.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24- This is the time of year - to harvest the 55 acres of corn...
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- ..that will feed the herd - through the winter.
0:02:30 > 0:02:31- It's almost ready.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- I cut through them like this - to see how far off they are.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- It's too expensive a crop to grow - and harvest a little too early.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- You need it at its best.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- Of course, the land is in use - for the best part of a year.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- You'll only get one crop.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- Yes, we sow in early May...
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- ..and harvest in October.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- On a busy dairy farm, there's plenty - of work for the whole family.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- When they get the chance...
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- ..Ynyr, the youngest, - who's still at school...
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- ..and Llion, the eldest, - who has just graduated...
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- ..are always keen - to help their parents.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- It was also good - to see Dafydd, the middle son...
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- ..singing so well - at this year's Anglesey Eisteddfod.
0:03:28 > 0:03:36- # If ye would know how I take life - and play my part
0:03:36 > 0:03:43- # I from my father learnt - the earliest human art
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- # I learnt to make the fen - all fruitful meadow land
0:03:50 > 0:03:57- # And how to clothe with green - the barren waste of sand #
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- How many farmers - have sung that old song?
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- Pen Bryn Llan - is a productive dairy farm.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- Even though there is uncertainty - in the industry...
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- ..with milk prices unstable, - Elfyn is hopeful for the future.
0:04:15 > 0:04:21- # And bend to the ruddy plough - upon the mountain height #
0:04:21 > 0:04:26- The cattle look very happy, - to think they're inside all year.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31- Yes, they're content - and never seem to miss the fields.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- Food and water and room to lie down - and they're content enough.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- And they're much better off - when it's wet.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- Yes, that's right.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- One reason they're inside - is because you're among houses...
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- ..and to stop them - making a mess on the road.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54- That was the biggest problem, - moving them back and forth.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- Because of the farm's geography, - everything had to cross the road.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- Are there benefits - to having them inside?
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- Or are there drawbacks - to having them inside all the time?
0:05:09 > 0:05:10- Management.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- There's more work involved - with having them inside, obviously.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- But it's easier - to manage their feed...
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- ..because the weather - doesn't affect the pasture.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- Your cows have fine udders.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- That's an aspect of dairy cattle - which has improved immensely.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- Yes, certainly.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- I like a good udder.
0:05:36 > 0:05:37- It's more important than anything.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- It's more important than anything.- - Because you're there twice a day.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- That's true, and I like something - nice to look at while I'm milking.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- Supporting Elfyn at Pen Bryn Llan - is his wife, Meinir...
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- ..who's as happy in the milking - parlour as she is on a tractor.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04- Well, Meinir.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07- Hello, how are you?
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- It's a husband and wife job - day in, day out.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11- Jack of all trades!
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- That's a family farm for you.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- Everyone has to pitch in.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- Everyone has to pitch in.- - Pull their weight, yes.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- What's on today? - Bedding for the calves?
0:06:24 > 0:06:25- Hay under the calves, yes.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- That's expensive stuff these days.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Very expensive, yes.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- But it's important - to have enough bedding.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- You've raised three sons.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- You must miss them - every time one leaves the nest.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43- Oh, yes.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- You've always been a family - with the children here.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- We're very close as a family.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51- It's hard to see them go...
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- ..but it's nice that they're doing - what they want to do.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- And if they want to farm, - they've been to college.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01- Yes.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- You do get some farmers' sons - who don't want to farm.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- We're lucky that all three want to.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- But it's important that they have - something behind them as well.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- Middle son Dafydd - is about to leave the nest...
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- ..to study at the Royal College - of Music in London.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- But it's clear where his heart lies.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27- This is quite a young cow.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- This is quite a young cow.- - Yes, on her second calf.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- The herd is all Holsteins.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- The herd is all Holsteins.- - Yes, they're all pure Holsteins.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- The cattle are inside - summer and winter, day and night.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Yes, 24/7, as they say.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- It must make the job easier - when the weather's bad.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Yes, every day's the same.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- You get into a routine - and just do it.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- But you can't lean on a gate - and watch the cows in the field.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- That's the only thing, yes, - when the weather's fine.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Where did this interest start?
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Are you the first in the family - to want to show cattle?
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- All three of us showed cattle - when we were younger.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- We started at Llanrhaeadr show, - almost as soon as we could walk.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- My interest has grown since then.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- Farming can keep you at home - for long periods.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- It's good to have something - different to look forward to..
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- ..like choir practice - every Thursday.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31- Are you in a choir?
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- Are you in a choir?- - I've just left Lleisiau Menlli...
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- ..as I'm off to college, - and Cytgan Clwyd choir.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- But I'm too old for that now too!
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- It'll be - a bit different in London...
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- ..and leaving - the beautiful Vale of Clwyd.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- It will be a big change - going into the city.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- There'll be less greenery...
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- ..but I'll appreciate it more - when I come back.
0:09:04 > 0:09:10- Over the years, you must have helped - with all aspects of the farm's work.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11- Yes, that's true.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- Yes, that's true.- - But you're focusing on singing.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- It was a tough decision, - which way I was going to go.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- Up to sixth form, - I still wasn't sure.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- Would I go for agriculture - at Harper Adams University...
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- ..or for the singing?
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- The singing won out eventually.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- Your voice was coming now as well.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- You've competed quite a lot by now.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- Yes, I've been around - the eisteddfodau since I was small.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Local eisteddfodau, - and the Urdd and the National.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- I've enjoyed it - and gained experience.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- Of course, - and this year in Anglesey...
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- ..you won the solo - with Idris Lewis' Can Yr Arad Goch.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Watching you sing - was like watching a master at work.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- You enjoy it, don't you?
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- Yes, I do. I love it.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- There's something - about an audience's reaction.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- It does something to you.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14- Yes, it does, - and the pavilion has changed now.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- They audience is a lot closer, - and it makes a difference.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- # And bend to the ruddy plough
0:10:23 > 0:10:31- # Upon the mountain height #
0:10:39 > 0:10:39- .
0:10:42 > 0:10:42- Subtitles
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- It's late September...
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- ..and the maize harvest - is about to begin at Pen Bryn Llan.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- Elfyn Jones is hoping - for some favourable weather.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- You're doing well with this maize.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- How many acres of it - do you grow in a year?
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- We grow about 55 acres, in all.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- About 18 acres under plastic, - as an early crop...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- ..then the rest - comes a little later.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- It's a crop that has become vital...
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- ..for all these large herds.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33- Yes, it has.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- It's excellent feed - for the cattle...
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- ..and it mixes well with silage.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45- With the TMR, - the Total Mix Ration...
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- ..yes, it makes very good feed.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- I wouldn't like to be without it.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- This is a product that's cut, - like the silage of old...
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- ..and goes directly into the pit.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- Yes, it's cut and goes straight in.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- The machine that harvests it - is incredible, the speed.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07- Do you bring contractors in?
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- Do you bring contractors in?- - Yes, contractors.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- We use contractors for most jobs.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- We only do the slurry - and the fertilizer ourselves.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Everything else is a contractor.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- With just over 50 acres of maize...
0:12:23 > 0:12:28- ..and with favourable weather, - how long will it take to harvest?
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- They clear up to 50 acres a day.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- Get away!
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- They shift a lot of stuff - when they're at it.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- That's some machine.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40- It must be.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- And they go at some speed.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- They don't hang about.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- The trailers and the machines - keep getting bigger.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- It doesn't take them long - to clear it, not long at all.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- Is it anything like barley?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- Is the stem as valuable as the cob?
0:13:01 > 0:13:02- Or is just the cob?
0:13:03 > 0:13:09- No, the leaves and stems - are just as important as the cob.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- You have to gather it all in.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- You'd never believe it.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- Good grief! You're vanishing, - there's so much growth.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- You could stand - on your own shoulders!
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- The cob weighs as much - as the rest of the plant.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- Years ago, Dad carried out - an experiment and weighed them.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- It's full of nutrition, isn't it?
0:13:34 > 0:13:35- Oh, yes.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- And that's all stripped away?
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- The machine takes it all in...
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- ..and this weighs the same - as the rest of the plant.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- If you weighed this and the plant - separately, they'd balance out.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57- The machine cuts every one - of these kernels in half.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- It's hard to believe, - but it opens each one out.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- You can tell that it's nutritious - and must make excellent feed.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11- Yes, it's nutritious, - and it gives them condition as well.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- The eldest son, Llion, - is just back from college.
0:14:24 > 0:14:30- Like Dafydd, his heart is also set - on working at home on the farm.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35- Llion, how are you?
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- Llion, how are you?- - Very well, thank you.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38- You're the oldest of the boys.
0:14:38 > 0:14:39- You're the oldest of the boys.- - Yes, that's right.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- You've just finished college.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Yes, I finished at - Harper Adams University this week.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Is there a big day ahead of you?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- Is there a big day ahead of you?- - Yes, graduation day.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- Good lad.
0:14:53 > 0:14:54- Did you enjoy it there?
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- Did you enjoy it there?- - Yes, thank you.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- It was a great experience.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- A four-year course, - Agricultural Engineering.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- I spent the third year working - for Teagle Machinery in Cornwall...
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- ..with straw-cutting machines.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- You got to do the actual work.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- Yes, a little bit of everything.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21- Six months of my time there - was spent in the design office.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- I was able to do - a big design project.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- That product is now on sale.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- It's nice to see something - that you've done on the market.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- What is going to happen - now that you've graduated?
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- At the moment, I think - that my future lies at home.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45- The engineering course - was agricultural.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- And the things I've learnt - on the course...
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- ..will be extremely useful - to help Dad at home...
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- ..and to work alongside him.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- Your parents - will be looking forward to it.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- They're both busy - and there's a lot of work...
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- ..when you have 200 cows to milk.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06- It's not easy.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- Yes, it is a lot of work for two.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- I think that's where I can help.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- To share the burden - and let them do less work.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Once you start farming, - it's in your blood.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- It's hard to turn your back on it.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- You go to college and learn - about diversifying and so on.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- A lot of people - have turned to making ice cream...
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- ..or selling unpasteurized milk.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- It's becoming a big business.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46- What about the youngest son?
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- Ynyr is also interested - in music and singing.
0:16:59 > 0:17:06- # I was a part - of the tithe men's campaign
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- # Their boring empty talk
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- # I'm a man of the open air
0:17:16 > 0:17:24- # Every day, I go to hunt - on the lands of those who believe
0:17:24 > 0:17:32- # That they are the landlords
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- # There's no choice, - we have to change
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- # A system that strangles - our freedom to live
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- # Words don't spark a revolution
0:17:45 > 0:17:52- # Actions change the world #
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- # Now, I must fight
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- # Today, I must challenge #
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- Well, Ynyr, home from school - and straight to work!
0:18:12 > 0:18:13- How are you?
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- How are you?- - Fine, thank you.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- You're the youngest of the boys.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- Where are you at school now?
0:18:21 > 0:18:22- Are you sitting your final exams?
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- Are you sitting your final exams?- - I've just finished my GCSEs.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- I've gone back into the sixth form.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- What do you intend doing eventually?
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- I hope to come back home - to farm, sometime.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- It depends how I get on at school.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- I hope to go to agricultural college - then come back home to work.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- What subjects are you studying?
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- Maths, Woodwork and Economics.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- Business of some sort.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- They're important subjects today.
0:18:59 > 0:19:00- Yes, plenty of work.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- What are your hobbies?
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- Rugby or football or singing?
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- Yes, I enjoy singing.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- I sing with Cytgan Clwyd choir.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- I like playing football too.
0:19:12 > 0:19:13- Do you?
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- You're working here at home - at the weekends and in the evenings.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- As much as I can.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- As far as farming goes, - what are your interests?
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Cattle or pasture or what?
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- Cattle or pasture or what?- - Well, a bit of everything.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- Driving tractors, milking, - whatever needs doing, to be honest.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38- Fair play.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- Elfyn and Meinir - have now reached the crossroads...
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- ..that faces many families - as the children reach working age.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- All three are very interested - in agriculture and farming at home.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- They all lean different ways.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- Llion likes the machinery and crops.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14- Dafydd's into the breeding side...
0:20:15 > 0:20:16- ..and Ynyr pitches in.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- He doesn't mind if it's milking, - driving the tractor or whatever.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Everyone should have the chance - to do what they want.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- Yes, that's true enough.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- But it's very hard - when land is scarce.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Yes, it is. We have to look at it.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- Will you and Meinir be farming now?
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- The boys are in college - and what have you.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42- The two of you are very busy.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- The two of you are very busy.- - We have enough on our plates, yes.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- We have part-time staff coming in.
0:20:50 > 0:20:56- Yes, things are - a bit more difficult at the moment.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01- But Llion, the eldest, - has just graduated at Harper Adams.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- He fancies coming home.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- That would be nice.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- It would ease the burden - on you and the wife.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- Yes, the farm is still here...
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- ..but it's important that the sons - are free to pick their future paths.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Dafydd has reached the top - with his singing...
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- ..and it all started - in Nain, Mrs Brenda Jones' parlour.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- # There's a wideness in God's mercy
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- # Like the wideness of the sea
0:21:40 > 0:21:45- # There's a kindness in His justice
0:21:45 > 0:21:50- # Which is more than liberty
0:21:50 > 0:21:57- # There is no place - where earth's sorrows
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- # Are more felt than up in Heaven
0:22:03 > 0:22:09- # There is no place - where earth's failings
0:22:09 > 0:22:16- # Have such kindly judgment given
0:22:25 > 0:22:30- # But we make His love too narrow
0:22:30 > 0:22:35- # By false limits of our own
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- # And we magnify His strictness
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- # With a zeal He will not own
0:22:45 > 0:22:51- # If our love were but more simple
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- # We should take Him at His word
0:22:57 > 0:23:03- # And our lives - would be all sunshine
0:23:03 > 0:23:09- # In the sweetness of our Lord
0:23:09 > 0:23:20- # In the sweetness of our Lord #
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:25 > 0:23:25- .