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0:00:06 > 0:00:09- After hitting the heights - with Scarlets and Wales...
0:00:09 > 0:00:13- ..the story of an ex-player - and his new life.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- I get more satisfaction doing this - than anything I did on the field.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- Also on the programme, what's on - the menu for you this Christmas?
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- We meet a farmer who knows - how to please the customer.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- There's a demand - for free range chickens.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- People want to know - where they come from.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- We can see - that they come from Fishguard.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42- A Christmas tree farm where there's - plenty of work to keep Alun busy.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- We'll try one of the big ones - in the netter.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- You can pull. - We'll hold it, you can pull.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- I see. I need to prepare myself.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04- Welcome to the final Ffermio - of 2017.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- A year has flown by.
0:01:08 > 0:01:09- Yes indeed.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- At Christmas, we celebrate - all the fresh produce...
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- ..produced in our - farming communities.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- We often hear about rural pubs - closing down.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- This week, we're in the Butchers - in Llanddarog...
0:01:23 > 0:01:28- ..where a former Welsh rugby - international and his family...
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- ..have invested in their future.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- I'm off to meet them in Porthyrhyd.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- You two can go in to keep warm - by the fire. Ta-ra!
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- They're in the right place, - where they want to be.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- They're right in - opposition territory.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- They're going for it.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- They've scored the try.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- Powerful, physical and solid.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- Words that describe Dafydd Jones - on the rugby field.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- He's now swapped the playing field - for the racecourse.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- When did you become interested - in horses?
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- This is a change of direction.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- It is. I've always had an interest.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- I used to hunt when I was younger.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- I always wanted my own racehorse.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- It started with one - and that became two.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34- I just get huge satisfaction - doing this.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- I've had some success and some luck.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- It helps build confidence - to move on.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- Tell me more about the horses.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- I raise them to sell them.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- The foals, I sell them as foals.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- I keep the fillies on...
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- ..in the hope I can breed from them.
0:02:55 > 0:02:56- There are three mares here.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- I have room for eight - but I don't want any old mare.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- I need mares that fit the bill...
0:03:03 > 0:03:09- ..to make sure what we produce - will perform as well as it can.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- There's nothing guaranteed - in this game.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- The competitive streak is evident - in Dafydd.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- How does racing compare to rugby?
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- This is a challenge, - a huge challenge.
0:03:30 > 0:03:36- Everyone wants the best pedigrees. - I'm like everyone else.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- You have to get up in the morning - to feed them.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- There's a competitive element and - trade prices are high at the moment.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- This is a new one, I bought this one - in Ireland last month.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- Trade is as high now - as it's ever been.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- It's a competitive sector - but I'm doing things slowly.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- I'm doing what I can when I can. You - need some luck like everything else.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- The three mares I have this year...
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- ..when they produce foals - in springtime...
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- ..that's the best time for me.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- It's a very special time, isn't it?
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- It's fabulous, it's fabulous.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- It's the highlight of the season - for me.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- I don't enjoy the racing element - so much...
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- ..it's what happens at home.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- One won last week for JP McManus. - It left here as a four-year-old.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- It was called Out Of The Loop.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- They think the world of him.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- That's the first foal I sold. - It's such a great feeling.
0:04:41 > 0:04:48- I get more satisfaction doing this - than anything I did on the field.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- More than rugby?
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- It's hard to believe, yes, but - knowing they've been reared here...
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- ..it shows that - what we're doing works.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- Horses are easier to deal with - than rugby players!
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- I think that's true, - I think that's true.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- I'm not so sure about this one.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- This one's a naughty one.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- What's the target for these horses?
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- I just want to rear more winners, - it's as simple as that.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- There's no time for this family - to reminisce about the past.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- As well as the horses, - Dafydd and his wife, Lynwen...
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- ..have bought the Butchers - in Llanddarog.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- Well, Lynwen and Dafydd, - it's odd to see you behind the bar.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- It's a real career change.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- It's been a complete - change of career.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- I was a teacher for over 15 years.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- I was ready for a new challenge, - a new career.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- Had you ever dreamt - about owning a pub?
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- Not a pub, no. Daf wanted ideas - of businesses we could run.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- We were also thinking - about the children's futures too.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- Life has changed - for the whole family.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- Yes, it has. - Things have changed for us and them.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- It's very evident - that you're working hard here.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- I believe you get out - what you put in.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- That's the biggest challenge.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- It's been a busy time for us - over the past six months.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32- It's incredible how many people - have been in to support us.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- We have to praise the staff.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- From the very first day, - they've all been fantastic.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- We often see rural pubs - closing down.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- It's nice to see someone taking on - the challenge of keeping one open.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- Since the first day, we've been - very lucky with the local community.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- The locals have all been fantastic.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- The customers of the former owners - continue to come here.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- We've also attracted - new regular customers.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- It's a place where the community - can meet regularly.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- We're new to the area. Lynwen's - from Farmers, I'm from Llanarth.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- We've moved here and been welcomed - in Porthyrhyd and Llanddarog.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- The welcome has been incredible.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- We've met a lot of the pub's - local customers.
0:07:24 > 0:07:32- We feel very fortunate to be part - of a very close-knit community.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- We enjoy seeing people - coming here to enjoy good food...
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- ..have a drink and enjoy themselves.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- Well, Meinir, I hope you have - some racehorse tips for us.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- If I did, - I wouldn't be sharing them.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- I hope you've been busy peeling - potatoes or doing something useful.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Peeling potatoes? - I've done no such thing.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- But I have been sorting them out.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- Do you know precisely - what you're eating this Christmas?
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- When you look at the plate of food - in front of you...
0:08:16 > 0:08:21- ..are you confident - that you're eating Welsh produce?
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- According to figures published - by the NFU...
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- ..almost 60% of Welsh people - last year...
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- ..had no idea if the produce - on the plate in front of them...
0:08:34 > 0:08:35- ..was from Wales.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41- Only 18% of us ate a turkey - that was reared in Wales.
0:08:43 > 0:08:49- Less than 30% of Welsh people - ate potatoes grown in this country.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- I'm visiting one potato farmer - from Lleyn...
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- ..as he fills his potato sacks - for Christmas.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- Hirdre Fawr is located - between Edern and Tudweiliog.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- They milk almost 400 cattle - and grow four acres of potatoes.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- Our family have been here - since 1700.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- When did the family - start growing potatoes?
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- They've grown potatoes - almost the entire time.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- When did you get involved - in that tradition?
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- When we bought the machine - to lift potatoes from the field.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- We plant Wilja potatoes.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- Why Wilja?
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- Why Wilja?- - Everyone likes them.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- The potatoes at Hirdre Fawr - are planted in April.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- They're taken - from the ground in July.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- All the potatoes are stored - inside for the winter by September.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- How many potatoes - do you grow in a season?
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Between 15 and 20 tonnes per acre.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02- There's some waste in that too. - They end up feeding the cows.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- You can get up to 80 tonnes.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- Between everything.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- Are you surprised that - so few people buy Welsh potatoes...
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- ..for their Christmas dinner?
0:10:16 > 0:10:22- Yes, but they shop in supermarkets - and buy their potatoes from there.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- They get everything - in the supermarkets.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- Now is helped by his son, Robert.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- What will you do with these?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- We'll feed these to the cattle - in the shed.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- There's no real wastage here.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- No, the cattle enjoy eating them. - It's not a problem for them.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- Gareth Wyn, Now's cousin, - also helps him.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- How many hors - do you spend here every day?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- I'm here twice a week.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- How many sacks do you sell - this time of year?
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- We sell about 60 a week.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- Do you really?
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Gareth's stealing my potatoes!
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- You'd best be quick - or they'll be gone!
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- Jacket potatoes.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- # Potatoes, jacket potatoes #
0:11:43 > 0:11:44- It's busy.
0:11:44 > 0:11:50- Now delivers to local shops, - hotels and restaurants.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- Do you enjoy it?
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Yes, I enjoy every minute of it.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56- I'm used to it.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- You're the Hirdre potato king.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- That's a catchy title!
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- It is true what they say.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- If you have a sack of potatoes - at home...
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- ..you can make a quick - and simple meal.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- A huge sack for 8.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- You can't go wrong with that.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- You can't beat it. I'm looking - forward to eating this meal.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- After the break, join me in my quest - to find a Christmas tree.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- See you soon!
0:12:33 > 0:12:33- .
0:12:39 > 0:12:39- Subtitles
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- No Christmas would be complete - without decorating the house.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- The Christmas tree - is central to that.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- Whether it's artificial or real...
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- ..7m will be sold - across Britain this year.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Hundreds will come from here...
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- ..Parcyrhos, Blaencwrt, - Llanwnnen in Ceredigion.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13- Gareth and Wendy Evans...
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- ..have been growing trees - on their land for nine years.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- They started selling them - three years ago.
0:13:24 > 0:13:30- Gareth, Wendy, where did you get - the idea of buying and selling...
0:13:31 > 0:13:32- ..Christmas trees?
0:13:33 > 0:13:34- It's something unusual.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- We have 30 acres of land.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- We couldn't make a living with it - one way or the other.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- We wanted a hobby but also - a source of extra income.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- The income comes - in a small space of time...
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- ..but you invest your time - over a long period.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02- We grow the trees for seven years - before we cut them down.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- What did you know about - growing trees before you started?
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- Not much, to be honest.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- We had a friend - in a neighbouring village...
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- ..who used to run a pub.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- He had one field of Christmas trees.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- We spoke to him - and took it from there.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- We're still learning.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- What does the customer like - these days?
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- Is any one particular size - popular in general?
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- Every customer is different.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- I might not like the tree - on our presentation stand...
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- ..but a customer - might love the tree.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- Some want a bushy tree while others - want a tall, thinner tree.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- Everyone is different.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- There's a lot of variety.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58- Four different kinds of trees - are grown here.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- Norway Spruce, Nordman Fir, - Fraser Fir and Noble Fir.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- There's a variety - in type and size...
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- ..which is essential - to appeal to the customer.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- How does your year shape up - in terms of the trees?
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Is there anything - you have to do every month?
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- After Christmas, - we check the trees every February.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- We trim them back.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- That helps them keep their shape.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- We don't want them growing too big.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- Like people, you have some tall - trees and you have some wide trees.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- All the trees are different.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- We don't use any chemicals - or fertiliser.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- They grow completely naturally.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- The Christmas tree - is a Christmas tree.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- You also have interesting sheep - - two very rare breeds.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- We normally keep Llanwenog sheep.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- I was told that the Shropshire sheep - would live around the trees...
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- ..and not eat them.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- Come to think of it, Llanwenog sheep - came from a Shropshire ram...
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- ..and a Llanllwni mountain sheep.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- We keep Llanwenog sheep in the field - around Christmas time...
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- ..and they behave themselves.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- To keep the grass height down.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- Otherwise the grass would grow - and ruin the trees.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25- Yes.
0:16:25 > 0:16:32- We've cut this tree down. What's - happening to this tree tonight?
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Is there a local event?
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- If you have time, you can help me - pull it through the netter.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- We'll load it on the trailer...
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- ..and there's late-night shopping - in Lampeter tonight.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- You don't deal in a lot of weight - - they're quite light.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- We'll try one of the big ones - in the netter.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- You can pull. - We'll hold it, you can pull.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- I see. - I've got to prepare myself now.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Grab the base.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- Shake it up and down.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- That's like pulling a calf.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- It's a good one.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- I'd say you enjoy what you're doing.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- It's nice to get something - out of your own ground.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- We have a small area - to grow trees...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..so it's more of a hobby - than anything else.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- You bring happiness - into people's lives...
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- ..at a time of celebration.
0:18:17 > 0:18:23- Christmas is a very special time - to spend with family and friends.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- For me, personally, one of the - highlights is the plucking work.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- Here, on Cilshafe Farm, - I'm in my element.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- There are feathers - and birds everywhere.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- I keep chickens and turkeys - on our farm at home.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Martyn and Danielle Lloyd...
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- ..keep thousands of turkeys, geese, - ducks and chickens near Fishguard.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- Traditionally, a goose was the - chosen meat for Christmas dinner.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- These days, - two-thirds of us now choose turkey.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- We're expected to eat 10m turkeys - this year.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- We need many families - like the Lloyds...
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- ..to ensure - that no-one is left disappointed.
0:19:12 > 0:19:18- We're a family farm. - Dani and I do everything ourselves.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- We receive customer feedback, - there's no middle man.
0:19:24 > 0:19:31- Customers phone me up and - I have to serve them straight away.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- That's very important these days.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35- Absolutely.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- After a Farming Connect meeting - in Fishguard...
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- ..the family decided to keep - poultry and grabbed the opportunity.
0:19:43 > 0:19:49- There was a gap in the market - for free rang chickens.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- Dani said, "Oh, we can do that."
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- We started off with 30 chickens.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- That's how it all started.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- The business - has developed considerably.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- They now keep 10,000 birds...
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- ..a significant increase - over 10 years.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- Who plucks and opens the poultry?
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- I kill the poultry. - I have staff who pluck the poultry.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- Dani opens them up and dresses them. - She does everything.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- Wow, she works very hard, I'd say.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- Absolutely. - She's a workhorse. Absolutely.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- Danielle doesn't have - a farming background...
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- ..but she's totally committed - to the work.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- I do all the dressing - of the chickens.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Once they're dressed, - they go into the chiller.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- They're weighed up and sent out - to farm shops and butchers.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- Was it difficult - moving into farming life?
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- No. When I was a kid, I wanted - to be a lorry driver or farmer.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- We did that, both of them, - didn't we?
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- So yes, it's enjoyable. I wouldn't - want to work for anyone else.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- Yes, nice.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- With four children - and one on the way in January...
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- ..there's plenty of work here - for Martyn and Danielle.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- They do all the hard work - to keep their customers happy.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- Of course, looking after - the farm business is crucial.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- How much of a difference have - these birds done to your business...
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- ..compared to the time - this was a beef and sheep farm?
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- Massive, massive.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- We have about 50% more turnover.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- There's a demand - for free range chickens.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- People want to know - where they come from.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- We can see - that they come from Fishguard.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- They're enjoying themselves today. - It's great to see.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05- The sea's very close too.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- One simple fact - falls in their favour.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18- From Fishguard to Chepstow, - no other farm is free range...
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- ..like our farm.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- The poultry isn't the only thing - keeping them busy.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30- They have another enterprise - which ties everything together.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- There's a farm shop in Fishguard.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- We also have a cafe - and a restaurant next door.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- Mainly selling produce - from this farm?
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- We sell everything from this farm - in the shop.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- How do you cope with all the work?
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- I enjoy what I do.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- I don't want to do anything else.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- It's been great talking to people...
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- ..who make the most of the land - under their feet...
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- ..and make our experience - of Christmas as local as possible.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- It's also nice to see people - who work hard succeeding.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- That's all for another year.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- Thank you to each - and every one of you...
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- ..for your support and company - throughout the year.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- We'll see you again on 2018.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- From the three of us...
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- Merry Christmas.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56- .