0:00:27 > 0:00:30From ploughing frosted fields in deep midwinter...
0:00:31 > 0:00:34..welcoming signs of new life in spring...
0:00:39 > 0:00:42..to the golden fields of summer's end...
0:00:42 > 0:00:44and bringing the harvest home...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49..the farming year is always a busy one.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Over the years, farming has seen a lot of changes,
0:00:54 > 0:00:56what with state-of-the-art machinery and modern crops.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58But despite all the advances,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01the rhythm of the farming year remains pretty much the same.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12As a farmer, my job is all about preparing for the seasons ahead.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Here on our farm in the Cotswolds,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18next year's crops have been planted and the summer harvest sold.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24So I'm mainly concentrating on our livestock today.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27I've got a bull to sell, some cattle to feed,
0:01:27 > 0:01:29and these little piglets to check on.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32They're just a week old.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Aren't they lovely?
0:01:35 > 0:01:38I'll also be looking back on the farming year, with some
0:01:38 > 0:01:41favourites from the Countryfile archives.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Like when Ellie met the farmers
0:01:43 > 0:01:46helping vulnerable wildlife flourish...
0:01:46 > 0:01:49And these guys are the new front-line in the battle
0:01:49 > 0:01:52to save our birds.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55..when Matt met the young farmers scrubbing their stock
0:01:55 > 0:01:58and fluffing up fleece for the annual county show...
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Don't be nervous, you'll be absolutely fine.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04You just go in there and do your thing and relax.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06If you're relaxed, she'll be relaxed.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11..and the time Anita met a farmer harvesting for health.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- Do you use the products? - I do, of course.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Well, you're looking good for 105, I must say.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18SHE LAUGHS
0:02:27 > 0:02:29The great thing about farming
0:02:29 > 0:02:32is you always know what's coming up in the year ahead.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35The weather may throw a few spanners in the works, but there's
0:02:35 > 0:02:39usually a comforting predictability about the changing seasons.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46We've got both livestock and arable on our farm here in the Cotswolds.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50All the crops were planted in the autumn and are growing very well.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52At this time of year, the grass is starting to run out,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55and we need to start feeding some fodder to our cattle.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59But my first job today is to get these three young Highland bulls
0:02:59 > 0:03:00up into the handling pens.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03I've got a prospective buyer coming to look at them.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06And these are all sons of my old favourite, Eric.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08There's one random Beltie in with them, too.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11I bought Eric back in 2011
0:03:11 > 0:03:13and I know you shouldn't have favourites,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15but I had a real soft spot for him -
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and he soon became the nation's favourite, too.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Eric did me proud, producing some great offspring.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Remember the little silver bull calf that you, the viewers, named Nevis?
0:03:30 > 0:03:32He's a feisty two-year-old now.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35HE WHISTLES
0:03:35 > 0:03:36Hey!
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Go on, Nevis! Go on! Go on!
0:03:43 > 0:03:45Go on! HE WHISTLES
0:03:45 > 0:03:48'Well, this is one way to keep warm on a winter's morning.'
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Yay! Got him.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57I'll just shut the gate.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59'My buyer today is Ben Firth.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01'A local farmer who keeps Highland cattle
0:04:01 > 0:04:03'just down the road in Stow on the Wold.'
0:04:07 > 0:04:08- All right, Ben? - Hi, Adam, how are you?
0:04:08 > 0:04:09- Good to see you.- And you.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- How's things? - All right, not bad, thanks.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15You've got three to choose from, Ben.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- Brilliant.- Come on in.- Thank you.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20So how come you're after a bull, then?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23I lost mine through TB, over the last four years.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26So I thought I'd get another one, try and build my herd back up.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- How many cows have you got? - Just nine. Just nine Highlands, yes.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33That's more than we've got, actually, we've only got five at the moment.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- But they are lovely cattle, aren't they?- Oh, brilliant.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- I love them to pieces.- So what are you looking for in a good Highland?
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Nice frame, nice, stocky... stocky-looking animal.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- I like the head, I like a nice set of horns.- Yeah.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52McGhee here, he is three years old, or just over three.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56Blondie looking bull. And then Noble, the very red one.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01And Nevis, which is a silver colour, and he's just sort of pale dun.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03And when he was born, he was really silver.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- I had never seen anything like it. - I've got three silver ones myself.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- Have you?- I like the look of Nevis there.- And your name is Ben.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Ben Nevis is perfect.- Ideal, yes.
0:05:13 > 0:05:14THEY LAUGH
0:05:14 > 0:05:16It is a match made in heaven.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17I think it could be.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Well, I mentioned the price, it is 1,600 quid, on the phone.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- Is that OK?- Yes, that is perfect.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- Brilliant. All right, thanks, Ben. - Lovely.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25- We'll get them loaded.- Perfect.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30There's a good boy. There's a good boy.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Nice and quiet, isn't he?
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- He is, very.- Come on, fella.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Go on.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39'Hopefully, Nevis will be a hit with the ladies
0:05:39 > 0:05:42'and produce some fine offspring for Ben on his farm.'
0:05:44 > 0:05:48There's a good boy. Perfect, Ben.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50OK, so there is Nevis's passport.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- They all need a passport with them to travel.- Yeah.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56And there's the registration document.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- So we just need to put your name and address on that.- OK.- And away you go.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03'So Nevis is off to a good home from home.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06'Just down the road, in the gentle Cotswolds.'
0:06:08 > 0:06:12But last winter, I visited the snow-capped Yorkshire Dales
0:06:12 > 0:06:15to meet a farmer and his hardy herd
0:06:15 > 0:06:18braving the elements in a much tougher landscape.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28This scenery is classic Yorkshire Dales.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32And with the snow on the ground, it looks absolutely stunning.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34And dotted around in the valley and up on the hills,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36you can see the odd sheep and cow.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39But they look very small in this huge landscape,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41and quite insignificant, but actually,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44they've played a major role in shaping this land
0:06:44 > 0:06:46for thousands of years.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Nothing is as natural as it appears.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Farmers down the millennia have worked
0:06:53 > 0:06:55and made this land what it is today.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Those early farmers must have found it pretty tough going up here.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04The landscape is hard and unforgiving.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07The weather at times can be harsh and unpredictable,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09so shelter was essential.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Just imagine what it must have been like
0:07:11 > 0:07:14for those prehistoric farmers when they came across this place.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Malham Cove.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27This natural limestone amphitheatre offered protection from the elements,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30somewhere to shelter from the ice and the snow.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33The survival of those early farmers would have depended on it.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41It's been described as one of the natural wonders of Britain.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44To find out more, I'm meeting Miles Johnson.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48He's the archaeological adviser for the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51- Hi, Miles.- Hello there.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- Thanks for coming to meet me. - My pleasure.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- What a spectacular view, isn't it? - Oh, I love Malham Cove.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59It is just one of those places you've got to see
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- if you come to the Dales. - And how was it formed?
0:08:02 > 0:08:05It is basically a complicated geological feature,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07partly formed by the ice sheet in the last glaciation.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11At one stage it was a massive waterfall.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15But subsequently, the stream that formed the waterfall disappeared,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18went underground and now comes out at the base of the cove.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20And forms this stream we are standing over.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Forms the stream that we stand over, yes.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27So those early farmers had water and shelter.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Evidence that they were here is all around us.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33These long ridges are cultivation terraces,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36remnants of the medieval farming landscape.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Here, farmers would have planted oats, turnips and swedes.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45These acres have been farmed for thousands of years,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47and they're still being farmed today.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01I'm joining my old mate Neil Heseltine.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Neil farms a herd of Belted Galloways -
0:09:04 > 0:09:06hardy cattle suited to this land.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- Hi, Neil.- Hi, how are you?- I was told you were up with your cattle,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- but it's quite a walk, isn't it? - It is, you managed it all right.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17I did, yes. And the cattle seem to thrive up here.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Yes, really pleased with them, actually.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21You know, they obviously live up here all winter,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24and they are looking in good fettle at the moment.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26So it is about grazing to suit the environment,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- as well as looking after the cattle. - Yes, it is.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31It is about getting this grass down so that the flowers are allowed to
0:09:31 > 0:09:33flower in spring and come through,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36so the sward isn't dominated by grasses.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38We've got to move these to another field to sort of do the same
0:09:38 > 0:09:41thing there, so if you want to give us a hand, that would be great.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44You always get me working up here when I come and see you.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Well, I know you do very little at home,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- so we will put you to some work. - Yeah, all right.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Come on, girls.- They're going along very nicely, aren't they?
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Yes, well, they have been along the route a few times now
0:10:01 > 0:10:02so they kind of know the way.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05And with a bike and trail in front of them,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07with a load of silage, they just follow their noses.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12These dry stone walls are amazing,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14quite different to what we have the Cotswolds.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Yes, I mean, obviously there's a plentiful supply of stone around,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20so they could make them as high as they wanted, really.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23And I think these roads would originally be sort of built
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and then closed for moving stock along, primarily.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27It is only probably in recent times
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- that they've become actual roads for cars.- Yeah.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32We've got to get around this car, is that a problem?
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Well, not really, as long as they get sided up, as we call it,
0:10:36 > 0:10:37as long as they get well in the side.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40The cattle will get past OK, as long as he turns his engine off.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43But they sometimes get a bit funny with us.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46But it is the cars that are impostors on the road, not the cows.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48ADAM LAUGHS
0:10:53 > 0:10:57So, are your cattle fed purely on grass, or do you feed grain
0:10:57 > 0:10:59and concentrate pellets to them?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01No, we've had them for about 12 years now
0:11:01 > 0:11:03and we've never fed them any grain whatsoever.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06And is there a premium for that kind of meat?
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Well, yes, we've actually become approved suppliers
0:11:09 > 0:11:11of the Pasture-fed Livestock Association,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14which deal entirely with mainly beef and lamb,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17which is all produced without any use of grain whatsoever.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Incredible. You think of the archaeology,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23the people who have been here for thousands of years, producing meat,
0:11:23 > 0:11:25that you are now doing today.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31And just like those old farmers, we have to be ready for anything...
0:11:34 > 0:11:37..because nature has a tendency to bite back.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42The blizzard comes out of nowhere.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49The Belted Galloways just plough on, seemingly oblivious.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52For Neil and I, it's not quite so easy,
0:11:52 > 0:11:54and we soon fall behind the herd.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57But there's more trouble ahead.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00It looks like the last bit of the journey is going to be
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- the hardest bit, Adam. - How are we going to get this open?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- I think all we can do is dig it out, I think.- Crikey.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07Is this field where they're going?
0:12:07 > 0:12:09This is where we are going to finish up.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- So if you could just start digging that out, Adam.- Righto.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Give me the sunny Cotswolds any day.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19ADAM CHUCKLES
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Keep going that way.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Told you to bring a shovel.
0:12:27 > 0:12:28ADAM LAUGHS
0:12:32 > 0:12:34'With the gate finally open,
0:12:34 > 0:12:38'we tempt the cattle through with some tasty silage.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41'When the snow melts, they'll get to work grazing,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44'keeping the grass short, allowing wild flowers
0:12:44 > 0:12:46'to burst through later in the spring.'
0:12:47 > 0:12:49So this is their nice new home.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Yes, they will be glad we brought them, won't they?- It is horrible.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- And they are stood here, steady as rocks, whereas I'm freezing.- Yes.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59It comes back to the hardiness we were talking about before.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00You know, they are bred to do this.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Hopefully, like I say, the next couple of days,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05we will keep an eye on them, but they should be fine.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10From earliest times, farmers have worked this countryside,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13battling the elements, eking out a living.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17But they've left their mark and continue to shape this land.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Winter is not only a tough time for animals.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Lots of farmers these days don't just farm with cattle
0:13:30 > 0:13:32and crops in mind, but wildlife, too.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38We're part of a Higher Level Stewardship scheme,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40which means we get a government grant
0:13:40 > 0:13:44to plant special areas around our fields to provide food for wildlife.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47I'm a strong believer that if you've got healthy wildlife,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49you've got a healthy farm.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55And there's a new event in the farming year
0:13:55 > 0:13:57to promote farming for wildlife,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00in particular our dwindling numbers of birds.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Ellie found out more about it back in February.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14Sunrise over Leicestershire's rich, agricultural pastures.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18The best time to look and listen in this perfect setting.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24But there's a battle in our countryside to save
0:14:24 > 0:14:27some of our most vulnerable wild birds.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35More than half our farmland bird population has gone since the 1970s.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40Once-common species like corn bunting, tree sparrows
0:14:40 > 0:14:43and grey partridge are now a rare sight.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46The cause is well understood -
0:14:46 > 0:14:50intensive farming, pesticides, and the list goes on.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53But it's farming itself that might just bring the birds back.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01I've come to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust's research farm.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Here, the trust have been looking at the decline,
0:15:04 > 0:15:06and more importantly, how to stop it.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10They believe the key to recovery rests with farmers.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Last year, the trust began the Big Farmland Bird Count.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Farmers were asked to spend just 30 minutes recording the species
0:15:20 > 0:15:23and number of birds on their land.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29The trust's head of training, Jim Keegan, came up with the idea.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32What we want to do is get farmers engaged, to actually go out,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35spend that half-hour, look and enjoy birds.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Because they are hard-working people,
0:15:37 > 0:15:39they've got to produce food for us,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42and they don't always get a chance to look up and see.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46They've got a really good overview of what's on their farm most times.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48But to actually go out and identify everything
0:15:48 > 0:15:50and see what habitats it is using,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52they don't always take time out to do it.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55We did a count last year for the first time.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57We had 500 farmers take part
0:15:57 > 0:16:00and they saw 116 different species between them.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02We saw every Red List species there is
0:16:02 > 0:16:04that's associated with the farmland.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- That gives you a positive take. - A sense of hope.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08And a sense of hope.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14An increasing number of farmers are doing their bit,
0:16:14 > 0:16:18from growing plants to encourage the insects birds feed on,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21to maintaining hedges for them to shelter in.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25More and more farmers are thinking about our wild birds.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27But before they can save the birds,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29they need to be able to spot the birds,
0:16:29 > 0:16:30and that's what's going on in here,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33so I'm going to go and join them in the classroom.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40So what is a farmland bird exactly?
0:16:42 > 0:16:46OK, well, welcome, everybody, to this farmland bird ID day...
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Expert Peter Thompson is about to tell us.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51He'll turn these farmers into birders.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53They'll soon be able to spot linnets...
0:16:55 > 0:16:56..reed buntings...
0:16:59 > 0:17:01..and yellowhammers -
0:17:01 > 0:17:05all birds in decline who depend on farmland.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09But here we have a house sparrow. And that's the cock bird.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12And notice here, look, that the lovely black bib that it's got.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Fantastic. Right round the front, black bib. And also...
0:17:16 > 0:17:19But there's only so much you can do in a classroom.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Right, time to put this theory into practice.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27OK, now we're out on a beautiful sunny day,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30so, perfect for bird-watching, if you like.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33We can see already, up this hedge, we've got quite a lot
0:17:33 > 0:17:35of different farmland birds here.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36BIRDSONG
0:17:38 > 0:17:40You are a busy farmer.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Do you get a chance to look around and enjoy the birds while working?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45You do, but I think we completely take it for granted.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48The great thing about this count is it makes us stop and count them
0:17:48 > 0:17:51and share that information with the public and then tell this
0:17:51 > 0:17:54great story of what birds we've got in the countryside.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55People who adorn their offices
0:17:55 > 0:18:00and workspaces with nice pictures of pot plants, I'm trying to do that
0:18:00 > 0:18:02with my farm as my workplace -
0:18:02 > 0:18:04essentially, my massive outdoor office -
0:18:04 > 0:18:07and adorning it with the natural flora and fauna of the area,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10and of course, that includes farmland birds.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13So it's very important that we count these birds and farmers can then
0:18:13 > 0:18:17check the health of their farm by the numbers that they get.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24'So what can farmers do to help? Peter is going to show me.'
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Here we are walking right now on a field of wheat.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30And when you look at it, it is just wheat growing.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33There's no broadleaf weeds, so next spring the insects,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36that come in on those broadleaved leaves won't be there.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39So there's no real food value in these fields for birds.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41So what's the solution?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44How do we farm successfully and allow birds to flourish?
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Well, there's lots of measures.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- So let's go and have a look at some, shall we?- OK.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55Ordinarily, how much of this field would have been used for crops?
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Oh, the whole thing, right up to the edge.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59But now what we've done is
0:18:59 > 0:19:01we've taken quite a large section out here.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Enormous, yeah.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Yeah, and we've planted wild bird seed mixture in,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09which is really just literally growing a crop - not for us,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11but to feed the wildlife, to feed those farmland birds.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14And they flock into here in massive numbers.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17There's another strip just further along here. What's happening there?
0:19:17 > 0:19:21This one here is an annual crop, so that will get destroyed
0:19:21 > 0:19:23and re-drilled come this spring.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26This time of year is quite tricky, isn't it?
0:19:26 > 0:19:29It's early on in the year and there's very little to be eaten.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32The trouble is we have a hungry gap at the moment.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34These seed crops are running out of seed.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37This is white millet and that's what we grow.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Absolutely love - yellowhammers, reed buntings, all sorts of species.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44But let me just scrape that through and put it in my hand...
0:19:44 > 0:19:46and then blow.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Look, that's nearly all gone. - There's nothing left.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52There's absolutely nothing left.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54They've been in and eaten all that seed.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56So now they're getting really hungry.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59It's no good feeding these birds up until mid-January
0:19:59 > 0:20:02and then they starve to death, we need to keep feeding.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- That's where your bucket comes in. - Where will this go?
0:20:04 > 0:20:07It needs to be on the ground where the birds can land and peck at it.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10So a trackside like we've got along the hedge here would be perfect.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Chuck it right here? - Yeah, just lob some onto the path.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Why this is such a good place, tracks, because you're coming
0:20:18 > 0:20:21up and down every day, you can just come and throw a little bit out.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24But also we're right next to this fabulously thick hedge,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27so should a sparrowhawk or danger of any sort come,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31the birds will pile into that hedge and that's real safety for them.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34What are your hopes, then, for the future of farm birds?
0:20:34 > 0:20:38We've proved here that actually you can have intensive farming
0:20:38 > 0:20:42and you can have plenty of farmland birds - we've shown that.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44We just need to get lots of farmers to do it.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46And I think we've got to remember
0:20:46 > 0:20:49that we are in a very man-made landscape now.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Everything you look at out there is influenced by farming
0:20:53 > 0:20:55and agriculture and human beings.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57And so we, if you like,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00need to grow plants, grow crops for birds,
0:21:00 > 0:21:01do this supplementary feeding,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04and that way, we can actually help these birds,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- and if we do, they'll flourish. - Wonderful.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13Despite being in the depths of winter, back on my farm,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16we're looking forward to new life.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20We're just coming to the end of the mating, or tupping, season.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23These rams have been doing their thing with the ewes,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26so hopefully we should have a field full of healthy lambs
0:21:26 > 0:21:29next February, March time.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Now that tupping time has come to an end,
0:21:36 > 0:21:39I'm going to catch these two rams
0:21:39 > 0:21:41and put them in the trailer and take them away from the ewes.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43I'll just get my dog and some food.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49The ewes come into season every 17 or 18 days,
0:21:49 > 0:21:53and the rams have to recognise when they're in season and receptive.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58And they often lift up their top lip as they can sense whether the ewes
0:21:58 > 0:21:59are in season or not,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02and if they are, then of course they mate with them.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05All these ewes have been marked now. They wear this harness
0:22:05 > 0:22:07with a crayon on the front,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10and when they mate with the ewes, they leave a mark and we change
0:22:10 > 0:22:13the colour of the crayon so we know who is going to give birth when.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17These are two Dorset rams - Poll Dorsets.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18They're lovely, friendly rams.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21I don't think they're going to be very difficult to catch.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22I'll just shake a bucket
0:22:22 > 0:22:25and hopefully they'll jump in the back of the trailer.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Come on, boys.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Come on.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Go on, in you go!
0:22:36 > 0:22:37HE LAUGHS
0:22:37 > 0:22:40They're better behaved than people's dogs!
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Oh, good boys!
0:22:42 > 0:22:44That'll do. Here, hup!
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Right, let's let them out.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09What I've got in here is a bunch of rams,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11and all the rams live together during the winter months
0:23:11 > 0:23:14and then will go back to the ewes again next autumn.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17So I'm just going to mix these two in.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21Come on, boys.
0:23:23 > 0:23:24There's good lads.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30And I'll take their harnesses off.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38We put them in a pen like this so that they can't hurt each other,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42because they're quite aggressive at this time of year and they'll fight.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45And when they're in close quarters like this they can't stand back
0:23:45 > 0:23:48and butt each other very hard.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52They push each other around a bit, but after 24 hours,
0:23:52 > 0:23:54they've got used to each other,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57the smells of each ram has rubbed on to one another,
0:23:57 > 0:24:00and then they settle down and just live as a group.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Right, there we go.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06You can see this one's been fighting a bit already.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08We've had to put a bit of antiseptic spray on his head.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Now, no scrapping, boys!
0:24:15 > 0:24:17After a long winter,
0:24:17 > 0:24:21we all welcome the arrival of spring, especially farmers.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23BLEATING
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Last March, we caught up with Matt as he helped out his mum
0:24:29 > 0:24:31on Mother's Day,
0:24:31 > 0:24:35welcoming some new arrivals to the family farm in the Durham Dales.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Now, I absolutely love this place, but, to be honest with you,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43I didn't really appreciate the Durham Dales until I left,
0:24:43 > 0:24:48and I find that they're like a magnet that just keeps drawing me back.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Mum and Dad moved here from the former mining town of Easington
0:24:51 > 0:24:54when I was a young lad, and it's somewhere I escape to
0:24:54 > 0:24:57whenever I can with my kids, so they can experience the natural wonders
0:24:57 > 0:25:01that I had on my doorstep as a youngster.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06But today, that's not why I'm here.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09I'm going to give my mum the day off.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- Awww! - This is your Mother's Day breakfast.
0:25:13 > 0:25:14- Oh, my word!- There we are.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16That's a small butty, isn't it, sweetheart?
0:25:16 > 0:25:19I know, don't worry about it. Let me just grab me cup of tea.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20Cheers!
0:25:23 > 0:25:27Well, it's not just my mum that's getting some extra attention today.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32There's a whole load of expectant mums in the lambing shed
0:25:32 > 0:25:35that need a little bit of extra TLC.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40We keep one of the most northerly flocks of Hampshire Downs
0:25:40 > 0:25:42in the country.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45The young male tups are out in the pastures at the moment
0:25:45 > 0:25:48as all of the focus is on the ewes.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51All these girls in here, they're first-time lambers
0:25:51 > 0:25:54and they've been put to a young tup, so it's a very exciting time
0:25:54 > 0:25:57for us to see what the offspring is going to look like.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00And speaking of which, this little fella here was born first thing
0:26:00 > 0:26:05this morning, and you can see already her instinct, how it's kicking in.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08She's stamping her foot. She just wants us to keep our distance.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Which we will, my darling, I'm just giving you a bit of breakfast.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12There we are.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15BLEATING
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Since these girls are inside ready to lamb
0:26:20 > 0:26:24they get spoiled with a mixture of hard feed and home-grown hay.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28There's a lot of goodness in that. Would you like some?
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Of course you would. BLEATING
0:26:31 > 0:26:35Because this is a pedigree flock, the newborn females will
0:26:35 > 0:26:38stay on the farm for breeding, joining the rest of the Baker clan -
0:26:38 > 0:26:42a flock of Hebrideans, our Cairn terriers,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Beano, the pony, our Border collie, Monty,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Riff Raff, the farm cat
0:26:47 > 0:26:48and this lot,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50my mum's pride and joy.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Say hello to Augustine, to Winifred...
0:26:53 > 0:26:55There you are, my dear.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57We'll carry on going along here,
0:26:57 > 0:27:02because hopefully you'll be able to meet little Luna and Sophia.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04These are all miniature donkeys.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07And welcome to the miniature stable-yard, look,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09where the stable doors are only knee-high.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11HE CHUCKLES
0:27:11 > 0:27:16'Today, the miniature donkeys have an appointment with the local farrier.'
0:27:16 > 0:27:18Come on, Winifred! Come on, my dear.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Right, now, Winifred is off to see the jack very shortly,
0:27:21 > 0:27:25so hopefully she'll be having a foal around this time next year.
0:27:25 > 0:27:26So she has to look her best
0:27:26 > 0:27:29and, Tom, you're going to do Winnie, aren't you?
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- Yeah.- It's quite an interesting part of your apprenticeship, I guess?
0:27:32 > 0:27:33Yeah, it is.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- You get to see all different types, all different sizes of things.- Yeah?
0:27:36 > 0:27:40So, essentially, there, Tom, you're just kind of filing down,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43almost like cutting fingernails. But would you ever be in a situation
0:27:43 > 0:27:45where you'd think about putting a tiny little shoe on there?
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Not on a little donkey like this,
0:27:47 > 0:27:48because its rate of growth
0:27:48 > 0:27:51is normally greater than its rate of wear.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54But a donkey in other countries, when they're getting rode
0:27:54 > 0:27:56and doing a lot of miles on the roads,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00then you might have to put a shoe on just for protection.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01Yeah.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04There's a queue here now, look! SCRAPING
0:28:04 > 0:28:06MATT CHUCKLES
0:28:06 > 0:28:07It's like a nail bar!
0:28:08 > 0:28:12'To complete Winifred's pedicure, some nail varnish,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15'to keep her hooves in tiptop condition.'
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Well, there we are, my dear. I think you're done. What do you think, Mum?
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Delighted.- Yes?- Absolutely. Well done, Tom. Thank you very much.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24No bother.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38BEES BUZZ, BIRDS SING
0:28:41 > 0:28:43ADAM: As spring gives way to summer,
0:28:43 > 0:28:47we reach the climax of the farming calendar - harvest time.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52Combines chug through the fields, reaping the bounty of the land.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56But not everything we grow is harvested for food,
0:28:56 > 0:28:59as Anita discovered last summer.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04ANITA: In the shadow of the Black Mountains,
0:29:04 > 0:29:06to the west of Herefordshire,
0:29:06 > 0:29:10the fertile fields are producing food of a different kind.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Rather than feeding the appetite,
0:29:12 > 0:29:16this farm sets out to nourish the body in a different way.
0:29:18 > 0:29:19For the past 30 years,
0:29:19 > 0:29:23these five acres have been abundant with colour.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28This farm harnesses the power of flowers and harvests for health.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32Marshmallow is an emollient - it softens and soothes the skin.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38'Having studied botany and plant physiology the world over,
0:29:38 > 0:29:43'Dr Paul Richards' fascination with the herbal uses of plants blossomed.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45'He returned to Herefordshire,
0:29:45 > 0:29:48'growing herbs and flowers to make skincare products.'
0:29:50 > 0:29:53When did your love of plants begin, Paul?
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Well, it actually started when I was really very young,
0:29:56 > 0:29:59because my father and uncle were really keen on wild plants.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04- This is echinacea.- Right.- Obviously well known as a cold remedy.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07You say it's well known as a cold remedy.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11I mean, do we know that plants can have medicinal properties?
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Most definitely, and there's lots of evidence.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16As well as traditional evidence,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19they've actually done lots of trials on this.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23I mean, 75% of commercial medicines have some origin in plants.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- Such as morphine?- Morphine, yes.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- Poppies?- From poppies, yes. - There's aspirin.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Yeah, aspirin.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35The word "aspirin" actually comes from spiria, a genus of plants
0:30:35 > 0:30:39including meadowsweet, known for their pain-relieving properties.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46But these crops have all been especially selected
0:30:46 > 0:30:49for their ability to nurture and protect the skin.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- Do you use the products? - I do, of course.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- Well, you're looking good for 105, though, Paul!- Yeah, absolutely!
0:30:56 > 0:31:00Marshmallow provides the basis for a lot of Paul's products,
0:31:00 > 0:31:04and I don't mean the type you devoured as a child.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07We use the root, actually, of this plant and it has mucilages in it.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09What's a mucilage?
0:31:09 > 0:31:14A mucilage, it's a soft, silky substance that soothes the skin
0:31:14 > 0:31:16and it also attracts moisture and holds it in the skin.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- Like a mucousy...- Yeah...- Snotty...
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- No, no! Silky!- Silky!- Yes!
0:31:23 > 0:31:25OK, that's the better adjective.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Although we don't harvest until later,
0:31:28 > 0:31:29we've dug one up for you to see.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34- If you open it up you can feel this silkiness to it.- Yeah!
0:31:34 > 0:31:36When you extract it in water,
0:31:36 > 0:31:39you get this lovely sort of jelly.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41So when we started, we championed the use of marshmallow
0:31:41 > 0:31:42because it's such a good herb
0:31:42 > 0:31:44and very few people were using it at the time.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47But we notice that quite a lot are using it now
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- because they realise how good it is. - I bet! Well, it feels lovely.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56The crops are grown organically and the small team sow, grow
0:31:56 > 0:31:58and harvest everything by hand.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01These marigolds, we call them Calendula,
0:32:01 > 0:32:03because that's the type of marigold they are.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06They're anti-inflammatory, which is very useful if you've got
0:32:06 > 0:32:09sensitive skin, obviously, to use an anti-inflammatory.
0:32:09 > 0:32:14'To get from seed to skin, the flowers and herbs are first picked...
0:32:17 > 0:32:22'..then cleaned and chopped, before their resins can be extracted.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26'Paul's wife Carol is showing me
0:32:26 > 0:32:30'the next step in the process, in the purpose-built drying room.'
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Doesn't it look beautiful in here?
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Yes, beautiful colours, aren't they?
0:32:39 > 0:32:43We've got two layers of drying herbs here and the fans sort of move up,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47a gentle heat comes through the herbs and just dries.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Do you know why I love this? There's something very... It's very hands-on.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54It also feels like something you could do yourself.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57It's very easy to make a simple balm, but it's actually
0:32:57 > 0:33:02- the quality of the organic herbs really makes a big difference.- Mm.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06The dried flowers are then infused in sunflower oil
0:33:06 > 0:33:09at a warm temperature for around three weeks.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13Once strained, you have the flower oil extract.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17Hairnet on. Now, I thought I was here to beautify myself, Sarah.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20'And into the farm's field lab,
0:33:20 > 0:33:23'where it's Sarah's job to create the finished products.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27'And she's captured a real flavour of Herefordshire.'
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- Today we are doing temple balm.- OK.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32So this is going to be a nice sort of calming,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36soothing balm to obviously put on your temples.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39In here we have Herefordshire hops.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42- There's something relaxing about hops, is there?- Definitely, yes.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Years ago they used to use hop pillows
0:33:44 > 0:33:47like we would use lavender now.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50And in here, this one is lovely, this is the meadowsweet,
0:33:50 > 0:33:54which is a wild herb that grows in the hedgerows.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58And that has a mild pain-relieving element to it.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01We're sterilised and ready.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04'To a base of sunflower oil,
0:34:04 > 0:34:07'I add the infused hops and meadowsweet.'
0:34:08 > 0:34:11This is organic beeswax.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13So that's obviously to help the balm set.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16- How's that?- Yeah, lovely.- Happy?
0:34:16 > 0:34:19That's it. Pop it in. In it goes.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22'Leave for two hours to allow the oils to blend
0:34:22 > 0:34:24'and kill off any germs.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28'Some essential oil to add scent...'
0:34:28 > 0:34:31- Oh, yeah, that smells lovely. - It does smell nice, yeah.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36'..then it's time to pour the molten, oily wax into some warm pots.'
0:34:36 > 0:34:40Everything is kept warm so the balm doesn't set too quickly.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- How many hundreds have we got to do? - Oh, only about 1,000 today.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- 1000?!- Yeah, not many.- Eurgh!
0:34:46 > 0:34:48SARAH CHUCKLES
0:34:48 > 0:34:50What do we reckon, Sarah? Have we done well here?
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Yeah, it looks pretty good to me.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- Whoo!- To set there. There we go.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00'Leave to set for a couple of hours and relax.'
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- Here we've got the finished product. - Yeah.- Give it a go?
0:35:06 > 0:35:10And so this is good for the temples, is it? Just that much?
0:35:10 > 0:35:13Yeah, you only need a tiny little amount and just...
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- It feels lovely.- Yeah. Massage into the temples.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Mmmmm... Oh, I'm relaxed already.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22SARAH CHUCKLES
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Fresh from the fertile fields of Herefordshire.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Now, that's what you call flower power!
0:35:35 > 0:35:39We don't go as far as using hand creams or beauty balms,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42but making sure our animals are looking at their best
0:35:42 > 0:35:45is a year-round job here on the farm.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Today, my Golden Guernseys are having their nails done.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50Whilst they're inside for the winter
0:35:50 > 0:35:53it's a good time to give them a bit of pampering.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01And with fewer than 1,000 of this rare breed left in the country,
0:36:01 > 0:36:03it's important to keep them in good nick.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05There's a good girl.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07They're quite wriggly, goats.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10The Golden Guernseys obviously originate from the Guernsey islands,
0:36:10 > 0:36:14and they're famous for producing a really rich milk.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16So when these nannies give birth in the spring,
0:36:16 > 0:36:20we let them feed their milk to their own kids. We don't milk them.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23And the kids do really well because the milk is so rich.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28So here you can see the toenails just get slightly overgrown,
0:36:28 > 0:36:30so I'm just trimming them back.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40This nanny has got a bit of soreness here.
0:36:40 > 0:36:41Sometimes they get a fungus growing
0:36:41 > 0:36:44and it's a bit like athlete's foot in people.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47So I've got some spray that I can just squirt on it.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52And that will stop it developing and stop her going lame.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55OK, that's you done, missus.
0:36:55 > 0:36:56PIGS GRUNT
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Sounds like the pigs next door want their nails done too!
0:37:01 > 0:37:04GRUNTING
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Keeping animals looking at the best is not only good for health,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12it's nice to show them off every now and then, and the summer county show,
0:37:12 > 0:37:16a staple in the farming year, is the place to do it.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23MATT: It's 7.30 in the morning at the Kent County Show.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26The doors aren't open to the public yet, but some of the younger
0:37:26 > 0:37:30exhibitors here have been up for a very long time.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33And that is because this show is also the largest
0:37:33 > 0:37:35gathering of competing young farmers in Europe.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39So, in just over an hour's time, this ring will be full of animals
0:37:39 > 0:37:41and their handlers.
0:37:41 > 0:37:47So I've come to lend a hand with one Young Farmers Club in particular.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Overlooking the English Channel, near Hythe in Kent,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54lies Brockhill Park Performing Arts College.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59But it's not just for drama students. You can become a farmer here too.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05The cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and horses on this fully working farm
0:38:05 > 0:38:09are all looked after entirely by students in the school.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14Your lambs might jump forwards. Your job is to stop them, all right?
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Donna Ashley manages the farm.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18Here at Brockhill,
0:38:18 > 0:38:22our students are so lucky that we've got a fully working farm here,
0:38:22 > 0:38:26and our students learn all about animal husbandry, animal behaviour,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29animal nutrition, and then they get to take our animals to
0:38:29 > 0:38:31the Kent County Show each year, as well.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34You get to do stuff you wouldn't normally do at normal schools.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37You know what real farmers go through on, like,
0:38:37 > 0:38:42a daily basis and you get a little bit of a taster, really.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43I'm not from a farming background at all.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46None of my family have farming in their history.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49I literally just got into farming through the school.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55'We've got an amazing Young Farmers Club with 80 active members,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58'40 of which we are taking to the show.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01'And we are busy this week teaching them about show preparations,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04'show technique and ringcraft.'
0:39:04 > 0:39:08Keep moving, keep moving! You've got corners to walk into.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11This is my cow, Darcey. I'm taking her to Kent Show.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14She's an Aberdeen Angus cross a Belgium Blue.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17'I'm really hoping that Darcey will do really, really well,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20'because it's my own hard work
0:39:20 > 0:39:23'and it's what I put into it that will really come out in the show.'
0:39:23 > 0:39:28We get the pigs ready by using pig oil, spreading it along their back,
0:39:28 > 0:39:30and that just gives them a good shine.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32With pigs you've got to try and stop them,
0:39:32 > 0:39:34so you've got to use a pig board,
0:39:34 > 0:39:36and you have to use quite a lot of effort.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38SQUEALING
0:39:38 > 0:39:40They're not very well behaved, to be honest with you.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42SQUEALING
0:39:44 > 0:39:45Well, lads, fingers crossed
0:39:45 > 0:39:48that they're better behaved than that at the show!
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Because today is the big day.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Young farmers from the cattle, sheep
0:39:52 > 0:39:56and pig teams are making their final preparations to impress the judges.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59To anybody that's never seen this before,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01they'll think you're going to a lot of effort,
0:40:01 > 0:40:04putting a bit of hoof oil on and this, that and the other.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- But it's all part and parcel of the show.- It is.
0:40:07 > 0:40:08It's completely up to you.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12If you want to put in the effort and win the prizes, then you'll go far.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16BLEATING
0:40:16 > 0:40:19And there's no shortage of effort being put in by this lot.
0:40:19 > 0:40:20Look at this!
0:40:20 > 0:40:25It's mesmerising, this scene of just so many girls carding at once.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29It's like the ultimate lamb spa. Look at this one's face!
0:40:29 > 0:40:33"Ooh, just do me shoulder. That's lovely!"
0:40:33 > 0:40:35COWS MOO
0:40:35 > 0:40:39Right, let's have a word with Donna, see how things are going.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44- Sorry to interrupt.- Hello! - Is everything all right?
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- How fraught is it?- It's organised chaos here but it's all good.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- We're loving it.- Well, this is the thing, because I mean, it's...
0:40:51 > 0:40:55it's just months and months of preparation and investment
0:40:55 > 0:40:57- and it all comes to a head today. - Absolutely.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01This is the complete pinnacle of what Brockhill Young Farmers do.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04This is exactly what they want to prepare for.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- Yes, we're coming! - Steady, steady, steady.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10'But you can't prepare for everything,
0:41:10 > 0:41:14'and the stress of a nervous calf is taking its toll on Holly.'
0:41:14 > 0:41:18Don't worry, nice and calm and keep her nice and steady before we go in.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- Good girl.- Feeling all right? Ready? - Yeah, a little bit nervous.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Let me tighten that tie up for you.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- There you are.- Thank you. - You look good.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Don't be nervous, you'll be absolutely fine.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- Just go in there and do your thing and relax.- Yeah, I will do.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34If you're relaxed, she'll be relaxed.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37COWS MOO
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Well, it looks like Holly's managed to compose herself and Darcey
0:41:40 > 0:41:45just in time as she heads out into the arena for the moment of truth.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46Come on, Darcey.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Come on, Holly! Nice and calm.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02MOOING AND INDISTINCT ANNOUNCEMENT
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Come on, Holly. There we are.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- This is tough.- Most definitely.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13It's crunch time as the judge makes her decision.
0:42:14 > 0:42:19'..goes to Brockhill.'
0:42:19 > 0:42:21CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:42:21 > 0:42:25'Third prize goes to... Holly, for Brockville.'
0:42:25 > 0:42:27CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Holly and Darcey have won a third prize rosette.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Congratulations, team! Well done!
0:42:33 > 0:42:36CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:42:40 > 0:42:44- How was it for you?- It was really scary.- Was it?- Really scary.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45- I was so scared.- Yeah.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Well, it was all a bit frantic going into it to start with, but...
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- Yeah, it was.- Let me say, you did really well, OK?
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- Thank you.- And a second and third for the school. So...
0:42:54 > 0:42:56- Yeah, I'm pretty happy with that. - High-fives!
0:42:56 > 0:42:59- Brilliant! Here's to next year.- Yes!
0:42:59 > 0:43:00HE CHUCKLES
0:43:00 > 0:43:02THUNDER RUMBLES
0:43:04 > 0:43:05BLEATING
0:43:10 > 0:43:13ADAM: I'm looking back at the farming year
0:43:13 > 0:43:17and the cycle of the seasonal jobs that keep us farmers on our toes.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22For all those important dates in the farming year,
0:43:22 > 0:43:26why not get yourself one of these, a Countryfile calendar for 2016?
0:43:26 > 0:43:30The calendar costs £9.50, including delivery.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34You can buy yours either via our website...
0:43:38 > 0:43:40..or by calling the orderline on...
0:43:51 > 0:43:55To order by post, send your name, address and cheque to...
0:44:06 > 0:44:10At least £4 from the sale of each calendar will be
0:44:10 > 0:44:13donated to the BBC Children In Need appeal.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23There are many activities that keep farmers busy in the autumn,
0:44:23 > 0:44:27from ploughing the fields to moving sheep to greener pastures.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31But last year I met one farmer trying to overcome a very specific
0:44:31 > 0:44:33seasonal challenge.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38I'm heading to a turkey farm in Maidenhead, Berkshire, where,
0:44:38 > 0:44:40believe it or not,
0:44:40 > 0:44:43during autumn they have their turkeys in training for Fireworks Night.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46Sounds bizarre, doesn't it? Well, that's the reason
0:44:46 > 0:44:48I couldn't resist the opportunity to pay them a visit.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51WHIZZING AND BANGING
0:44:51 > 0:44:53Fireworks might be a great spectacle,
0:44:53 > 0:44:56but for animals it can be a pretty scary time.
0:44:56 > 0:44:58WHIZZING AND BANGING
0:44:58 > 0:45:01TURKEYS GOBBLE
0:45:01 > 0:45:04This was a time of year that farmer Tom Copas
0:45:04 > 0:45:06and his 38,000 turkeys dreaded.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10But now he's found a solution that will help every turkey
0:45:10 > 0:45:13on Copas Farm overcome their fear of fireworks.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- Hi, Tom!- Howdy, Adam. Are you all right?
0:45:16 > 0:45:18- What a lovely sight! - Yeah, thank you very much.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- They're very talkative, aren't they? - They are very vocal, yeah.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23- You can talk to them, you know? - Go on, then.
0:45:23 > 0:45:24HE GOBBLES
0:45:24 > 0:45:25TURKEYS RESPOND LOUDLY
0:45:25 > 0:45:29- ADAM LAUGHS Dr Doolittle and his turkeys! - Absolutely, yeah!
0:45:29 > 0:45:31If you're stuck on a decision to make, you can always come
0:45:31 > 0:45:34and ask the turkeys' opinion. Pretty consistent!
0:45:34 > 0:45:36And how long have you kept turkeys on the farm here?
0:45:36 > 0:45:40- Since 1957, so 50 years now. - Are most of them outdoors?
0:45:40 > 0:45:44Yes, 80% of them are outdoors, free range. We have some barn reared.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46And these lovely covers for them to get under. It's great, isn't it?
0:45:46 > 0:45:49I've seen them pecking away under the sunflowers.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52Yeah, it's just finding a nice, entertaining environment
0:45:52 > 0:45:54for turkeys to run around and forage in,
0:45:54 > 0:45:56just to be turkeys, gobble about and enjoy themselves.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59They're very inquisitive. I'm getting pecked on the leg now.
0:45:59 > 0:46:00They'll do that, yeah.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03They want to have a good look at you, see what you're made of, yeah.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06So during the autumn, you're building up for a big event.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- Tell me about that.- Yeah, well, November 5th, Fireworks Night.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12Fireworks, the big bangs, the loud crashes,
0:46:12 > 0:46:14really can spook and upset our birds.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- So when they panic they can hurt each other, can they?- Let me show you.
0:46:18 > 0:46:19LOUD GOBBLING
0:46:20 > 0:46:22HIGH-PITCHED CHEEPING
0:46:22 > 0:46:24There we go. So you see that on there?
0:46:24 > 0:46:26They are really sharp, aren't they?
0:46:26 > 0:46:28They could seriously damage each other.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31You can imagine what damage that could do behind a 7 kilo turkey
0:46:31 > 0:46:34on a little 5 kilo turkey. They'd rip 'em to shreds, poor little guys.
0:46:34 > 0:46:35So, horrible for the birds,
0:46:35 > 0:46:37- but not good on the Christmas table either.- Absolutely.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39No-one wants that on their Christmas dinner.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41- Most important meal of the year. - Of course it is!
0:46:41 > 0:46:43I'll let you put that one down.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46So, to prevent this, we have fireworks training.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48So this means we actually literally
0:46:48 > 0:46:50start in the daytime, getting the birds used to letting
0:46:50 > 0:46:53bangers off, letting fireworks off, getting used to bangs,
0:46:53 > 0:46:55getting them accustomed to it into the evening.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57And then the birds just get used to the bangs
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- and the flashes?- Yeah, exactly.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04'Up to 25% of the stock can end up damaged after Fireworks Night,
0:47:04 > 0:47:07'so the training really is essential for their welfare.'
0:47:07 > 0:47:09- Are you letting any off today? - We are. Do you want a go?
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Yeah, I would, yeah. I like a few fireworks.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16'Tom and his team have been doing this for the past 15 years
0:47:16 > 0:47:19'and the training starts in the daytime.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23'So we position ourselves a safe distance away in the next field.'
0:47:23 > 0:47:27So we're just going to let off a few of these little poppers.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29- Let's see how you go. I'll stand back.- Yeah.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36LOUD BANG
0:47:36 > 0:47:38- So you see them moving across now. - So they run away.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40- Yeah.- They've all gone quiet.- Yeah.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42LOUD BANGS
0:47:42 > 0:47:45- Oh, there's a big one!- Yeah! ADAM LAUGHS
0:47:45 > 0:47:48So what happens now? Dusk is approaching.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51Well, the ones in the polytunnels that we've seen here,
0:47:51 > 0:47:53they're going to stay out all night just as they are.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55Whereas the ones in the permanent housing,
0:47:55 > 0:47:57they're coming in for the night.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00I've got a little friend who's going to help us out with that
0:48:00 > 0:48:04- and I think you'll like to meet her. - OK, let's go and have a look.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08Now, we've all heard of sheepdogs, but this is Kes, the turkey dog.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11Trained to work the...turkeys.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13BARKING AND GOBBLING
0:48:17 > 0:48:19This is great, isn't it? I've never seen anything like it!
0:48:19 > 0:48:22Yeah, she's actually third-generation turkey dog,
0:48:22 > 0:48:26so, yeah, trained the same way as a sheepdog but, to her, turkeys.
0:48:26 > 0:48:30- She's certainly very keen!- She loves it, yeah, yeah.- Come on, Kes!
0:48:30 > 0:48:35Come by! Come by! Look at that! I'm working a turkey dog! Yeah! Come by!
0:48:35 > 0:48:38Come by, Kes! Come by!
0:48:38 > 0:48:41Come by, Kes! Come on!
0:48:41 > 0:48:42'Or maybe not.'
0:48:42 > 0:48:45She's a one-man dog! THEY LAUGH
0:48:46 > 0:48:50This is as far as turkey dog Kes will take them.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52As the sun starts to set the birds will naturally
0:48:52 > 0:48:54head for the cover of the barns.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58It's just a waiting game until, eventually, darkness.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01At night, the birds are at more risk,
0:49:01 > 0:49:04as being inside means they've got less space
0:49:04 > 0:49:06if they start to panic,
0:49:06 > 0:49:09making it more likely they'll injure each other.
0:49:09 > 0:49:13So, phase two, the night-time firework training is essential
0:49:13 > 0:49:15to make sure that, come November 5th,
0:49:15 > 0:49:17they'll all stay calm in the barn.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20- All right, Tom, it's pretty dark now, isn't it?- Yeah, it's a bit tricky.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23- Have you got any light there? - Yeah, we'll get this light sorted.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25- There we go. Is that better? - Yeah, much better, thanks.
0:49:25 > 0:49:27Right, so what's the plan?
0:49:27 > 0:49:29Right, Steve, our farm manager, is in the sheds.
0:49:29 > 0:49:31He's ready for when we set off a firework,
0:49:31 > 0:49:34- to calm the birds down and make sure it all goes swimmingly.- OK.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36- So if you want to do the honours. - Right!
0:49:36 > 0:49:39- I'll give you a light and we'll get out of the way.- OK.
0:49:39 > 0:49:41- Are you ready, Steve?- Yeah, ready!
0:49:46 > 0:49:48THEY CHUCKLE
0:49:48 > 0:49:51WHIZZING
0:49:51 > 0:49:53LOUD BANG
0:49:53 > 0:49:55Calm down... Calm down...
0:49:55 > 0:49:57LOUD BANG, MUTED GOBBLING
0:49:57 > 0:49:59BANGING AND WHIZZING CONTINUES
0:49:59 > 0:50:04- GOBBLING GETS LOUDER - Calm down. Calm down.
0:50:04 > 0:50:08- How was that, Steve? - Yeah, that was good, Tom.- Cool.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11Well, I've seen farmers prepare for autumn in all sorts of ways,
0:50:11 > 0:50:14- but that was a first for me.- Yeah! - How do you think today has gone?
0:50:14 > 0:50:15Well, it's a good start.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17The birds calmed down quite nice and quickly afterwards,
0:50:17 > 0:50:19so I'm pleased how it's gone.
0:50:19 > 0:50:20But we have got a bit more work to do
0:50:20 > 0:50:22before we are ready for Bonfire Night.
0:50:22 > 0:50:23BANGING AND WHIZZING
0:50:43 > 0:50:46From the glowing fields of summer...
0:50:46 > 0:50:48to the freshly ploughed fields of autumn...
0:50:50 > 0:50:52..and the slow descent into winter.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56I'm looking back at the farming year,
0:50:56 > 0:51:02with each turning season marked by specific jobs for farmers like me.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05This is grass that's cut during the summer months.
0:51:05 > 0:51:07It goes inside the plastic
0:51:07 > 0:51:10and it pickles and keeps it in good condition.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14Right, one more string and that should drop off.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19Now the winter months are drawing in,
0:51:19 > 0:51:23we need this extra fodder to keep these cattle going.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26Back in the yard, I've got some pigs to sort out.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28Got a guy coming to buy some.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35GRUNTING
0:51:35 > 0:51:38These pigs are ten weeks old. They're called weaners at this stage
0:51:38 > 0:51:41and I'm selling them to be grown on and fattened.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44GRUNTING Their new owner is Simon Wilson,
0:51:44 > 0:51:48who mainly farms beef shorthorns, but is now venturing into pigs.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51Righto! OK, nice one.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54He's already had one lot off me, so he must be doing well.
0:51:56 > 0:52:01Well, here they are, Simon. We've got about 22 here for you.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05A couple of litters of Gloucester Old Spots, some Tamworths
0:52:05 > 0:52:08- and then the Iron Age, these wild boar crosses.- Yeah, they look good!
0:52:08 > 0:52:10You've had some before - how are they getting on?
0:52:10 > 0:52:12Really pleased with them. They're growing really well.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15The Tamworths and the wild boar crosses looked a bit small
0:52:15 > 0:52:18- but they've really come on. I'm pleased with them.- Good.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20- Where do you rear them? - They're reared in woodland.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22- Free range. - Do they make a mess out there?
0:52:22 > 0:52:25- They do but it doesn't matter. - ADAM LAUGHS
0:52:25 > 0:52:28- And then you sell them through your farm shop?- That's right, yeah.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31We probably get through three pigs a week,
0:52:31 > 0:52:33three porkers a week, at the farm shop,
0:52:33 > 0:52:36and it's great to be able to buy them straight off the farm.
0:52:36 > 0:52:40And we've got a butchery there and they're sold as pork joints
0:52:40 > 0:52:42and also we do a lot of sausage rolls, so...
0:52:42 > 0:52:44- Lovely. I love a sausage roll.- Yeah!
0:52:44 > 0:52:46Hopefully, these will do you well
0:52:46 > 0:52:49- and we should be able to keep up with the demand, hopefully.- Yeah.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52- Let's get this lot loaded, shall we?- Yeah, let's do it.
0:52:55 > 0:52:56OK, piggies!
0:52:57 > 0:53:00They might just...make their way.
0:53:04 > 0:53:05SQUEALING
0:53:08 > 0:53:12'Just the last two stragglers to go.'
0:53:12 > 0:53:13Go on, piggies!
0:53:21 > 0:53:23Cheers, Simon! All the best.
0:53:25 > 0:53:29Unlike the bull we sold earlier, the pigs don't have a passport.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31Their movement is all done online
0:53:31 > 0:53:35and all I have to do now is send Trading Standards a text.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40As one lot goes, another arrives.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46This is Rita, one of my Tamworth sows.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49And pigs give birth all year round
0:53:49 > 0:53:53and a sow will have two litters a year.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55This one has given birth to six.
0:53:55 > 0:53:59I would have hoped she'd have a few more - eight, or even ten.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01But they're lovely piglets.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05They're just over a week old and all in good condition. There's no runts.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08And they'll stay with their mother now for a couple of months
0:54:08 > 0:54:11and then they'll be weaned and go to the farm shop.
0:54:13 > 0:54:14New life for the new year.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19When the rhythm of farming begins all over again.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24Well, that's it from me in the Cotswolds.
0:54:24 > 0:54:28Next week, Ellie will be in Wiltshire on the lookout for winter wildlife.
0:54:28 > 0:54:32Hope to see you in 2016. Until then, Happy New Year!
0:54:32 > 0:54:33SQUEALING