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00:00Come on Fletchers! We've reached our fourth year in farming and we've fallen
00:09for this way of life hook line and sinker. Can you keep this? Right Milo let's get
00:17some jobs done. Farming's a breeze compared to having four kids. We're
00:24surrounded by the spectacular peat district. As far as an office goes it's
00:29it's pretty good isn't it? With ancient woodlands and rolling hills as their
00:38playground this year we've big plans to increase our flock and herd oh you can't
00:54ride on him. Whilst continuing to diversify. What about if we created some
01:00sort of farm musical? Kevin we've got enough to do without creating a farm
01:04phantom. And we're excited about what our next chapter might hold. I can't think of
01:10something that would beat this for me. This is my version of a happy full life.
01:14Right let's get some cup of tea then.
01:24This week on our farm with the Royal Cheshire Show just around the corner I'm
01:30starting to feel a few training jitters. We're kind of up against it really we're
01:34not gonna give up yet we'll have to just see we'll have to just get the altar on
01:38them every day just do what we can and see where we end up in two weeks. With the
01:43rain in short supply Liz and the twins decide it's time to shake things up
01:47literally. Show your sheep!
01:51Go to the rain!
01:56And I find myself trying to explain the romantic escapades of sheep. This year
02:02in November when you send Viper out he's not just got three girlfriends he
02:10might have ten girlfriends. Animals are weird. Yeah. Like cringy.
02:29They're looking well aren't they? Yeah. Do you compare your lambs to mine because that's
02:35what I do. I look at your, I look at my lambs. Mine's a better. Do you think so? It's obvious.
02:40Last year Marnie bought Jacob Ram Viper and this spring his lambs have arrived on the farm.
02:47Number 17 is probably my best lamb. Yeah that is a good one. That's a good one.
02:52So that's your shearling you, that's her first lamb. Yeah. So your triplets are there.
02:58She's doing well with them isn't she? Yeah. Obviously your triplets are not going to be as big are they?
03:03Because she's having to feed three lambs as opposed to maybe feeding one or two.
03:07They do look good size. Yeah. They look like equal. How do you think they're looking?
03:12Good. Marnie's impressed with how her Jacobs are coming along and she's got big plans to grow the flock even further.
03:20So my plans are I'll sell the lambs that I've got this year because...
03:27You didn't have any new lambs did you? They're all boys your lambs this year? They're all boys yeah.
03:31So you're going to sell them all? Yeah because they're boys.
03:36So you've got three mummy sheep. Yeah. And they've given you five lambs.
03:40You're going to sell those five lambs because they're all boys. Yeah?
03:45Okay. And the money we get from those five lambs you're going to use to buy more mummy sheep.
03:52Okay. So that this year in November when you send Viper out, he's not just got three girlfriends, he might have ten girlfriends.
04:04How does he like... I don't understand like with sheep it's so different.
04:09It's different too. Like with humans you wouldn't just... a boy wouldn't go with a woman and then go with...
04:14And then got like 20 more. Animals are weird. Yeah. Like cringey.
04:19I know. I know. That's what they do. You get one boy sheep and lots of girl sheep but that's just the way it works darling.
04:27Oh my god. That's just the way it works.
04:30Sheep's polyamorous tendencies are a topic for another time.
04:35Right now we need a solid plan to turn Marnie's dream flock into reality.
04:40The Jacob Society are having a sheep sale so we could go there.
04:45You know where we bought Viper from? Yeah.
04:47We could go this time and you'd be buying some females, some breeding ewes.
04:52So timing wise, now we have to think about timing don't we?
04:56The sale is before these lambs will get fat.
04:59You might have to just borrow some money off somebody and then pay them back.
05:05I've got no... I know where to borrow some money. Where? You.
05:09So I've got to give you an advance. Yeah.
05:13And then when you sell your lambs you'll give it me back. Deal? Yeah.
05:17So let's shake on it and then you're going to pay me back?
05:20We'll see what we can do.
05:23Listen. I've shook hands with you before. The last time I shook hands with you I lost some fields.
05:30I love that Marnie is so invested in her flock of Jacobs.
05:34It's great to be able to teach her about how farming works along with managing money.
05:41These are the skills Marnie will need to become a successful Shepherdess.
05:46So you're happy with your plan? Yeah? Yeah.
05:49Jobs are good then.
05:52They're looking well though. Yeah.
05:54They are looking well. Good shot.
05:56We're just over two weeks away from the Cheshire show.
06:18And now is the time to be prepping the animals, getting them really keen on the altar.
06:26And yeah, just strengthening that bond.
06:28We'll get the altar on them again today and we'll just have ten minutes with each one just to kind of get them used to that process.
06:35Our young calves are a handful and both need to have time on the halter.
06:40With my arms still recovering from the knock I took at the rugby tournament, this isn't going to be easy.
06:47First up is Ray.
06:49Come on then. Which way this goes?
06:54Ray.
06:55It's your lucky day mate.
06:57Come on.
07:02There we go. There we go.
07:04I think last year Cherry was so good on the altar I was really, really confident going into the show that she would kind of walk well and behave.
07:19Whereas with these two, they just seem like they've got a man of their own really.
07:27He's not quite as receptive today.
07:31He's having a bit of an off day today, yeah.
07:34Come on Sonic.
07:36There we go.
07:38There we go.
07:40Come this way.
07:42Come on.
07:43Good boy.
07:45Hey.
07:46Come on.
07:47Come on.
07:48Come on.
07:49Come on.
07:50Come on.
07:51At some point as well we're going to have to possibly introduce a nose ring to Sonic.
07:57Not too sure about Ray but certainly to Sonic.
08:02A nose ring helps to control our cattle and reduces the risk for both me and them.
08:09Maybe this is the cow equivalent of terrible twos, which I know all too well.
08:18They are pretty feisty.
08:20We've not really had this before.
08:24Testosterone is certainly kicking in.
08:28And that is a bit of a worry.
08:31I mean, we've got to get to a stage where when they're on the altar they can be walked.
08:37You know, they can hold their head up and they can walk on command and stop on command really.
08:43What we can't have is them just pulling away.
08:46We're kind of up against it really.
08:48Especially if the kids are going to be in the show ring themselves, you know, in the young handlers sections.
08:53We don't want them pulling the kids around.
08:55When it's the kids, it does make me a little bit nervous.
08:58We've got our responsibilities as an adult, as a parent to work out how much you're pushing them out of the comfort zone.
09:06Last year we didn't even own cows until six weeks before the show.
09:10And we came home as rosette winners.
09:12So I'm not throwing in the towel yet.
09:16But there's no way that these young calves are ready to be led by the kids.
09:20So I'm going to keep training and experimenting with a few new tricks to get them walking well.
09:25I've left the altar on him.
09:28And what happens is when it's trailing on the floor, they stand on it and it immediately stops them.
09:34So they associate the halter stopping them.
09:37The minute it gets tight, it stops them.
09:40So they almost kind of self-train.
09:43That's what I've heard anyway.
09:45That's apparently a little trick that I've heard.
09:47So we'll give it a go.
09:52We're not going to give up yet.
09:54We'll have to just see.
09:55We'll have to just get the altar on them every day and just do what we can.
10:00To add to our worries, my rugby injury is playing up.
10:04A scan has shown that I've torn my bicep.
10:08So not only do we need to train the calves, I need to find a potential understudy.
10:14You feeling confident?
10:15Well, my arm's killing me still.
10:24My arm's really sore and I'm just thinking whether or not it's best you taking him in.
10:30You'll be fine.
10:31Oh, Kelvin.
10:32You'll be fine.
10:33Let's just see.
10:34But just on standby.
10:35How do you feel about that?
10:36Well, not great, if I'm honest.
10:37And it's when you're in that ring with other cows, it's the distraction of the other cows.
10:42We jump in at the deep end, aren't we?
10:43But we're determined, despite the adversity, despite the hiccups, we're still going to go.
10:48Where I thought I was just going to be having a lovely day at Cheshire Show with the kids and, you know, no pressure, no worries, I'm now told that I'm going to have to step it up and potentially be the best.
11:05One that's in the ring with the cow because of Kelvin's injury. I feel underprepared more than last year. Although he is a beautiful and calm temperament, it's just when you're with other bulls in the ring, it's how does he respond to those other bulls?
11:34But, er, we're in it now. What can we do? We're going. And I can't get Marnie to cover for me because she's too small.
11:47So when there's a man down, we're all in the trenches together, I'm going to have to step it up, aren't I?
11:53It's fad to me because I've just got a paper cut.
11:56Oh, for God's sake, should we just get you a stretcher and wheel you off? You're such...
12:01I know you're a farm and you're very good at it, but you're a delicate flower, aren't you?
12:07All I do know is that when the chips are down, Liz and I always come together and pull it out of the bag.
12:14So, with my understudy reluctantly recruited, we can spend our time getting the calves sure ready too.
12:21Training cattle isn't our only challenge on the farm. After a short settling in period, Albie, our brand new cockerel, is about to meet the flock.
12:40Liz and the kids are ready. But are the unruly hens?
12:46We're going to let the cockerel out today. He's been in the pen for a week.
12:54He's been eyeing up the hens that roost in the trees above him. And today's the day we're going to let him out.
13:01Right, now I want you to shout, come on Chuk-Chuk!
13:04Come on Chuk-Chuk!
13:06Chuk-Chuk!
13:07That's it. Come on Chuk-Chuk!
13:11Right, we want him to come out here. So really, we want the food to be put down here.
13:16Come on, Albie! So can you put a little bit of food here? Get a handful and just sprinkle it and say,
13:21come on Chuk-Chuk! And then he'll know that's his feeding call.
13:26Albie's mission is simple. Rule the roost, restore order in the hen house and, fingers crossed, provide us with our next generation of chickens.
13:39There we go. He's going, he's going. Oh, you're so close. Yay! He's out. He's out.
13:47It would have been ideal if the hens were here, because really I would have preferred the hens eating here and he came straight out to them.
13:55But they are nowhere to be seen. I don't know what those hens get up to in the day.
13:59So all I know is that they come back at night and roost in the trees. Sometimes you see them, sometimes you don't.
14:04So he's going to have to find them. He's going to have to hunt them down and find them.
14:09From the woods to the muck heap, our hens are some of the most free-range birds in Cheshire.
14:14But we've been assured that in time, Albie will entice them back to the coop.
14:19This is Albie's chance now to have a look round, work out where he lives, know that this is his safe place.
14:28And we'll see how he gets on with the girls.
14:34I just hope it doesn't run off.
14:36I'll be getting messages on the old Facebook group saying,
14:39Has anyone lost a cockerel?
14:42You've got to do that embarrassing thing when you're like,
14:44Oh, it's mine.
14:45There's his call.
14:55That's what cockerels do.
14:57He's having a good look around. He seems, you know, he's just weighing the place up.
15:01He looks royal-esque. He's just so handsome.
15:06I guess it's just a waiting game now to see if he does what he's supposed to.
15:12And that's round the girls up and fertilise the eggs.
15:16Like a couple of anxious parents, all Liz and I can do is wait and see how he gets on.
15:23It's probably like letting your teenage kids out for the first time, isn't it?
15:26And you just hope that they work it out and they remember how to get home.
15:42After the farmhouse fire, we're left waiting for the rebuild to begin.
15:48But while the house is on pause, the rest of the farm certainly isn't.
15:53And today, the spotlight's on the barn as it moves one step closer to its debut as a wedding venue.
15:59The big paw, we're calling this. All the messy work is done, so concrete's going in now.
16:06And then we'll have a level floor.
16:08Yeah, one step closer to the wedding barn.
16:16When Liz was pregnant, she had this weird craving for concrete.
16:23The weirdest. What was it you're craving for concrete?
16:25It was like petrol and chalk and concrete. Really weird.
16:31I've still got it a little bit.
16:32Not to eat. The actual texture and the noise of it.
16:35Just the feel of it. I could probably eat it.
16:37Put your hands in. Feel it.
16:38I know, I know.
16:39No, it has to be dry and frungling.
16:42The barn makeover has been gaining serious momentum lately.
16:45And the closer we get to the end, the more I see Liz totally in her creative zone.
16:51Now this is going in.
16:52I'm starting to feel like we're there with the transformation.
16:55And I really did think that this was never going to happen.
16:58Because it felt like there was so much to do.
17:00And now I feel like it's that little bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
17:05This is where I work my magic.
17:07When I've got an empty room, that's when I put my little sprinkle of decorations to it.
17:14And that's what I can't wait.
17:15I'm so excited for what events can be this year.
17:19And how different each one is going to be.
17:21To think that this was once a stables.
17:24And now it's going to become an event space.
17:26A supper club, a wedding, a music event, anything.
17:32How exciting is that?
17:33And just to be able to do that is an absolute privilege.
17:38True to form, we're not ones just to sit back and watch the action.
17:42We like to get stuck in.
17:43Do you mind if I, do you mind if I do a little bit and you tell me what to do and I'll just do it then?
17:48No, perfect.
17:49So basically, if you like, bubble it like that, that'll get it to go in all the gaps.
17:55Yeah.
17:56And then just trowel it.
18:01Just trowel it in nice and flat.
18:03Okay.
18:04And just hover over the top and lift the side that you're going on.
18:10Oh, it's not like that.
18:11Like that.
18:15You're going to like shape it to turn it out, that's it.
18:25Oh.
18:27That's good.
18:29Done it before.
18:30Is that good?
18:31Yeah.
18:33That is therapeutic.
18:34Oh, messed it up.
18:35That is therapeutic.
18:38Shall we put our initials in here, Kelvin?
18:40Shall we?
18:41Yeah.
18:43Is that good there?
18:44To be honest.
18:45Perfect.
18:47Turns out, Liz is a natural.
18:50And there's something about watching the guys work that's got us both intrigued.
18:55I've always wanted to know how they do concrete.
18:57How they kind of lay it.
18:59Fascinating process.
19:01It's still an agricultural barn, so it's got to be thick enough to allow us to have a chapter in here and trailer and farm machinery and various stuff.
19:11So the depth of your concrete is quite important, really.
19:15This feels like real progress and something we're determined to savour.
19:20But with the wedding just around the corner, the to-do list is still going strong.
19:24This is actually a real moment.
19:27Because we've thought about this, we've talked about this for years.
19:32So the fact that we've got this far, it may not seem like a big deal to people.
19:35We're laying a bit of concrete.
19:36But it's actually a massive moment and I feel so happy that we're here.
19:42And it's one of those things that has been on my mind and we've thought about for so long.
19:47And now it's happening.
19:48We're kicking off another beautiful spring day in full sunshine.
19:57And while this hot dry spell isn't perfect for our crop, our livestock are enjoying basking in the warm weather.
20:17Especially our two pregnant cows, Ruby and Cherry.
20:22This is Cherry.
20:24The vet said that she was probably due to expect the end of May.
20:30And it's now the end of the first week of June.
20:34So we're a week overdue in that instance.
20:36We sent a picture to our friend Chris and a couple of other people and they've all said it looks like she's a good two or three weeks away.
20:44So we're a little bit out on the test.
20:47But what it does mean is that unfortunately we're not going to be able to take her to the Royal Cheshire Show to, well, to defend the title.
20:56She's a supreme champion.
20:59She had a calf at foot last time.
21:01We were hoping that this time she could arrive to defend the title with a brand new calf at foot.
21:06Well, that's not happened.
21:08The category is open for cow in calf.
21:11So we could in theory take her and show her as a cow in calf.
21:15But because she's so late on in her pregnancy, I don't really feel comfortable taking her so late in calf really.
21:22So I'm a little bit gutty because that was the plan from last year.
21:28As a family we thought, let's come back next year with two more kids in tow.
21:32And would it be great if all six of us are showing the animals, but sadly it's not worked out.
21:39Such is life.
21:41And when she calves is not really in our control, so not to worry.
21:45So Cherry will stay at home with Ruby, who's also expecting.
21:52Even though I'm disappointed Cherry won't be joining us, she can always return to reclaim her title next year.
21:58Oh, there she is, still full of life.
22:03Look at that.
22:04How good does that look?
22:06There's no better side than seeing animals outside just...
22:10Look how happy they look.
22:14Aww.
22:15As the concrete begins to dry in the barn, Liz is taking the opportunity to leave her mark. Quite literally.
22:39I shouldn't do this without cleaning.
22:42But it's gone and this is going to dry.
22:45And I need to put my stamp on it.
22:48So, we said we were going to sign it together.
22:53He's gone.
22:55So I'm going to sign it for him.
22:58And I'm going to do it in this little corner here that's quite discreet.
23:05Before it dries, I'm just going to put...
23:08Oh!
23:10E.
23:15Do that one for him.
23:18There.
23:20They know he's the boss then.
23:23In fact, I'm going to put a little love heart.
23:25So that's going to dry.
23:31And we've officially stamped it.
23:36It's one of those moments where it's so perfect I didn't want to ruin it.
23:40But that, every house here has got someone's initials on that they've done on it.
23:46First time ever, at this farm, we've officially put our initials on something.
23:50That feels good.
23:52Kelvin's going to kill me.
23:53It's one of the hottest springs we've had since records began.
23:54And while that's been good news for some worshippers,
23:55it's one of the hottest springs we've had since records began.
23:56And while that's been good news for some worshippers,
23:57it's one of the hottest springs we've had since records began.
23:58And while that's been good news for some worshippers, it's not been great news for farmers.
24:01It's one of the hottest springs we've had since records began.
24:19The hot weather is not only affecting our crop of oats, it's too hot for our flock of sheep as well.
24:25I'm thinking of putting the sheep in this paddock next door where there's just no shelter in a sense of any shade.
24:33And I've just had a look at the forecast. The next couple of days are going to be sweltering. It's like a summer.
24:39So, with that in mind, yeah, I'm going to put them next door so they can get some shade.
24:59A break in the sunshine would give the flock respite from the heat.
25:02But they seem a little reluctant to move anywhere.
25:17It's a bit of a mess, this really. There's certain jobs that can take two minutes and then it can be quickly two hours.
25:22So, I've just got to try and move these sheep in the next five minutes.
25:28While our flock give me the run around.
25:30Well, let's get these out and then we'll come back for the rest.
25:49Liz and the twins are in a mission set by Ben the Agronomist to conjure up some rain that will help save our sizzling oak crop.
25:56I'll get your bike.
25:59Oh, strong boy. You go on the side and I'll carry your car.
26:04Oh, good boy.
26:05We're going to call to the sky and see if it'll rain.
26:09Shall I play some music to see if it gets us going?
26:12Let me play this then.
26:14I want to see serious moves.
26:17OK.
26:21Keep your hands up.
26:24Show us your hips.
26:28Go to the rain.
26:33Go on, down to the grass. Go for it.
26:35Go for it.
26:36So, we've had weeks without rain now and I hate to say it because it has been glorious, but we need a little bit of rain just to give the oats that little bit of extra boof.
26:50I may need water.
26:52A little bit of rain would just do us a big favour right now.
26:55There's a nice cloud there that looks hopeful.
26:58So, maybe we could just encourage it a little bit more to actually rain a little bit.
27:03Oh, they've actually got some good moves, the twins. They take after Kelvin when it comes to that. See if their strictly moves come in handy and bring down the rain.
27:28Come on, rain. Get out!
27:29Yeah!
27:32Go for it.
27:34Come on, rain!
27:36Right, if that doesn't work, then I don't know what will.
27:40That was great dancing, guys.
27:44Time will tell if the twins have done enough to entice the rain gods to start pouring on our crops.
27:51Go, go, go, go, go!
27:56Yeah!
28:00And I finally enticed the sheep into the shaded field.
28:05Should have been a simple move, but sheep are not the smartest.
28:09Oh, just nothing ever. I mean, it is what it is. If you've got sheep, you know exactly how that feels.
28:17From an animal welfare perspective, they're much better somewhere where they can get a bit of shade, so it was worth it.
28:23Right, school run.
28:24Right, school run.
28:25The holiday cottage is one of Liz's passion projects, and today it's getting a little leafy makeover with a helping hand, or two, from some green-fingered Fletchers.
28:37So we're going to plant some beautiful plants in here. So we can bring a bit of colour. Look at them.
28:43Oh!
28:44And what we're going to do is...
28:45Eat them!
28:46We're not going to eat them.
28:48With patience of a saint, Liz has a way of letting the kids have fun while still getting the job done.
28:51So this is the garden to the Holiday Cottage, and the Holiday Cottage has gone really well for us, and I am slightly obsessed with it.
28:54So we're going to plant some beautiful plants in here. So we can bring a bit of colour. Look at them.
28:58Oh!
28:59And what we're going to do is...
29:00Eat them!
29:01We're not going to eat them.
29:03Do you like this?
29:04Hey!
29:06With patience of a saint, Liz has a way of letting the kids have fun while still getting the job done.
29:13So this is the garden to the Holiday Cottage, and the Holiday Cottage has gone really well for us, and I am slightly obsessed with it.
29:21Slightly.
29:22Erm...
29:23Well, yeah.
29:24I'm very obsessed with the Holiday Cottage.
29:27I want it to just be...
29:28Perfect.
29:29Yeah, basically.
29:30I want it to be perfect.
29:31One part of it is the garden, the feel of the garden.
29:36And I'm not a gardener, by any stretch.
29:38I am.
29:39We've got these gorgeous troughs that have probably been here years and years and years.
29:44Like, this is 18th century.
29:46These troughs always look so pretty when they've got plants in them.
29:50So we've just got some little plants in the troughs just to grind it up.
29:56That's a good one.
30:01I'm going to use a hole with this pot and wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.
30:05Can you make that deeper?
30:06Watch.
30:07Watch what I'm doing.
30:08I don't want this.
30:09If you spin round like that.
30:11Look.
30:12There's a nice hole.
30:13And then guess what I'm going to do?
30:15I'm going to put that in there.
30:18And then can you cover it up?
30:19Look at that!
30:21It's very rare I get my nails done.
30:24And then when I start doing a job I think, oh, I forgot I'd have my nails done.
30:30You can see the girls in the salon when I walk in like, oh no, she's here.
30:35So you've got red off.
30:37I'm going to take this out.
30:39Let me show you.
30:40So you have to squeeze.
30:42Hold the bottom of the plant so you don't break it.
30:45Push it out.
30:48Right, thank you.
30:49There you go.
30:51It looks like Lizzie's little helpers feel they've done their bit.
30:55Leaving her to finish the job.
30:57Now, my little secret weapon, because we've got loads of it, is manure.
31:04Now, I've had my nails done so I'm not going to use my hands, but this stuff, I mean, look at that.
31:11Oh, fresh from the cows.
31:14Now, I was going to let the kids get involved in this, but I think it's safer for my own personal hygiene to not.
31:20Because this would be definitely chucked at somebody.
31:25Nothing goes to waste. This is fresh from the muck heap.
31:28And that will help them grow and give them loads of nourishment.
31:36Right.
31:38Done.
31:39Let them grow.
31:41Hope for a little bit of rain.
31:43It looks really pretty.
31:44I mean, I've seen better, but it's a start.
31:48I don't think Alan Titchman actually needs to worry about his job.
31:51I'm not going to be taking over.
31:52But it looks good. Nice and colourful.
31:55After weeks of halter training, our young calves, Sonic and Ray, still aren't quite getting the hang of it.
32:14And with the Royal Cheshire Show fast approaching, we've got a decision to make.
32:21Do we take them into the ring or call it quits?
32:24But I've got one last trick up my sleeve.
32:27I just hope it works.
32:28It works.
32:34Have we got any other saws, babe?
32:36Have we got any other saws?
32:37It's quite a sexy job, that one.
32:38I didn't realise you were wearing the shirt that we were going to put on the scarecrow.
32:41I told you, when I was...
32:44I thought it's too good for the scarecrow, aren't it?
32:48We'll cry in it though, don't we?
32:50It's your colour, that.
32:51I've been told that by attaching a large piece of wood to a tractor, it'll trick the cars into thinking they're being pulled by the halter.
33:04When in reality, it's the tractor doing all the work.
33:07Which also means my arm injury gets a rest too.
33:10Big moment really, because...
33:13If this doesn't work, I'm just...
33:16There's a genuine chance we might have to pull out the show.
33:24The idea is that the tractor gently pulls the calf as we walk next to them.
33:29Come on.
33:31Oh, you just clued on all the...
33:36Pull in.
33:37Right, keep pulling.
33:39Keep pulling.
33:40That'll do.
33:41Wait, wait.
33:43Yeah, that'll be doing like that.
33:44That's fine.
33:45And then...
33:48Quick release.
33:49Yep.
33:51You just keep a good arm's length away from him.
33:53Yeah.
33:54And just keep reassuring him.
33:55Keep talking to him.
33:56So first of all, I'm just going to start it and you'll see how he is.
33:58Okay.
33:59So you'll stand back whilst I start it.
34:01Come on.
34:02Shhh.
34:05Good.
34:06You all right?
34:07Yep.
34:08Yeah.
34:10Are you ready?
34:11Yeah.
34:15Goodbye.
34:16Goodbye.
34:17The rope can be released quickly if Ray shows any sign of distress.
34:22Goodbye.
34:24Goodbye.
34:25Come on, Ray.
34:26Good boy.
34:27But so far, he seems to be getting the hang of it.
34:31Good boy.
34:34Very good.
34:36With a pace set, Liz gets behind the wheel so I can give Ray a bit of a confidence boost.
34:42Hey, hey, hey, hey.
34:43Come on.
34:44Good boy.
34:45Good boy.
34:46Yeah, it's going all right.
34:47He's, you know, he's...
34:48He's a little bit agitated, I think.
34:49Come on, Ray lad.
34:50Come on.
34:51Come on.
34:52Come on.
34:53Good boy.
34:54That's it.
34:55Good lad.
34:56Good boy, Ray.
34:57You've done brilliant, lad.
34:58Well done.
34:59After a loop around the field, this old farming method has certainly given us both a boost in confidence.
35:15You're good lad.
35:16Well done, lad.
35:17And then clutching.
35:19Stop there.
35:20Good lad.
35:21How good was that?
35:22He's made a massive, massive improvement there.
35:24A massive improvement.
35:25The moment of truth.
35:26Can me and Ray walk the walk?
35:28See what it's like now with Mickle and Mickle.
35:29Come on.
35:30Come on.
35:31Good lad.
35:32Good lad.
35:33How good was that?
35:35He's made a massive, massive improvement there.
35:39A massive improvement.
35:40The moment of truth.
35:41Can me and Ray walk the walk?
35:44See what it's like now with me?
35:45Come on.
35:46Come on.
35:48Good lad.
35:50Good lad.
35:52Come on.
35:54Come on.
35:56Come on.
35:57come on come on and stand we're going we're going Cheshire show it's as simple
36:05as that we're taking it we pass the test how good he walks for me now come on oh
36:13my god he does actually come on come on
36:18he actually does he actually does doesn't he look at him
36:23that's unbelievable that's amazing come on well done you're good lads
36:40the only could do that with children I'd be confident in the ring with him yeah I think
36:48he's a great animal and I would like to show him off the idea was is to take the
36:52kids with newborn calves yeah and we've not got newborn calves yeah and they're too big for the
36:59kids I feel like Marnie's you know capable I don't want to put her in that position when
37:03it's a bit risky so we will support you showing the bull calves how do you feel about that Royal Cheshire
37:15show is back on done well there I enjoyed that I enjoy what I honestly Liz I like it every time
37:21I do I think yeah I do actually like this oh dear honestly I do so that's settled Ray is going to the
37:30Cheshire show but we still have a decision to make on Sonic and whether or not it will be both our home
37:37and grown calves appearing in the show ring this year
37:51as farmers we've always kept a close eye on the weather but lately it's felt more like a full-blown obsession
37:57we're in the middle of one of the driest springs on record which isn't exactly ideal when you're trying to grow your very first oak crop
38:05thankfully it seems the twins rain dance actually worked the heavens have opened and our fields have
38:17just got the soaking they desperately needed we've had quite a bit of rain this week which has been
38:24great much needed and the good thing as well is that we were we were worried there was going to be a
38:29huge downpour because it had been so dry and the ground was so hard the last thing you want is a
38:35massive downpour a lot of rain in a short amount of time and there's nowhere for it to go and it
38:39just doesn't saturate and it just you know that's when you can get floods and everything so we
38:44didn't have that what we did have was just kind of moderate to light rain just consistently good old
38:50British weather there was obviously a bit of a worry because we'd had so many weeks of no rain and
38:56then the agronomist was was getting a little bit worried about how the crop could be you know was in
39:01dire need of some rain really farming has certainly thrown up its challenges but one thing I've learned
39:07from our first foreign to growing arable crops is that there is only so much you can do and the rest
39:13is up to mother nature there's so much out of your control there's so much that can go wrong it's just
39:19like lottery it's you know you just literally put you spending your money working hard in the hope that
39:26that it comes off as ever I'm the optimist and I thought it'll be all right it's turned out good so
39:32far but we're not there yet let's not forget we've still got to grow the crop and then harvest it as
39:39well and the machinery and how we harvest it and what is it being taken what does the crop look like
39:43when we come to harvest is it tall is it still green that's the little bit that I don't really know
39:48yet and I'm excited to see although we're not there yet the idea of being able to enjoy our very
39:55own homegrown oats appears to be creeping ever closer I actually had a bowl of porridge in the
40:01morning and as I'm eating it as I squirting my honey in it I'm thinking this winter I could be sat here
40:06eating Fletcher's porridge like that could actually be a thing I mean that for me is we've had our own
40:13land before we've had our own pork that was a moment and a real pride and real genuine appreciation
40:23for what we do to have your own porridge that'll have been grown on our little family farm yeah that would be mega
40:43the day we've been preparing for over the last few weeks is just around the corner tomorrow is the
40:54Royal Cheshire show it's only our second ever show as native breed farmers with both nerves and
41:01excitement running high and with limited time to halter train we've made a last-minute change to the
41:08lineup this year we were originally going to take Sonic and Ray but we're not taking Sonic because
41:12Sonic was taking a little longer to train and Ray was just taking to it so while we're already short
41:19of time already under a bit of pressure just taking Ray we thought you know what let's just make lives a
41:25little easier we're just gonna take Ray and not Sonic and we were hoping to have the calves by now for
41:31the twins to lead round and they've not given birth yet so Ray is the man Ray is gonna hopefully
41:37win us a rosette come on good boy good boy good lad my arm is feeling much better too so I'm going
41:54ahead with Ray Liz and the kids will be joining us tomorrow Ray and I need to get settled in the
42:01exhibitors tent where it's my job to get him fluffed fed and as comfy as a bull calf can be
42:07ahead of the competition come on good boy the Royal Cheshire Show attracts some of the best farmers from
42:21around the country all vying for rosettes to help boost their reputation and get their farms name on
42:30the map last year this incredible farming community welcomed us newbies with open arms and it's great
42:41to be back and seeing some familiar faces feel like worse actually better prep last year than we are this
42:51year how will fair I don't know but as ever you know we'll show up we'll give it a go and what will be
43:01will be it was quite relaxed at the minute does Ray he's taking it all on his stride bless him so
43:07the plan now is get set up I might even take Ray and give him a bit of a wash while it's nice and quiet
43:12and then we'll have less to do tomorrow you see tomorrow we can just focus on getting the kids ready which in
43:18itself is a bit of a task but as I start unpacking our kits a couple of fellow farmers notice Ray's
43:24breathing has altered he's not right no you have to get you'll have to get on call there but just
43:33when everything seemed to be going perfectly fate decided to throw a spanner in the works a few
43:39observations have said that it doesn't quite look all right you know it looks say he's not really
43:43settled and the way he's breathing the reason for me and not his ribs so it's something he'd die from up and down
43:50instead of his bed skull so yeah he's struggling with his breathing which could pneumonia could be one
43:56anything else it could be or no it's most likely just a touch of him along with a
44:01hello it's Kelvin here we're at a Cheshire show we just had a little bull calf here that's looking a bit uncomfortable we just wanted to see if there's an old call vet here
44:10all right thank you bye bye bye bye oh that was a slight turn of events I was just about to go and check the water situation just to see what tap fittings I might need and there's a couple of chaps there who are obviously very experienced and they were here last year they just politely said Kelvin
44:28your ball doesn't look look right we've been watching him and he just normally after a cardio the cows will come in and they'll just tend to settle but he just doesn't look very settled and the way he's breathing he's breathing pretty much from his
44:40from his back really as opposed from his ribs so he said he might have a touch of pneumonia so um which obviously doesn't sound doesn't sound great so I've just rang the vets let them come and check check his uh check his temperature and see how he is
44:53so we'll see see what the vet says when they get here
45:00next time on our farm it's our annual trip to the Royal Cheshire show
45:06right let me get a little picture of you guys are you ready one two three ice cream
45:10ice cream
45:12a farming friend gives Marnie an opportunity to show his sheep
45:16you look like you show sheep all the time your position you kept looking at the judge you were smart
45:21you were smarter the judge trying to impress the judge weren't you
45:25and Ray gives me a decision to make
45:27you can go get me kit and just see where his temperature's at
45:30yeah I'm in two minds whether to show him or not
45:33yeah I'm in two minds
45:35yeah I'm in three問
45:44yeah
45:48yeah
45:54yeah
45:59yeah
46:01You
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