- 3 weeks ago
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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 Peak 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.
00:53Oh you can't ride on him, no. Whilst continuing to diversify. What about if
00:59we've created some sort 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.
01:23This week the whole family are at the Royal Cheshire shop.
01:31Ice cream time. Who's having bubblegum?
01:33Bubblegum. All of us are having bubblegum.
01:36Okay. Enjoying one of the biggest days in the agricultural calendar.
01:40Right let me get a little picture of you guys. Are you ready?
01:43One, two, three ice cream. Ice cream. We bump into a farming friend.
01:49How are we? Very good thank you. How are you?
01:51All right. Thank you.
01:53Who gives Marnie an unexpected opportunity to work on her sheep handling skills.
01:58You look like your show sheep all the time. Your position. You kept looking at the judge.
02:02You were smart. You were smart at the judge trying. We impressed the judge weren't you?
02:06But as competition time looms for the cattle, Ray takes a turn and we call in the vet.
02:12Go get me kit and just see where his temperature's at.
02:14Yeah, I'm in two minds whether to show him or not.
02:27It's been quite a journey to get to the Cheshire show this year.
02:31With the due dates of our new calves not working in our favour, and our young calf Sonic resisting halter training,
02:38we've only brought Ray.
02:41Shhh. Good boy.
02:44But he's failing to settle in the exhibitor's tent.
02:47And some fellow farmers have advised me to call Matt, the on-site vet.
02:51To give him the once over.
02:53When did he arrive Calvin?
02:54I thought we got here about an hour and a half ago.
02:57Yeah. Was he okay when he left?
02:59Yeah, he was okay, yeah.
03:01So starting with takin' his temperature. He feels hot.
03:05He's running a temperature, he's up at 103 already, so normal temperature for a cow is
03:14101.5 Fahrenheit, so he's up.
03:19Quite often we'll see it, you know, he's had a bit of stress with that, he's had a journey.
03:23It'll be his first time showing, is it?
03:25Yeah, not first time showing, never been in a trailer before.
03:29You see his respiratory rate is up, see the amount of times he's breathing in and breathing
03:35out per second.
03:39It's the stress of transport, it's the stress of show, that higher level of stress knocks
03:44our immunity a little bit, and he's just started with a bit of pneumonia.
03:48Farmers will hear the term pneumonia and it feels a bit alarmist, you know, because we
03:52wouldn't describe something as pneumonia in humans unless it was sort of on death's door,
03:57but we refer to pneumonia quite commonly in cattle.
04:00So in terms of treatment, he'll have an anti-inflammatory, bring his temperature down, bring down any swelling
04:06in his chest, make him feel a lot better, that temperature will be what's making him feel
04:11so rubbish, and we will give him a one-off long-acting antibiotic.
04:16I'd leave him as alone as you can, no stress, no towing him round on the rope and no washing,
04:23I'd just leave him well alone, let him be.
04:26Poor Ray.
04:28This has been an incredibly rough start to this year's show.
04:31I'm just hoping the medicine takes effect soon and the vet will be back first thing to
04:36see how he's faring.
04:37Well, that's a bit of a turn of events really, but yeah, it shows what the experienced farmers,
04:46it's a good job that they alerted me to that, because I'd have absolutely missed that, I would
04:50not have known to look for that, so looks like we've got him just in time there.
04:55I'm feeling it, yeah, I'm a bit surprised, I wasn't expecting this.
05:00Yeah, it's just, you've just got to roll with the punches sometimes, haven't you?
05:06So at this moment in time, whether or not we're showing him I think is not really important,
05:11I think the most important thing is that we get him right and we'll make a decision tomorrow
05:16whether we show him or not.
05:17His health has got to take priority, I guess, over the show.
05:20It's the morning of the Royal Cheshire Show and we're hoping to build on the success of
05:40Ray last year.
05:43However, when Ray arrived last night, he wasn't feeling his best.
05:47Now, I need to decide whether he's fit enough to compete today.
05:51It's become a massively rushed job now, because we rested him last night, I couldn't wash him
05:55last night and I just don't want to stress him out.
05:58So I'll let the vet have another look at him, but it's just, if I can't prep him, if I can't
06:02clean him, I can't take a dirty animal in.
06:04It's not looking great, and I'm really starting to worry that Ray might not be well enough
06:09to show.
06:10I'll need Matt, the vet, to take another look at him before we can make a final call.
06:15How's it up for you?
06:16Well, it was alright.
06:17It looked a bit better this morning, but I've just tried washing him in that and he's just,
06:20will not stand still and really quite agitated, so.
06:23I can go get the kit and just see where his temperature's at.
06:25He's blowing much less, he's much more comfortable today.
06:28Like, if you look at his respiratory rate, his ears are much further forward.
06:32He's looking a lot happier today.
06:33I think a lot of this that you see in here is just a young bull at his first show.
06:38Oh right, okay, yeah.
06:39To be honest.
06:40Yeah, I'm in two minds whether to show him or not.
06:42That's the only thing.
06:43I mean, it won't do any harm to him.
06:44Yeah.
06:45I'm not, you know, I'm not worried about him, I'm not worried about you showing him.
06:49So we're just going to check his temperature anyway.
06:51I just want to kind of get the, the absolute okay.
06:54The vet's had a look at him, he seems massively, massively improved.
06:57He doesn't look stressed at all, and in that instance it looks like, you know, the medicines
07:01have certainly worked.
07:03You know, he's anxious, it's a new, he's never, he's only ever been around five cows
07:07in his life, and suddenly he comes to a show and there's hundreds, and it's a big occasion,
07:11and you know, I understand that.
07:13I feel a little bit like that myself, but I was exactly where he was last year.
07:17But first of all, let's get the, let's get the vet's approval, and then we just know
07:21that he's healthy and he's okay.
07:23I think that'll just put me at ease a little bit.
07:25Film on, Ray.
07:28Right, his temperature's come right down.
07:34So it was 103 and a half yesterday.
07:38It's 101 and a half today, which is bang on normal.
07:42Okay, let's have a listen to you.
07:44There's no respiratory effort to his breath.
07:52So yeah, I think given the fact that his temperature's down to normal, you know, if you feel that
07:58he's, you know, back to his normal self, you know, you've worked with him day in day.
08:03Yeah, yeah, yeah.
08:04If you feel, if you feel that he's up to it, and then I've got no sort of veterinary issue with him going in the show ring.
08:09Okay.
08:10Just as long as he can behave himself.
08:11Yeah, yeah, yeah.
08:12Brilliant.
08:13All right then.
08:14All right.
08:15Thank you, Matt.
08:16Appreciate that, mate.
08:18It's good news.
08:20It looks like Ray's pre-show jitters have subsided with a night's rest.
08:24So I'm going to give him a shot in the show ring.
08:27Oh, it seems far better.
08:30It's been a bit of a scramble to get him prepped, but we're here now, so we're going to go for it and we'll see what happens.
08:35Ray is facing several classes today where he'll be up against calves that have been preened and prepped for hours.
08:42But it's important that we both get the experience in the ring to impress the judges and bring home those all-important rosettes.
08:50Judging a beef animal, we're looking for the same things you'd look for from a chap or a lady on the dance floor.
08:56I want something that moves well and something that's got a bit of sparkle about it.
08:59As Ray and I are ready to hit the show ring, Liz and the kids arrive just in time to cheer us on.
09:04That's number one.
09:07It's been a dramatic morning.
09:09It's really stressful.
09:10It's quite loud.
09:12It reminded me that it's not until the end of the day that you actually start having fun because there's so much to consider, so much to think about.
09:18So many people around.
09:19But the car is doing really well.
09:22Ray is walking beautifully.
09:24The car is getting all good.
09:26The car is standing nice and strong.
09:28If it just seemed wee and poo at the exact same time.
09:31It's been a good time.
09:33Keep going.
09:34We're in the British swimming towels.
09:36Come on, stand up.
09:37Noella Davis from Swansea has just a award of the female champions.
09:44I think it's the number one.
09:46It's a tidy little chap.
09:47Thank you, mate.
09:48Thank you very much indeed.
09:50Thank you very much.
09:52The judges judged.
09:54Cal's having a little treat of a little bit of grass.
09:56Kelvin's had a handshake and a rosette, and it's red, which I think is first.
10:02But there's no time to soak up the glory.
10:05Ray's already being called back into the ring.
10:09Junior Championship now.
10:11All the juniors in their respective classes who have scored first place all go up against each other.
10:17So, let's see how it gets on.
10:19Come on.
10:23Come on, boy.
10:24Come on.
10:25Okay, so we've got the Junior Championship now.
10:28So, this is sort of the baby beef competition of the natives.
10:31We've got the Lincoln heel.
10:33It's 11 months old.
10:34And we've got a belty calf that's six months old.
10:37Both great examples of the breed.
10:40I really love this as a belty ever.
10:43I think she's very sweet.
10:44But the Junior Champion today goes to the bull.
10:50Well done.
10:51No way.
10:53My dad got the Junior Champion.
10:56We just won.
10:57Second year Junior Champs.
10:59Ah!
11:00Ah!
11:01Ah!
11:02Ah!
11:03Ah!
11:04Kelvin!
11:05Beautiful.
11:06Yeah.
11:07Let's get a picture of you.
11:10Hey!
11:11Come on.
11:12Another rosette and another first place for Ray.
11:17I honestly can't believe how well he's doing.
11:20Especially after everything we went through last night.
11:23But we're not done yet.
11:24One more round to go.
11:26The grand finale.
11:28Today, over 80,000 visitors will explore the 300 acre site of the Royal Cheshire Show.
11:47A show where farmers get a chance to show their pride stock, performing animals and more.
11:55The event is the highlight of our farming calendar.
11:58And as we're only showing Ray this year, we've got a chance to enjoy some time with our family outside of the show ring.
12:04God, look at the size of these.
12:06I mean, the beef breeds that we are look like they're well groomed.
12:11But when you go in that tent, it is like a salon.
12:14I've literally seen them with, like, just cutting away.
12:17Not clippers, actual scissors and just snipping away, yeah.
12:21Is it three generations?
12:22Yeah, it is three generations.
12:23Yeah, we've got, obviously, me and Liz here and our kids, and then we've got mine and Liz's parents here.
12:28We've got a little bit of time until the next show, so we're just going to try and enjoy a bit of the time, get the kids out and just enjoy the show.
12:36There's so much going on.
12:38It's also a great chance for us to check out different breeds we could introduce to our farm.
12:43Let me show you Maximus.
12:45So, watch this.
12:46Keep your hand really flat.
12:49Aww.
12:51What breed of sheep are these?
12:53We're slumps.
12:54It's the smallest sheep in the world.
12:56Hey.
12:57Hey.
12:58Hey.
12:59Hey.
13:00Hey.
13:01There's so much for the kids.
13:02It's such a great day out.
13:03Machinery, animals, food, ice cream.
13:07Couldn't do it without the grandparents, so I've got to say, we could not do this without them,
13:12because there's so much sensory overload with the kids.
13:16They are just, like, wild, darting off in all areas.
13:20But there is one animal in particular that has caught the kid's eye.
13:24Liz, that's how much milk that one cow can give.
13:27I know.
13:28I've always said we should get a milking cow.
13:30We just need one cow.
13:32Wow.
13:33Are you milking it?
13:34Are you milking it, Milo?
13:35Are you watching?
13:36Come here.
13:37Like this.
13:38I've got a milking under.
13:39And then what you do, you start at the top, and then you pull down and pull down.
13:45There's not a lot.
13:46Oh, Kelvin.
13:47That is a good technique.
13:48Is that all your milk?
13:49It's all right, isn't it?
13:50Good technique, that.
13:51Eh?
13:52Well done, Marnie.
13:53Marnie's very good.
13:54Eh?
13:55Look at Marnie.
13:56She's figured it out.
13:57We have milked a cow.
13:58Yeah, not like...
13:59We've drawn off a cow to get some classroom off it last year, haven't we?
14:03We've never actually drawn off a cow to then get the milk and have a sip.
14:06Yeah, true.
14:07We have toyed with the idea of getting a house cow and getting a nice little jersey for our
14:18cornflakes in the morning.
14:19That's still a dream.
14:21Sounds a bit far-fetched, but could do us with the porridge, couldn't it, in the morning?
14:25We can't just have porridge, you need milk to put it with.
14:28It's a great idea.
14:30It's definitely something to think about.
14:33But right now, the kids have only got one thing on their minds.
14:36Ice cream tent.
14:37It's so hot.
14:38We're going to get ice creams, cool everyone down.
14:41It'll keep them still for about ten minutes.
14:43What are you talking about?
14:44Bubblegum.
14:45Bubblegum.
14:46All of us are having bubblegum.
14:47OK.
14:48What flavour do you want?
14:49Bubblegum.
14:50Are you all right?
14:51Can I get four bubblegums, please, on a cone?
14:54Wow.
14:56Go and sit down now so you don't drop it.
15:01Right, let me get a little picture of you guys.
15:04Are you ready?
15:05Grandad, get in.
15:06One, two, three, ice cream!
15:08Ice cream!
15:09Can you hear that?
15:13Silence.
15:14The kids are quiet.
15:16This is going to be the best ten minutes we've had in a long time.
15:22Right, should we go and see some sheep?
15:24Yeah.
15:25Come on then.
15:26Go and see some sheep.
15:39Right, should we go and see some sheep?
15:40Yeah.
15:41Come on then.
15:42Go and see some sheep.
15:44Away from the exhibitors tent, the Royal Cheshire Show is a great opportunity for us to check
15:48out the standard of different animals also on show here.
15:51A whole host of native and non-native sheep are being paraded today and it's incredible to see such variety on display.
16:01They are beautiful sheep.
16:04I mean they're more like dogs aren't they than sheep.
16:08That's what my hair will be like in a minute if this humidity gets any worse.
16:13Every farmer here will be vying for those all-important rosettes to help set their flocks apart.
16:19And amongst the competitors today is a farmer we know well.
16:23A friend of ours, John, who breeds Jacobs.
16:26So mine is in the market for some more Jacobs.
16:29So we could see what he's got today, see how they fared in the show.
16:33How are we guys?
16:34How are we?
16:35Very good, thank you.
16:36How are you?
16:37Nice to see you.
16:38How are you doing?
16:39All right.
16:40Good to see you.
16:41John and his family are award-winning Jacob breeders based in Cheshire.
16:48And Marnie bought her first sheep from them last year.
16:52This traditional British breeds temperament made them the perfect match for our budding shepherdess.
16:58They're cleaner than our kids.
17:00I mean look at them.
17:02How's Marnie going on with her little flock?
17:04Really good.
17:05How are the Jacobs?
17:06Really good.
17:07How many Jacobs have you got now?
17:09They've all had lambs this year.
17:11One had triplets really well.
17:13Gave birth no problem.
17:14They're just a really good sheep.
17:15Yeah they are.
17:16I think they're very suited to your climate, you know, up there at Sutton on the bank.
17:21You know, a native breed is probably what you need.
17:23Yeah, no foot problems or anything.
17:24No, they're generally, you know, they are fairly easy care.
17:27John's Jacobs have been turning heads at the show.
17:30Having already won Best Exhibitor this year.
17:33And he's got a surprise for Marnie ahead of his final time in the show ring.
17:37Well, have you got a white coat?
17:39You can come and hold one in the class of three if you want.
17:42Have we had a little white jacket?
17:44Do you want to hold this one?
17:45Do you want to come and check?
17:46Do you want to hold this one?
17:47Would you like to?
17:48I could go and run and get a white coat.
17:50No, wait, go with this one.
17:51Where am I?
17:52They've been so kind enough to swap coats with Marnie and let Marnie show one of the Jacobs.
17:57The community here, they're just so lovely.
18:00So encouraging for the children to get involved.
18:02That is what I love.
18:03Marnie just as usual, you know.
18:05She's like, yeah, I'll do that.
18:09This is such a big moment for Marnie.
18:11And as usual, she can't wait to get stuck in.
18:14She'll be all right, she's strong, she knows not to let go.
18:17Don't do that.
18:18You look the part there, darling.
18:19You look good.
18:20Oh!
18:21Right arm next to it.
18:22That's it.
18:23Follow John.
18:24Nice and steady.
18:25We're with you.
18:26Don't worry.
18:27Good girl.
18:28Oh!
18:30Oh, this, I mean, you could see Marnie there.
18:33She was straight in.
18:35She took that off her straight up.
18:37Seeing Marnie happy with her little Jacobs is one thing, you know, on the farm.
18:42But to see her coming here today.
18:43I just think, obviously, we're new to showing animals.
18:46But any kind of age-old tradition like this is country shows, to get the children involved,
18:53the next generation, is absolutely crucial for the longevity of it.
18:56So, I think, for me, if children show an inkling of enthusiasm, we've just got to encourage
19:04it and really support it because they will be the next showers.
19:08The sheep behaved impeccably for her, isn't it?
19:15You know, so, Marnie's a natural.
19:17And she's got good eye contact.
19:18Did you jump here?
19:19She's a natural shepherdess.
19:21I would love to come back here for my own Jacobs.
19:24And I think, well, I don't think our Jacobs would do it.
19:28I think this one's the best-behaved sheep that I've ever had.
19:33The results are in.
19:35And, unfortunately, Marnie's not won a rosette this time.
19:39But she's definitely a winner in our eyes.
19:43Oh, that was brilliant.
19:46Absolutely brilliant, darling.
19:48The way you stood, the way, honestly, did you enjoy that?
19:51You remembered it all.
19:53What about bringing one of your Jacobs here, then, next time?
19:56What?
19:57Would you like that, a little Jacobs?
19:59Yeah, what about if I do the sheep?
20:03But this time, Daddy, can nobody come in the ring with me?
20:07It can just be me, with one of the sheep.
20:10So, you want to come and do the sheep, and me and me will do the cows?
20:13Yeah.
20:14You look like you show sheep all the time.
20:16Your position, you kept looking at the judge, you were smart.
20:19You were smart at the judge trying to impress the judge, weren't you?
20:22And in the way you held the sheep under the chin, just to keep his head up.
20:25You did really, really well, so well done.
20:27Well done.
20:28High five, darling.
20:30You look like a pro up there.
20:43It's Ray's last time to shine,
20:45as we've been called back into the ring for one final walk around.
20:49So, this is the championship.
20:51We've got all the winners of the classes.
20:53This is really where it's at.
20:54This is the important bit.
20:55This is the bit you want to win.
20:57And he's in with the shouts.
20:59Come on.
21:00Come on.
21:01Back to the classes.
21:02Come on.
21:03Back in the ring.
21:04Come on.
21:05Got the ball.
21:06Got the junior half up.
21:08What a lovely selection in front of us.
21:10From an Angus to a belted Galloway, there's some great looking cattle in the ring.
21:15And it's the belted Galloway who wins first place.
21:19Today she is my champion.
21:20Woo!
21:21We'll see if we get second or third.
21:25So, now we've got to find a reserve.
21:28Come on, Ray.
21:29The reserve is going to go to this Galloway heifer.
21:33It was a tight thing between the link and red.
21:37He's just a little bit under condition.
21:39Just want to lose that bit of tummy.
21:41But if you get him gliding around the ring, he's got a lovely shape.
21:43You've picked a good ball, bred a good ball.
21:46So, the judges just said exactly what we thought.
21:49That he's just lacking a little bit of condition.
21:52He's got a little bit of blow up because we've been feeding them hay.
21:54Because they have been in the band because we've weaned them.
21:57But he's a great ball.
21:58He's a great ball.
21:59He's a great ball.
22:00He's first in junior champion.
22:02If that's all we get for the day, that'll do us.
22:06It was one step too far for Ray this time.
22:09But the fact that he even made it into the final is incredible.
22:12Especially considering just a few hours ago,
22:15we weren't sure he'd be competing at all.
22:17I'm really pleased.
22:19He's done tremendously well today.
22:20Yes, I'm really, really proud of him.
22:22I'm just really glad that we decided to come in the show ring.
22:25He's got a couple of rosettes for all his troubles.
22:28First time ever in a show ring.
22:30I think he's been tremendous.
22:31Couple of little things we can work on.
22:33The judge said he's got fantastic potential.
22:35He's a great ball.
22:36We've just got to just tidy up round the loose edges now.
22:39So, yes, he's done well.
22:41Well done, mate.
22:42Come on.
22:43What a result.
22:47We began with a poorly calf
22:49and weren't even sure we'd make it into the ring.
22:52And now he's earned two rosettes.
22:55I need to count my winnings, actually.
22:57How much did you get?
22:58You didn't tell me that bit.
23:00Have a look in there.
23:02Oh, we've hit the jackpot.
23:04How much?
23:05We've hit the jackpot.
23:06Fifteen.
23:07Fifteen.
23:08That'll do.
23:09That will get me a well-deserved drink.
23:11And you as well.
23:12Oh, thank you.
23:13Get us both a well-deserved drink.
23:14Come on.
23:15Come on, Ray.
23:16Come on, Ray.
23:17The plan this year was to give all four kids a shot at showing.
23:29But as our new cast hadn't arrived in time, that just couldn't happen.
23:33But after Marnie got her shot in the ring showing her Jacob, I've taken a last-minute decision
23:38to enter Ray into the young handler's group, with Milo by his side, assuming he wakes up
23:44in time, of course.
23:46There we go.
23:47Right, you stand there.
23:48Milo, come and get in.
23:49Put a strong arm.
23:50Right hand.
23:51Good boy.
23:52Look at the judge.
23:54It's always inspiring to witness the next generation of farmers and breeders take such
23:59pride in their animals.
24:01And today, it's especially impressive to see how confident Milo is in the ring.
24:06Do you know what breed it is, maybe?
24:09A Lincoln Red.
24:10A Lincoln Red?
24:11No.
24:12And are you going to carry on going to the shows?
24:15Yes.
24:16Well, I'm pleased about that, because we need lots of good little gats like yourself coming
24:20along and showing.
24:21All right?
24:23Well done, Milo.
24:26Ladies and gentlemen, this particular class is always, always the hardest.
24:41Each and every single one of these competitors is our future, and in fairness, the future
24:48is bright.
24:49So what I've asked for the committee to do is split the prize money or the prize fund
24:55for this plant between them all, so they all get a fair game.
24:59OK?
25:01Well done, mate.
25:02I think you've owned one.
25:03It's like a draw.
25:04Well done.
25:05It's very nice to meet you, and I've enjoyed your company, and it's lovely to know that
25:12you know a bit about the cows.
25:14There's a bit of extra money.
25:15There's a bit of extra money in there now, so you've got to go and get some ice cream,
25:18or some more paint, by the look of it, and away to go.
25:21So enjoy the show, and it's very nice to meet you.
25:24Well done.
25:25Cheers, mate.
25:28Well done.
25:29Right.
25:30Go on for all of that.
25:31You follow him on.
25:32Walk him on, Nelson.
25:33Well done, Ray.
25:34Good lad.
25:37Just the white one.
25:38Don't pull the black one.
25:39Just the white one.
25:40That's it.
25:41Good lad.
25:42Well done, Milo.
25:43That was amazing.
25:45Well done.
25:46Hey, I'll tell you what.
25:48It's a good job you woke up, isn't it?
25:50If not, you'd have missed that.
25:52And did I see that ride?
25:54Did you actually get some prize money?
25:56How much did you get?
25:58Ten.
25:59Ten pick was ten pounds.
26:01Ten pounds and a special rosette.
26:07Wow.
26:09How good is that?
26:10I feel like I'm Super Mario long.
26:12Yeah.
26:13Good lad.
26:15Right.
26:16Well done.
26:17Give us a kiss.
26:18I love you lad.
26:19I love you.
26:20Are you glad you did it?
26:21Yeah?
26:25A tenner.
26:26It's not bad, is it?
26:40Ray's reward for all his hard work is an invitation to join a grand parade, celebrating alongside
26:47all the other winners from today's events.
26:51We had the privilege of experiencing this moment last year, and I can tell you first-hand,
26:56being welcomed into the championship circle is a feeling of immense pride and honour.
27:01All the winners from today have now got to go into the main show ring.
27:04It's going to be me, Marnie and Liz taking him into the show ring.
27:08Now, we need to get his rosettes on, so everyone knows that he's a winner.
27:12Well, I wonder what Ray's thinking now.
27:14He's spent the last 11 months of his life with four other cows, and he's now with what feels like hundreds.
27:22Yeah.
27:23He's done well, hasn't he?
27:24First time he's in a trailer.
27:25Yeah.
27:26First time he's been at a show.
27:28First time you've been shown, you've done brilliant.
27:31Yeah, Ray was there.
27:33We delivered Ray.
27:34He had a rough start in his life, and now he's our champion cow.
27:41Come on.
27:42Considering Ray was far from 100% when he arrived here last night, it's truly incredible that
27:48we're now walking around the championship circle with him.
27:51It's a great moment.
27:52A chance for Liz, Marnie and me to proudly show off our not-so-little bull calf.
27:58Oh, this is incredible, isn't it?
28:00Just said that to Liz.
28:01What an amazing thing to do with this.
28:04What a privilege.
28:05This is why you do it.
28:08It's stressful to build up.
28:10It turns out we're here in the main ring with all these other incredible animals.
28:17Look at all these cows.
28:24Sometimes I come outside my body and think, is that me?
28:30Is that me?
28:31Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
28:43Parading around the main show ring at the Royal Cheshire Show is an incredible experience,
28:48and we intend to let Marnie share in the glory.
28:51Come and stand here.
28:52Go round.
28:53Right hand.
28:54I'm here with you.
28:55I'm here.
28:56Let him know you're there.
28:57Let's go.
28:58Good boy.
28:59That's it.
29:00Good girl.
29:01Keep walking in.
29:02Good girl.
29:03Keep walking in.
29:04Good girl.
29:05Keep walking in.
29:06Good girl.
29:07Keep going.
29:08Look up the way you're going.
29:09Good girl.
29:10Well done, darling.
29:11Oh, Marnie, honestly.
29:12What a girl.
29:13She just makes me so proud.
29:14She's fearless.
29:15I wish I was like her.
29:16To be able to be stood there in the ring amongst the best people in the world.
29:21Oh, Marnie, honestly, what a girl.
29:24She just makes me so proud.
29:26She's fearless.
29:27I wish I was like her.
29:29To be able to be stood there in the ring amongst the best of them is something to be
29:33really proud of.
29:34And it's just nice to be there together and celebrate what we've done, really.
29:38We'll go all smiling today.
29:40We may not have had all four kids showing this year, but Marnie certainly has shown her
29:45little brothers how it's done.
29:47I loved it really much.
29:48There were some cows there that are like, like gigantic.
29:52And I'm like, and they weren't even nervous for like carrying it around.
29:56I'm like, how do you do it?
29:58It's still been a great day for the Fletchers.
30:01And it's just been really amazing how people and us can handle cows.
30:07And I would have thought cows were impossible.
30:09Safe to say, this year's show has been a roaring success.
30:14And we're heading home with a handful of rosettes to add to our ever-growing collection.
30:19We've done all right for rosettes, haven't we?
30:22What a day, I mean.
30:23We nearly didn't show him.
30:24We've gone from potentially pulling him out to ending up with a ruck of rosettes.
30:28And then the kids have shown as well, and it's just been...
30:33These days are always so unexpected.
30:35You know, they're always...
30:37They just throw curveballs, but somehow it always ends up just working itself out.
30:43That is why we do it.
30:45Yes.
30:46It's stressful, it's chaotic, but you just go on with a big smile on your face, don't you?
30:52He's delivered.
30:53He's delivered.
30:54You've done us proud, Ray.
30:55He's coming.
30:56He's done us proud.
30:57If you're home now, you can go and tell your mates what you've done.
30:59Yeah.
31:00Yeah?
31:01Come on, then.
31:02Fletcher's high five if your arm's not too bad.
31:04I might do a high shoulder.
31:06Ow!
31:08Come on.
31:09Come on, Ray.
31:10Come on, Ray.
31:12You've made us proud, lad.
31:14You've come here on your own, and you've cleaned up, lad.
31:17Well done.
31:18You've cleaned up.
31:27After a good sleep, it's business as usual back on the farm, but before we get stuck
31:33into the morning rounds, waiting for us at the cottage is a rather special delivery.
31:38It's the result of an idea that was inspired by the land we farm over a year ago, and I'm
31:44hoping it'll be a potential new product for us if it gets the boss's approval.
31:49Did you want me?
31:50The big revealers.
31:51Hey.
31:52So, you know, last year you surprised me with these blankets.
31:56Yeah.
31:57That you've been working on.
31:58Yeah.
31:59We had the idea of using everything we've foraged from the hedgerows, spring water, and
32:05curating our own gin.
32:07Well, it's here.
32:09In bottle form, ready to taste.
32:11Oh, you've done it.
32:13Do you want to see them?
32:14Yeah.
32:15The bottle, the design.
32:16Yeah.
32:17Are you ready?
32:18Yeah.
32:19Wow.
32:21It's nice, isn't it?
32:23Can you open that?
32:24Square bottle.
32:25I like the green.
32:26Our farm's DNA have gone into this gin.
32:30Wow.
32:31The spring water.
32:32The foraging.
32:34So, and it's been a long time coming.
32:37I love it.
32:38So the pop.
32:40Oh!
32:41Sounds good, doesn't it?
32:43We're not going to drink it yet.
32:44Just wait.
32:45Just wait.
32:46Find out what I've got.
32:47Our little message on the back.
32:49So, crafted by the Fletcher family.
32:52Known...
32:53This is a bit cringe, but anyway.
32:54Known and loved from ITV's Fletcher's Family Farm.
32:58You can't put that on the back of the bottle.
33:00Oh, you know, it's true.
33:01People ask where we're from and people like it.
33:03So...
33:04This gin is a true expression of bold beginnings and countryside discovery.
33:10This gin is our story in a bottle.
33:13Vibrant, honest and full of heart.
33:16You've got tears in your eyes.
33:19I don't know how to laugh or cry.
33:21It's dramatic, isn't it?
33:22How many bottles do you need to drink to believe that?
33:25Well, we're actors.
33:27It's all about the messages.
33:28It's real...
33:29No, no.
33:30We're communicators.
33:31We are a family.
33:32We're not master distillers.
33:33No.
33:34We've taken ingredients from our little farm in the Peak District
33:37and we've curated a drink, hopefully, for people to enjoy.
33:41Last year, Marnie and I met a local distiller
33:45who showed us what to forage for to help us create our own unique gin.
33:49So it looks like we've got quite a bit there, Kyle.
33:51What flavours is this going to give us?
33:53Do we know yet?
33:54That's a good question.
33:55What's going to taste of your farm?
33:56It's an experiment.
33:57It's an experiment.
33:58It always is.
33:59When you're using fresh and greens, you don't know exactly what's going to come out.
34:01Yeah.
34:02Which is good.
34:03It's obviously going to be unique and bespoke to this farm.
34:06And unbeknownst to Liz, it's started me on a journey to creating this blend.
34:12Can we drink it?
34:13Yeah.
34:14Come on, then.
34:17Beautiful.
34:20Smells good.
34:25It's definitely gin.
34:27It's definitely gin.
34:33It needs a tonic.
34:34But it's very good.
34:35Nice.
34:36Tastes like gin.
34:37Tastes like gin.
34:38Tastes like gin, isn't it?
34:39Good.
34:40That's good.
34:41If there's one thing I've learned.
34:42If it doesn't get Liz's seal of approval.
34:43This gin will be on a very short run.
34:44What do you think then, darling?
34:45I love it.
34:46I love it.
34:47I really love it.
34:48From getting this little farm.
34:49To having a few sheep.
34:50The sheep provide the blankets.
34:51Now we're getting gin from our hedgerows and spring on the hill.
34:52It's...
34:53Soon we'll be having porridge.
34:54What's next?
34:55Wow.
34:56Well done.
34:57Really impressed.
34:58Right, back to some sheep work.
34:59Back to some sheep work.
35:00Or should we just stay in here and have an afternoon in here?
35:02I'd love to, but we've got four kids and you'll quickly sober up.
35:03I know we've got stuff to do, but I could just really stay in here and have an afternoon
35:07in here.
35:08I'd love to, but we've got four kids and you'll quickly sober up.
35:13I know we've got stuff to do, but I could just really start out there.
35:17Laying this.
35:18Hey, that looks good.
35:19And then I could be next to it like this.
35:20Naked.
35:21You know, like that.
35:22Not naked, no.
35:23Why would I be naked?
35:24This could be the advert.
35:25Hey, it really brings out the blue in your eyes.
35:26It's all the blue.
35:27It's all the blue.
35:28It's all the blue in my eyes.
35:29Yeah, it's all the blue.
35:30It's all the blue.
35:31It's all the blue.
35:32It's all the blue.
35:33It's all the blue.
35:34Yeah.
35:35Yeah.
35:36It's all the blue.
35:37It's all the blue.
35:38It's all the blue.
35:39Right.
35:40Back to some sheep work.
35:41Back to some sheep work.
35:42Or should we just stay in here and have an afternoon in here?
35:43This could be the advert.
35:45Hey, it really brings out the blue in your eyes, Helmet.
35:50This gin's making you look gorgeous.
35:55Shall I hold one, or is that a bit too cringy?
35:57No, it's too much. No, it's too green.
35:59We'll just try it anyway.
36:02I don't like QVC.
36:05We've got an exclusive offer for you guys.
36:09Once these go, that's it.
36:13Aww, you look handsome.
36:16What a man, eh?
36:18Right, come on, work to do.
36:33As much as I'd love to while away an afternoon with Liz,
36:36the other delivery we've had this morning
36:38is the results of our Phlox poo samples that we sent to the vet.
36:42So, yeah, worms, a fascinating thing that sheep have on every farm
36:48and it's a big, big deal when it comes to sheep.
36:51So we saw the results and there is a high count of worms,
36:54so we are going to drench them today.
36:56We don't just want to do it for the sakes of it
36:58because they can get immune to it.
37:00We're doing it because they need it.
37:01And it's, for us, we feel it's a much better way to treat the animal.
37:05Back to reality it is.
37:07Time to find some sheep.
37:09Come on, let's see what happens.
37:13The plan is to bring the flock back to the barn to drench them
37:16or administer the liquid medicine.
37:18That's the easy bit.
37:19The tricky bit, as always for us, is rounding them up.
37:31But with four years of practice, a quad and a plastic bag,
37:34we seem to be getting the knack.
37:41We're all right, aren't we?
37:55Isn't it good, when you do it though?
37:58We're just excited and stuff like that.
38:00That's what I feel like about polishing.
38:03Bringing them down to the barn makes the flock much easier to manage.
38:08They all go quiet when Kelvyn gets there,
38:09It's quiet when Kelvin gets in, it's like when the headmaster comes into assembly, it's like, shh!
38:16And there's one little fella who's really caught my eye.
38:19So when this lamb was born, we've not castrated this lamb because I think this is going to be a future breeding tup.
38:26He looked great as a day-old lamb and he's just progressed and progressed and progressed.
38:30Number four, the shape, the back end, the way his buttocks are, his shoulders at the front, he's just got such a lovely shape.
38:38And a good tup is good news for the future of our flock.
38:42He's got a lovely fleece, his shoulders, look at the shape of him there.
38:49They are good looking, aren't they? Look at the shape and the way he stands as well.
38:53Junkan is drunk, hasn't he?
38:55Yeah.
38:56Having them all in the barn gives us a chance to give the sheep a once-over.
39:02We've got a sheep that's lame there, which means we've got a bad foot.
39:06So while she's there, we'll just take a look at her, see what's going on.
39:11There you go.
39:13Well, it's just good just to check the sheep do a bit of all over.
39:16Looking in the eyes is a good indicator, should be in like a nice salmon colour.
39:19And then you're checking the teeth as well.
39:21Another seed bag, she's still rearing lamb, so you want to make sure there's no mastitis there.
39:26And thankfully, the used foot isn't too bad either.
39:29There's no obvious sign of everything, but she's definitely kind of not able to put any pressure on there.
39:35If we treat her, that should hopefully just sort that out.
39:39And sheep are just renowned for having foot problems.
39:42A quick pedicure and an antibiotic injection, and this use should bounce back pretty quick.
39:48To this day, I cannot believe Kelvin can just do that, because day one, he could not bear to do an injection.
39:56And now you do all the injections really, don't you?
39:59Flock inspection done.
40:01Next task, worming.
40:10Today, we got the news that our flock has tested positive for worms.
40:14So after rounding them up, it's time to treat them.
40:18Oh my God, so many lambs.
40:21Liz's task is to herd the flock through while I drench them.
40:29Come on.
40:31Come on.
40:32Come on.
40:33Not you, not you.
40:37There's only four left.
40:44So far, successful.
40:46Done.
40:47Yes, sir.
40:51We've done well there.
40:52That was, erm...
40:54That was successful.
40:56Yeah.
40:57Some days, and I often think it depends on Kelvin's mood.
41:00Some days it's brilliant.
41:01What do you mean depends on my mood?
41:03That can either be great or dreadful.
41:06Should I tell you why?
41:07I think that's why I dread it.
41:08Should I tell you why?
41:09Why?
41:10You were helpful.
41:11If you're in a good mood and I'm helpful, it works.
41:13Yeah, it works a treat.
41:14It does work a treat.
41:16So what that means is now is that we'll turn the sheep out onto this pasture
41:20that's dirty pasture somewhat, so if they've got any worm burden, they'll poo it out,
41:25they'll get rid of what they need to get rid of, give them a couple of days on there,
41:29two or three days, and then the idea being we've been growing some grass for them,
41:34some lush grass, and that's what they can look forward to.
41:37We'll continue to test them for worms once a month, but for now, they can get back out to enjoy the sunshine.
41:52Always a lot easier getting them out and getting them in.
42:07Not all of them.
42:13We've only, we kind of down our numbers this year, last year.
42:16We were only at about 35 breeding ewes in this field, 60 lambs a foot.
42:22Well, that's because we started with the clins, isn't it?
42:25And the idea is that we keep bringing more clins in.
42:28How many sheep would you like?
42:29Well, I mean, for it to make any sense for us, you're looking at, you want over 400, don't you?
42:35What?
42:37400 breeding ewes?
42:39Yeah, if you want to make it worth your while, you've got to have big numbers.
42:42It's a numbers game.
42:43No, I think, I think 100 breeding ewes would be good.
42:46I don't think I fancy rounding up 400 sheep with you.
42:49Anyway, they're wormed, they're out, they're happy, job done.
42:54Job done.
42:56Nice one. On to the next.
43:05After a whirlwind few months dealing with a house fire, Cheshire's show, our first crop of oats and cow pregnancies, we wanted to take a little time out with the kids.
43:26See, I can do it. Keep going. Pull your arms up like you're at the winning finish line. Yay!
43:35So, we've packed up some tasty treats in search for the perfect spot for a picnic.
43:40Who loves cows?
43:43Who loves cows?
43:44Me!
43:45Just do little things like this and it just makes us realise why we love living here so much, you know, how important it is.
43:58And it's these moments, this is it, this is absolutely why, you know, the farm is our home.
44:03And even though we're not sleeping here, I think it's important that everything the farm has to offer is what we are, who we are.
44:12I think Marnie and Milo can process. This is a, you know, bit of a chapter and the rebuild will start soon.
44:20So I just want to make sure that what they do remember is, you know, this is the home, this is where we live.
44:27There's no other place like home.
44:30We've also just had word that the work can start on the farmhouse soon.
44:35And we still have so much more to look forward to.
44:38So we've got more animals, more animals, the farm's going to keep growing.
44:45And we've got our first wedding at the farm.
44:51And we're all going to go to that wedding.
44:53What's the most exciting thing?
44:55It is, we're going to rebuild the house.
44:58New bedrooms!
45:00New bedrooms!
45:01New bedrooms!
45:02Who wants bunk beds?
45:03Me!
45:07Next time on our farm, Operation Wedding Barn is in full swing.
45:13Jemima's kindly invited the children and I said, are you sure?
45:17Are we going to do a smoochy kiss?
45:21Yes.
45:22Not in front of you, no.
45:24Liz and I attempt to relocate a rather delicate ornament.
45:28I hope this isn't Adele Trotter moment.
45:31I know.
45:32So do I, I'm up a ladder.
45:34I'm up a ladder.
45:35And after my disastrous attempts last time, I decide to give shearing another shot.
45:40Keep their head this way, Ol.
45:41The head this way, yeah.
45:42And going down that way.
45:43So when, till where?
45:44Yeah.
45:45Beautiful skin.
45:46Shall we feel the skin?
45:47Feel the skin.
45:54Yeah.
45:55Oh, yeah.
45:58And behind that looking out, go in there!
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