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00:00Come on Fletchers.
00:02We're heading into our fifth year of farming in the stunning Peak District.
00:07Here we go.
00:08They're coming!
00:10That's it, that's it. We've got to go.
00:12And we're making big plans from our new HQ.
00:16Being back at the farm 24-7, it just feels like the best feeling.
00:20In a caravan.
00:21It's pretty bougie.
00:23Alongside our four kids, who are each carving their own path as young farmers too.
00:28If any of my Jacobs give birth, I've got to do it.
00:33This year, we introduce new breeds to the farm.
00:37I'm going to get a new flock of hens.
00:39I'm not even telling Kelvin. I'm just doing it.
00:42Come here, piggies!
00:44I forgot how much I love pigs.
00:46They're really cute.
00:48And continue our journey into arable farming.
00:51It's my wife, that.
00:53We've grown in confidence as farmers.
00:56I will not be defeated.
01:00Embracing the fun and chaos.
01:02Why could I not just have five minutes to eat?
01:05And together, we're working hard to live our life to the full.
01:09That was really good.
01:10You know what this calls for?
01:11Are we going to get a hot chocolate?
01:12I'm brave.
01:20I'm brave.
01:22This week on our farm, we mark the end of winter by hosting our very first farmer's market.
01:29And Mani's Land Shack proves to be a big hit.
01:32Any Moroccan lamb sausages?
01:37Oh man, these guys are going to sell you out within an hour.
01:41With the first signs of spring in the air, plans to grow our herd get underway.
01:47So I'm already on the lookout for some more cows.
01:50And more cows who are already in calf.
01:54Ideally, a cow with a calf at foot who's in calf.
01:59Three lives the price of one, as they say.
02:01And lambing season starts early.
02:03With the unplanned arrival of two beautiful lads.
02:07He was born this morning.
02:09Born this morning?
02:11Yeah.
02:12This is his birthday.
02:27Free range kids and animals are our heaven.
02:31Your brothers are drinking water from the drain.
02:36That is what you call farm kids, innit?
02:39Show me what a farm kid looks like.
02:41It looks like that.
02:42And since moving back onto the farm full time,
02:46we've loved watching the kids reconnect with farming life.
02:50There's 50 sheep all together.
02:5150 sheep?
02:5350 girls.
02:54And guess how many boys?
02:5610.
02:57One?
02:58One boy.
02:59To marry all of them girls?
03:02Yeah.
03:03Wow.
03:04What do you think of that?
03:05Good.
03:06That's really good.
03:08Marnie's flock, which will grow in size come spring,
03:11is certainly keeping her busy.
03:12Between us, we've got over 70 breeding ewes.
03:17So between us, we could have about 140 lambs.
03:23If any of my Jacob's give birth, I've got to do it.
03:29Okay, I'm taking the responsibility of my sheep,
03:33and you're taking the responsibility of yours.
03:36Deal.
03:37And Milo is also keen to rear his own flock.
03:44But I've got 12 reasons to try and convince him to turn his hand to a different animal.
03:49We got the pigs in mid-December, and they were about six weeks old.
03:55So they've just been weaned, and that means they've just come off the mum.
04:01And then a mixture of gilts and bulls, boys and girls.
04:06The bulls are still intact, so they've not been castrated.
04:10And then we'll rear them then until what they call fattening weight.
04:14And as we've experienced going to market, unfortunately,
04:18these homegrown native breeds who have had the best life in the woods,
04:24best diet, just doesn't translate to a return,
04:28you know, a sustainable return, really.
04:32It just doesn't make financial sense.
04:35And then we've also sold at restaurants, which is better
04:38and does make a good return.
04:41But still, you know, the holy grail is selling direct to you and I.
04:45So that's the intention with these.
04:47We'll rear them until they're fat, and we'll get them in boxes,
04:50and we'll do another farmer's market.
04:52And who knows, we've said that we might keep maybe one or two of the best girls
04:56and get them back in pick, because our pig story,
05:00after a little hiatus, is back on track.
05:05Milo's confidence with the animals has really grown this last few months,
05:08and making him part of the pig's journey could be great for him.
05:22There's another trough in there that I want to feed.
05:26Where are your wellies?
05:28That's it, do it gently in there, all along.
05:32Right, come on, let's give it a good swell out now.
05:36Jump down, and you can do this swilling bit.
05:42Right, what I want you to do, start at the top, and work your way down.
05:48Get nice and low, and give it a proper good swell.
05:51And don't forget, you want to do this bit as well, the bit that you can't see.
05:55Yeah?
05:56Yes, sir.
05:57Good, good.
05:57Right then, let's get that back up there.
06:07They're about three months old at the minute,
06:10and you'll typically finish pigs around between six to eight months,
06:15so they're about halfway through.
06:18But this next three months, they will, again, just as dramatic the size increase has been thus far,
06:24it'll continue.
06:26Wait, are these all sheaths?
06:27No, no, some of them are boys, and we have a look for the little testicles.
06:32After a quick check, we've got eight bores and four gilts.
06:36So, real potential for expanding our drove.
06:40So, in the coming weeks, for us, we'll separate them.
06:43So, we'll get the two separate pens, females and males.
06:48And then we'll be monitoring the females to see who makes grade,
06:51who potentially can live as a breeding female.
06:54And then we'll look at the boys.
06:55Same could be applied, they could be an exceptionally great boy
06:58that we keep as a breeder, but the rest of them will grow them to be fattened.
07:03And you want them to kind of finish before they start really exercising
07:08or demonstrating their testosterone.
07:11Because if you let that go on unnoticed too long, the meat will be tainted.
07:16Because you know what they say about pigs?
07:18I've done that one.
07:19Cows will only eat, like, grass and nuts,
07:22and sheep will only eat grass and nuts.
07:25Because they're rumen animals, whereas pigs...
07:29Eat anything.
07:30Eat anything.
07:31Pigs will eat anything.
07:32What's your favourite farm animal?
07:34I've never asked you that.
07:35What is your favourite animal?
07:36Pigs.
07:37Is it really?
07:38More than sheep?
07:39Yeah.
07:41Well, rather than get pigs next, rather than...
07:44You know Marnie's got her sheep, her own sheep,
07:46and you asked the lot to get some sheep?
07:48That's just following Marnie.
07:50Why don't you?
07:51Get pigs.
07:53Yeah, I get.
07:54Milo seems sold on my idea.
07:56And if this lot grow well, we could be breeding from them by the end of summer.
08:01Come on, let's give these a stroke, then we can get going.
08:03Boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop,
08:11boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop,
08:15boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop,
08:20boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop
08:33the fields and forests of our farm, and with a new season on the horizon, we're getting
08:39ready for our first event of the year. A farmer's market. We've invited some local
08:45producers to come and sell their wares alongside us in the barn. And for once, we're ready
08:52to go. Which gives me time to crack on with other jobs around the farm before we open
08:58our gates tomorrow. Today, I'm taking delivery of some special homegrown feed that will give
09:05our livestock a protein boost.
09:12So, our oats, our spring oats, that didn't make great for porridge, made great for animal
09:21feed. So here you have it. Somewhere in there are oats from our farm. And farms, you know,
09:27locally, maybe around the country even, but we've all played a part in producing this.
09:35So, there'll be other farms with this feed that have got a bit of our oats in their feed.
09:42So yeah, still a success. We were hoping for porridge, but the lack of rain this summer meant
09:50our first crop didn't plump up enough before harvest. So animal feed it is.
09:56As soon as the cows hit, hear the lid of the corn bin go up, they start.
10:03Happy livestock means a happy farmer. It feels good, actually. Yeah, it feels quite a proud
10:12moment. That our little farm has somewhat kind of gone into the supply chain to produce something
10:25for many other farms. It's these little things, these little kind of moments what you don't
10:30really, you never really imagine or picture when you first start out. I'd have never have
10:36thought that we'd be going into the food chain, the supply chain. I didn't know what to expect.
10:45I didn't really, you know. It was just maybe to live a quieter life. And it certainly wasn't
10:52that. It does actually smell quite nice. The real test is the taste. I'm not trying it.
11:01Shall we give some to the cows and see how they are? Whilst I top up the feed bins, Liz
11:09and
11:09the twins have arrived to lend a hand with feeding time. Mum, the water is coming! Good.
11:17That's enough now for the pigs. Right. Come on, kids. Get this bottom bit of hay. Mum, I've got
11:26some big hay. Here you go. We are really pleased that they love it and they do want their, the
11:35thing is they want to be in charge and that's great and we really encourage that. But in
11:42that they just do whatever the hell they want. You're like, no, no, there is a system.
11:48On this farm, it seems the chain of command has had a rather sudden reshuffle. And at just
11:54three years old, there's already a new foreman running the yard.
11:59Mateus is the farmer, so... I am the boss. Are you the boss? Yeah. Well then, what can
12:06we say about that? I'm the boss of the cows. Look, we do, we do! Should we go and feed
12:13my hens? Yeah! Come on then.
12:21Right, the moment of truth. Let's see if the cows like it. Come on then. What do you think?
12:33Let me know.
12:42Straight in. Crowther and Ray, they love it. Ruby, come on, you can have a little bit.
12:50The boys are loving this. That's a great review, isn't it? Five-star review from Ray and Crowther.
12:56Crowther, that's not the end of Ults. It's just the beginning. Might be the end of that particular
13:03chapter. But Ults are still yet to be conquered. And they're there for the taking, so...
13:12This is Ults part one. Mark my words. We'll be having Fletcher porridge oats. I don't doubt
13:21that. I don't doubt that for a second. Best fed cows in Cheshire. Come on then. You're welcome,
13:32cows.
14:00This year we're working hard
14:02to increase our livestock numbers and our small herd of native Lincoln Reds have an important
14:08part to play in our plan to expand.
14:13That's just... what an absolute privilege this is.
14:20They're hardy but with gentle temperaments and have proven to be such big characters
14:24on the farm.
14:29Calvin!
14:31Yeah?
14:32There's a bull here.
14:33There's a what?
14:34There's a bull.
14:36Just when you thought you'd had it sorted next minute a bull arrives.
14:42But this winter has been a season of mixed fortune.
14:48We hit a great milestone with the first of our cattle being sent to produce organic meat.
14:55Blimey.
14:56I wasn't expecting that.
14:57That is...
14:58That's incredible.
15:00Is that all ours?
15:01Yes.
15:03Wow.
15:04There are your primal cuts.
15:07I kind of feel a bit overwhelmed.
15:08This is...
15:09I've never...
15:10That's just amazing.
15:13But any joy was overshadowed by the sudden and unexpected passing of Cherry due to pneumonia.
15:21No idea at all what's... what's caused it.
15:25I'm just feeling a bit of shock.
15:28It's...
15:30Absolutely gutted.
15:33We're learning to deal with the highs and lows of farming life.
15:37And today could be the start of the next chapter for our herd.
15:41As vet Hugo has arrived to give Ruby a pregnancy test.
15:47The slight jeopardy is.
15:49We pulled Crowther out.
15:51We separated Crowther from the females in December.
15:57So she's only been given three and three and a half months, really, with the bull.
16:03So we're just hoping.
16:04Maybe that was a bit premature.
16:05I don't know.
16:06Maybe I should have let Crowther run with her a little bit longer.
16:08But I didn't.
16:09I pulled Crowther away.
16:11So we'll see whether that gamble paid off.
16:15A cows cycle is around 21 days.
16:18So Crowther had three chances to get Ruby in calf before we separated them.
16:23As for Ruby, although she miscarried once,
16:26she's produced a couple of cracking Lincoln Reds.
16:29Our award-winning bull calf ray,
16:31followed by our first heifer, Elizabeth,
16:34who was born late summer last year.
16:36So, yeah, having that miscarriage kind of puts you back.
16:39You lose two or three months and suddenly you're at the back end of summer then
16:41and it has a knock-on effect.
16:43And that's it, you know.
16:44You're forever timing things and that's the beautiful cycle.
16:48You just...
16:48You're going by nature's rules.
16:51You know, nature dictates her gestation period, which is 290 days.
16:55So you know that when you're sending the bull in there,
16:57if he does the job, you've got 290 days to wait until you get a calf.
17:02Once Ruby is safely in the crush,
17:04Hugo can get to work with his portable pregnancy tester.
17:09Heyo, let's get on that yoke.
17:16Hold on.
17:18Good job.
17:19Good killer.
17:20So you've gone all high-tech, Hugo?
17:23Do any other farmers get this or are we getting special treatment?
17:26Only if they ask for it.
17:28How many ask for it?
17:29Not many.
17:30Not many?
17:31They're not that interested in most of them.
17:34So we've got, hopefully, via this little lab,
17:36we can see what Hugo's seeing with his little glasses.
17:39Having such a small herd means that every pregnancy is special.
17:43So I'm loving Hugo's nifty bit of kit that'll show me if Ruby's in calf instantly.
17:49Can you see this?
17:50Yep.
17:51So you've got a calf there.
17:53Yes.
17:53There's a 2D image.
17:55That's like a slice through a calf there.
17:57You can see his ribs.
17:58Okay.
17:59And then you've got that empty bit, that black area.
18:02That's its stomach.
18:03Right.
18:04And then you've got liver around it.
18:06You can see its legs poking.
18:07Yeah, you can see its legs.
18:09So this calf is...
18:12It's about an 11-week pregnancy, that.
18:16Beginning of...
18:17December.
18:18December, so not long before the ball came out, yeah.
18:21Yeah.
18:22That was lucky.
18:23So she's in calf.
18:24Brilliant.
18:25Yeah, that's true.
18:27It's good to get an idea of how her recovery is.
18:29She obviously, this is, she had a second calf in September,
18:32and three months later she's back in calf, so that's a good sign.
18:37Crowther's obviously, again, doing her job, which is good.
18:39It's bittersweet, to be honest.
18:41You know, it is really good.
18:43But bittersweet, obviously we lost Cherry,
18:47so it should have been two cows being PD'd today.
18:53I'd like to think Cherry would have been two months ahead,
18:55and we could be expecting two calves as opposed to just one,
18:58but we just need to get another cow, don't we?
19:01We'll need to replace Cherry.
19:04So I'm already on the lookout for some more cows,
19:07and more cows who are already in calf.
19:11Ideally, a cow with a calf at foot who's in calf.
19:16Three lives at the price of one, as they say.
19:18So...
19:20Excellent. Good, good.
19:21She's done really well, and she's got in calf sort of three months after.
19:26Yeah, that's not a bad going, really.
19:27Yeah, yeah. That's just bang on that.
19:29If you're aiming for a calf every 12 months,
19:31she's doing what she's meant to do, yeah.
19:32She's doing the job, isn't she?
19:33What she's meant to do, yeah. Ideal.
19:35Yeah.
19:36Cool. Excellent. Thanks, Hugo.
19:38That's good, anyway, because you just don't know how it's going to go,
19:40especially if there's only one to scan and there's a negative,
19:43it's a bit of a blow, isn't it?
19:45I know.
19:45The question is, will it be another heifer calf or a bull calf?
19:49You've given us a heifer, you've given us a bull,
19:52what will you give us next?
19:53This is a, you know, this is really exciting.
19:55It's a relief.
19:56She's not, you know, I won't make any bones about you.
19:59She wasn't my favourite cow.
20:02Cherry was my favourite.
20:03She had such a lovely temperament.
20:05Cherry's a show winner and, you know,
20:07Ruby's not had the same sort of attention.
20:10We've never shown her in the ring.
20:11But the best thing about Ruby is,
20:14despite her temperament not being quite as good as what Cherry's was,
20:17she's produced, arguably, the better calves.
20:20She's produced Ray,
20:22who looks like he's going to be the best bull that we've had.
20:25I'd argue he's probably better than Crowder.
20:28You know, Crowder's son is already looking like he's better than him,
20:32which is good.
20:33And then she produced our first ever calf.
20:35Elizabeth, he's looking great as well, so...
20:37Well done, Ruby.
20:40Well done.
20:43Yep.
20:45Go on, mate.
20:46Oh, it's going to go back anyway.
20:51It's been a whirlwind of a few months for our small herd,
20:54and we've been ready for some positive news,
20:56and this really is it.
21:15There's more good news in the lodge too.
21:18Ginger's puppies are thriving,
21:20and as tempting as they are to keep one,
21:21they'll soon be off to their new homes
21:23so we can concentrate on our farm animals.
21:28And today, Liz is kicking off her day
21:31with the ever hopeful hunt for hidden treasure in the chicken coop.
21:44We've got eggs in the most random places ever.
21:48They have become very confident in the last sort of week or so,
21:53and they're really venturing out now.
21:57So they've got a beautiful coop there
22:00that they can get in at night, stay warm,
22:02go in the little side bit, lay an egg.
22:04No, no, no, no, no.
22:05They don't want that.
22:06They sit on that cage
22:08and they sleep on top of that
22:10and take the blistering cold.
22:12And now they've just chosen to lay on the wet floor.
22:17Yeah, these were supposed to be the posh ones
22:19that, you know, wanted a bit of VIP.
22:21Absolutely not.
22:23They've clearly been here long enough
22:24and now they know.
22:25Just get on with it.
22:26Get on with it, girl.
22:29The good thing is,
22:31we've got eggs.
22:32Little bluey green eggs, like they said.
22:35A lot smaller than the leghorn eggs.
22:38These are quite small.
22:41Trust our Arrakuna ladies
22:43to ignore the five-star accommodation
22:45and go completely off-piste.
22:48She laid an egg there.
22:49If she'd been on it,
22:51we could take that straight into the incubator, surely.
22:54Why is she laying there?
22:56It must have just come out there.
23:03Yeah.
23:07Yeah, that's warm.
23:10Put that in my pocket, keep it warm.
23:13It's good news,
23:14because we've waited a long time,
23:15they were too young to lay
23:16and now they're obviously laying.
23:19So...
23:20I'm hoping that Cockerel's doing his job
23:22and we're going to have some chicks soon
23:23and they're going to start sitting on them.
23:25What's harder to control?
23:26No, kids or hens?
23:28Look at them there,
23:29just feasting in the garden.
23:30Look at them, not bothered.
23:32Just doing whatever they want.
23:33Just like my kids.
23:34Do whatever they want.
23:56Late night, early start.
23:58No good for anyone, is it?
24:00Up early this morning to go and collect Marnie's lamb.
24:04Erm...
24:04But the butchers treated me to a bacon sarnie.
24:10So...
24:11If they didn't give me a brew,
24:12but they gave me a bacon sarnie,
24:13so I was happy.
24:15Today's the day of another first on our farm.
24:18Our own Fletcher's Farmers Market.
24:21I'm going to pack Marnie's fridge up,
24:24have a bit of a sweep up,
24:25a bit of a tidy up
24:26and then hopefully get the show on the road.
24:32Marnie's Jacob lamb burgers.
24:39Get my lights on.
24:42Alongside Marnie's lamb shack,
24:43we'll be selling our blankets and gin
24:46and the rest of the barn will be filled with other traders
24:48who have just arrived to set out their stalls.
24:52How are you?
24:52All right.
24:54Nice to see you.
24:55Good to see you.
24:55Yeah, very well, thank you.
24:56Very well.
24:57Hello.
24:58Hi, Julie.
24:58Nice to meet you.
24:59We've written on the floor, so...
25:01How are you?
25:02Where are you from again?
25:03Pottery.
25:03Pottery.
25:04You're in this corner.
25:18We've tried to invite a nice mix of food producers
25:21and artisan crafters
25:22who are as passionate about their products as we are.
25:30This looks amazing.
25:31Can I say Fletcher's on the farm?
25:34Wow, that is impressive.
25:36Tomorrow's lunch for you.
25:38Yeah.
25:39That'll last us a week, that.
25:42So what are you selling here?
25:44They're selling honey.
25:46Honey.
25:46Let's try some.
25:47There's a chocolate plate on it.
25:49With chocolate in it.
25:51Do you know what?
25:52It's great to see.
25:53These are all small family-round businesses
25:55and it's just nice to see them all in one space.
26:00Honey made freshly from them.
26:01Pies made freshly from them.
26:03Breadpulls made by them.
26:05Like, it's all made at their own locations.
26:10Local to here.
26:11Look how talented everybody is.
26:14And one guy said,
26:16this is the poshest farmer's market I've ever been to.
26:20Wow.
26:23Didn't realise that.
26:26Well, posh is a new one for us.
26:29And with a lamb shack fridge now full,
26:32Marnie's adding the finishing touches to her own store.
26:37I'm writing a sign for my lamb shack.
26:47That is the best writing I've ever seen.
26:49So we've got in here, we've got rosemary and garlic sausages.
26:55Here.
26:56And then here, we've got Marnie's Jacob lamb and mint sausage.
27:02Ooh, I like that one.
27:03Then we've got kidney of the lamb.
27:07And then we've got the liver of the lamb.
27:12I mean, the liver sounds nice.
27:16I think it's going to go well.
27:19Got a lot of lamb in there.
27:31Everybody's in.
27:32There's one or two vendors just still setting up,
27:35but the majority of them are here and good to go.
27:38Looking good.
27:39Totally transformed the whole barn, really.
27:41There's another way.
27:43With hot drinks and food setting up at the entrance
27:46to keep everyone fed and watered,
27:47we're officially on countdown to the first shoppers arriving.
27:52Right, what time is it?
27:55In ten minutes, people will be walking up,
27:59ready to do some shopping.
28:01It has been, so far, so relaxed.
28:06Still a lot to do.
28:07You've still got to look professional.
28:08You still want it to be a certain way.
28:09You want to feel, but it's the fact that
28:11these guys do this week in, week out.
28:14They come with their kit, set up, everything out,
28:17boom, ready to go.
28:35Our farm gates are finally open
28:37for the first event of the year.
28:40The Fletcher's Farmers Market.
28:43Perfect, perfect.
28:44That's great, thank you.
28:45So while Liz, Marnie and the rest of the vendors
28:48finish sorting the stock,
28:51I head up to the main gate
28:53to be part of the welcoming committee.
28:56Hiya guys, you all right?
28:57Hiya, how's it going?
28:58Yeah, very good, thanks.
28:59How are you?
28:59Good, all right.
29:00Have you got some pocket money with you?
29:02Um, I don't want some.
29:05Grandads are good for that.
29:06Yeah, there's some nice pork pies there that are quite good.
29:08Oh yeah, that sounds good.
29:09So I'm sure Grandad will treat you to one of them.
29:11And then Grandad himself can have a hot toddy,
29:13a hot gin like I've got.
29:15Sounds good.
29:16How are you doing guys, all right?
29:18Where are you guys from?
29:19Are you local or?
29:20St. Helens.
29:20St. Helens, all right.
29:21Oh, we've got some people from Wigan up there.
29:23Uh-huh.
29:24Oh, don't be fighting.
29:25Oh, no.
29:26Hey, don't be fighting.
29:28I love meeting the people who travel to meet us
29:31and support our latest venture.
29:34How you doing guys, you okay?
29:35How's it going?
29:36I believe we're seeing you in person.
29:38Oh, really?
29:38Oh, I'm just a look-alike.
29:39It's not me.
29:40I'm the look-alike.
29:41Yeah, I know Kelvin's taller than me.
29:43But making sure they don't turn our field
29:45into a mud bath is a fine art.
29:49Here, feel free to run him over.
29:53We've got insurance, don't worry.
29:55On parking duty today is Jules, our mate from Bolton.
30:00He's helped us out at a few events now
30:03and is happy to turn his hand to any task we throw at him.
30:07Part of the original team.
30:08Josh, Jules, me, Liz.
30:11What more do you need?
30:13Jules is the charner.
30:14He's a...
30:17Yeah, he's quite charming.
30:19I've heard on the radio complaining that your pens ran out.
30:23I've ran out of it, can you believe me?
30:25I've not been able to keep track.
30:26People are driving their own way, they're not resisting.
30:28Are they not listening?
30:29Are they not listening?
30:30This fellow farmer of yours, he was straight in there.
30:33Oh, was it, yeah?
30:33Like a professional from Nantwich.
30:35Oh, good, good.
30:36Ready for milking, are you?
30:38Are you ready to get stuck in or what?
30:39All the kids are ready to go as well.
30:40Oh, yes.
30:44Being supported by Farners and friends really does make our events more special.
30:49How are you, Jules?
30:50Glad to see you for a bit, lad.
30:51Oh, I'm good, man.
30:5342 today, my friend.
30:54Are you 42 today?
30:55Really?
30:56Yeah.
30:56Really?
30:56Happy birthday.
30:57I thought I'd have a pamper day today.
30:59Yeah.
30:59And then I get the text message off Kelvin.
31:02Can you turn up?
31:03The dream team, getting the boy band back together, aren't we?
31:06I'll end up frockling him at this race.
31:09I think I owe Jules a birthday pint after today.
31:20Back at the barn, the sales are getting underway.
31:23Do you want mint or garlic?
31:26So I'm heading back to help man the stocks.
31:29Perfect.
31:30It was like it was meant to be.
31:31Send us a picture with how you style it.
31:33I like to see how people do it.
31:35Thanks, guys.
31:36That's everything for me.
31:38You're my first customer.
31:39Was that your first customer?
31:41Woo!
31:41Yeah.
31:42You're officially my favourite.
31:44Wonderful.
31:45Thank you so much.
31:47And the lamb shack is proving to be a big draw.
31:50Can I have a liver, please?
31:52A liver.
31:53One pack of burgers.
31:55Oh, man.
31:55These guys are going to sell you out within an hour.
31:57I know.
31:58I've got a queue, guys.
32:00I'll put on a show for you in a minute.
32:02Yeah.
32:03The barn is alive with people chatting and laughing.
32:06And most importantly, buying from every artisan producer here.
32:12And I'm getting into the swing of things, too.
32:14Serving drinks.
32:17Just the gins or our little hot toddies.
32:21So that's apple juice, gin, cinnamon, and a few extra winter spices there.
32:28I've just noticed gins.
32:29Kelvin's not only selling gin.
32:30He's selling buy a gin with a mug.
32:32He's doing a right deal.
32:33Get a mug with a gin.
32:36Good morning.
32:37Good morning.
32:38You okay?
32:38Yeah.
32:39Yeah?
32:40Is it too early for a gin?
32:43Never too early for a gin.
32:44That's the right answer.
32:48Whether it's a birthday treat or a Friday tipple, it's just lovely that people are travelling
32:53to buy products direct from the people who make them.
32:58Well, I'll keep an eye and you'll see how you're walking later on, yeah?
33:08To add to the fun, our three boys are back to join us after a morning of fun with their
33:13grandparents.
33:15How was skating?
33:16Good.
33:17Yeah?
33:17Hello.
33:18Daddy, could I spend some money on some?
33:20Of course you can, yeah.
33:21Want me to give you some?
33:23I've got some.
33:24Hey, Dad.
33:25Right here.
33:26Hey, Alan.
33:28I know.
33:29That's amazing.
33:30Don't dismantle that.
33:31There's a fiver.
33:32That's a lot.
33:33Spend it carefully, okay?
33:34As Milo hits the stalls with his fiver, I take a break from serving for a quick cuddle
33:40with Matthias.
33:43Yeah.
33:45Matthias is different to the children.
33:49He goes very coy.
33:51Where's your brother?
33:52Where's Maximus?
33:54Back to go.
33:55Oh, there he is.
33:56Hello.
33:59Sales prevention.
34:01That's what these two are.
34:02Sales prevention.
34:03They don't get you sales.
34:04They prevent them.
34:06Right.
34:07Come on.
34:18As they're a bit too young to be serving customers just yet, I decided to take a quick break
34:23and take them to see a rather special new arrival on the farm.
34:30Oh, look at that.
34:33She's tiny, that one.
34:37Oh, little baby.
34:39Oh.
34:39He was born this morning.
34:43Born this morning?
34:45Yeah.
34:45This is his birthday.
34:47Well, these were unexpected.
34:50So, clearly, there's a male got in amongst them without us knowing.
34:54But we did sense that's why we brought her in.
34:57She's started to bag up.
34:58So, she's been in for a few days now.
35:00So, this is, let's have a look what it is.
35:02This is a little boy.
35:07They're cute.
35:09Max, would you like a hold, mate?
35:10Hold.
35:11Have a little hold.
35:15There we go.
35:16Our lambing season isn't due to start for another six to eight weeks.
35:20And this is another tuplam.
35:23And while these guys are a happy surprise, it also means that Larry must have got in with
35:29the Jacobs before tupping season officially started.
35:33Well, there we go.
35:34So, actually, we're half on them.
35:37Half?
35:38Because my sheep was the dad and your sheep is the mum.
35:41I really don't know what Viper has been playing at this year.
35:44Not only has the Jacobs super sub Kelvin outperformed him,
35:48now Larry the clin has swooped in, too.
35:52Tup issues aside, Marnet is happy to claim the new mixed breed lambs as her own.
35:59I know what I'm going to call this one.
36:01The little one's called Rain.
36:04Rain?
36:04That's a nice name.
36:06And the other one's called Ray.
36:09Rain and Ray.
36:11And these two boys will be the first of our lambs to grow up with their bits left as nature
36:16intended.
36:17This year, what we're doing, which is different to any other year, we're not castrating.
36:22Daddy!
36:23So we're keeping every single male intact.
36:25We're going to trial something, we're going to see if that improves their growth rate.
36:29So yeah, two tup lambs, whereas normally we'd tail and castrate straight away.
36:34But we're not castrating, so we'll keep them intact.
36:37As you can see, they're feeding on mum.
36:39Two happy lambs.
36:41Good, good. Right, say bye-bye to the lambs, Max.
36:43Bye, mammy!
36:45Piggies!
36:45Oh!
36:47Oh, look at them mussels, Max.
36:51Look at them mussels.
36:53Well done, Manny.
36:54Rain.
36:55You've had what?
36:56Yeah, I like those names.
36:57Rain and Ray.
36:59With the lambs content, and the market in full swing, the farm is as it should be, buzzing
37:06with activity.
37:15So far, the blankets are going down a treat.
37:19Everyone's loving the beanies.
37:21We've settled in now, now that we, you know, we know what we're doing a bit more.
37:25But yeah, everyone's having a good time.
37:27We are, yeah.
37:27That's all that matters.
37:28I was loaded up with bags, so I plumped the bags and come back.
37:31Oh, really?
37:33We've still got a full afternoon of training ahead of us.
37:36But it's such a relief to get off to a good start.
37:56Any Morocco love sausages?
38:02Our first farmers market is in full swing, and we've had a steady flow of customers
38:07all morning.
38:09So far, so good.
38:10It's, yeah, we were expecting rain, but the big man's looking down at us, and the sun's
38:17shining, and we've had loads of great people.
38:20People have travelled two or three hours.
38:22We've had a load of local people, which is nice, and people have come travelling as well.
38:26So, erm, I've not yet had a chance to speak to the stallholders, so I don't know how busy
38:32it's been for them.
38:35But, erm, but for us it's been alright, yeah.
38:37Hiya guys, okay?
38:39Hiya!
38:39Is there any space up there?
38:42People are all enjoying a great day out, supporting all the great artists and traders.
38:49You want a hat?
38:50What colour do you want to go for?
38:51This pink is my new pink.
38:52You want that one?
38:54Perfect.
38:56And as visitor numbers pick up, so does the pressure to meet demand.
39:01I've not left this spot.
39:03I'm drinking this coffee, but it's actually cold.
39:06I haven't got a clue how anyone's getting on.
39:07I'm just hoping everyone's surviving out there and doing the best selling that they can.
39:11We've got, erm, my Jacob lamb, lamb, garlic and rosemary burger.
39:17And then we've also got red wine.
39:19I like the raw green garlic.
39:21Rosemary and garlic?
39:22Right.
39:22The fridge is almost empty.
39:25Marnie's lamb shack has been doing a roaring trade all morning.
39:29Garlic and rosemary, yeah?
39:31Anything else?
39:32And she's certainly a natural sales girl.
39:37Good luck.
39:39Cheers.
39:40And Marnie's sold out!
39:42Yay!
39:46Well done, darling.
39:48Have you not saved us any sausages?
39:50They're all gone.
39:51What about for our tea?
39:52What's that?
39:53We can't even taste your own meat.
39:55Bro, I got this.
39:56From another farmer.
39:59Just go back.
40:00Just go back.
40:05Having sold out of all her meat, she's finally getting to reap the rewards of her hard work.
40:12We've got the gift of the gab.
40:14I think she maybe takes after her mum in that sense.
40:17There's quite a bit of cash there, which is nice to see.
40:21And obviously she's been doing the card machine as well.
40:23So, no, I'm really pleased for her.
40:25Really, really.
40:26My only regret is that I honestly hide some sausages up to think.
40:29I'll pull them to one side and tomorrow morning we can wake up and we can have some of our
40:34own sausages.
40:35Well, I've not got a chance now.
40:37We've not even tasted our own lamb.
40:39But I guess it's a good thing, so yeah.
40:42No, I'm made up for her.
40:44And with her lamb sold, Marnie steps in to help her fellow traders shift some stock too.
40:50John's shouting and going like, you want some pork?
40:55Do you know what you can hustle for?
40:56Do you know what I want to sell?
40:57What?
40:58Loads of sausages.
40:59Come round and say sausages, sausages, sausages.
41:01We've got loads of sausages.
41:02Right, you've got sausages?
41:03I've got loads of sausages.
41:05OK.
41:05If you want good sausages, come here!
41:09Come here, come on!
41:12All of the stalls are busy.
41:14Everyone seems to be leaving laden down with goodies and treats to take home.
41:20And what have we bought?
41:21I can see you've got some Marnies lamb sausages there.
41:23Absolutely.
41:24We're going for tonight.
41:25Excellent.
41:25Good, good.
41:26Honey.
41:27I noticed there's no gin in there, though.
41:29You didn't fancy my gin?
41:30I'm not a gin person, are you not?
41:31No.
41:32I've gone past the gin.
41:33Oh, right.
41:34Catch.
41:35I'm just apologising to your wife.
41:37Oh, right.
41:38I have never seen your show.
41:40OK, that's all right.
41:41I'm sure you're going to watch it now, though, aren't you?
41:43Probably.
41:43Yeah, good, good.
41:44And I never miss it.
41:45And you never miss it?
41:46Oh, right, OK.
41:46My neighbour.
41:47Right, right.
41:48Neighbours.
41:48We're not married or anything.
41:51Oh, right, OK.
41:52Well, listen, thanks for coming.
41:52I hope you've had a good morning.
41:55Make sure you watch.
41:56We're on tomorrow, 11.30.
41:5811.30 tomorrow.
41:58Yeah, 11.30 tomorrow.
42:00Will do.
42:01Best hour of the week.
42:04Yeah.
42:04You're welcome.
42:08I'm here all week, folks.
42:12It's the best bit, people, you mate.
42:14Brilliant, isn't it?
42:16And as the visitors dwindle, the traders start packing up.
42:19And we finally get a chance to see how they've got on to.
42:24Listen, thank you for coming.
42:26I really appreciate it.
42:28You're welcome.
42:28Liz gets to spend some of her earnings.
42:32What I've wanted is a little basket, you know, to collect my eggs in the morning.
42:36Hey, guys.
42:37How's it been for you?
42:39Fantastic.
42:40Thank you very much.
42:40Thank you very much.
42:42Well, listen, thank you for being here.
42:44You've had a great dynamic, so.
42:46Yeah.
42:46Yeah, it's been a good day.
42:47It's been lovely, hasn't it?
42:48And we've had such good feedback.
42:50Not many people, not many customers.
42:51Yeah.
42:52And now we've had a fab day.
42:53Oh, good, good.
42:54Have you so many pies?
42:55Has that been successful?
42:56Oh, good.
42:57Oh, right, okay.
42:57And is that compared to usual markets?
43:00Is that all right?
43:00Good, good, yeah.
43:01Good, yeah, yeah.
43:02Happy ladies that you come to see yourself the first time.
43:05Yeah?
43:05I do about 60 to 70 there.
43:07Oh, right, okay.
43:09Oh, good.
43:09Well, that's nice, then, to know that it's worth your while.
43:12A lot of feedback.
43:13A lot of feedback.
43:14Excellent.
43:15Excellent.
43:16See, you need to take this out.
43:18Well, yes, I did spot that in the cabinet there.
43:22That's absolutely brilliant.
43:24Very kind.
43:25Yeah?
43:26Oh, brilliant.
43:26Well, thank you, guys.
43:27Thank you very much.
43:28I've got my tea sorted for tonight.
43:30Well, this is good, because mine is sold out of a lamb, so...
43:33I was hoping to try some...
43:34Some sausages.
43:35Yeah, well, you might should get some.
43:38Would you like to sell you some back?
43:39Well, I'll be all out with this pie anyway.
43:42Brilliant.
43:43Cheers, guys.
43:44Happy traders.
43:46Profits made.
43:47An encouragement to host more.
43:49Not a bad way to end our first farmer's market.
43:53I've always...
43:54I used to go to Tommyfield Market in Oldham as a kid.
43:57Me too.
43:58And I used to love it.
44:00There is something about the...
44:01There was something about that market that used to draw me.
44:03You've got to know where you are in life and we're market traders.
44:06Wow.
44:06And there's nothing wrong with that.
44:07It's actually a good life.
44:09You're right.
44:11I mean, I believe I belong in a factory.
44:13I totally believe I belong in a market stall.
44:15It's just something about them.
44:17That, like, busyness, isn't there?
44:20Yeah.
44:20You know what I like most?
44:21Is that they're like us.
44:24They're all producers of some sort.
44:26So whether it was Wicker Basket Man...
44:28Mm-hm.
44:29..chopping boards, grubabs, honey, whatever it is,
44:33they're all taking pride in what they're doing.
44:36And it's a real sense of community.
44:38That's the...
44:38Normally everything we do is just us, isn't it?
44:40Whereas that felt the first sign where there's other people
44:43having that shared passion of producing something,
44:47and then getting to meet...
44:50..people are going to buy it and have that rapport with them.
44:53We're all done.
44:55From Tommyfield Market to Fletcher's Market.
44:58Who did that?
44:59Market traders.
45:00That's another one we can add.
45:01Market traders.
45:02Isn't that good?
45:03Yeah.
45:04I am.
45:04That was a good little...
45:06good event.
45:07And what a great day,
45:08nothing but positive feedback from people.
45:11And it's made me realise that
45:12what does this become now?
45:15Is this something that's full-time?
45:17Or is this something that's regular?
45:19This has to become a permanent fixture.
45:21Mm.
45:23Well, we've certainly not let the grass grow under our feet this year.
45:27And with spring approaching,
45:29we've got plenty more to look forward to.
45:35We're in the era of the horse, apparently.
45:37What's that?
45:38We're in the era of the horse.
45:39We've shedded the snake.
45:40Now we're in the horse.
45:42Which means we're going to gallop in the wind.
45:43We won't stand.
45:44But maybe it's a sign.
45:46Honestly, it's a thing.
45:48Really?
45:48Yeah.
45:49It's been good.
45:50What a year.
45:51What a year.
45:52Here's a cuddle.
45:54What a year.
45:55What a year.
45:56What a year.
45:57It's been emotional.
45:59It has.
46:00Now is operation.
46:03Build your house back.
46:04Get away anyones.
46:06What a year.
46:17You what a year.
46:34So long with sleds.
46:34Visit City to our call for aii.
46:34You
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