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Fletcher's Family Farm S04E10
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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!
00:09That's it, that's it.
00:11And 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.
00:27If 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.
00:42Corn hailed piggies!
00:44I forgot how much I love pigs.
00:46They're really cute.
00:47And continue our journey into arable farming.
00:51It's my wife, that.
00:53We've grown in confidence as farmers.
00:55I will not be defeated.
00:59Embracing the fun and chaos.
01:01Why 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?
01:11What?
01:11A broom.
01:12A broom.
01:21This week on our farm, we mark the end of winter by hosting our very first farmer's
01:28market.
01:29And Marnie's Land Shack proves to be a big hit.
01:32Any Morocco love sausages?
01:37Oh man, these guys are going to sell you out within an hour.
01:40With 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, and more cows who are already in calf.
01:53Ideally, a cow with a calf at foot who's in calf.
01:58Three lives the price of one, as they say.
02:01And lambing season starts early, with the unplanned arrival of two beautiful lads.
02:06He was born this morning.
02:09Born this morning?
02:11Yeah.
02:11So this 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?
02:38Show me what a farm kid looks like.
02:41It looks like that.
02:42And since moving back onto the farm full time, we've loved watching the kids reconnect with
02:48farming life.
02:49There's 50 sheep all together.
02:5150 sheep?
02:5350 girls.
02:53And guess how many boys?
02:5610.
02:57One.
02:58One boy.
02:59To marry all of them girls.
03:01Yeah.
03:02Wow.
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, is certainly keeping her busy.
03:13Between 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.
03:28Okay, I'm taking the responsibility of my sheep and you're taking the responsibility of us.
03:35Deal.
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've got the pigs in mid-December and they were about six weeks old.
03:55So they've just been weaned.
03:58And that means they've just come off the mum.
04:01And then a mixture of gilts and boars, boys and girls.
04:06The boars 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, these homegrown native breeds
04:21who have had the best life in the woods, best 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 and does make a good return.
04:40But 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 and 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 pickers.
04:58Our pig story, after a little hiatus, is back on track.
05:04Milo'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.
05:20Right.
05:21Look, there's another trough in there that I want to feed.
05:25Where are your wellies?
05:28That's it, do it gently in there, all along.
05:31Right, come on, let's give it a good swell out now.
05:35Jump down and you can do this swelling bit.
05:42Right.
05:43What 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.
05:50And don't forget, you want to do this bit as well, the bit that you can't see.
05:55Yeah?
05:55Yes, sir.
05:57Good, good.
05:57Right then.
05:59Let's get that back up there.
06:06They're about three months old at the minute and you'll typically finish pigs around between six to eight months.
06:14So they're about halfway through.
06:17But this next three months they will, again, just as dramatic the size increase has been thus far, it'll continue.
06:25Wait, are these all sheep?
06:27No, no, some of them are boys.
06:29And we have a look for the little testicles.
06:32After a quick check, we've got eight bows and four gilts.
06:36So real potential for expanding our trough.
06:39So 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, who potentially can live as a breeding female.
06:53And then we'll look at the boys.
06:55Same could be applied.
06:56They could be an exceptionally great boy that we keep as a breeder, but the rest of them will grow
07:00on to be fattened.
07:01And you want them to kind of finish before they start really exercising or demonstrating their testosterone.
07:10Because 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.
07:18Cows will only eat grass and nuts.
07:22And sheep will only eat grass and nuts.
07:24Because they're rumen animals.
07:26Whereas pigs...
07:29Eat anything.
07:29Eat anything.
07:30Pigs 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, why rather than get pigs next?
07:43Why rather than...
07:44You know, Marnie's got her sheep, her own sheep, and 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 guess.
07:54Milo seems sold on my idea.
07:56And if this lot grow well, we could be breeding from them badly.
07:59At the end of summer.
08:01Come on.
08:02Let's give these a stroke and then we can get going.
08:04Boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop.
08:31With the signs that spring is coming across the fields and forests of our farm, and with
08:36a new season on the horizon, we're getting ready for our first event of the year.
08:42A farmer's market.
08:44We've invited some local producers to come and sell their wares alongside us in the barn.
08:50And for once, we're ready to go.
08:54Which gives me time to crack on with other jobs around the farm before we open our gates
08:58tomorrow.
09:00Today I'm taking delivery of some special home grown feed that will give our livestock
09:05a protein boost.
09:11See, our oats, our spring oats, they didn't make great for porridge, made great for animal
09:21feed so here you have it.
09:22Somewhere in there are oats from our farm, and farms locally around the country even,
09:30but we've all played a part in producing this, so there'll be other farms with this feed that
09:38have got a bit of our oats in their feed.
09:41So yeah, still a success.
09:46We were hoping for porridge, but a lack of rain this summer meant our first crop didn't plump
09:51up enough before harvest, so animal feed it is.
09:55As soon as the cows hear the lead of the corn bingo, they start.
10:03Happy livestock means a happy farmer.
10:07It feels good actually, yeah, it feels quite a proud moment that our little farm has somewhat
10:18kind of gone into the supply chain to produce something for many other farms.
10:27It's these little things, these little kind of moments where you don't really, you never
10:31really imagine or picture when you first start out.
10:35I'd never have thought that we'd be going into the food chain, the supply chain.
10:43I didn't know what to expect.
10:45I didn't really, you know, it was just maybe to live a quieter life.
10:50And it certainly wasn't that, I mean, it does actually smell quite nice.
10:58The real test is the taste, I'm not trying it.
11:02Shall we give some to the cows and see how they are?
11:05Whilst I top up the feed bins, Liz and the twins have arrived to lend a hand with feeding
11:11time.
11:13Mum, the water is coming!
11:16Good.
11:17That's enough now for the pigs.
11:20Right.
11:21Come on kids, get this bottom bit of hay.
11:25Mum, I got some big hay.
11:28Here you go.
11:30Oh!
11:31We are really pleased that they love it and they do want their...
11:34The thing is, they want to be in charge and that's great and we really encourage that.
11:41But in that they just do whatever the hell they want.
11:44You're like, no, no, there is a system!
11:48On this farm, it seems the chain of command has had a rather sudden reshuffle.
11:53And at just three years old, there's already a new foreman running the yard.
11:58Mattias is the farmer, so...
12:01I am the boss.
12:03Are you the boss?
12:04Yes!
12:05Well then, what can we say about that?
12:07I'm the boss of the cows.
12:09Look, we do, we do!
12:12Shall we go and feed my hens?
12:14Yeah!
12:15Come on then.
12:21Right, the moment of truth.
12:24Let's see if the cows like it.
12:30Come on then.
12:32What do you think?
12:33Let me know.
12:41Straight in.
12:43Crowther and Ray, they love it.
12:45Ruby, come on, you can have a little bit.
12:50The boys are loving this.
12:53That's a great review, isn't it?
12:54Five star review from Ray and Crowther.
12:57That's not the end of Ults.
12:59It's just the beginning.
13:02Might be the end of that particular chapter.
13:05But Ults are still yet to be conquered.
13:08And they're there for the taking, so...
13:12This is Ults part one.
13:14Mark my words.
13:17We'll be having Fletcher porridge oats.
13:20I don't doubt that.
13:22I don't doubt that for a second.
13:25Best fed cows in Cheshire.
13:28Come on then.
13:31You're welcome, cows.
14:00This year, we're working hard to increase our livestock numbers.
14:05And our small herd of native Lincoln Reds
14:07have an important part to play in our plan to expand.
14:13That's just...
14:16What an absolute privilege this is.
14:19They're hardy, but with gentle temperaments
14:22and have proven to be such big characters on the farm.
14:29Kelvin.
14:30Yeah?
14:31There's a bull here.
14:33There's a what?
14:34There's a bull.
14:36Just when you thought you'd...
14:38you'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, I wasn't expecting that.
14:57That is...
14:58That's incredible.
14:59Is 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...
15:11That'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...
15:24what's caused it.
15:25I'm...
15:25I'm just still in a bit of shock.
15:27It'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...
15:48We 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, I don't know.
16:05Maybe I should have let Crowther run with her a little bit longer, but I didn't.
16:09I pulled Crowther away.
16:11So we'll see whether that gamble paid off.
16:15A cow's 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, she's produced a couple of cracking Lincoln Reds.
16:29Our award-winning bull calf, Ray, followed by our first heifer, Elizabeth, who was born late summer last year.
16:36So, yeah, having that miscarriage kind of puts you back.
16:38You lose two or three months and suddenly you're at the back end of summer then and it has a
16:42knock-on effect.
16:43And that's it, you know, that's that you're forever timing things and that's the beautiful cycle.
16:48You just, you're going by nature's rules.
16:50You know, nature dictates her gestation period, which is 290 days.
16:55So you know that when you're sending the bull in there, if he does the job, you've got 290 days
16:59to wait until you get a calf.
17:01Once Ruby is safely in the crush, Hugo can get to work with his portable pregnancy tester.
17:09Heyo, get on that yoke.
17:16Hold on.
17:18Good job.
17:20So you've gone all high-tech, Hugo.
17:22Do 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.
17:33So we've got, hopefully, via this little lab, we 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.
17:52Yes.
17:53It's a 2D image, that's like a slice through a calf there, you can see his ribs.
17:58Okay.
17:59And then you've got that empty bit, that black area, that's his stomach.
18:03Right.
18:03And then you've got liver around it.
18:06You can see his legs poking.
18:07Yeah, you can see his legs.
18:09So this calf is, it's about an 11-week pregnancy, that.
18:16Beginning of...
18:17December.
18:18December, so not long before the bull came out, yeah.
18:21That was lucky.
18:23So she's in calf, brilliant.
18:25Yeah, that's true.
18:25Brilliant Ruby.
18:26It'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.
18:36Crowther's obviously again doing her job, which is good.
18:39It's bittersweet to be honest, you know, it is really good.
18:43But bittersweet, obviously we lost Cherry, so it should have been two cows being PD'd today.
18:52I'd like to think Cherry would have been two months ahead and we could be expecting two calves as opposed
18:57to just one, but we just need to get another cow, don't we?
19:01We'll need to replace Cherry.
19:03So I'm already on the lookout for some more cows, and more cows who are already in calf.
19:10Ideally, a cow with a calf at foot who's in calf.
19:15Three lives the price of one, as they say.
19:19So...
19:20Excellent.
19:21Good, good.
19:21She's done really well and she's got in calf, sort of, three months after.
19:25Yeah, that's not a bad going really.
19:27Yeah, yeah.
19:27That's just bang on that.
19:28If you're aiming for a calf every 12 months, she's doing what she's meant to do.
19:32She's doing the job, isn't she?
19:32What she's meant to do, yeah.
19:34Ideal.
19:35Yeah.
19:36Cool.
19:36Excellent.
19:37Thanks, Hugo.
19:37That's good anyway, because you just don't know how it's going to go, especially if there's only one to scan
19:42and there's a negative, it's a bit of a blow, isn't it?
19:44I know.
19:45The question is, will it be another heifer calf or a bull calf?
19:48You've given us a heifer, you've given us a bull, what will you give us next?
19:53This is a, you know, this is really exciting, it's a relief.
19:56She's not, you know, I won't make any bones about you, she wasn't my favourite cow.
20:01Cherry was my favourite, she had such a lovely temperament.
20:04Cherry's a show winner and, you know, Ruby'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, despite 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, who looks like he's going to be the best bull that we've had.
20:25I'd argue he's probably better than Crowder.
20:27You know, Crowder's son is already looking like he's better than him, which is good.
20:32And then she produced our first ever calf.
20:35Little Elizabeth, who's looking great as well.
20:37So, well done Ruby.
20:40Well done.
20:43Yep.
20:44Go on mate.
20:46I was just going to go back anyway.
20:50It's been a whirlwind of a few months for our small herd.
20:53And we've been ready for some positive news, and this really is it.
21:15There's more good news in the lodge too.
21:17Ginger's puppies are thriving, and as tempting as they are to keep one,
21:21they'll soon be off to their new homes so we can concentrate on our farm animals.
21:28And today, Liz is kicking off her day with the ever hopeful hunt of 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, and they're really venturing out now.
21:56So they've got a beautiful coop there, that they can get in at night, stay warm, go in the little
22:02side bit, lay an egg.
22:04No, no, no, no, no, they don't want that.
22:06They sit on that cage, and they sleep on top of that, and take the blistering cold.
22:12And now they've just chosen to lay on the wet floor.
22:16Yeah, these were supposed to be the posh ones that, you know, wanted a bit of VIP.
22:21Absolutely not.
22:23They've clearly been here long enough, and now they know.
22:25Just get on with it. Get on with it, girl.
22:28The good thing is, they'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 to ignore the five-star accommodation and go completely off-piste.
22:48She lay the neck there?
22:49If she's been on it, we could take that straight into the incubator, surely.
22:53Why is she laying there?
22:55It must have just come out there.
23:02Yeah.
23:07Yeah, that's warm.
23:10Put that in my pocket, keep it warm.
23:13It's good news, because we've waited a long time.
23:15They were too young to lay, and now they're obviously laying.
23:20So, I'm hoping that cockerel's doing his job, and we're going to have some chicks soon,
23:23and they're going to start sitting on them.
23:24What's harder to control now?
23:26Kids or hens?
23:28Look at them there, just feasting in the garden.
23:30Look at them, not bothered.
23:31Just doing whatever they want.
23:33Just like my kids.
23:34Do whatever they want.
23:35Look at them.
24:05LAUGHTER
24:15Today's the day of another first on our farm.
24:18Our own Fletcher's Farmer's Market.
24:21I'm going to pack Marnie's fridge up, have a bit of a sweep up, a bit of a tidy up,
24:26and then hopefully get the show on the road.
24:32Marnie's Jacob Lamb Burgers.
24:38Get my lights on.
24:41Alongside Marnie's Lamb Shack, we'll be selling our blankets and gin.
24:45And the rest of the barn will be filled with other traders, who have just arrived to set out their
24:50stalls.
24:51How are you?
24:52All right.
24:53Nice to see you.
24:54Yeah, very well, thank you.
24:56Very well.
24:57Hello.
24:58Hi, Julie.
24:58Nice to meet you.
24:59OK.
24:59We've written on the floor, so, forgive me.
25:01Where are you from again?
25:03Pottery.
25:03Pottery, you're at this corner.
25:04Lovely.
25:18We've tried to invite a nice mix of food producers and artisan crafters, who are as passionate about their products
25:25as we are.
25:29This looks amazing.
25:31Did I say Fletcher's on the farm?
25:34Wow!
25:35That is impressive.
25:36Tomorrow is lunch for you.
25:38Yeah.
25:39That'll last us a week, that.
25:42So, what are you selling here?
25:44We're selling honey.
25:45Honey.
25:46I'll try some.
25:47There's a chocolate plate on it.
25:49With chocolate in it.
25:51Do you know what?
25:51It's great to see.
25:52These are all small family round businesses.
25:55And it's just nice to see them all in one space.
25:59Honey made freshly from them.
26:01Pies made freshly from them.
26:03Bread bulls 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 this is the poshest farmer's market I've ever been to.
26:20Wow!
26:23Didn't realise that.
26:25Well, 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.
26:46That is the best writing I've ever seen.
26:49So, we've got in here, we've got rosemary and garlic sausages here.
26:55And then here, we've got Marnie's Jacob lamb and mint sausage.
27:01Ooh, I like that one.
27:03Then we've got kidney of the lamb.
27:07And then we've got the liver of the lamb.
27:11I 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, but the majority of them are here and good to go.
27:38Looking good.
27:38It's totally transformed the whole barn, really.
27:41It was lovely.
27:43With hot drinks and food setting up at the entrance to keep everyone fed and watered,
27:47we're officially on countdown to the first shoppers arriving.
27:52Right, what time is it?
27:54In ten minutes, people will be walking up, ready to do some shopping.
28:00It 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 these guys do this week in, week out.
28:13They come with their kit, set it up, everything out, ready to go.
28:34Our farm gates are finally open for the first event of the year.
28:39The Fletcher's Farmers Market.
28:42Perfect, perfect.
28:43That's great.
28:45So while Liz, Marnie and the rest of the vendors finish sorting the stock,
28:51I head up to the main gate to be part of the welcoming committee.
28:56Hi, you guys, you all right?
28:57Hiya.
28:57How's it going?
28:58Yeah, very good, thanks. How are you?
28:59Good.
29:00Have you got some pocket money with you?
29:02I don't know.
29:04Grandad's are good for that.
29:06Yeah, there's some nice pork pies there that are quite good.
29:08Yeah, 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, a hot gin like I've got.
29:15Sounds good.
29:16How are you doing, guys? All right?
29:17Yeah.
29:18Where are you guys from? Are you local or...?
29:19St. Helens.
29:20St. Helens, all right.
29:21Oh, we've got some people from Wigan up there.
29:23Oh.
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 and support our latest venture.
29:33How are you doing, guys?
29:34You OK?
29:35How's it going?
29:36I think we're seeing you in person.
29:37Oh, really?
29:38Oh, I'm just a look-alike.
29:39It's not me.
29:39I'm the look-alike.
29:40Yeah, I know Kelvin Sullivan, mate.
29:43But making sure they don't turn our field into a mud bath is a fine art.
29:49Here, feel free to run him over.
29:52We'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 and is happy to turn his hand to any task we
30:05throw in.
30:06Part of the original team. Josh, Jules, me, Liz.
30:11What more do you need?
30:12Jules is the charmer.
30:14He's...
30:17Yeah, he is quite charming.
30:19I've heard on the radio complaining that your pen's run out.
30:23I've run 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 like a professional from Nantwich.
30:35Oh, good, good.
30:36Ready for milking, are you? Are you ready to get stuck in or what?
30:39All the kids are ready to go as well.
30:40Oh, yes.
30:43Being supported by farmers and friends really does make our events more special.
30:49How are you Jules?
30:50I'd like to see you for a bit, lad.
30:51I'm good, lad.
30:5242 today, my friend.
30:54Are you 42 today?
30:55Really?
30:55Yes.
30:56Really?
30:56Happy birthday.
30:57I thought I'd have a pamper day today and I'd get the text message off Kelvin.
31:01Can you turn up?
31:03The dream team, getting the boy band back together, aren't we?
31:05I'll end up frockling him at this race.
31:08I 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?
31:25So 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?
31:41Yeah.
31:42You're officially my favourite.
31:44Wonderful.
31:44Thank you so much.
31:45Thank you so much.
31:47And the lamb shack is proving to be a big draw.
31:50Can I have a liver?
31:52A liver?
31:53A liver.
31:53One pack of burgers.
31:54Oh, man, these guys are going to sell you out within an hour.
31:57I know.
31:57I've got a queue, guys.
31:59I'll put on a show for you in a minute.
32:03The barn is alive with people chatting and laughing.
32:06And most importantly, buying from every artisan producer here.
32:11And 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.
32:37You OK?
32:39Yeah.
32:40Is it too early for a gin?
32:43Never too early for a gin.
32:44That's the right answer.
32:47Whether it's a birthday treat or a Friday tipple, it's just lovely that people are travelling
32:52to buy products direct from the people who make them.
32:58Well, I'll keep an eye on you and 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 are we skating?
33:16Good.
33:17Yeah?
33:17Daddy.
33:18Could I spend some money on some?
33:20Of course you can, yeah.
33:21Want me to give you some?
33:22I've got some.
33:24Hey, Dad.
33:25Right here.
33:26Right here.
33:28I know.
33:29That's amazing.
33:29Don't dismantle that.
33:30There's a fiver.
33:32That's a lot.
33:32Spend it carefully, OK?
33:33As Milo hits the stalls with his fiver, I take a break from serving for a quick cuddle with
33:40Matthias.
33:43Yeah.
33:45Matthias is different to the children.
33:48He goes very coy.
33:50Where's your brother?
33:52Where's Maximus?
33:53Back to go.
33:55Oh, there he is.
33:56Hello.
33:59Sales prevention.
34:00That's what these two are.
34:02Sales prevention.
34:03They don't get you sales, they 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 and
34:24take them to see a rather special new arrival on the farm.
34:29Oh, look at that.
34:32She's tiny, that one.
34:36Oh, little baby.
34:39Oh.
34:39He was born this morning.
34:43Born this morning?
34:44Yeah.
34:45This is his birthday.
34:47Well, these were unexpected.
34:50So, clearly, there's a male got in amongst them without us knowing, but we did sense that's
34:56why we brought her in.
34:56She's starting to bag up, so 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.
35:03Oh.
35:06They're cute.
35:08Max, would you like a hold, mate?
35:10Oh.
35:10Have 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 tup lamb.
35:23And while these guys are a happy surprise, it also means that Larry must have got in with
35:29the Jacobs before tuping season officially started.
35:33Well, there we go.
35:34So, actually, we're half home then.
35:37Half?
35:38Because my sheep was the dad and your sheep is the mum.
35:40Oh.
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, now Larry the Clin has swooped
35:50in too.
35:51Tup issues aside, Marnie 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.
36:03Rain?
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
36:16nature intended.
36:17This year, what we're doing, which is different to any other year, we're not castrating.
36:22Daddy.
36:22So, we're keeping every single male intact.
36:25We're going to trial sub them, 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, but we're
36:34not castrating, so we'll keep them intact.
36:37As you can see, they're feeding on mum.
36:39Two happy lambs.
36:41Good, good.
36:41Right, say bye-bye to the lambs, Max.
36:43Hi, Manny.
36:44This is...
36:45Oh!
36:47Oh, look at their muscles.
36:50Blacks.
36:51Look at their muscles.
36:53Well done, Marnie.
36:54Rain.
36:55You've had what?
36:55Yeah, I like those names.
36:57Rain and Ray.
36:58With 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.
37:22Now that we, you know, we know what we're doing a bit more.
37:24But yeah, everyone's having a good time.
37:26We are, yeah.
37:27That's all that matters.
37:28I was loaded up with bags, so I dumped the bags and come back.
37:31Oh, really?
37:31I love it.
37:33We've still got a full afternoon of trading 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 farmer's market is in full swing, and we've had a steady flow of customers all
38:07morning.
38:09So far, so good.
38:10It's, yeah, we were expecting rain, but the big man's looking down on 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,
38:25so I've not yet had a chance to speak to the stallholders, so I don't know how busy it's
38:33been for them.
38:35But for us, it's been all right, yeah.
38:37Hiya guys, okay?
38:38Hiya.
38:39Is there any space up there?
38:40It's okay.
38:42People are all enjoying a great day out, supporting all the great artists and traders.
38:49You want a hat?
38:49What 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.
39:05I 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
39:10can.
39:11We've got my Jacob lamb, lamb, garlic and rosemary burger.
39:16And then we've also got red wine.
39:19I like the rosemary and garlic.
39:20Rosemary and garlic, right.
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.
39:38Cheers.
39:40And Marnie's sold out!
39:42Yay!
39:46Well done, darling.
39:47Have 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.
39:54Bro, I got this.
39:56From another farmer.
39:59Just go back.
40:05Having sold out of all her meat, she's finally getting to reap the rewards of her hard work.
40:12She's got the gift of her 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, so no, I'm really pleased for her.
40:25Really, really.
40:25My only regret is that I honestly hide some sausages up to think, I'll pull them to one
40:30side and tomorrow morning we can wake up and we can have some of our own sausages.
40:35Well, not got a chance now.
40:37Not even tasting 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.
40:50Johnny's shouting and going like, you want some pork?
40:54Do you know what you could hustle for?
40:56Do you know what I want to sell?
40:57What?
40:57Loads of sausages.
40:59Come round and say sausages, sausages, sausages.
41:01Got loads of sausages.
41:02Right, you've got sausages?
41:03I've got loads of sausages.
41:04OK.
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.
41:23They're going for tonight.
41:25Excellent.
41:25Good, good.
41:26Honey.
41:27I noticed there's no gin in there though.
41:28You 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.
41:33Catch.
41:35I'm just apologising to your wife.
41:37Oh, right.
41:38I have never seen your show.
41:39OK, that's all right.
41:40I'm sure you're going to watch it now though, aren't you?
41:42Probably.
41:43Yeah, good, good.
41:44And I never miss it.
41:45And you never miss it?
41:46Oh, right, OK.
41:46It's my neighbour.
41:47Right, right.
41:48Neighbours, we're not married or anything.
41:51Oh, right, OK.
41:51Well, listen, thanks for coming.
41:52I hope you've had a good morning.
41:54Indeed.
41:55Make sure you watch.
41:56We're on tomorrow, 11.30.
41:5711.30 tomorrow?
41:58Yeah, 11.30 tomorrow.
42:00We'll do.
42:01Best hour of the week.
42:03Yep.
42:04You're welcome, thank you.
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 and we finally get a chance to
42:21see how they've got onto.
42:24Listen, thank you for coming to, I really appreciate it.
42:27You're welcome.
42:28And Liz gets to spend some of her earnings.
42:31What 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?
42:38Fantastic.
42:40Thank you for letting us be part of it.
42:42Well, listen, thank you for being here.
42:43You've had a great dynamic, so...
42:46Yeah.
42:46Yeah, it's been a good day.
42:47It's been lovely, hasn't it?
42:48Yeah, and we've had such good feedback.
42:50Lovely people, lovely customers.
42:51Yeah.
42:52And now we've had a fab day.
42:53Oh, good, good.
42:54Have you saw many pies?
42:55Has that been successful?
42:56It's about 100.
42:56All right, OK.
42:57And is that compared to usual markets?
43:00Is that all right?
43:00It's been good, yeah.
43:01Good, yeah.
43:02Happy days that you come to see us at the first time.
43:05I do about 60 to 70 then.
43:07All right, OK.
43:08Yeah, and it's been bad.
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.
43:14Excellent.
43:16Now, see, 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?
43:25Oh, 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 pulled out of a lamb,
43:32so I was hoping to try some sausages.
43:35Have you managed to get some?
43:37Would you like us to sell you some back?
43:40I'll have your lap with this pie, anyway.
43:42Brilliant.
43:43Thank you, 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 Tommy Field Market in Oden as a kid.
43:56Me too.
43:57And I used to love it.
43:59There is something about the...
44:01Well, there was something about that market that used to draw me.
44:03You've got to know where you are in life,
44:04and we're market traders, and there's nothing wrong with that.
44:07It's actually a good life.
44:08You're right.
44:10I mean, I believe I belong in a factory.
44:13I totally believe I belong in a market stall.
44:15There's just something about them.
44:17That, like, busyness, isn't there?
44:19Yeah.
44:20You know what I like most?
44:21Is that they're like us.
44:23They're all producers of some sort.
44:26So whether it was Wicker Basket Man...
44:27Mm-hmm.
44:28...Chopping Boards, Gru Barbs, Honey, whatever it is,
44:33because they're all taking pride in what they're doing,
44:35and 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 time where there's other people
44:43who have that shared passion of producing something,
44:47and then getting to meet the people who are going to buy it
44:51and have that rapport with them.
44:53We're all done.
44:54From Tommy Field Market to Fletcher's Market.
44:57Oh.
44:58Who did my answer?
45:00That's another one we can add.
45:01Market Traders.
45:02It's been happy.
45:03Yeah.
45:04I am.
45:04I was a good little...
45:06good event.
45:07And what a great day having nothing but positive feedback
45:09from people, and it's made me realise that,
45:12what does this become now?
45:14Is this something that's full-time,
45:16or is this something that's regular?
45:19This has to become a permanent fixture.
45:21Mm.
45:22Well, we've certainly not let the grass grow under our feet this year.
45:26And 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.
45:43Oh, that picture, maybe it's a sign.
45:46Honestly, it's a thing.
45:47Really?
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.
46:00What a year.
46:00Now, it's operation.
46:02Build your house back.
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