The Farmers' Country Showdown (2017)
The Farmers' Country Showdown
2017Series celebrating inspirational farming families and the rural events where they showcase their hard work, as they try to win the top prizes.
Seasons & Episode
New farmer Greg has spent the past two years transforming a derelict council plot into a fruit and veg haven. After missing the countryside while working as a yacht crew member, and then overcoming heart surgery, Greg's mission now is to provide fresh quality food to his community. As a new business making little profit, selling at award-winning Lavenham Farmers' Market is a vital source of income, so creating an eye-catching stall to show off his colourful harvest is key.
Committed horseman John is devoted to his shire horses Richard and George, who live at stables near Grimsby that John built for them. Shires are now a rare breed, and John fears for their future. By competing at Lincolnshire's Heckington Show, he hopes to raise awareness of their champion qualities and rack up some rosettes with help at the reins from friend Terri, who is showing for the first time.
Hard grafters Gussie and her mum Susan are a driving force on their family livestock farm in East Sussex, where three generations muck in every day to get the work done. Gussie's passion is her Welsh pigs, and she his as keen for her pedigree team to scoop up awards at Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show.
Diana and Nigel are devoted to all the animals on their Devon farm, but Diana's shire horses hold a special place in her heart. After an impressive career in the competition ring with beloved horse Tilly, this year's Melplash Show will be their swansong, and emotions are running high.
Morgan and Tasha have only been pig farmers for a couple of years, but with over 100 pigs on their rented land near Prestatyn, they definitely mean business. However, funding their young farm is a constant concern. As first timers at the Royal Welsh Show, they want their Duroc pigs to turn the judge's head, in particular their favourite boar, Sully.
Brothers Denis and Eric have lived and worked on their Herefordshire family farm for nearly 40 years. As well as rearing their native breed cattle, they're proud of the orchards they've tended over the decades, which they now use to make award-winning cider and perry. As experienced sellers at Ludlow Food Festival in Shropshire, they know that serving up plenty of samples and flavours will be a magnet for buyers.
Tracey and Graham only became farmers 13 years ago, and in that time have invested everything to establish their thriving goat herd. They need to earn a living from their homemade goat's cheese and soap, so Ripley Farmers' Market in Surrey is a vital lifeline. Run by volunteers, this village market has not only won awards but gives them out, and Tracey and Graham receive some surprise news.
Cheesemakers Allison and Jonathan and rapeseed oil farmers Olly and Francesca head to Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market, County Durham, to try and secure a successful day’s takings.
Annie’s majestic Highland cattle, along with Tanya and her sons’ prize pygmy goats gear up to wow the judges at the Moreton-in-Marsh show in Gloucestershire.
Dedicated city farmers Claire at Surrey Docks Farm and Tom from Stepney City Farm hope their London-reared sheep rack up lots of rosette wins at the Lambeth Country Show.
Farming couples Debbie and Arthur, along with Ada and Russell, head to Devon’s Okehampton Show with their loyal families to win recognition for their pedigree cattle from the judges.
Farming couple Robert and Catherine sell their cider for the first time at Lenham Country Market in Kent, while seasoned beekeepers Vince and Sue create a buzz with their honey.
First time competitors James and Louisa enter the ring with their Jersey cows at Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show, while Jill edges closer to a big win with her goats.
Farming families Ben, Laura and their kids, along with Vicky, Rob and son Dan, compete with their best sheep at Tenbury Countryside Show, hoping their hard work will be rewarded.
Shropshire cheesemakers Sarah and Paul, along with truffle growers Mike and Michelle, hope for a lucrative day of sales and lots of customer interest at the Ludlow Food Festival.
Young farmer Katie parades her Jersey cows, along with sibling duo Beth and Luke and their Limousin cattle, all pinning their hopes on winning at Wensleydale Agricultural Show.
The Royal Welsh Show sees goat farmer Liz and Welsh pony breeder Kitty face the scrutiny of the judges, hoping their hard work will be rewarded.
Sheep farming couple Martyn and Sadie compete against friends and rivals Richard and Sarah at Lincolnshire’s Heckington Show, a headline event for their rare breed Lincoln Longwools.
Goat farmers Richard and Sophie sell their goat's milk ice cream at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, while Tom and Emily are on a sales mission with their organic beef.
Series celebrating inspirational farming families and the rural events where they showcase their hard work, as they try to win the top prizes.