Springtime on the Farm

Over four nights, we follow the highs and lows of modern farming at Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. In the first episode of the new series, Helen Skelton, JB Gill and Jules Hudson follow the births at Cannon Hall Farm. Farmer Rob Nicholson needs to step in when a prolapsed ewe struggles to birth her breech lamb, not long after two more lambs follow and all three triplets are safely into the world. Dave Nicholson tells the story of a the newborn donkey foal Bluebell, whose early spring arrival was a surprise for everyone. In the series this year we also head to the four corners of the UK, to meet the farmers who work these extraordinary lands to keep agriculture thriving. JB Gill explores a green revolution taking place down some cobbled back streets in Manchester and, in honour of 75 years since the Land Girls Army, we raise a glass to celebrate the women farmers keeping the nation fed today. 

Rob and Dave Nicholson welcome the arrival of a shire foal to their beloved mare Sapphire. We are introduced to the pint-sized farmers taking the countryside by storm, as we meet six-year-old Olivia who isn't scared of getting her hands dirty! And our presenters have their hands full bottle feeding five orphaned goats. 

In this episode the epic farming journey continues to Northern Ireland to explore a 300-year-old working farm. Helen Skelton meets a baby donkey at Cannon Hall Farm that had a dramatic journey into the world. JB Gill meets a farmer giving a voice to those often underrepresented in agriculture. And there's births a plenty at the farm with Rob and Dave Nicholson. 

On their farm in South Yorkshire, brothers Rob and Dave Nicholson have to treat a very poorly cow about to give birth. Jules Hudson heads off into the great outdoors to soak up the magic of spring and in the spirit of Easter there's an egg hunt on around the farm!