Ep 1. Episode 1
- February 13, 2019
- 58 min
This Farming Life Season 3 Episode 1 takes us back to Scotland where six farms are getting ready for the year ahead. It’s a crucial time for farmers as they have to plan and execute their strategies to maximize their harvest yields. The first episode of the season explores the preparations underway on the farms as they get ready for the lambing season.
The first farm we get to know is the Simpson family’s farm in Fife. They are getting ready for the lambing season and are eager to welcome them to the world. But with a large flock to manage, and unpredictable weather, things are not always straightforward. The family has to work round the clock to make sure it’s done right, and every lamb is born healthy.
The next farm we visit is the rugged terrain of the Outer Hebrides Islands, where we meet Margaret and her husband, Allan. They live on Sollas Croft, and it's not uncommon for them to battle the elements while tending to their herd. Winter storms have battered their land, leaving them to clear broken branches and uprooted trees. But they are no strangers to the unexpected challenges thrown their way, and are determined to make it through.
Our third stop is the Finnies’ farm, where we are introduced to the extended family-based business of John and Anna. They have been breeding rare-breed Angus cattle for years and have garnered an excellent reputation for their livestock. The episode highlights the challenges they face trying to sell their rare-breed beef in a highly competitive market.
We get a glimpse at the life on Burncastle Farm, where we meet Mrs. Scotland herself, Joyce Campbell. We see her preparing her pedigree Highland cattle for the annual agricultural shows. This year is particularly important for her, as she feels like she has something to prove and a point to make.
The next farm we visit is Red Deer near Cumbernauld, where we meet Stuart and his wife, Sandra. They have inherited their farm, which has been in the family for over a century, and continue to innovate with new ideas and strategies to maximize their profits while staying true to farming practices.
The final farm we visit is in the rolling hills of Lanarkshire, where we meet Richard and his family running a rare breed Berkshire piggery. Berkshire pigs are known to be a slow-growing breed, and their pigs are not ready for slaughter until around ten months old. This is a point that Richard must navigate to create a viable business from his piggery.
This Farming Life Season 3 Episode 1 is all about setting the stage for what will be an exciting season. The show allows us to get up close and personal with the farmers, their families, and the land they are so dedicated to. From managing unpredictable weather conditions to facing the challenges of a highly competitive market, these farmers have their work cut out for them.
This Farming Life has become a favorite of many, winning the hearts of those who are interested in the lives of real farmers and the passion they have for their farms. The show offers a unique perspective on the trials and tribulations of a livelihood that is often undervalued, and the unquenchable spirit it takes to make it work. With a mix of family drama, humor, and an inside look at a year in the life of a farmer, this show is perfect for those who love the countryside and the rhythms of rural life.