Ep 2. Episode 2
- September 13, 2012
- 58 min
-
(19)
During the second episode of Wartime Farm season 1, the team of historians Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn continue their exploration of what life was like for farmers during the Second World War in rural England.
The episode opens with the team completing a task that was crucial during the war - haymaking. They explain how hay was used to feed the animals during the winter when the grass wouldn't grow and how it was essential that they harvested as much as possible to ensure they had enough for the coming months. The team works hard to finish the task, demonstrating the physical labour that was a part of everyday life on a farm during wartime.
Next, the team turns their attention to another crucial aspect of life on a Second World War farm - the production of food for the family and to sell at market. They investigate the use of a smallholding, which was a small plot of land farmers were allowed to use to grow extra food to supplement their income. Ruth visits a smallholding to learn how they used their land to grow vegetables, fruit and honey, which they sold at market.
The team also learns about a farming innovation that was necessary during the war - the plough that could be pulled by a horse. This was developed because fuel was scarce during the war, meaning tractors were hard to run. The team watches as a Shire horse pulls a replica plough, which was used to cultivate the soil for planting. They also learn about the importance of crop rotation during the war and how farmers had to adapt to new methods of crop management to maximise yields.
As winter approaches, the team turns their attention to sheep farming. Sheep were a valuable source of income for farmers during the war because their wool was used in the production of army uniforms. The team learns how to shear a sheep and how the wool was processed and spun into yarn. Ruth then travels to a wool factory to see how the yarn was turned into socks and clothing for the troops.
The episode concludes with the team preparing for winter. They explain how farmers had to prepare for the colder months by ensuring they had enough food for themselves and their animals. They also had to make sure their homes were properly insulated to conserve heat. The team works to build a fireplace in the farmhouse using traditional methods, demonstrating the ingenuity and resourcefulness of farmers during wartime.
Overall, episode 2 of Wartime Farm provides a fascinating insight into the challenges faced by farmers during the Second World War. The team showcases the hard work and dedication required to keep a farm running during a time of great uncertainty and how farmers had to adapt to new methods to make sure they could provide for their families and the war effort.