The Farmers' Country Showdown

Busy tenant farming couple David and Charlotte rear their sheep and cattle in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales with help from their young, enthusiastic children and are so determined to build a secure future for the farm that they both hold down second jobs. With their finest sheep in tow, the family are pinning their hopes on winning at Kilnsey Show, and to up their chances, theyre entering 18 different classes!

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 Lincolnshires 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.

Diana and Nigel are devoted to all the animals on their Devon farm, but Dianas shire horses hold a special place in her heart. After an impressive career in the competition ring with beloved horse Tilly, this years Melplash Show will be their swansong, and emotions are running high.

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, theyre proud of the orchards theyve 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.