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Private Notes
Wallace Gregg gets to work with the twice-daily milking in Co Antrim, while David Wilson prepares his prize Hereford bulls for the annual sales in Co Fermanagh. In Co Down, the largest deer herd in the UK and Ireland is being fed, and the cold weather means the arable farmers cannot get into the fields.
David Wilson has a tricky task on his hands when he tries to get a ewe to adopt a lamb. The slurry teams take time out from their busy schedules to attend a ploughing match, Allan Chambers discusses his new venture - malt barley - and TB tests take place in Ballymena.
Wallace Gregg introduces new bloodlines to his herd, Allan Chambers begins ploughing and sowing as the weather brightens up, and potatoes are planted in Comber. Pregnant cattle are scanned at an organic farm in Strangford, and John Killen turns his herd out to grass.
Tyrone pig farmer Mark Adams has his hands full with new arrivals, and David Wilson shears his sheep early due to the unseasonably warm weather. Dale Orr worries about the threat of foxes taking his newborn lambs, Miceal McCoy keeps an eye on his pregnant cattle, and the Killens begin the painstaking preparations for the upcoming Balmoral Show.
The annual Balmoral Show takes place, and tension is high following weeks of preparation, with farmers knowing good results can boost their reputation and raise the value of bloodlines. The Wilsons from Fermanagh show their Hereford cattle, and the Chestnutts bring their Texel sheep.
Allan Chambers sprays his barley in Co Down, as the good weather begins to attract pests, while Cloughmills dairy farmer Wallace Gregg invests in a new cattle shed. The moment of truth arrives for the Killens' near Crossgar when the butcher pays a visit.
Ballymena farmer Seamus Kane prepares for the arrival of 30,000 chicks, and Christmas comes early for Olive and Donald Elliot as they take delivery of highly prized bronze turkeys. David Wilson tackles broken machinery in Fermanagh, while Victor Chestnutt picks the best cuts of his silage.
Fermanagh's David Wilson visits the renowned Hereford Champion Show, becoming the first local breeder to compete at that level. Victor Chestnutt brings his sheep to the annual Texel Sales, while in Ballymena, Seamus Kane's chickens are almost ready for the supermarket shelves.
Wallace Gregg worries when the size of his maize harvest is much less than he was expecting. Near Comber, Ivan McKee picks parsnips, which must be on the supermarket shelves within 24 hours, but heavy rain brings costly delays. The mating season for deer begins near Downpatrick.
The wet and cold weather causes problems on many farms. Co Tyrone contractor Alwyn Young battles through mud to harvest maize, while in Co Down, Allan Chambers struggles to prepare for next year's crops. Near Bushmills, Victor Chestnutt gets his animals ready to move indoors for the winter.
The continuing bad weather proves costly for arable farmer Allan Chambers, with his entire crop of linseed being wiped out. Wallace Gregg also tries to salvage his maize harvest, working late into the night to save what he can. At the Wilsons' farm in Fermanagh, the sheep are scanned to see how many lambs there will be in January.
The Wilsons in Fermanagh weigh and groom their bulls in preparation for the January sales. Wallace Gregg worries about a proposed new road, and the possibility that it could cut his farm in Co Antrim in half and severely damage the business. Customers start queuing up to collect their Christmas turkeys from the Elliotts' farm near Portaferry, Co Down.
January's cold and wet weather keeps most livestock indoors, providing the farmers with the perfect opportunity to prepare for the coming months and seasons. Aware that any decisions could ultimately mean the difference between success and failure, they are careful when making crucial business plans for the year ahead.
Northern Irish livestock is in demand across the world, which attracts the attention of Dutch breeders to a local farmer. Meanwhile, there are a few surprise additions to the goat and sheep farms, and it's time for the calves of Downpatrick to be tagged and de-horned.
Severe blizzards and Arctic temperatures plunge many of the farms into crisis, with thousands of sheep caught in snowdrifts and other livestock forced to spend weeks indoors. As feed prices continue to rise, the situation is considered a financial disaster and livelihoods are at stake.
The spring blizzards have brought many farms to breaking point and the subsequent thaw reveals a new crisis - the ground is too sodden for livestock and silage is running out at several locations. For arable farmers, the typical calendar has been thrown into chaos, with some of them already a month behind sowing the year's crop.
Many of the farmers attend the Balmoral Show at the former Maze prison site near Lisburn, Co Antrim, where they present livestock, sell produce and catch up with friends. With more than 80,000 visitors and around 500 exhibitors, the three-day agricultural event provides an ideal opportunity to do business with buyers from across the UK and Ireland.
After a wet start to June, the warm weather returns and the farms burst into life with plenty of new arrivals. The animals are finally let out to graze, winter cabbages and sprouts are planted, and silage silos across Northern Ireland start to fill up.
It's July and the record temperatures provide ideal weather for cutting silage across Northern Ireland, but the heatwave soon comes to a stormy end. Meanwhile, some of the farmers embark on new ventures as the spring lambs go to market.
Cameras catch up with the farmers during August, when many of the farms are finally ready to harvest, calves are being born, and sheep are being sheared. Planning ahead never stops, and preparations for the following year are already in full swing, with grass sowing and drainage work being undertaken.
The record-breaking summer weather continues in September, with many of the farmers working extensively in the fields harvesting potatoes, barley, silage and apples. Meanwhile, breeding season is about to start at the sheep and goat farms.
As the weather takes a turn in October, many farmers race to complete harvests and preparations are under way to ensure barns are ready to house animals for the coming winter months. Meanwhile, in Co Fermanagh, 11-year-old Robbie Savage begins his own venture - a new flock of Suffolk sheep.
Winter approaches and the farms' pigs, cattle and turkeys are ready to send to the marketplace. It is also a crucial time for extra maintenance for the farmers, with an exciting result in store for James Alexander at a prestigious show.
The farmers manage a greater workload in the run-up to Christmas, and as the year draws to a close, they look back on the highs and lows of the past 12 months, from record-breaking summer weather to blizzards and Arctic temperatures.
Return of the documentary following the working lives of farmers over 12 months. The cold and wet weather means most livestock are indoors, providing an opportunity to plan for the year ahead. The farmers make some crucial business decisions - which ultimately mean the difference between success and failure.
Stormy weather during February causes havoc for the farmers as they struggle to find storage space for slurry supplies, while Michael Fennelly is busy clipping and vaccinating his cattle in Co Laois.
With lambing season under way, some of the farmers receive much-needed help from their families, while for others, the wet conditions prove problematic for harvesting at a time when the farms should be gearing up for the warm spring weather.
The agricultural documentary looks at the month of April, when the farms begin to burst into life as warm and dry weather finally arrives.
Competitions and agricultural exhibitions make for a busy time for all the participating farmers in May. Documentary following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year.
The summer weather finally arrives in June, and while the warm sunshine is good news for most of the farmers, it spells trouble for others. Documentary following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year.
With a summer heatwave to contend with in July, the farmers race to bring in their harvest well ahead of schedule following rising temperatures.
The farmers work tirelessly to complete all essential harvesting requirements during the bright summer evenings throughout August.
With record dry weather causing water shortages for some farmers in September, others complete sowing for the year ahead.
Several farmers prepare for new arrivals on the pig, cattle and sheep farms in October. Documentary following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year, offering an insight into one of Northern Ireland's largest and oldest industries.
With the cold November weather beginning to set in, the farmers trim their cattle and they are moved inside, while preparations for the festive season get under way with the chopping down of Christmas trees.
The farmers face pressure to meet demand for cheese, beef, leeks, potatoes and Christmas trees in December, and also look back over the past 12 months.
The documentary series charting the lives of farming families over the course of a year returns to trace developments in the industry throughout 2015. Beginning in January, Co Down farmer Garth Taylor applies pedometers to his herd of cows, and wonders whether he should continue producing milk despite disappointing trade prices.
It is February 2015 and Toomebridge farmer James Alexander reacts to a suspect TB result among his herd of cattle. Meanwhile, with lambing season in full swing, Alison and Wade McCrabbe tend to their second batch of newborns on their farm in Raphoe, Co Donegal.
A look back at March 2015 with Frank Donnelly, whose family have grown mushrooms near Moy in Co Tyrone for almost 50 years. Cameras follow him as he examines the compost ahead of the new production cycle.
Cameras follow Co Antrim farmer Ricky Cowan and his son Matthew as they continue their work during lambing time in April 2015. While Matthew may only be 13 years old, he has extensive experience of lambing and helps his father with the remaining 200 ewes on the farm near Larne.
During the month of May, Co Antrim farmer James Alexander enters his heifers into a leading agricultural show, while Co Tyrone farmer Frank Donnelly manipulates his mushroom crop to encourage maximum growth.
It is June of 2015 and Larne farmer Ricky Cowan teaches his 13-year-old son Matthew how to shear as they tackle their flock of sheep.
It is July of 2015 and Co Down farmer Gareth Taylor has made necessary changes to his production systems to counteract low milk prices.
August 2015 is a busy month for Raphoe farmer Alison McCrabbe as she attends the annual Beltex Show and Sale in Carlisle. In preparation for the big event she is busy washing, clipping and tanning the specially chosen sheep.
We join our farmers in the month of September, where they are feeling the pressure to bring in the harvest. Near Rush in Dublin, Matt Foley is preparing his tomatoes for the end of their harvest while near Athy in Kildare, tillage farmer Andrew Bergin is busy combining his malting barley and peas. In Corrandulla in Galway, vegetable farmer Kenneth Keavey is battling the weather to harvest potatoes.
It is October 2015 and Co Antrim farmer Ricky Cowan and his son Matthew introduce two rams to a batch of ewes, while James and Ruth Alexander in Toomebridge are busy as they buy and sell cattle.
It is November 2015 and Co Down dairy farmer Gareth Taylor is attempting to cut costs by holding his cattle herd in the fields for as long as possible. Elsewhere on the farm, the team is busy producing ice-cream for the Christmas market, which is the busiest time of the year for sales.
It is December and the farmers manage the wintry weather. Meanwhile, Moy farmer Frank Donnelly is busy meeting the high demand for his mushroom crop. Last in the series.
The series returns to chart the lives of farming families throughout 2016, beginning in January as Antrim dairy farmer George Bingham and his family run their TB test. Meanwhile in Clare, near Ennis, former schoolteacher Siobhan Ni Ghairbhith is preparing her goats for kidding.
Following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year. It is now February, and as assorted farmers prepare for new arrivals, one family sends bulls to Scotland
Near Templepatrick in Antrim, George Bingham is calving a cow; every month, he has around 50 new arrivals; he's getting a helping hand from daughters Sophia and Ellie.
The working lives of farming families over the course of a year, offering an insight into one of Northern Ireland's largest and oldest industries, and continuing with April
May means time for Balmoral Show, so farmers from across Ireland take a break to visit. Tipperary's Edwin Draper has some tough decisions ahead as he judges the Rouge de l'Ouest sheep, while for the Robsons it proves to be a family affair, with Michael stewarding the cattle classes and his father Billy acting as show president
Young American farmers visit George Bingham's dairy farm near Templepatrick in Antrim, and Galway's Joe Joyce is also hosting US tourists at his farm on the Wild Atlantic Way
Near Fivemiletown in Tyrone, Chris Johnston has his hands full preparing a young bull to leave the yard. In Dublin, Margaret and Des Jeffares are hoping for success as their prize two-year-old hunter - Ballykelly Flashdance competes against the country's top animals. Near Fethard in Tipperary, Noel Delany is frustrated by the delay to the year's harvest
The Robson brothers breed prize Simmental bulls at their farm near Ballyclare in Antrim, and this month they find out if some embryo work has been successful. Meanwhile, near Fethard in Tipperary, Noel Delany is flat out harvesting. Cameras also follow Cavan cattle farmer Sebana Moynagh in Dublin. She's one of five farmers who give tours at the zoo's city farm.
Autumn has arrived, and Chris Johnston from Fivemiletown, County Tyrone is scanning his cousin's 300-strong goat herd to see which animals are pregnant. Meanwhile, Sebana Moynagh has her hands full with calving near Mountnugent in County Cavan
As the days get shorter, Tyrone farmer Chris Johnston finds time to take a break from his own cattle to judge calves in Enniskillen, while the O'Malley family attend the annual Irish Food Awards. Meanwhile, in County Cavan, Sebana Moynagh's herd is inspected by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation
November arrives and Edwin Draper readies his flock of pedigree sheep for winter in Ballinlough, while Tynan Roulston has to bring his cattle in from the hills near Bready. Tyrone farmer Chris Johnston is back out on the road scanning cattle to make sure they are in prime condition ahead of breeding, while on Ballykelly Farm in Wexford, the blacksmith is working with Margaret Jeffares' horses.
It's December, and as 2016 draws to a close, the farmers get ready for a busy Christmas. Cameras follow George Bingham in County Antrim as he looks for cows ready for breeding, while in Danville, County Kilkenny, Jim Mulhall teaches some valuable farming skills to his children
Young farmer Jane Shackleton is entering the second year of full-time farming at the family farm near Mullagh, Cavan. Clogher farmer Sean McGovern is halter breaking his cattle.
Advice on how to get an animal looking its best before its judged in the show ring and sold at auction, and Antrim vet Cahir McAuley is called out to a troubled pregnant cow. Plus, vegetable farmer Eddie Doyle's land in Kilkenny is being battered by storms
It's March, and with spring around the corner it's time for farmers like James Alexander to plan breeding cycles. It's also a day sure to make farmers across the land anxious - the dreaded TB test. Today it's the turn of part-time Co Armagh farmer Libby Clarke
Cameras follow a farmer as he recovers from a heart attack, while his four daughters keep the family business going
Following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year. It's May, and there are new arrivals for deer farmer Richard and pig farmer Alastair
Eleven thousand Christmas turkey chicks arrive in Termonfeckin, while the rest of the farmers make the most of the summer sun
This time, a prize animal is seriously ill, and tourists arrive to work on one of the farms
Following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year. This time, Harvest is a washout after a very wet summer
As September arrives, heavy rain and warm weather plays havoc with the farmers' plans. Tillage farmer Brendan Greene competes at Ireland's prestigious National Ploughing Match
Following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year. This time, the McGovern family faces an anxious wait
Following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year. This time, the end of the harvest is in sight for farmer Kevin
Following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year. With Christmas approaching, the farmers prepare to pack the turkeys for deliver
As farmers prepare for new arrivals, one deals with the aftermath of a dog attack.
It is March and the Beast from the East arrives bringing snowdrifts and challenges for our farmers.
April approaches and spring is late arriving for the farmers.
In May, the apple trees finally start to blossom at the McKeever farm in Armagh. The pressure is on Gary Hanna and Iain Coleville as they show their Aberdeen Angus and Blue Texel sheep at Balmoral. It's a huge event for them and a chance to promote their newly established pedigree herd. Richard Beattie shows his Suffolks and Valais Blacknose while nine-year-old Cahir McGilligan is visiting the show with his family and dreams of taking part himself one day.
In June the summer heatwave starts and the farmers are busy cutting grass. In Fermanagh the Wilson family is delighted to see a bumper crop of hay - it's usually too difficult to make hay as it needs consistent good, drying weather. Victor Chesnutt joins 800 dairy farmers at a masterclass in Hillsborough. The McGilligans are busy shearing their flock near Dungiven. Caron McGeough is happy slurry-spreading in her red tractor.
In July the unbelievably good weather continues. The Wilson family is competing at the National Hereford Championships at Omagh Show. Richard Beattie is there too with his family showing sheep, he notes that sales are up at his Marts with the hot weather as farmers prepare for potential feed shortages. While Cahir McGilligan has got his wish granted and is competing with two lambs. Victor Chestnutt takes to the catwalk to raise money for the Air Ambulance.
In September, Tony's trees compete at the Irish Christmas Tree Championships while 10-year- old Cahir sells his sheep at top sale.
As the Christmas tree harvest starts, the pressure is on Richard at the biggest cattle sale.
As the year ends, the turkey sale is in full swing, a new dairy is planned and farmers reflect.
Meeting the new farming families of 2019.
In Tyrone, Jack's under pressure to win the `Star of the Future' award, while vet Diane deals with an emergency.
Valentine rescues bees from starvation in Down, while in Tyrone, there are early morning arrivals for the McGoverns.
Spring arrives and the contractors are busy near the Dark Hedges in Antrim.
As the contractors are busy with silage season in Antrim, Jack and his family go for glory at Balmoral Show.
The Neill family welcome a new arrival, while Mark McConnell and his daughters look after their llamas.
The McGoverns are making the most of the summer sun in Tyrone, while Valentine and Chris Hodges are working with their new queen bees.
Wallace Gregg's cows are trying out their brand new parlour, while it's the start of the honey harvest for the Hodges.
The next generation takes centre stage as the Gregg youngsters show off their farming skills, while the Hodges children prepare their bees for winter.
Farmers flock to Ballymena to listen to New Zealander Doug Avery, the so-called `Resilient Farmer', who is doing a speaking tour about the challenges he has faced over the years. Orlagh and Caoimhe McGovern take a break from their studies to help at the farm.
Jack Smyth is under pressure as his heifer competes at the Beef and Lamb Championship at Balmoral. Can he set a record in the sales ring?
As the year draws to a close, there are plenty of endings and beginnings - one farmer welcomes a new bull while another sells his herd of cows ahead of a new venture in 2020.
Introducing a new group of farming families, offering an insight into one of Northern Ireland's largest and oldest industries
In Tyrone, one family is seeing lambs everywhere, while in Down, a young couple anxiously awaits the arrival of their new foals
Following the working lives of farming families over the course of a year. The impact of Covid-19 starts to impact the lives of the farmers
Shearing, silage and an unusual start to the show season.
As the hot spell comes to an end, torrential rain causes disruption to the best-laid plans.
With a temporary lift in lockdown, it's a chance to sell sheep.
As the harvest starts, one Tyrone family is hoping for a good sale in England.
The farmers are busy with all kinds of birth plans as well as pumpkins.
It's the end of the vegetable harvest and a spa trip for one of Claire's mares.
There's great news for one farmer while another is tending his trees and experimenting with mushrooms.
It's an early start for one young farmer to beat the Christmas rush, while it's time for another to book a visit from the dentist.
It's January and from the mountains to the valleys we meet the 2021 farming families.
It's February and our farmers are tending cattle, pigs, sheep, potatoes, apples and 50 million seedlings.
It's March and peak lambing season across the country.
It's April, and as our farmers are planting crops and trees, one is selling a Porsche tractor in Gortin.
