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, they're entering 18 different classes!

New farmer Greg has spent the past two years transforming a derelict council plot into a fruit and veg haven. After missing the countryside while working as a yacht crew member, and then overcoming heart surgery, Greg's mission now is to provide fresh quality food to his community. As a new business making little profit, selling at award-winning Lavenham Farmers' Market is a vital source of income, so creating an eye-catching stall to show off his colourful harvest is key.

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 Lincolnshire's 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.

Hard grafters Gussie and her mum Susan are a driving force on their family livestock farm in East Sussex, where three generations muck in every day to get the work done. Gussie's passion is her Welsh pigs, and she his as keen for her pedigree team to scoop up awards at Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show.

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

Morgan and Tasha have only been pig farmers for a couple of years, but with over 100 pigs on their rented land near Prestatyn, they definitely mean business. However, funding their young farm is a constant concern. As first timers at the Royal Welsh Show, they want their Duroc pigs to turn the judge's head, in particular their favourite boar, Sully.

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, they're proud of the orchards they've 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.

Tracey and Graham only became farmers 13 years ago, and in that time have invested everything to establish their thriving goat herd. They need to earn a living from their homemade goat's cheese and soap, so Ripley Farmers' Market in Surrey is a vital lifeline. Run by volunteers, this village market has not only won awards but gives them out, and Tracey and Graham receive some surprise news.

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.

Annie’s majestic Highland cattle, along with Tanya and her sons’ prize pygmy goats gear up to wow the judges at the Moreton-in-Marsh show in Gloucestershire.

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 couples Debbie and Arthur, along with Ada and Russell, head to Devon’s Okehampton Show with their loyal families to win recognition for their pedigree cattle from the judges.

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.