Taking Over the Family Farm

In Dumfries and Galloway, Nick and his wife, Holly, prepare to take over the family-run farm from his dad, Derek, who plans to retire later in the year. Nick wants to change how his father has been farming for over 30 years. He is experimenting with a breed of low-maintenance sheep that he believes are the future, but Derek is yet to be convinced.

It's a critical year for Andy and Jo in Fife, who have taken out a £2-million loan to get into arable farming. Crops now account for 60 per cent of their income, but record-breaking rain could have a catastrophic impact on their wheat fields. They must wait for the frost to thaw to reveal the extent of the damage.

The remote island Papa Westray is home to the Baker family, who moved there six years ago. New to farming, they rely on support from the community. In return, they do Friday night fish and chip takeaways, but the island’s dinner hangs in the balance as winter weather takes over.