In the upcoming episode of Fletcher’s Family Farm, former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher faces a setback in his diversification efforts at the family’s Cheshire farm. Kelvin and his wife Liz have ventured into arable farming, growing oats with hopes of producing porridge.
Harvest Analysis Delivers Bad News
The narrator highlights the excitement of this new endeavor: “Of all the new ventures on the farm, our first foray into arable farming has been one of the most exciting. In the past, this farm did produce a number of crops, but for the last 20 years, nothing has grown here until now. Today, we find out if the hard graft has paid off.”
Kelvin heads to the mill with optimism, stating, “There’s a lot riding on this in the sense that we were bold enough to do it in the first place, and then kind of even braver to think that we could get some porridge oats. It is a little nerve-racking as to what the outcome of today is, but it goes without saying, this is just the beginning of our arable journey. Regardless of the result, we will not be deterred.”
Managing Director James examines the trial batch to check if it meets standards for human consumption. He notes, “This is not a promising start. They look well, but they haven’t absorbed enough moisture in order to swell, so the inside of the grain hasn’t swollen up to make a really meaty groat for porridge. So it was a really long, hot, dry summer, wasn’t it? So, unfortunately, at the right part of that growing cycle, you just wouldn’t have had enough rain up on the field.”
James delivers the verdict: “So unfortunately, it’s not going to make the grade for porridge. But it’s not all lost, because there’s still nutritional value in here.”
Kelvin stays positive, reflecting to the camera: “You know what I feel? I still feel quite optimistic, you know, a little bit disappointed that we didn’t quite make the grade, but now I’ve got an understanding of what it takes to make the grade, and what it actually means to not make the grade. We still grew a great crop. I just didn’t quite have the umph.”
Heartwarming Dog Pregnancy News
Amid the disappointment, Liz receives joyful news during a vet visit. Vet Hugo examines their dog Ginger’s belly, confirming she is expecting puppies. Liz exclaims, “Hugo, I think that is the best news you’ve ever given me.” When Hugo jokes, “Better than the cows?” she replies, “Well, it is a close one, but she is just our baby. Oh my god, you are having pups. Very happy that it is good news.”
What’s Ahead in Series Four
The episode summary reveals Liz and Kelvin plan to expand their flock and herd, hiring local farmhand Josh for livestock management. Daughter Marnie meets her new Jacobs sheep and outlines her farming plans. The boys take a break from tractors to ride motorbikes, and the family gains approval to rebuild the farmhouse.
Fletcher’s Family Farm returns to ITV on Sunday at 11:30am.
