It is January, the cold month of survival between breeding and birthing.

On the Stoer Peninsula in the north west Highlands of Scotland, Helen and Graham corral their Highland cows in preparation for a visit from the vet. He is coming to take blood samples from the herd to determine whether any of them have contracted the chronic wasting disease carried by one of their Highlanders, Minnie. The future of farming at the croft depends on the outcome.

In Northumberland, Emma’s six-month-old puppy Grey is introduced to sheep for the first time. It is an important moment for the youngster as Emma will only train sheepdogs that show true potential. Later, Emma and Ewan find out the fate of their tenancy.

In the Lake District, Matt and Dani Blair are dealing with an unexpected new arrival - the first calf to be born on their new farm has arrived three months early. When the young calf has trouble feeding from his mum, young parents to be Matt and Dani step in to help.

On Little Rowater Farm in Aberdeenshire, new entrant farmers Isla and George French are concerned about deer calf 166 as he is showing signs of being bullied by the rest of the herd. Later, the plans for their new venture, ostrich farming, are put on hold. Show less