Adam turns down the Fairbrothers, then courts Pip as a share farming partner.

Radio Times: The Fairbrothers have their work cut out, while David has a proposition for Ruth.

Characters: Adam, David, Rex, Ruth, Toby

• Ruth’s lost her car keys and she’s on her way to catch a train to sort out Heather’s affairs in Prudhoe. The mess that the house has become is not helping, but the keys are eventually located. Before she leaves, David shows her how he has rigged up the clamp to feed the silage to the cows. He and Pip feel that there may be lessons they can take from the past, especially as the mixer wagon will need replacing, sooner or later. Ruth will need some convincing, about yields and costs, but is prepared to trial it.
• The fencing around the geese is in need of a repair job – something has been trying to breach it. Toby is in optimistic mood about their meeting with Adam about the share farming partnership. Rex is not so sure. They have both trumpeted their very limited experience with beef cattle on their CVs and he feels certain that Adam will see through this. Indeed, Adam comments on their impressive CVs – they seem to have packed a lot into their lives. He also raises concerns over how they will finance the project with a loan and no capital. With tight margins, he is not sure they have factored in even a small interest rate rise in the future. Adam’s not convinced that either of them have the right experience, and coupled with the financial risks, he is not willing to back them.
• Having just turned down the Fairbrothers, Adam seeks David’s opinion on whether or not Pip may be interested in the partnership. David feels sure she will be, although capital outlay may be a hindrance. Toby’s unexpected arrival hastens Adam’s departure who hurries inside to talk to Pip, leaving David to deal with Toby who has come to pass on his news to Pip and to thank her for helping with the business plan. David explains that Pip is currently indisposed but he will pass on the message.