Eddie offers fatherly advice. Ben is lacking in brotherly affection.

Radio Times: Ed receives some birthday wisdom.

Characters: Ben, David, Ed, Eddie, Josh, Mike, Ruth

• Ed’s reluctant to talk to Eddie about the plans for expanding the herd, but after some persuasion, admits that he has major worries. The land BL are willing to lease isn’t great; it’s clay and is on a slope. Ed would have to walk the cows up the lane for milking, and it’s only a five year tenancy. Eddie suggests that they go and look at it together.
• It’s Josh’s first outing as a member of the under 13 Football team, and his parents, plus a very reluctant Ben, are there to watch.
• Eddie points out that the land isn’t much use to BL. They’d never get planning permission for it, and it’s pasture, not arable. Ed continues to raise objections, but Eddie counters them all. Finally Ed voices his real concern – that his business might go the way of Grange Farm if he takes on too much debt. A chastened Eddie points out that the failure of the farm was caused by his failure to face facts. Ed’s clearly not doing that, and Eddie apologises for all he put Ed through.
• Josh plays well, and scores a goal before half time. Ben is bored, but when offered the opportunity to go and buy a card for his gran’s birthday, thinks he’s not that bored. David mentions an earthworm survey, and Ben offers to help. Meanwhile David has to work out how he can chair the Parish Council while having to declare an interest in Adam’s planning application.
• Ed calls on Mike, and tells him he wants to go for the herd expansion. Mike’s delighted, and pours Ed a drink. They’ll tell Brian tomorrow, and find a solicitor to draw up the agreement.