Plans for the new shop go forward over Rob’s objections and Adam puts his ideals to the test.

Radio Times: Helen and Tom have big ideas, and Adam will not compromise.

Characters: Adam, Charlie, Helen, Pat, Rob, Tom

• Helen excitedly shows the plans for the new shop to Rob who manages to throw cold water on her dreams. He sighs deeply and demands that Helen be ‘realistic’ since her parents are retiring. He insinuates it will be too much work for Helen which means he, Rob, will be neglected.
• Adam invites Charlie for lunch at The Bull. He has something he’d like to discuss.
• Tom and Helen walk Pat through the plans on the actual site. She is favourably impressed and notes that the new plan is far superior to the old shop. Pat is supportive but notes that Tom and Helen are in charge and she is happy with any decisions they make.
• Adam tells Charlie he wishes to discuss the maize that is grown for BL. Adam fears maize depletes the soil and is destroying its quality. Charlie is incredulous when Adam declares he wants to drop maize altogether from Home Farm fields.
• Rob interrupts the meeting with Helen, Tom and Pat. Tom makes an excuse to leave hurriedly and Pat voices to Rob her enthusiastic approval of the new shop plans. Rob asks who will oversee the building process and states that Helen has a full schedule with Henry due to start school soon. Why Henry in school makes more work for Helen is a statement left unexamined. Diplomatic Pat notes that Rob should consider himself lucky to be marrying such a talented, capable woman as Helen who is so good at multi-tasking. Rob is forced to agree to such a proclamation.
• Charlie points out Adam is constrained by contracts with BL. Adam agrees and declares that is why he is giving Charlie notice now. Charlie gets Adam to admit Brian hasn’t yet been informed. Charlie further argues that Adam is smart enough to figure out sustainable ways to grow maize, with a small cut-back in acreage. Adam avows that he won’t compromise. Charlie tactfully mentions Adam is in danger of putting his ideals ahead of his responsibilities and livelihood. Charlie is honest in declaring his respect and admiration for Adam as a person and as a farmer but he must say now that Adam is wrong on this issue.