Ruth returns. David is worried. Pip disappoints all three of her admirers. Joe is upbeat.

Radio Times: Pip’s in hot demand on New Year’s Eve, as the Grundys make plans for the future.

Characters: David, Eddie, Elizabeth, Joe, Pip, Rex, Ruth, Shula

• Having already turned Toby down for the Young Farmers’ party, Pip now has Rex inviting her and she tells him only about her airport duty. Shula explains this to David as she takes him to have his plaster removed. On the way he reveals some concern that the first topic of conversation with Ruth will be about their future in dairy farming.
• For Eddie, Grange Farm without animals doesn’t seem right. Pigs are the answer – but not from Neil.
• Rex is visiting Lower Loxley to see how the geese went down. Very well. So will she be up for more next year? Elizabeth lets slip that Pip is going to the party with Matthew and Shula arrives to explain why Rex made such a disappointed exit. Shula asks whether Elizabeth has talked to David lately; he seems depressed. Elizabeth wonders if, as well as concerns about the herd, David thinks that Ruth wants out.
• Eddie has done the milking and says he is willing to help more than usual with lambing, including nights. Is David seriously thinking of giving up? There is even a rumour at the market that Berrow Farm is in trouble. Pip rings to say that the flight is delayed until 9:30; she has given up on the party and has already phoned Matthew.
• The last of the 2014 cider is going down well. Joe reckons 2016 will be the year of the Grundys.
• Ruth is glad to get off the plane. Pip is pleased to see her and she missed them too. All Ruth wants now is a cup of tea and her own bed; she is exhausted: in the last few weeks she has had so much to think about.