07/10/2021

At the BL board meeting Brian introduces Stella to Justin. Quietly Justin asks Stella whether she’s persuaded Brian to pledge a few efficiencies at Home Farm. Stella assures Justin she has a few things up her sleeve. She mentions to the board possible alternative uses for the land (which Justin had kept quiet), and some solid green cost cutting options which will still bring in better returns, and maximise payments from the new Sustainable Farming Incentive. Afterwards Justin accepts through gritted teeth they’ve got what they wanted – Home Farm has kept the Estate contract. Brian wrongfoots Justin further when he discloses he knows Justin and Stella go way back – he’s done the farm an enormous favour by tipping her off about the job. Some of Stella’s ideas have made Brian feel something of a dinosaur. She flatters him by pooh-poohing this. He points out that retaining the contract is only step one. There’s a lot more to do to secure the future of Home Farm. Jazzer’s brought bacon sandwiches to the hide for Blake. Blake confesses his lack of trust of Kirsty; to him Mr Moss and Gavin never did anything wrong. Jazzer accepts this, and gets why Blake ran away from Lynda’s. They share stories of their respective dads; Jazzer admits Jim is like a father to him now. He suggests there are plenty of people who’d want to help Blake. Blake’s unsure, but he agrees to help with Jazzer’s tricky shelves. Jazzer declares he can come over to Greenacres whenever he wants.