Clive Owen, star of Our Yorkshire Farm, has opened up about the "tough" conditions at Ravenseat Farm during a particularly challenging lambing season. The farm has faced severe weather, including a harsh snowstorm that left their pastures barren, making it difficult for sheep to graze. Owen remarked, "Winters are long enough without them dragging into May," highlighting the struggles they have faced this season.
As he ventured out to feed the sheep, Clive explained, "It's been kind in some respects as it's been very dry, but it's been very cold." He noted that temperatures have dipped down to minus six and seven degrees Celsius at night, creating a challenging environment for both the farmers and the animals. Despite the dry weather during the day, the cold nights have made lambing particularly hard. "It has been really, really hard for us, down to minus six and seven at night, but lovely days, so it's been pleasant enough to work in, but no grass," he added.
Clive candidly admitted to the camera, "It's not exactly summer yet. It's been a tough lambing time, without a doubt. It's been a hard month," as reported by Leeds Live. He also mentioned the icy air coming from the East, expressing a desire for the harsh conditions to end soon.
In a poignant moment during the episode, Amanda Owen and her three children faced further heartbreak when they discovered a dead lamb among their flock. Amanda was visibly upset as she exclaimed, "Oh no. Here, look, I can see something, and it's not good," after spotting the lifeless lamb. The reality of farm life struck hard as she reflected, "Sometimes you get mysteries, and sometimes you get an answer, and sometimes you don't, but that's your answer."
As Amanda continued to process the loss, she said, "This poor little newborn lamb," while her daughter Clemmie added, "That's sad, isn't it, mum?" Amanda then speculated about the circumstances surrounding the lamb's death, asking, "What will have happened? Can you see where she lambed? She had her lamb there, had a nice drink of water, and her newborn lamb rolled into the water." Clemmie suggested, "It could be good if it was still alive," to which her mother replied, "Of course, it would be much better if it was still alive. It is just such a shame because it didn't have much of a life, did it?"
To the camera, Amanda shared her thoughts on the importance of understanding life and death in the farming world. "They have to have a good understanding of life and death. You can't cloak that one away. You can't sideline that one. You can't dwell on it," she stated. She emphasized the critical moments of lambing, saying, "They know that in that few moments when a lamb is born, that is a critical moment, and if they can help that process along, then good. They also get to see when that process doesn't happen."
Despite the challenges, Clive and Amanda remain dedicated to their work on Ravenseat Farm. The couple's resilience and commitment to their animals shine through, even in the face of adversity. Their experiences during this lambing season serve as a reminder of the harsh realities of farm life and the emotional toll it can take on those who work in agriculture.
As viewers tune in to Our Yorkshire Farm, they witness not just the beauty of rural life but also the struggles that come with it. The show, available to watch on My5, continues to captivate audiences with its authentic portrayal of farm life and the Owen family's unwavering spirit.
