Amanda Owen, star of Channel 4's Our Farm Next Door, has responded forcefully to critics who accused her of 'breeding a workforce' by involving her children in farm chores. The Yorkshire Shepherdess addressed the remarks during Friday's episode (July 10, 2026), defending her parenting approach and the roles her children play on the family farm.
Amanda Owen's Response to Critics
Reflecting on viewers' questions, Owen stated: 'I thought about that, it's sunk in and I thought, "Blooming heck, am I working these guys too hard?" No, I'm not - is the answer. My kids have their tasks and it's their choice to do, and it's all for the greater good.' She emphasised that the work is voluntary and brings joy: 'It's all for the bigger picture, it is not a game, in other words, but imagine if you can take a joy and a pleasure in doing something that actually is of use, that takes it to a whole different level, doesn't it?'
Children's Roles on the Farm
In the episode, daughters Annas and Clemmie were seen helping care for a premature calf named Bonny, cleaning and decorating a horn for Clive's birthday, and moving animals. Owen expressed pride in her children's growing responsibility: 'Everybody is growing up at a rate of knots and everybody is taking a lot of responsibility, and as time goes on, hopefully we'll maybe take more of a back seat and hand over a little bit more control to the younger ones.'
Family Background and Separation
Amanda and Clive Owen announced their separation in 2022 after more than 20 years of marriage. They have nine children together: Raven (born 2001), Reuben, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clementine, and Nancy. Despite the split, they continue to co-parent and work together on the farm and television show. Amanda previously told The Guardian that she 'had no dream to have an enormous family' and that 'it just... happened'.
Clive acknowledged their unique situation: 'Me and Mandy, we have had a strange few years and we're now in a place where although we are not actually together, we are still in business together, we still have these kids together.'
