Britain's oldest farming couple, Steve and Jean Green, broke down in tears during an emotional moment on The Yorkshire Vet. The married couple, Jean, 73, and Steve Green, 96, have become beloved Channel 5 stars as they continue to showcase their life on Stoneybrough Farm in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. The couple have farmed the land since they were married more than 40 years ago.
Return to Screens
Steve and Jean returned to screens on Saturday (August 15), as they appeared in a repeat of The Yorkshire Vet: A Decade in the Moors and Dales. The episode marked the 10th anniversary of the much-loved series, with beloved stars gathering around their TV screens to relive classic stories. During the special, Steve and Jean looked back on the heartbreaking moment they had to sell their dairy herd.
Heartbreaking Decision
It was back in September 2015 that viewers saw Steve and Jean's world turn upside down. As he drove to meet Jean in the past episode, Peter Wright explained: "Steve had to go into hospital suddenly for an operation, and sadly, they've said, at his age, he won't be able to continue looking after his cows. Steve was on this farm when James Herriot came to Thirsk. It's a very sad day. Very sad for all of us, because there aren't many people left like Steve and Jeanie."
Looking back on the moment, Peter said: "This was probably the most emotional episode of The Yorkshire Vet." The herd was due to be collected and sold at auction, and Peter arrived at the farm to check if any of the cows were in calf. With the auction just a few days away and Steve still in hospital, it all got too much for Jean. "I can't bear it," she sobbed.
End of an Era
Peter then noted: "When the cows go, the soul just goes out of the buildings. So, it's the end of an era. End of an era. Very sad." Despite his illness, Steve was back home in time to say goodbye to the herd. He shared: "I'm very heartbroken, really. But you see, it might be a bit much for me in winter."
Breaking down in tears, an emotional Jean added: "200 years there's been cows on here. I just can't cope." Jean and Steve said their goodbyes to their beloved cows Giraffe, Sprocket, Lola and Bobtail, moments before they were driven away from the farm. "I loved them cows like loving kids. That's the end of the matter," Jean cried.
Steve tried to reassure his wife that they still had some little ones to care for, before she replied: "Yeah, I know, but I liked the old girls, I did. Old girls were my favourite." The couple were later joined by Peter as they watched their cows go up for auction.
Emotional Reflection
As she watched the moment back after 10 years, Jean became emotional, as it brought back a lot of sad memories. She said: "It's a heartbreaker." Rohin Aojula concluded: "I think so many people watched this up and down the country, and just fell in love with Mr and Mrs Green at that moment."
The Yorkshire Vet: A Decade in the Moors and Dales is streaming on 5.
