Clive Owen has made a candid admission about getting older in the latest repeat instalment of Our Farm Next Door. The Yorkshire farmer contemplated the evolving landscape at his farm as his son Miles assumed greater responsibilities.
His remarks follow Miles's discussion of his father "slowing down" at Ravenseat Farm, as the youngster revealed he is working hard to find a balance between supporting Clive at home and helping his brother Reuben's growing business.
Miles on growing up and helping out
Miles told the camera during a recent episode of Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales: "I really enjoy growing up on the farm. One of my jobs was doing chickens, collecting the eggs, looking after them, feeding them. I'm doing more work with the cows and sheep at the moment. I've talked to Reuben about the digging side and me helping more and getting more involved with his company, which I wouldn't mind at all."
He went on: "But I've got to balance it because you know, Dad's getting on and he's slowing down a bit. So yeah, I've got to help Dad when it's needed, and can't leave him to manage, and then when Reuben needs it, and he gets stuck, so I need to help him, so it's about finding balance."
Clive hands over the mowing
The repeat instalment of Our Farm Next Door, broadcast on Sunday, witnessed Miles assume control of the grass-cutting for the first time, a responsibility that Clive acknowledged was far from straightforward.
"It is quite complicated, especially on these awkward fields," Clive explained, while also highlighting the difficult conditions they had been encountering. "We are cutting grass today. Now is our time, but the weather has been very unsettled. It is saying we might have three fine days, so we are having a go."
Clive was evidently proud to be relinquishing the responsibility. "It is something I have always done, and it's lovely that I am not doing it. So, I am just telling him off, and he is fed up of me already," he chuckled.
Passing the baton
Clive reflected fondly on witnessing his children mature into competent young men. "They're grown-up these lads, and it's good for them to take over these jobs. Miles is a young man now so, the mowing is for him," he said.
With his trademark blend of wit and honesty, Clive summarised his evolving position on the farm: "It's time to pass on the baton and let them do more and more, and that is how it is. I am here to watch over them and annoy them, and we will get there in the end."
Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids is available to watch on All4.
