Kelvin Fletcher and his wife, Liz, have opened up about their "worst" lambing season on their Cheshire farm, revealing they lost six of the first 10 lambs born this year.
The couple, who document the highs and lows of farming on their ITV series Fletcher's Family Farm, shared the heartbreaking loss in the new series, which airs on Sundays.
A Difficult Start to Lambing
In the show, the former soap star explained how their lambing system usually works, saying: "Lambing season is well underway, and with four years under our belt, we've got a nice system going."
However, this year proved far more challenging. Kelvin said in a voiceover: "This year, our ewes have been producing some huge newborns, and while they are thankfully strong and healthy, birthing them hasn't been easy for some of the sheep, and it's not the only problem we've faced."
Sharing the harsh reality of lambing, he added: "It's actually been the worst lambing to date we've ever had. The worst start, should I say? I think the first 10 lambs. I think we lost six."
Vet's Reassurance
Liz chimed in: "I don't think we've ever lost that many lambs in an entire lambing season." Kelvin elaborated on the vet's visit, saying: "When the vet came out, which was kind of reassuring, was the fact that it's not just us. It's the worst lambing she's ever known. From all around in this area in Cheshire, from loads of prolapses, massive lambs that you're having to lamb yourself, ringwomb where the passage is not opening enough, and you can't get the lambs out."
He added: "So many issues. So when you hear that, it's a little bit easier to stomach, really, that it's not you. You've done nothing wrong."
Liz reflected: "That's the thing. There are highs and lows, and when the highs are good, they're really good. Like, look at this little lamb here. Look at this one sleeping."
Finding Joy in Farm Life
Despite the losses, Kelvin reflected on how lucky he felt to have his own farm. Getting up early to watch the sunrise while his family slept, he said: "I can't imagine a life now without this. It's instantly worth it the minute you get up. I think back to when we were trying to buy this place, wanting to call this home."
He continued: "It was just a dream hope, and five years later, here you are doing it. We have made a life here, just as I'd hoped, the good life. I can't imagine a life now without this little farm, without this space. Home has never felt as important. Hopefully, it'll be in our family for generations to come."
Fletcher's Family Farm airs on Sunday at 11.30am on ITV.
