Jess, a star from the Channel 5 series Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales, opened up about the heartbreaking death of her grandfather, whom she never met. The third season finale focused on Jess and her family farm, Brough Castle Farm, as lambing season unfolded.
Family Legacy and Loss
During the episode, Jess and her father Dave spoke about her grandfather Thomas, who died when Dave was just 16 years old. Dave was diagnosed with leukaemia at age 14, forcing him to take on farm responsibilities early. Jess said, "I never got to meet him, sadly." Dave added, "I was only 16 when he died."
In a previous episode, Jess visited her other grandfather George's grave, who died in 2018 at age 70. She told her grandmother, "I miss grandad, I really do miss grandad. It's not the same anymore since he died." The narrator revealed George inherited Brough Castle Farm at 18 and dedicated his life to it.
Love for Farming
Jess shared her passion: "It's hard work, this time of year, lambing. A lot of hours, but when you have something like that, it puts a smile on your face, and the sun is shining, it's wonderful. There's not another place where I'd want to be." Dave recalled Jess caring for lambs as a child, calling them "the best days."
In a 2023 Farmers Guardian article, the then-18-year-old Jess said, "Farming is in my blood: I grew up on Brough Castle Farm and remember helping my mum and dad in the fields from a young age. Since then, it is all I have ever wanted to do." She added, "I have always loved working with animals too, particularly cows and sheep; they have their own personalities and I feel like I know them all."
Continuing the Legacy
Reflecting on George's legacy, Jess told her Nana, "I think he'd be happy to see where it's at now, things have carried on." Her Nana replied, "You've taken over, it's like passing on the baton, and he would have been thrilled to bits to see what you have done since he died, and hopefully the next generation will pick up that baton and run with it like you have."
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales is available to watch on Channel 5.
