Reuben Owen's girlfriend Jess has opened up about her fears of losing animals on her family's farm due to bovine tuberculosis, as seen in Tuesday's episode of Life in the Dales. The couple, who have been together since October 2024, appear on the Channel 5 show alongside friends and family, including Reuben's brothers Myles and Sid and his father Clive.
In the episode, Jess and her father David spoke candidly about their anxieties surrounding bovine tuberculosis, a serious respiratory illness that can devastate livestock. The narrator warned that 'tensions were running high' at Brough Castle farm as they awaited test results. David explained that there is no cure for TB, meaning infected cows must be slaughtered to eradicate the disease.
Jess, who works full-time on the farm, expressed her devastation at the thought of losing her herd. Petting her favourite cow, she said: 'If we had TB, it would be awful, not just for the business side, but these are like family members to me, these cows. I know them inside and out.' She added: 'It's a horrible gut feeling, the constant worry.'
Reuben later discussed the stress with his father Clive, who acknowledged the worry. Fortunately, the test results came back negative, bringing relief to the family. Jess said: 'Amazing, brilliant,' while David added: 'All our worries are over and the stresses.' Reuben commented: 'That is brilliant news, we're all alright, fighting fit.'
Jess has previously spoken about her deep connection to farming, saying in a 2023 article: '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 that she sees all the animals as part of her family.
