Amanda Owen has shared her thoughts on her son Reuben's relationship, praising his girlfriend Jess as a dedicated worker on the family farm. The Yorkshire Shepherdess made the comments during the latest episode of Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, which aired on Channel 4 earlier this week.
Praise for Jess's work ethic
During the episode, Amanda, her ex-husband Clive, and their nine children were shown balancing daily life on their remote sheep farm, Ravenseat, with the renovation of a nearby derelict property named Anty John's. In one scene, Amanda was joined by her sons Reuben and Sidney, Reuben's partner Jess, and Martin, who is employed by Reuben, as they worked to establish a water supply to the property.
The group laboured through harsh conditions on a blustery February morning, successfully laying an underground water pipe that linked the water tank to the property. Amanda was particularly impressed with Jess, who showed enthusiasm for the work.
She remarked: "Jess, she's such a worker. She doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. You know, so many people will say, you know, 'Fairweather farmer, happy to stand out there on a good day, you know, with the sun on your face.' But she's right in and amongst it. She's good on the digger, she's great on the tractor. [She's a] really, really hard-working girl. I think it's magic, I think it's wonderful."
Pride in her sons
Amanda also discussed how "proud" she felt watching Reuben and Sidney collaborate on the farm. "It's lovely to see the children working together, especially so with Sid and Reuben, because Sidney idolises Reuben, he really does," she revealed.
She added: "I mean, not only do they wear matching clothes, the hi-vis, but he learns a lot from it. Because I was asking [Reuben] who was his mentor. He had, surrounding him, a good few people, older people, who were willing to share their knowledge as to how things worked and how to get on and do things.
"You know, tractor enthusiasts and builders and farmers, who were happy to hear that someone was interested in what they had learned throughout their lifetime. So, it's that passing down of skills. You don't get that sort of knowledge in any sort of book, it's a hands-on kind of a thing. So, seeing them working together, honestly, it makes me really proud."
Relationship milestone
Reuben started dating Jess in October 2024, having met at a young farmers' convention. The pair, who feature in Channel 5 series Life in the Dales, recently celebrated their two-year anniversary together.
"2 Year together so many amazing memories. Love you so much @jessica.ellwood1," Reuben posted on Instagram, prompting numerous supporters to offer their congratulations in the comments. "Happy Anniversary to you both," one individual wrote. Someone else commented: "Gorgeous couple!" A third admirer shared similar sentiments, stating: "Congratulations on your anniversary, here's to many more years making memories together."
Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids broadcasts Monday evenings at 9pm on More4.
