Kelvin Fletcher Confronts Farming 'Disaster' as Weather Crisis Hits Peak District Farm
Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz have been struck by a severe setback on their rural property, with the television personality admitting that a sudden weather change could spell "disaster" for their farming operations. The couple, who purchased a 120-acre plot in the village of Wincle near Macclesfield back in 2021, are documenting their agricultural journey on the popular ITV series Fletcher's Family Farm.
Urgent Weather Threat to Newborn Livestock
During a recent episode of the programme, which aired on Monday evening, the Fletchers faced an immediate crisis as heavy snow descended upon the Peak District, dramatically disrupting their carefully laid plans. Kelvin explained the gravity of the situation, stating: "One thing we've learned about living in the Peak District is how changeable the weather can be. After a week of decent weather, it's turned."
The actor turned farmer highlighted the direct impact on their livestock, revealing: "When the weather changes, so do our plans. Our priority is bringing in the next batch of pregnant animals, as this cold snap could mean disaster for their lambs." He elaborated on the specific dangers, noting that a significant temperature drop could trigger ewes to lamb prematurely, while wet conditions from rain or melting snow could lead to pneumonia in the vulnerable newborns.
Swift Action to Mitigate the Crisis
Both Kelvin and Liz wasted no time in springing into action, urgently preparing the farm to withstand the harsh conditions. Kelvin described their rapid response: "There's light to heavy snow forecast for the next four hours. I'm just thinking if we quickly prep these and go and get the sheep in." He emphasised the need for adaptability in their upland location, contrasting the previous day's glorious sunshine with the current freezing temperatures that had iced over water troughs.
The couple worked diligently to line the floors of their stalls with fresh bedding to draw moisture away and reduce bacterial risks, ensuring the environment was safe before bringing the sheep indoors. "Stall's cleaned and bedding laid. It's time to get the sheep in before this weather gets any worse," Kelvin asserted, demonstrating their hands-on approach to crisis management.
Broader Farm Developments Amidst the Drama
Beyond the immediate weather emergency, the latest episode of Fletcher's Family Farm showcased other significant developments on the property. The family hosted their first public event, which proved to be an emotional milestone. Meanwhile, their daughter Marnie demonstrated the importance of animal husbandry as she cared for an orphaned lamb named Aga.
In further efforts to build a sustainable farming business, the Fletchers introduced a boar named Bruce to maximise pig-breeding success. Additionally, they have been renovating a farm cottage to operate as a holiday rental, aiming to generate extra income to support their agricultural endeavours. The series continues to offer viewers an authentic glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of modern farming life.
Fletcher's on the Farm airs on ITV1 and the ITVX streaming platform.
