YORKSHIRE FARM STAR AMANDA OWEN SPARKS FAN CONCERN WITH DISTRESSING UPDATE ABOUT SON REUBEN

Amanda Owen, widely known as the “Yorkshire Shepherdess” from the hit show Our Yorkshire Farm, has worried fans after sharing a farming update featuring her eldest son, Reuben.

The 50-year-old mum-of-nine is known for posting stunning photos and videos from her family’s life at Ravenseat Farm in the Yorkshire Dales, capturing everything from lambing season to harsh winter snowstorms. Her content usually attracts admiration for its scenic beauty and its celebration of rural traditions. But her latest Instagram post struck a different chord — sparking concern rather than the usual praise.

THE POST THAT STARTED THE WORRY

The video, uploaded earlier this week, showed Amanda and Reuben, 21, working through what she described as a “gruelling” day on the farm. In the clip, Reuben appeared tired and covered in mud, struggling to repair farm machinery in driving rain while sheep milled around in the background.

Amanda’s caption read: “Lambing waits for no one — even when the weather’s against us.” She praised her son’s hard work and resilience, calling him “the engine that keeps us moving.”

While many followers applauded the family’s dedication, others expressed concern about Reuben’s apparent exhaustion and the physical demands of the work.

FAN REACTIONS POUR IN

Within hours, the comment section was flooded with mixed reactions.

“Love your posts, but he looks absolutely shattered — hope he’s getting some rest.”
“That’s too much for one young man to take on, especially in those conditions.”
“Incredible work ethic, but please don’t overwork him.”

Several fans also pointed out the visible toll farm life can take, particularly during lambing season, when days often begin before sunrise and end late at night.

AMANDA DEFENDS THE REALITY OF FARM LIFE

Amanda responded to a handful of comments, explaining that the video was meant to showcase “the reality” of farming, not to alarm anyone.

“This is what we do, and it’s what we love,” she wrote. “Yes, it’s hard work, but it’s also a privilege to live and work in such a beautiful place. Reuben wouldn’t be doing it if he didn’t want to.”

She also noted that Reuben, who has become something of a fan favourite on Our Yorkshire Farm, is an experienced young farmer in his own right.

REUBEN’S ROLE ON THE FARM

As the eldest of Amanda’s nine children, Reuben has taken on increasing responsibility at Ravenseat over the past few years. Viewers of the show have seen him progress from helping with basic chores to leading more complex tasks, such as managing livestock, repairing equipment, and overseeing parts of the lambing process.

He has also pursued work outside the farm, recently starting a small business offering machinery repair services across the Yorkshire Dales. Amanda has often praised his entrepreneurial spirit, saying he “embodies the grit and independence” that rural life fosters.

THE REALITY BEHIND THE CAMERA

Farming experts say the scenes in Amanda’s post are typical of spring lambing season. Long hours, unpredictable weather, and heavy physical labour are part of the job — and for many farm families, it’s all hands on deck.

Dr. Ian Barclay, an agricultural researcher at the University of Leeds, commented: “This kind of work is demanding and sometimes dangerous, but it’s also a way of life. Farm kids often grow up learning these skills and developing resilience. The concern is valid, but so is the pride.”

LIFE AFTER OUR YORKSHIRE FARM

Since Our Yorkshire Farm ended in 2022 following Amanda’s split from husband Clive Owen, the Yorkshire Shepherdess has continued to share her life online and through books, TV appearances, and live speaking engagements.

Reuben has featured prominently in her updates, and fans have followed his journey closely, often praising his commitment to the family farm despite opportunities to take a different path.

A FAMILY USED TO HARD WORK

Amanda’s posts frequently highlight the sheer effort that goes into running a remote hill farm, from battling snow to rescuing stranded animals. She has long argued that sharing the unvarnished truth — mud, exhaustion, and all — is important to counter “romanticised” images of countryside life.

“It’s not always pretty,” she said in a past interview. “But it’s real, and it’s ours.”

THE TAKEAWAY FOR FANS

Whether her latest post was a moment of pride or a glimpse into the strain of farm life, Amanda’s update has reignited conversations about the challenges rural families face — especially in an age where every moment can be shared and scrutinised online.

For her part, Amanda seems unfazed by the debate. Her message is clear: the Owen family will keep doing what they’ve always done, regardless of outside opinion.

As lambing season rolls on, followers can expect more updates from Ravenseat — and likely more spirited discussion about what life on a Yorkshire hill farm really looks like.