Amanda Owen, star of Our Yorkshire Farm, found herself far from thrilled as her son Reuben encountered a significant challenge on Tuesday, June 3rd.
The second season of Reuben’s own series, Reuben Owen: Life in The Dales, currently airs on Channel 5, following his journey as he builds a heavy plant machinery business in the remote Yorkshire Dales with support from family and friends.
In the latest episode, the team prepared for the upcoming winter by expanding their capabilities and testing a freshly laid road with their trusty three-wheeled vehicle, the Robin Reliant. However, the day took an unexpected turn when newcomer Capper managed to get a 26-tonne loading shovel stuck while they were patching potholes for Reuben’s parents.
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“It’s just bad, isn’t it?” said Reuben, as Capper added, “I parked it there thinking it was hard ground. It looked firm. But as we moved, it sank deeper. Definitely not my day,” according to Leeds Live.
Attempts to free the massive machine failed, leaving the team concerned. Observing the struggle, Capper confessed, “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry—or maybe both.” Meanwhile, Sonny remarked, “Reuben was about to cry, then half-laughed it off, and now he’s very serious. Pretty sure today’s tarmacking is off the table.”
When Amanda arrived at the scene with her other sons, Miles and Sid, they were stunned by the situation. “Does this delay mean my road won’t be repaired anytime soon?” she joked, keeping spirits light despite the setback.
She continued, “I came down to check on Reuben fixing my road, but instead, it looks like the field’s getting wrecked. Worse still, it’s not even our field—it’s the neighbour’s. Clearly, things aren’t going as planned. Look at Reuben’s face; even he’s stumped.”
Sonny added, “I’ve never seen Reuben this disappointed. He’s upset but determined—we’ll get it out.”
Reuben began devising a rescue plan while Capper went to inform the neighbours. With humor, Reuben quipped, “Some days you just shouldn’t get out of bed,” as Amanda warned, “Your dad’s definitely going to kill you.”
Reuben then used the Major, a sturdy 60-year-old two-tonne tractor, to try pulling the shovel free. Though the strain was evident, the tractor held firm as the shovel slowly budged.
“I’m impressed—I didn’t think it’d manage that,” Amanda remarked with surprise. “I’m proud of them. Reuben seems to thrive on challenges and problem-solving, especially when it involves the old tractor turning things around.”
She concluded, “I’m not thrilled about the delay, but good old Reuben. Looks like I’ll be waiting a little longer to get my road sorted.”
Later, Reuben, Capper, and Sonny enlisted Sid, Miles, and their father Clive to help complete the tarmacking effort, showing true family teamwork on the farm.
Reuben Owen: Life in The Dales continues to capture the adventure and challenges of farm life in the Yorkshire Dales on Channel 5.