Reuben Owen, star of Our Yorkshire Farm, opened up about the challenges he and his girlfriend Jess faced while rearing turkeys on their farm during a recent appearance on ITV’s Lorraine.
Speaking with presenter Lorraine Kelly on Tuesday, December 16, Reuben discussed his upcoming festive special, Reuben Owen: Christmas in the Dales, set to air on Channel 5 that same evening. Alongside Jess, he gave viewers a glimpse into their daily farm life and shared candid stories about their yuletide preparations.
“Jess was the main lady that raised the turkeys. Between me and her, we managed to keep them fenced in. They were escape artists. We had some trouble with them. It was hard work. They took some keeping right," Reuben admitted, highlighting the unpredictable nature of farming.
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Looking ahead to Christmas, the couple revealed their plans to celebrate together for the first time. “We were together last Christmas, but this Christmas, I will be spending my Christmas with Jess at hers. We’re going to go up later in the day to my parents to see them, but we’ll be spending Christmas together this year,” he explained.
Despite the festive season, farm duties continue uninterrupted. Reuben noted, “Especially being at Jess’s, we’ll have to milk on Christmas morning. It doesn’t really stop for you, does it? Whatever the day, we’ll still have to milk.” Jess added with a smile, “We’ll have dinner and go to yours, and then milk again, won’t we?”
Beyond farm life, Reuben expressed his hope that his programme can inspire younger generations to consider careers in agriculture or rural trades. “It’s a good programme with lots of varied, different things in it. If it inspires younger people to come up into the countryside and pick more of an agriculture or a construction-based job, it’s good,” he said. He further emphasized the importance of attracting youth to farming, especially in Cumbria, where the population is aging.
Reuben Owen: Christmas in the Dales showcases much more than festive cheer. The special features Reuben, Jess, and their colleagues Sonny and Capper, along with Jess’s father David, tackling a major barn refurbishment project. Amidst the construction and preparations, the couple raise turkey chicks and face an amusing challenge when their Christmas dinner attempts a daring escape.
Our Yorkshire Farm is available for streaming on Channel 5, with Reuben Owen: Christmas in the Dales airing tonight at 8 pm.