Our Yorkshire Farm's Amanda Owen opens up on devastating loss at Ravenseat

Amanda Owen was visibly moved as she recounted the sorrowful events at Ravenseat Farm on Monday's episode of Our Farm Next Door. The shepherdess shared that the farm life is "challenging," especially during the demanding lambing season when everyone pitches in.

Yet, it was a poignant moment when Amanda spoke about the heart-wrenching loss of some lambs. "Everybody has a part to play at lambing time; we eat, breathe, and live sheep for about six weeks, and that is all that is going on," the mother of nine said.

Describing the hectic period, she noted: "It is such a busy time, and whether it is feeding the sheep or taking the sheep away or even just going and having a head count to make sure everybody has got their lambs, filling up the hay rack, you name it, there is just too much to do."

Despite exhaustion, the work must continue: "Some days, you'd just be so tired, but you'd just have to keep going."

Amanda believes the experience is educational for her children, saying, "It is good for the children, it is like life lessons right happening there in front of them. For them, it is hands on, they are full on involved, there is no part of this that they don't see," reports Yorkshire Live.

Addressing the unpredictability of lambing, she added: "When you're lambing a sheep, I don't know what the outcome is going to be. Sadly, at lambing time, you do get casualties."

Reflecting on a recent loss, Amanda shared her self-reproach: "You try to do your best, right? But I lost a lamb the other day, and I blame myself, and I thought to myself, 'You know, maybe if I had been a bit quicker, maybe if I'd seen to her a little bit sooner, that wouldn't have happened'."

"It is quite draining," she conceded, before acknowledging: "It wears you down sometimes."

Clive Owen candidly revealed that in a favourable spring season, lambing at Ravenseat can be one of the greatest joys; however, when spring brings harsh weather, the task turns into an absolute nightmare.

With evident concern, he pointed out: "Sheep aren't as fit as they should be," and went on to disclose: "And that makes a lot of work.

"You get one chance at this every spring, and you just have to give it your best shot, and that's all anybody can do."

The dedicated farmer then commented on the necessity for some spring sunshine at the farm, expressing that it would significantly aid their efforts.

Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids returns on Monday at 9pm.