Our Yorkshire Farms Clive Owen reflects on loss of 50 sheep to snow

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In a classic episode of Channel 5 favourite Our Yorkshire Farm, the Owen family was struggling to cope with the 2018 “Beast from the East”. Amanda and Clive Owen were tasked with trying to protect their flock from the unforgiving Yorkshire Moors. As they attempted to move the sheep to safety, Clive confessed he’d lost 50 sheep before during harsh conditions.

The episode showed Clive and Amanda after they got word that freak Arctic winds were headed for the UK.

The severe storm was dubbed “The Beast from the East” and battered the UK four years ago.

“When they talk about a big storm coming, it makes your heart sink definitely,” seasoned farmer Clive, 67, commented.

“Because it could put you out of business, it really could.”

To try to prepare for the incoming storm, the family decided to move the flock of sheep closer to home.

As they hurried the animals to a less-exposed area, Amana remarked: “They’re better down here until the danger’s passed.

“The worst thing that can happen is that, like, it blows and buries them.”

“I have lost 50 in the past,” Clive replied. “They’re safe enough, I think, for now.

“With the wind in the west, I think they’re safe enough, but it’s becoming a bit of a struggle to get to them.”

Only a portion of the flock could be moved though.

The rest were left to struggle high on the moors and desperately needed to be fed.

To do this, Amanda and Clive enlisted the help of some of their nine children.

Using a snow-friendly tractor, the family raced high up the hills to try to assist the helpless sheep.

The couple had to carry the heavy feed bag over to the remainder of the flock.

Amanda expressed concern for her children, who were finding the freezing conditions uncomfortable.

“Sid’s crying,” she pointed out, before adding: “Right, I think they need to get back down because it’s snowing and it’s just a bit flipping baltic up here.” 

Older son Reuben was told to take the younger children back home while Amanda and Clive fed the sheep.

“What could go wrong, sending four kids home on a 550cc quad bike?” Amanda joked.

“In a blizzard,” Clive added, to which Amanda continued: “It’s just a bit too cold for them.

“They’ve grown up with it, so I daresay they’ll go inside, get a few cups of tea, warm up and then they’ll come out for another dose.”

Our Yorkshire Farm is available to watch on My5.

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