Our Yorkshire Farm star Clive Owen has candidly discussed the future of the family farm and the difficult decisions surrounding who will eventually take over the reins. The beloved farmer opened up during the latest episode of Our Farm Next Door, reflecting on his advancing years and the need to plan for succession.
Planning for the Future
Clive, who is approaching 70, admitted that farming is "a young fellas' game" and revealed that the family is currently in discussions about what comes next. "I have got to think about what comes next," Clive told the camera. "It is something the family are discussing at the moment to see where the future lies for everyone."
The farmer laughed as he added, "It is nice for me to pass on my shears," indicating his willingness to hand over responsibilities to the next generation.
Family Dynamics and Working Relationships
Clive also provided insight into his ongoing working relationship with ex-wife Amanda Owen, with whom he continues to run the farm successfully despite their separation. "Me and Amanda, for some crazy reason, it has worked out alright," Clive explained. "We are not together, but we can keep things going to suit everybody, and that is what we intend to do."
Amanda echoed this sentiment, noting that staying busy plays a crucial role in maintaining family harmony. "Things are good, and I think being busy plays a huge part in keeping everybody's focus," she said.
The Next Generation Steps Up
During the episode, eldest son Miles revealed his own aspirations for the future, expressing a desire to remain in agriculture but potentially exploring opportunities beyond hill farming. "I am the eldest here now on the farm, so now, a lot of the pressure is on me," Miles confessed. "I hadn't thought about the future and what I'd wanna do that far yet, but definitely something with agriculture. But there is a lot more agriculture in the world than just hill farms."
Clive acknowledged the uncertainty of what lies ahead, stating, "What the future holds, you can never quite be sure. It is something the family are discussing at the moment to see where the future lies for everyone."
Family Celebrations and Viewer Reactions
The episode also featured the Owen family celebrating daughter Nancy's ninth birthday, with viewers expressing astonishment at how quickly the children are growing up. One fan commented on social media, "I am enjoying the second part of the series, can't believe how tall and different the girls look," while another remarked, "Lovely photo, how time flies."
A third viewer exclaimed, "OMG, how is Nancy nine already?" with others noting how mature she appears. "They are all growing up so fast, especially Nancy," observed one fan, while another agreed, "Oh my, so grown up." Some viewers even drew comparisons between Nancy and her sister Raven, noting their striking resemblance.
The episode provided a poignant glimpse into the Owen family's life as they navigate both everyday farming challenges and significant life transitions, with Clive's reflections on succession planning highlighting the practical realities facing family-run agricultural businesses.
