Mum-of-nine Amanda Owen has once again defended her family’s way of life on their Yorkshire farm after critics accused her of being “heartless” for letting her children eat the animals they rear.
The 51-year-old star of Our Yorkshire Farm told the Country Life podcast that her children eating lambs they helped raise isn’t cruel — it’s part of understanding the natural cycle of life on a working farm. “It’s the opposite to what they think,” she said firmly. “What about having the knowledge that the animal had a good life, that it was cared for and slaughtered humanely? That doesn’t leave any bad taste in your mouth.”
Amanda, known as the “Yorkshire Shepherdess,” also took a swipe at viewers who have criticised her animal-handling methods online. “People want a sanitised version of everything, but then complain they also want reality — and you can’t have it both ways,” she said, adding that most of her critics “have no experience of farming.”
The TV farmer sparked online outrage earlier this year when she posted a photo of her 21-year-old son Reuben restraining a ewe by its horn. While some called it “disgusting,” others jumped to her defence, saying it showed the tough realities of animal care. One supporter wrote: “Too many people haven’t got a clue how farming or handling livestock works. Maybe throw the moaners in for a day when sheep need shearing — then see how they feel.”
Amanda insists her animals are livestock, not pets. “You’re a farmer with animals as a commodity, or you have a pet,” she said. “There’s a difference — and my kids understand that.”
Her latest series, Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, is now streaming on Channel 4, alongside Our Yorkshire Farm on More4 and Amazon Prime Video.
