Reuben Owen has grown from a familiar face on Our Yorkshire Farm into one of Britain’s most popular young farming personalities. As the eldest son of Amanda and Clive Owen, the Life in the Dales star has won viewers over with his work ethic, down-to-earth personality and determination to build a future in farming.

Away from the cameras, however, Reuben’s life has also included heartbreak, new beginnings and frightening moments that have deeply affected those closest to him.

From Family Farm To Television Success

Now 22, Reuben first captured the public’s attention on Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm, where viewers watched him grow up helping his parents manage the family’s 2,000-acre Ravenseat Farm in Swaledale, North Yorkshire.

His passion for heavy machinery eventually led him to launch his own excavation and contracting business, a journey now documented in his successful spin-off series, Life in the Dales.

The programme follows Reuben as he balances running his growing business while continuing the farming lifestyle he has loved since childhood.

Finding Love With Fellow Farmer Jessica

While Reuben’s career has gone from strength to strength, his personal life has also found happiness.

The young farmer is currently in a relationship with fellow agricultural worker Jessica Ellwood, who helps run her family’s farm at Brough Castle.

The couple first met at a Young Farmers event in October 2024, and according to Jessica, their connection was immediate.

“Ever since we first met, we just clicked,” she explained on the show. “I think it’s because I’m from a farming background, so’s Reuben.”

She also admitted she had quickly become close not only to Reuben, but to his entire family.

“I just love him to bits. Love his family, get on great with them.”

Reuben later revealed their first date didn’t exactly go according to plan.

Laughing about the memory, he confessed that after finally finding the courage to ask Jessica out, he accidentally forgot his wallet.

“We went out for some tea,” he recalled. “I’d lost my wallet and she had to pay for my dinner.”

Amanda Owen Gives The Relationship Her Approval

Jessica appears to have fitted naturally into the Owen family.

Speaking about his mother’s opinion, Reuben said Amanda and Jessica bonded almost instantly over their shared passion for sheep farming.

“Mum and Jess get on well, they talk about sheep together. They all approve and they all get along really well.”

The couple have even spoken openly about their future plans.

Reuben hopes one day to buy a farm where he can base his machinery business while Jessica looks after her own livestock.

“We’re just waiting for something to come up,” he explained.

“I’d like somewhere I can keep my diggers, and she can have her sheep and cows.”

When asked whether he hopes to have a family as large as the one he grew up in, Reuben laughed.

“I don’t think I fancy nine children,” he joked. “We’ll have to wait and see.”

The End Of A Childhood Romance

Before meeting Jessica, Reuben had been in a long-term relationship with Sarah Dow, a childhood friend he had known for years.

The couple publicly celebrated six months together in 2022, with Reuben posting a heartfelt message on Instagram thanking Sarah for “putting up with” him.

However, after almost two years together, the relationship quietly came to an end.

Speaking honestly during an appearance on Lorraine, Reuben confirmed they had separated but remained on good terms.

“Me and Sarah were together. We’re no longer together, but we’re still very good friends,” he explained.

“She’s gone her own way and is pursuing her own career.”

Although they are no longer a couple, Sarah occasionally still helps with work when time allows.

“We get on very well and we’re still good pals.”

A Terrifying Accident That Nearly Cost His Co-Star His Life

One of the most emotional moments featured on Life in the Dales wasn’t about Reuben at all—it was about Jessica’s father, Dave Ellwood.

During the series, Dave recalled the horrifying farm accident that left him fighting for his life after being attacked by a bull.

The incident happened around 15 years ago while he was collecting a bull as a surprise for Jessica.

Instead, the animal charged him, slamming him into steel girders before violently throwing him around.

“He made a mess of me,” Dave recalled.

The injuries were devastating.

Dave was airlifted to Middlesbrough Hospital, where doctors discovered he had suffered nine broken ribs and a ruptured spleen.

He spent several days in intensive care recovering from the life-threatening injuries.

Despite the traumatic experience, Dave has continued farming, although he admits the accident permanently changed the way he approaches working with large animals.

Building His Own Future

Despite growing up in one of Britain’s most famous farming families, Reuben continues to forge his own path.

Between expanding his machinery business, starring in Life in the Dales and planning a future with Jessica, the young farmer is proving that his success is built not only on his family name, but on hard work, resilience and a genuine passion for rural life.

After navigating heartbreak, finding love again and witnessing the dangers that farming can bring, Reuben’s story continues to resonate with viewers who have watched him grow from a teenager on the family farm into one of television’s brightest young countryside stars.