olivia
When you think of a busy life you probably picture meetings, school runs or juggling errands. But Amanda Owen’s version of busy is on a whole different level. Known as the Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda isn’t just a farmer she’s a mother of nine and takes care of around 900 sheep on a remote hill farm.
Sounds like something out of a movie right? But for Amanda this is just everyday life.
So, who exactly is Amanda Owen?
Although Amanda Owen is a shepherdess, author and TV personality, she treasures the basic charms of life at the farm above anything else. Thanks to the TV series Our Yorkshire Farm, many people recognized Amanda from her time living at Ravenseat Farm in North Yorkshire.
What people notice about Amanda is her modest attitude, her connection to nature and the way she loves her family, as much as they notice the interesting place she lives in. She didn’t grow up farming.
In fact Amanda started out with dreams of becoming a model before she fell in love with the countryside and swapped high heels for muddy boots. Her journey is inspiring because she built a life that works for her far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Managing 9 kid and how does she do it?
Most parents struggle with two or three kids so how does Amanda handle nine? Well according to her it’s all about giving them responsibility and independence from a young age. The Owen children aren’t glued to screens or constantly asking for snacks. Instead they’re helping out around the farm feeding animals, fixing fences or simply exploring the great outdoors.
Amanda Owen and her husband have since split but co-parent amicably always believed in letting their children be part of the lifestyle rather than shielding them from it. It’s not a traditional upbringing but it teaches resilience, teamwork and self reliance. The kids have grown up knowing how to handle real life situations which is something Amanda believes is far more valuable than material things.
What stands out in Owen’s family life is that the kids learn through doing. Young farmers have experience caring for lambs, helping in the fields and understanding all about the farm from an early age. Such experience helps the kids grow and strengthens their relationship with the environment around them.
900 sheep and a whole lot of mud
You might be wondering how anyone manages 900 sheep. It’s definitely not a one woman job but Amanda Owen isn’t your average woman. Her days usually start before sunrise and don’t end until long after the sun has gone down. Whether it’s lambing season shearing time or just a regular day there’s always something to do.
She regularly shares scenes from the farm online, but her lovely images don’t highlight what goes on behind them. Amanda copes with everything from poor weather to messy fields while smiling and making jokes. Even though she doesn’t hide the difficulties, she also discusses why it’s so fulfilling to be with animals and the natural world.
They aren’t just livestock; the sheep are the pulse of the farm. Amanda always races to meet the demands of every season. Another layer and responsibility is that she also handles a flock of rare breed sheep. Amanda will tell you that there is no routine to farm life and that she’s learned to be flexible with the ever changing weather and animals.
Life lessons from the hills
While Amanda Owen’s life might seem completely different to ours there is so much we can learn from her story. One she proves not to follow the norm to succeed or be happy. And she cut herself a life that fits her family, that she could handle.
She also shows the value of simplicity. In a world obsessed with speed, convenience and noise Amanda Owen’s life reminds us that slowing down and connecting with the world around us can bring real joy. Her kids aren’t scrolling on tablets all day; they’re learning life skills that will stick with them forever.
And most of all Amanda Owen teaches us about strength. Physical strength sure but also emotional strength keeping a large family running working long hours and still finding time to appreciate the beauty of her surroundings.
Amanda’s story points out beyond the hard work the need for family and the community. It’s where everyone works together working the load and supporting each other on the ups and downs. In today’s fast pace, many people want that sense of belonging, that is the purpose.
Amanda Owen lives with 9 kids and 900 sheep but it’s no cowards’ way out. That’s muddy, chaotic all early mornings and late nights. It’s also meaningful, rich with experience and wholly connected to the land and family.
Her story is a happy reminder that happiness doesn’t always show itself the same way it does in glossy magazines or via social media. It’s sometimes white with a windswept hill, a flock of sheep and a family all working together to keep it all together.
Amanda Owen just inspires real people all around the world. People that do not have to look perfect in order to be successful. It’s refreshing in today’s world that kind of honesty.
