Reuben Owen and Jess Ellwood Move In Together on Family Farm at 22
At just 22 years old, young farmers Reuben Owen and Jess Ellwood have taken a major step in their relationship, moving in together on Jess’ family farm in Cumbria. Their partnership, which began at a Young Farmers convention in 2024, has quickly evolved from shared toothbrushes to a full-fledged life of early mornings, farm chores, and a new addition to the household — a three-week-old lamb named Fluff.
Fluff, who suffered a broken leg when her mother accidentally stepped on her, has been adopted by the couple and now lives with them permanently. “She’s going to be our pet sheep now — she’ll live with us forever,” Jess explained, sharing the lamb’s adorable antics. Reuben added, laughing, “She’s so cute. When she sees Jess, her little face absolutely lights up.”
Life on the farm is far from glamorous. Reuben described their daily routine as packed with 5am starts, exhausting lambing shifts, and occasional farm mishaps, such as colliding while trying to catch a runaway sheep. “There isn’t much partying. More 5am starts,” he admitted. “But in each other, we’ve found someone who really gets the beauty of farming life.”
Their story has also been captured on television. Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales, now in its new series, follows the couple’s day-to-day adventures, highlighting romance, rural chaos, and, of course, Fluff’s charming presence. The show premieres on Channel 5 on May 5, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the challenges and joys of young love set against the backdrop of Cumbria’s working farms.
From shared responsibilities to tender moments with their adopted lamb, Reuben and Jess exemplify the dedication, humour, and warmth required to build a life together in the countryside at such a young age.
