Kelvin Fletcher and wife Liz battle harsh winter weather threatening livestock on their ITV series
Kelvin Fletcher has encountered a major setback that could spell “disaster” for his farm. The former Emmerdale actor and his wife, Liz, made the move into farming in 2021 after buying a 120-acre site in the village of Wincle, near Macclesfield.
Their farming journey is being followed on ITV’s Fletchers’ Family Farm, and in an episode airing on Monday (January 26), the couple face mounting challenges. Problems arise when a sudden shift in weather brings heavy snowfall, throwing their plans into disarray.
Reflecting on the situation, Kelvin said that living in the Peak District had taught them just how unpredictable the weather can be, explaining that after a stretch of good conditions, the weather had taken a sudden turn.
He added that when conditions change, so do their priorities, revealing that their immediate focus was bringing in the next group of pregnant animals, as the cold snap could prove disastrous for their unborn lambs.
Both Kelvin and Liz quickly got stuck in, working flat out to prepare the farm for the sudden change in conditions. Explaining the urgency, the former soap star said there was light to heavy snowfall forecast over the next few hours, adding that they needed to act fast to get the sheep brought inside, according to the Mirror.
He went on to warn that a sharp drop in temperature could cause the ewes to react instinctively, potentially triggering early labour. He also explained that wet weather posed its own risks, as damp conditions could increase the chances of the animals developing pneumonia.
Kelvin continued by stressing the importance of being adaptable, particularly given their location. He noted that despite being close to sea level in the north, the weather can change dramatically, recalling how the previous day felt like a bright spring day with warm sunshine.
By contrast, he said that conditions had completely shifted, pointing out that the water troughs had frozen over and his hands were numb with cold, highlighting how quickly they had to react and think on their feet.
Despite the heavy snowfall, Kelvin and Liz continued working to address the challenges. Kelvin explained: “We’re just lining the floor now to help absorb any moisture. It’s good for killing bacteria. The stall’s been cleaned and bedding laid — now it’s time to get the sheep in before the weather worsens.”
Meanwhile, tensions ran high on the show as the family hosted their first public event. At the same time, Marnie emphasized the importance of livestock care while tending to an abandoned lamb named Aga.
On another front, Bruce the boar made his debut at the smallholding to improve the chances of successful pig breeding, while Kelvin and Liz threw themselves into converting the farm cottage into a holiday rental to bring in extra income.
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