My Farming Life: Tales from a shepherdess on a remote Northumberland farm

by Emma Gray

On New Year's Day 2012, Emma Gray's long-term boyfriend broke off their relationship, leaving her heartbroken - and bewildered. But that was just the first setback the year was to offer: it was followed by the tragic death of her beloved old collie, Bill, and then a serious accident - breaking her back when her quad bike overturned.

Her isolated existence - four miles from the road and the nearest neighbour - no longer looked such a good or sensible idea. Could she recover from these physical and mental blows? And even if she did, could she make a proper living for herself at Fallowlees farm?

Moreover - and the question on everyone's lips - could the woman dubbed 'Britain's loneliest shepherdess' ever find lasting love?

My Farming Life is the story of how Emma picks herself up from these emotional, physical and professional setbacks to become one of the country's most successful breeders and trainers of Border collies, a journey filled with both joy and heartbreak. It will cover some of the issues no farmer can afford to ignore these days - animal welfare, the anti-meat backlash, and caring for the environment. And it will tell how - surprising herself as well as her friends and family - Emma finds love where she least expects it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Nature, Biography Memoir, British Literature

352 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[Tanja Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of Emma and her life as the tenant of an isolated farm. She is just 23 years old or so when the book begins and more than ten years are covered. It covers love and loss, a lot of dogs, unreliable farm equipment and economic issues.

[Fortytwo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reflections on her farming life so far, hard to put down, every chapter leaves you wanting to know what happened next. Really hoping she keeps on writing, will be waiting for next volume.

[Christie Bane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Emma Gray's first book and sort of became infatuated with her and her beautiful lifestyle -- just her and her sheepdogs waaaaay out in the rugged British countryside (a place where I would absolutely never ever want to live, but I love reading about it). So naturally I wanted to read the follow-up. This chick is my hero(ine). She did everything she wanted -- make a living out of dogs, marry the man of her dreams, live the life she wants -- and also something she didn't want -- have a kid. But she made the most of it. Making a living with dogs is not for everyone, but for those that want it, it's the best thing in the world!

[Poppy Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

really informative and funny. very well written and a lovely personal point of view for emma’s life on the farm; it feels like you’re there with her and i really liked that

[Ute Weiß · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Emma‘s second book. I cried, I laughed and remembered vividly the times I spent at German and New Zealand sheep farms.
Working sheep was a real joy for me. Watching working collies made me happy.
Emma is a great writer and I really wondered when she‘s found the time to write. Farm work is hard work.
Now I have to watch BBC‘s This farming life 😁

[Idgy Greenwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light and easy read, filling in some of the gaps between her first book and appearances on 'This Farming Life'.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3🌟

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dogs and sheep. Loved it. Adding things together to make up a life and a living in the way of farmers everywhere. In this case, a few different elements from the typical farm make for an extra interesting reading experience. A small hardscrabble farm on the edge of reforested land, a shepherdess with big dreams, a few head of cattle with ecological benefit, some talented dogs waiting to be trained up...
Lots of factors go into this life - which may or may not - turn out ok. This breed of sheep or that breed of sheep? Finding a way forward and then living with those decisions.
Loved the quirks and the relationships with certain special animals and the chances taken, win or lose. It is a tale of bravery and persistence and lots of hard work.
A winning combination and a good read.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely story of Emma's life living on a farm in Northumberland. Full of stories in timeframes from being newly single and managing her new life by herself on the farm, to finding love eventually.

Lovely heartwarming read. The only thing missing from this book was pictures of the animals so often mentioned, from the dogs, to the sheep, cows, horses. It would have been a lovely touch to see images of the animals she spends her life with. Other than that, this was a lovely read and very interesting to hear about the workings of a farm and also lots of dog trialing in there too which was a new subject for me.

Great biography. Would love another book after this book ended with her moving to new pastures, but next time include some pictures please!

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

just did not connect

Not sure if it was me or the book. The story itself? The writing style? Every time i thought “here comes a good part” she would start talking about finding a boyfriend. And when she did find someone, with 2 kids, they get mentioned twice. Then forgotten. What happened to them? Did they ever visit their father in Scotland? Were they eaten by wolves? Who knows? Then the animals she owned. Buy ‘em, train ‘em, sell ‘em. She wasn’t running a farm, she was running a meat market. Guess I was spoiled by Mr. Herriot. I’ll stick with him. Not a bad book, but certainly not what i was expecting. Read it, but don’t set your hopes too high.

[Emily Fell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a good book. Emma Gray is a great storyteller, and the progress she makes throughout the book is so fascinating. However, there were a few parts that started to lose me. Within some of the stories it would've been helpful to have more of a description of exactly what was happening; between the farming terminology and equipment I got confused trying to figure out exactly what she was explaining. But I did enjoy reading it, it was definitely different than other books I typically enjoy.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a knitter and yarn spinner, I am interested in all things sheep. While Emma Gray’s memoir of her life as a shepherd and dog trainer included bits about her sheep, the tale focused on her experiences beginning as a farm tenant on her own. She shared difficult times and times of great joy and pride. I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by a British woman, who added a sense of place to the story. If you’re interested in the farm life, you will enjoy this book. I recommend the audio version.

[Hess · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming slice of life novel, in the vein of All Creatures Great and Small. While there were instances in which we learned more about shepherding and sheep farming, this wasn't the focus of the book. A pity, because I was as interested in Gray's approach to modern farming as I was in her personal life.

[Tracy Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always listen to your instincts. She is a wonderful storyteller. Instead of taking the easy way through life she takes a super scary chance on following a dream. through it all she stays true to herself. Making heart breaking decisions yet learning and always moving forward. This dream may not be for everyone; but it is proof positive if you want something bad enough and are willing to put the work in you can succeed. Just loved it.

[Kate Geiger]

I loved this book - Emma Gray tells her own story from her first tenant farm on trust land in Northumberland as the UK's first solo female shepherdess at 23. she then moves on to become a champion sheep dog trainer with sought after dogs that help supplement her bare bones income.
She's a determined, hard worker, not afraid to take risks.
Her evolution as an independent woman, and then into a partnership was really interesting.
She's still out there writing. I may revisit her

[Davina Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book - it's such an easy and interesting read - I couldn't put it down!!
Absolutely enjoyed Emma's first book - can't wait to read the third and the continuation of their journey!!

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the programme this farming life so when I saw this advertised I had to buy it. Really interesting read about Emma's ups and downs as a shepherdess. Really enjoyed it and have now bought the previous book to read

[Elspeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest account of life as a shepherdess, finding love, motherhood, and her unwavering passion for her sheep dogs and the countryside around her. Emma Grays passion is infectious and the book was a joy to read.

[Laura Conlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after watching ‘This Farming Life’ on BBC and reading Emma’s first book ‘One Girl and he Dogs’ and just loved this one too! Emma has such a natural writing style that draws you into her life. Please write another one all about your time on the Isle of Bute!

[Cynthia Torres-Nusse · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's more to sheparding than sheep.

Enjoyable read about a subject I know little about. The author demonstrates her teaching skills as she weaves her journey with warmth and self-discovery.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended

Extremely enjoyable read on a topic that is foreign to me but of great interest. Eye opening how much work farming life is and how difficult to be successful. Clearly extreme passion and motivation is requisite! Amazing what a single woman took on and accomplished.

[Jenny Lyn Senter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book! I found myself immersed in all her trials and tribulations as a woman shepherd making her way on her own.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. I really enjoyed reading about Emma and her family. I watch This Farming Life on TV which I find very interesting too.

[Louise Bleakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Emma tells a real and heart-warming tale providing a lovely insight into her life. One of my inspirations. This book did not disappoint.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Could even have been longer. Very much enjoyed Ewan's chapters but felt they were too short. Feels real and honest.
Hopeful for a third book from Bute.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book!

I loved every page of this book. I experienced her emotions as I read. Can’t recommend it enough. Best wishes Emma.👵🏻

[Pam Milburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible. Pleasant read . Hard life of a hill farmer in Northumberland.

[Emma Garry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great insight into Emma's farming life. A well written, light-hearted, easy read, with lots of humour along the way as she tells her story. Would recommend.

[Tammie Tyndall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

This book has shown me a world that I didn't know existed. I found it fascinating and sad at the same time. I wish the best for the author and her family.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty enjoyable read!