The beloved television presenter battles bovine tuberculosis, planning disputes, and record-breaking weather at Diddly Squat Farm
Jeremy Clarkson’s transformation from motoring journalist to Britain’s most famous farmer has captivated millions through his Amazon Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm. However, 2025 has proven to be what the 65-year-old presenter himself calls “the worst year ever” at his 1,000-acre Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.
The year began with devastating setbacks that would test even the most experienced farmer’s resolve. A bovine tuberculosis outbreak struck the farm in summer 2025, forcing Clarkson to make the heartbreaking decision to cull cattle, including the very first calf born on his property. The cow was pregnant with twins when destroyed, highlighting the devastating personal toll of this livestock disease that costs UK taxpayers approximately £100 million annually.
A Perfect Storm of Agricultural Challenges
Clarkson’s struggles reflect broader challenges facing UK agriculture in 2025. The nation experienced its hottest summer since records began in 1884, with temperatures reaching 16.1°C. This extreme weather, combined with England’s driest spring in over a century, has pushed many farms to breaking point. Grass growth dropped by as much as 80% across the country, forcing livestock producers to deplete winter feed stores or purchase expensive alternatives.
The impact extends far beyond Clarkson’s operation. UK agriculture faces a projected 15% drop in yields due to climate-related weather extremes, with the country on course for its fifth worst harvest since detailed records began in 1984. These conditions have prompted serious questions about food security and the long-term viability of traditional farming practices.
Planning Battles Continue to Define Clarkson’s Legacy
While weather and disease have dominated headlines, Clarkson’s ongoing disputes with local planning authorities remain a significant subplot. His battles with West Oxfordshire District Council have become so notorious that changes to permitted development laws are now dubbed “Clarkson’s Clause”.
The presenter’s restaurant venture at Diddly Squat Farm, which opened in a lambing shed claiming to exploit a planning loophole, was eventually forced to close following enforcement action. However, a planning inspector later sided with Clarkson on certain aspects, allowing temporary car park facilities. West Oxfordshire District Council maintains they apply the same rules to everyone, stating they have “approved many planning applications for the farm including the lambing shed, a barn and the farm shop”.
The planning saga has intensified with Clarkson’s pub venture, The Farmer’s Dog, in nearby Chadlington. The former Windmill pub, which he purchased in 2024, has faced scrutiny over car parking facilities that accommodate up to 170 vehicles. The site’s proximity to a 1,400-year-old Anglo-Saxon burial ground adds another layer of complexity to the planning process.
The Business Empire Beyond Farming
Despite the agricultural challenges, Clarkson’s business empire continues to flourish. Hawkstone Brewery, which produces lager using barley from Diddly Squat Farm, was named the south-west’s fastest-growing private company by The Sunday Times. The brewery achieved an impressive 134% annual sales growth over three years, with sales reaching £21.3 million in the year to March 2025.
The brewery’s success demonstrates the power of celebrity endorsement and agricultural diversification. Launched in 2021, Hawkstone has expanded into more than 1,500 pubs across the UK and secured listings in major supermarket chains including Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.
Diddly Squat Farm Shop has also achieved remarkable success, ranking as the UK’s number one farm shop according to a HelloFresh survey. The shop, which opened in 2020, has become a major tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of visitors daily and achieving particular popularity among Chinese tourists through social media platform Little Red Book.
Tourism Boom Transforms Rural Oxfordshire
The Clarkson effect on British tourism cannot be overstated. Data reveals a 312% increase in searches for ‘Where is Clarkson’s Farm’ and a 340% surge in searches for ‘Diddly Squat Farm Shop’ following the release of series three. This phenomenon has boosted interest in agricultural tourism nationwide, with searches for ‘cow cuddling farm’ up 467% and ‘alpaca walking experience near me’ increasing by 300%.
The tourism boom has brought both benefits and challenges to the local community. While many businesses have experienced increased trade, residents have raised concerns about traffic congestion, parking problems, and the impact on local infrastructure. The queue system at the farm shop can result in wait times of up to two hours during peak periods, particularly after new series releases.
The Human Cost of Modern Farming
Beyond the commercial success lies a more sobering reality about contemporary farming challenges. The bovine tuberculosis outbreak at Diddly Squat Farm reflects a wider crisis affecting UK agriculture. Research shows that 85% of farmers affected by bTB report negative impacts on their mental health and that of their families.
The emotional toll of farming disasters extends beyond individual operations. A recent report by The Farming Community Network found that bovine tuberculosis has “continued serious human impacts” including financial costs, mental illness, and overall wellbeing damage. These findings highlight why Clarkson’s candid portrayal of farming struggles resonates with audiences worldwide.
Climate change continues to compound these challenges. The UK’s agricultural sector faces labour shortages of up to 20%, with extreme weather events becoming increasingly frequent. Farmers report feeling anxious during extreme weather periods, with 92% experiencing anxiety and 34% describing themselves as “very anxious”.
Series Five and the Future of Clarkson’s Farm
Despite announcing that cameras would “take a break” after series five, Clarkson has indicated the show will continue. Filming for the fifth series wrapped in 2025, with the presenter acknowledging the exhaustion of his production crew after five years of continuous filming.
The forthcoming series is expected to feature emotional scenes surrounding the bovine tuberculosis outbreak and its aftermath. Clarkson’s openness about farming failures, including his admission that he loses approximately £10 per customer at The Farmer’s Dog pub, continues to provide authentic insights into rural business challenges.
Meanwhile, series regular Kaleb Cooper has embarked on his own television journey with “Kaleb: Down Under,” a four-episode series documenting his first international trip to explore Australian farming operations. The spin-off reflects the growing celebrity status of Clarkson’s Farm cast members and their ability to attract audiences independently.
Economic Pressures on British Agriculture
The challenges facing Clarkson’s operation mirror broader economic pressures across UK agriculture. Brexit has fundamentally altered the trading environment, with farmers adapting to new subsidy systems and international competition. The government has shifted from area-based payments to Environmental Land Management Schemes that reward sustainable farming practices.
Farm diversification has become increasingly important, with 34% of UK farmers now operating diversified businesses. Renewable energy projects, property letting, and tourism ventures have emerged as popular alternatives to traditional farming income. However, economic uncertainties make careful planning essential for new ventures.
The rise of agricultural technology offers some hope for the sector. Precision agriculture technologies are expected to be adopted by over 60% of UK farms by 2025, enabling data-driven decision-making and optimised resource use. However, the capital investment required for advanced machinery remains prohibitive for many smaller operations.
Looking Forward: Resilience Through Innovation
Clarkson’s journey from television presenter to farmer has highlighted both the challenges and opportunities within modern agriculture. His willingness to invest in diversification projects, from beer brewing to pub ownership, demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit needed to survive in contemporary farming.
The success of Hawkstone Brewery and Diddly Squat Farm Shop proves that celebrity status can drive rural business success. However, the bovine tuberculosis outbreak and extreme weather events of 2025 serve as sobering reminders that farming remains vulnerable to forces beyond human control.
As the UK government pushes for reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced environmental stewardship, farmers like Clarkson must balance commercial viability with ecological responsibility. The forthcoming series five will likely document these challenges, providing viewers with continued insights into the realities of 21st-century farming.
The Clarkson’s Farm phenomenon has undoubtedly raised awareness of British agriculture on an international stage. Whether celebrating successes or documenting failures, the series continues to provide authentic glimpses into rural life that resonate with urban audiences increasingly disconnected from food production.
For Clarkson personally, 2025 represents a watershed moment. Having survived planning battles, disease outbreaks, and extreme weather, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience. His admission that he is “not motivated by money” but simply wants “a good craic” suggests his farming venture transcends commercial considerations.
As British agriculture faces an uncertain future marked by climate change, economic pressures, and technological transformation, Clarkson’s experiences provide valuable insights into adaptation strategies. His willingness to embrace diversification, invest in technology, and maintain transparency about failures offers lessons for farmers across the country.
The story of Diddly Squat Farm continues to evolve, reflecting broader themes about rural resilience, environmental challenges, and the changing nature of British agriculture. Whether future episodes will document recovery from 2025’s setbacks or reveal new challenges remains to be seen. However, Clarkson’s commitment to continuing the farming operation suggests the story is far from over.
FAQs About Jeremy Clarkson’s Farm
What disease affected Clarkson’s farm in 2025?
Bovine tuberculosis struck Diddly Squat Farm in summer 2025, forcing Jeremy Clarkson to cull infected cattle including the first calf born on his property, which was pregnant with twins.
Why did Clarkson call 2025 the “worst year ever”?
Clarkson described 2025 as the worst year due to a combination of bovine tuberculosis outbreak, extreme weather conditions including drought and heatwaves that devastated his harvest, and ongoing planning disputes.
Will there be a Series 6 of Clarkson’s Farm?
While filming has wrapped on Series 5, Clarkson has indicated the show will continue after a break, stating “the show must go on” despite earlier suggestions that Series 5 might be the last.
How successful is Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer business?
Hawkstone Brewery was named the south-west’s fastest-growing private company with 134% annual sales growth, reaching £21.3 million in sales by March 2025 and expanding to over 1,500 pubs nationwide.
What planning issues has Clarkson faced with his pub?
The Farmer’s Dog pub faces scrutiny over car parking facilities for 170 vehicles, traffic concerns, and its proximity to a 1,400-year-old Anglo-Saxon burial site, continuing Clarkson’s ongoing battles with local planning authorities.
For more on this and breaking British news, visit Liverpool Daily news.
References to official government resources can be found on GOV.UK, while comprehensive coverage of this story and related developments continues on BBC News. For sports enthusiasts interested in upcoming events, check out the Wimbledon 2025 dates, while entertainment fans might enjoy reading about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce or gaming news about the FC 26 release date.
Leave a Reply