Jeremy Clarkson, the star of Amazon’s hit show Clarkson’s Farm, has shared exciting news with his fans—a new addition to the Diddly Squat Farm family. The 65-year-old former Top Gear and The Grand Tour host has been juggling his career in television with his newfound passion for farming since he took over the 1,000-acre property in 2008, located between Chadlington and Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that Clarkson decided to get hands-on with the farm, ending his reliance on a local Oxfordshire farmer who had previously managed the land for him.
The story of Clarkson’s farming journey, filled with both comedic mishaps and genuine learning, has been thoroughly documented in the popular Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm. As the fifth season of the show gets ready for its May release, fans can expect more of Clarkson’s antics as he continues to dive deeper into farming life.
In addition to Clarkson’s right-hand man, Chipping Norton farmhand Kaleb Cooper, the show also features Lisa Hogan, Clarkson’s partner, who plays an integral role on the farm. Other key figures in Clarkson’s farming adventure include Gerald Cooper, the skilled dry stone waller, and ‘Cheerful’ Charlie Ireland, the land agent who keeps the farm running smoothly. Together, this eclectic team tackles everything from crop cultivation to animal husbandry.
Taking to Instagram recently, Clarkson introduced fans to the latest member of the farm: a donkey named New Ben. Sharing a photo of the adorable creature, he wrote, “Please welcome to Diddly Squat. New Ben.” The addition of the donkey adds to the growing list of animals on the farm, which already includes cows—currently under lockdown due to a TB scare—sheep, and goats.
In addition to his livestock, Clarkson has also ventured into arable farming. On his farm, he grows wheat and barley, which are key ingredients in his Hawkstone beers. These beverages, along with other products from Diddly Squat, are sold at his pub, The Farmer’s Dog in Burford, and stocked in several major supermarkets, marking a significant step forward in Clarkson’s farming operations.
Despite the challenges of farming, Clarkson’s dedication to learning the trade and embracing the unpredictable nature of rural life has made Clarkson’s Farm a hit with viewers. The upcoming fifth season promises to bring more farming insights, comedic moments, and of course, more lovable animals like New Ben.
