Jeremy Clarkson, known for his controversial opinions on everything from cars to environmental policies, shocked many when he stepped into the world of farming in 2019. His transition from a petrolhead to a farmer may have seemed unusual, but Clarkson’s history with farming goes back much further than his popular Clarkson’s Farm series. In 2008, at the height of his fame from Top Gear, Clarkson bought a thousand-acre farm in the Cotswolds—Kurdle Hill Farm, near Chipping Norton—at a bargain price during the 2008 financial crash. The land, which was originally priced at £425 million, was sold for much less, offering Clarkson an opportunity he couldn’t resist.
But Clarkson didn’t just buy the land for financial reasons—he saw the farm as an investment that would allow him to pass on wealth to his children without paying death duties. “Land is a better investment than any bank can offer,” he told The Times. However, it wasn’t just about money. Clarkson also had a deep personal interest in the farm, seeking to build something meaningful. The farm was renamed Diddly Squat, a tongue-in-cheek reflection of its initially unimpressive productivity.
After a few years of contract farming, Clarkson took on the challenge of running the farm himself in 2019. The weather was unkind, and the farm’s crops brought in £90,000 less than the previous year, leaving him with a meager £144 profit. Yet despite these losses, Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm became the most-watched Prime Video original in the UK, resonating with viewers who appreciated the brutal realities of farming that were often overshadowed by glossy portrayals on television.
Clarkson, however, has not shied away from criticizing the policies that he believes are driving British farmers out of business. In his second season, Clarkson spoke candidly about the impact of Brexit on farming, particularly the loss of EU subsidies, which were replaced by vague slogans. Local pig farmers, he revealed, had their livelihoods threatened by the changes. Clarkson has also raised concerns about the government’s approach to environmental policies, particularly the Net Zero target, which he believes is undermining British agriculture. He has criticized the push to stop domestic farming in favor of importing food, which he says is both unsustainable and detrimental to the environment.
In an episode of Clarkson’s Farm, he made a sarcastic proposal: “Let’s put a politician in a garage with his diesel car burning all night and then we’ll discuss who’s killing the environment.” This, according to Clarkson, highlights the absurdity of policies that punish farmers for their environmental impact while allowing for greater emissions from food imports produced under less stringent conditions.
The struggle for Clarkson has not been just about policy, though. In his pursuit of farm diversification, he has battled with local bureaucracy. Clarkson’s plan to build a restaurant on his farm, using the remains of a derelict barn, was met with resistance from the local council, who cited concerns over preserving an area of outstanding natural beauty. Despite these setbacks, Clarkson succeeded in opening the restaurant after a creative workaround to avoid planning permission requirements. Yet, even after the restaurant became a hit with the community, the council shut it down, citing various bureaucratic issues.
As the show’s popularity continued to rise, so did the challenges Clarkson faced. The ongoing difficulties on his farm—from crop failures to dealing with unpredictable weather—have given Clarkson a harsh reality check. In 2023, Clarkson admitted that his farm was facing one of its worst years yet, with rising costs due to inflation and the war in Ukraine. He was forced to invest £110,000 in seed, fertilizer, and chemicals, a significant increase from the £40,000 he typically spends. Despite his best efforts, Clarkson’s farm struggled to make a profit, prompting him to consider selling the property. However, he ultimately decided to hang on to the land, recognizing its value not only as an investment but as part of his legacy.
Clarkson’s journey on Clarkson’s Farm has opened up crucial discussions about the challenges facing British farmers. The show has not only highlighted the pressures of farming but has also raised awareness of the broader issues affecting the industry. Farmers, both in the UK and around the world, have praised Clarkson for his honest portrayal of farming life. As one farmer put it, Clarkson has done more to bring attention to the struggles of farmers than any farming organization has in decades.
Season three of Clarkson’s Farm, released in May 2024, continued to explore Clarkson’s battle with bureaucracy, his efforts to diversify his farm, and the ongoing struggles caused by government policies. Despite facing setbacks such as exploding cider bottles and droughts, Clarkson managed to make a profit of £725,000, although every penny had to be reinvested to cover rising costs.
In the end, Clarkson’s farm is more than just a plot of land—it has become a symbol of the broader issues facing British agriculture today. The bureaucratic challenges, the lack of financial support, and the constant battle with nature all serve as a reminder of how difficult it is to run a farm in today’s world. Clarkson’s willingness to tackle these issues head-on, while also delivering entertainment with humor and charm, has resonated with millions of viewers and sparked a much-needed conversation about the future of farming in Britain.
Ultimately, Clarkson’s journey has become about more than just farming; it’s about defending the livelihoods of the people who grow our food and protect our countryside. If anything, his story is a call to action for policymakers to reconsider their approach before it’s too late.
