Clarkson’s Farm star gives concerning farming update after 2 ‘incredibly bad’ years!

Clarkson’s Farm favourite Kaleb Cooper has sounded the alarm over the state of British farming after admitting that the last two years have been devastating for farmers across the country.

The 27-year-old agricultural contractor, who shot to fame as Jeremy Clarkson’s quick-witted sidekick on the hit Prime Video documentary series Clarkson’s Farm, gave the sobering update during an appearance on Good Morning Britain this week.

Kaleb, who has become a familiar face to millions thanks to his no-nonsense farming advice and frequent clashes with Clarkson at Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds, was invited onto the ITV breakfast show on Wednesday (September 10) to promote his brand-new children’s book.

But while his latest publication—Kaleb’s Farmyard Tales, aimed at readers aged five to seven—is designed to share the joys of farming with the next generation, the farmer admitted that the real-life picture of agriculture is far less idyllic at the moment.

During the live interview with hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, Kaleb was asked directly about the difficulties facing farmers today. “I’m sure you have lots of fabulous stories in the book,” Susanna began, before pressing: “But the reality of farming doesn’t present such a pretty picture, does it? What has this year’s harvest, on top of last year’s harvest, been like?”

Kaleb did not hold back. “Farming on a yearly basis is getting harder and harder with the weather,” he explained, according to Gloucestershire Live. “For example, farmers have had two bad years. Last year, we had an incredibly bad year because of too much rain, and then this year not enough rain. Therefore, that’s two bad years on the run. I don’t believe too many farmers are going to survive that. We can survive one bad year, but two bad years on the run is hard work.”

His remarks reflect a broader crisis in British farming, where unpredictable weather patterns and climate pressures are compounding financial strain on small farms. Many farmers have already warned that without urgent support, future generations may be driven out of the industry altogether.

Despite the grim outlook, Kaleb insisted that his love for farming remains as strong as ever. “At the same time, it’s amazing,” he said. “I woke up this morning, got the cows in the background. I’m going to feed all the cows today—it’s something I love doing. I speak very passionately about it because I enjoy it.”

Kaleb, who has three children with his partner Taya, also opened up about whether he hopes his youngsters will one day follow in his muddy footsteps. “It would be great,” he said, “but at the same time, I’ve always said this—I never want to push my kids into something they don’t want to do. I’m a firm believer that if you wake up and go, ‘I’ve got to go to work today,’ I think you’re firmly in the wrong job. I wake up and go, ‘What am I doing today?’ So therefore, I know I’m in the right job.”

The TV personality even shared a lighter moment from his recent encounter with US Vice President JD Vance, who visited the UK countryside earlier this summer. With a grin, Kaleb recalled: “There was an incident where he blocked my tractor and I wasn’t too happy about it.”

Kaleb’s latest project, however, is much less political and far more playful. Kaleb’s Farmyard Tales, which hits shelves this week, is his first foray into children’s literature. Drawing directly from his experiences on the farm, the book introduces young readers to the highs and lows of rural life, complete with tales of runaway livestock and plenty of tractor talk.

“I cannot tell you how exciting it is writing a farming book for kids,” Kaleb previously said. “I am so passionate about sharing how brilliant our industry is and supporting new young farmers into the best job on earth.”

Since first appearing on Clarkson’s Farm in 2021, Kaleb has become one of the breakout stars of the series, admired for both his sharp farming knowledge and his comical frustrations with Clarkson’s often ill-judged attempts at agriculture. Away from the cameras, he has established himself as an author and agricultural advocate, publishing two bestselling books prior to his children’s debut.

Yet his latest warning about the future of farming underscores just how fragile the industry has become. As Kaleb made clear on national television, passion alone may not be enough to keep British farms alive through back-to-back years of harsh conditions.