Jeremy Clarkson has been dealt a crushing blow as his renowned Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds faces a mandatory two-month shutdown following a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak. The former Top Gear host, who turned his farming struggles into the hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm, revealed the devastating news in his latest column for The Sunday Times.
Farm in Crisis
The outbreak has forced Clarkson to halt operations entirely, with strict biosecurity measures now in place. "It's an absolute nightmare," Clarkson admitted. "We've worked tirelessly to build this farm, and now we're at a complete standstill."
Impact on Local Farmers
The TB outbreak isn't just affecting Clarkson's farm—neighbouring farmers are also facing stringent restrictions. The highly contagious disease, which primarily affects cattle, has led to widespread testing and culling in the area.
"This isn't just about me losing money," Clarkson emphasised. "It's about the livelihoods of everyone around here. TB is a scourge on British farming, and the government needs to take it more seriously."
What's Next for Diddly Squat?
While the farm remains closed, Clarkson has vowed to keep fans updated on social media. The shutdown could also delay production for the upcoming third season of Clarkson's Farm, which documents the highs and lows of agricultural life.
For now, the celebrity farmer is left counting the costs—both financial and emotional—of an outbreak that has brought his rural dream to a grinding halt.
