Jeremy Clarkson ‘Devastated’ After Diddly Squat Farm Suffers TB Outbreak

Jeremy Clarkson, known for his role as a former Top Gear presenter and the creator of the hit Prime Video series “Clarkson’s Farm,” has expressed deep concern following a significant outbreak of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) at his Diddly Squat farm in the picturesque Cotswolds. This sprawling 1,000-acre farm has faced various hurdles since Clarkson took the helm after the retirement of the previous farmer in 2019.

On July 31, 2025, Clarkson took to social media to convey the distressing news of the outbreak, which predominately affects cattle. While bTB poses no risk to humans, it presents dire ramifications for livestock health and productivity. In his update, Clarkson revealed that one of the infected cows is a pregnant female expecting twins. An additional concern is the inconclusive test results for his esteemed Aberdeen Angus bull, Endgame.

Understanding Bovine Tuberculosis

Bovine tuberculosis is instigated by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis, which adversely affects cattle populations. The disease has become a critical issue within the farming community, necessitating the culling of infected animals to contain its spread. Recent statistics in England reveal that nearly 23,000 cattle were culled between October 2021 and September 2022 due to bTB outbreaks.

Moreover, the disease doesn’t only cripple livestock; it also impacts wildlife, particularly badgers, which has ignited contentious debates regarding culling as a control measure. Clarkson’s previous comments on the badger population have sparked criticism, especially from animal rights activists, including musician Brian May, who has voiced strong opposition to the idea of culling as a means to manage bovine tuberculosis.

The Emotional Toll on Farmers

The Minister for Agriculture has underscored the profound emotional and financial hardships that outbreaks like this one inflict upon farming families. During discussions surrounding the issue, the Minister called for more decisive action regarding bTB management when he stated, “badger culling has not proven effective in reducing the incidence of the disease.” This statement highlights the need for alternative strategies in tackling the problem.

As Clarkson grapples with the fallout from the bTB outbreak, he faces further challenges due to adverse climate conditions affecting crop yields on his farm. In his social media updates, he described this farming season as the “worst year ever” in terms of productivity, indicating the dual struggles posed by disease and unfavorable weather conditions.

Future of Clarkson’s Farm

Despite the adversities faced at Diddly Squat, Clarkson’s “Clarkson’s Farm” remains a tremendous success on Prime Video. Fans eagerly anticipate the release of the fifth season, set to air in May 2026. However, Clarkson has suggested this may be the last season unless a compelling reason arises to continue the series. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging situation at the farm.

In conclusion, the outbreak of bovine tuberculosis at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm underscores the critical challenges facing the agricultural sector today. From the health of livestock to the impact of climate change, Clarkson’s experiences reflect broader issues prevalent in farming. For updates on this situation and to see how farmers are responding to these significant challenges, stay tuned and continue to support local agriculture.