Jeremy Clarkson, the ever-outspoken broadcaster and host of the hit series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, has spoken publicly about a fresh wave of sadness that has struck his life and business. On 31 July 2025, Clarkson revealed that his beloved Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, has been hit by a devastating outbreak of bovine tuberculosis (bTB). For the 65-year-old, who has turned the farm into a symbol of British agriculture through his Amazon Prime show, this news marks yet another blow in a year already beset with challenges.
Devastating Discovery: A Hard Blow for Clarkson
Clarkson’s distress was clear as he took to social media, declaring, “We’ve gone down with TB. Everyone here is absolutely devastated.” Within a day, he confided to radio listeners and news outlets that he woke to further heartbreak: one of his new puppies had died, and he now had a sickly calf to tend.
The disease, which does not affect humans but is a serious threat to cattle, forces farmers to cull any animals that test positive to prevent further spread. Clarkson explained the impact, “You have a test every six months on the cows and then you sort of become blasé; it’s a hypothetical threat. And then the vet looked up as he did yesterday at lunchtime and said ‘I’m really sorry this one’s failed.’ So that means we’re now locked down and it’s just dreadful, absolutely dreadful.” The infected cow, he later revealed, was pregnant with twins, making the emotional impact even sharper.
Bovine Tuberculosis and Its Impact
Bovine tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis, remains one of British agriculture’s most persistent challenges. The disease affects cattle and can lead to entire herds being destroyed if left unchecked. According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the government’s eradication strategy has shown progress, with 2023 recording the lowest number of new outbreaks in 20 years. Yet the road to eradication remains tough, with over 22,000 cattle culled in England between October 2021 and September 2022.
Local farmers, including Clarkson, contend not just with the scientific and economic blow but also with the emotional strain. The outbreak means Diddly Squat Farm must halt all buying and selling of cattle for at least two months until retesting can confirm the disease is under control. The farm’s shop can remain open, but the impact on both livestock and morale is severe.
A Year of Setbacks
The tuberculosis outbreak is only the latest in a string of harsh realities faced by Clarkson in 2025. Earlier in the month, he gave an update warning that a combination of heatwaves and drought meant this year’s harvest would also be one of his worst ever. Given the importance of each harvest for a farm’s balance sheet, the cumulative setbacks have left Clarkson and his team demoralised.
Clarkson’s honesty about his struggles has drawn wide support from both viewers and the UK farming community. His candour shines a light on the challenges farmers endure nationwide—uncertain weather, disease, policy disputes, and the mental toll of setbacks beyond their control.
Debate Over Badger Culling Reignited
The news from Diddly Squat has again set off heated debates regarding the UK government’s policy on badger culling, an issue Clarkson has long engaged with publicly. Badgers are widely recognised carriers of bovine TB, especially in areas like the West Midlands and southwest England. Government scientists and animal welfare campaigners dispute whether culling badgers is effective and humane. In June 2025, ministers first approved, then later abandoned, a new round of badger culling following intense review and public outcry. Clarkson’s own stance remains firm, blaming local wildlife for repeated outbreaks and defending measures designed to protect cattle.
Personal Health and Looking Ahead
Health worries have also affected Clarkson personally over the past year. After a major heart operation in early 2025 to treat blocked arteries, he began a renewed focus on wellbeing, speaking openly about diet changes and routine health checks. He recently reflected on these changes, urging fellow men to seek regular screenings, especially given the high rate of prostate cancer in the UK.
Despite the gloom, Clarkson attempts to keep the focus on problem-solving, both personally and professionally. Diddly Squat remains open for business. The farm continues to be a beacon for modern British farming, showcasing both its hardships and flashes of hope. Clarkson also hinted that filming for a fifth season of ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ is ongoing, with the fate of the popular bull Endgame—whose recent TB test results were “inconclusive”—likely to become a major storyline. While he suggested a break was needed after this latest series, audiences still hope for further updates from his farm in future episodes.
Conclusion
Jeremy Clarkson’s sadness today is more than a personal crisis; it reflects the ongoing uncertainty facing Britain’s rural heartland. As Diddly Squat Farm moves into lockdown, the rest of the country is reminded of just how unpredictable—and, at times, unforgiving—life on the land can be. Yet, as ever, Clarkson remains determined to meet adversity head-on, speaking out not just for himself but for the countless British farmers walking the same rocky road.
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