Jeremy Clarkson shares bad news about Diddly Squat Farm
TV presenter and farmer Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire has been struck by bovine tuberculosis (TB) — a devastating blow for the former Top Gear host and his team.
The 64-year-old broadcaster shared the heartbreaking news on X (formerly Twitter), writing that everyone at the Chadlington-based farm was “absolutely devastated” after discovering that one of his cows had tested positive for the disease.
“The farm has gone down with TB,” Clarkson posted. “We’re all absolutely devastated.”
In a later message, Clarkson added a further emotional detail: the infected cow was pregnant with twins at the time of testing. The animal will now have to be removed from the herd under government biosecurity laws, a rule that requires infected or suspected animals to be isolated and sent to slaughter in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease.
A Deadly Blow for Farmers
Bovine tuberculosis (commonly known as bovine TB) is one of the most serious animal health crises facing British farmers today. The bacterial disease affects cattle and can also infect other mammals — including badgers, deer, and even humans — although human cases are rare.
It is primarily a respiratory illness, spread through nose-to-nose contact or contaminated saliva, urine, faeces, or milk. Once detected, entire herds can be locked down for months, and animals must undergo repeated testing — a process that can devastate small and medium-sized farms financially and emotionally.
Clarkson’s farm sits in Oxfordshire, an area officially classified as an “edge zone” for TB. These regions act as a buffer between high-risk and low-risk areas, meaning that cattle herds are subject to six-monthly TB testing by default.
According to ibTB, a government-linked mapping service that tracks the disease, there have been several confirmed cases of bovine TB in the Oxfordshire region in recent weeks — including areas close to Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm.
A Controversial Battle in UK Farming
The spread of bovine TB has long been a source of fierce debate in Britain. While farmers argue that wildlife — particularly badgers — play a major role in transmitting the disease to cattle, animal welfare groups have condemned badger culling, calling it inhumane and ineffective.
The UK government has said it intends to end the badger cull before the next general election, pivoting instead toward vaccination programs and tighter cattle movement controls. However, many farmers remain skeptical, warning that the disease continues to threaten livelihoods across rural England.
For Clarkson, who has spent the last few years documenting the trials of modern farming in his hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, the news is another reminder of the harsh realities of agricultural life. The show has brought national attention to the pressures farmers face — from unpredictable weather and government red tape to rising costs and animal disease.
The presenter, who transformed from motoring journalist to unlikely farming advocate, has previously spoken about the emotional toll of running a working farm, particularly when it comes to the welfare of his animals.
Support from Fans and the Farming Community
Following his announcement, fans and fellow farmers flooded Clarkson’s social media with messages of sympathy and encouragement.
“Heartbreaking news, Jeremy. Anyone who’s dealt with TB knows how awful it is. Sending strength to you and the team,” one supporter wrote.
Another added: “It’s the side of farming most people never see. Sorry to hear this, mate. Hope the rest of the herd stays clear.”
As the Diddly Squat team now awaits further testing and official guidance, Clarkson’s update serves as a sobering reminder that, behind the humour and headlines, farming remains one of the most unpredictable and emotionally demanding professions in Britain.