Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm Paralyzed by Bovine TB Outbreak

Bovine TB Lockdown at Diddly Squat Farm

• 🐄 Bovine TB has struck Diddly Squat Farm, leading to a lockdown where nothing can enter or leave.
• 💔 Jeremy Clarkson describes the situation as "dreadful," with a cow testing positive after a routine six-month check.
• 😥 The affected cow, pregnant with twins, has been separated from its calf and must remain in the barn for two months before re-testing.

Impact on the Herd and Farm Operations

• 🐂 The farm's bull and two other cows are also suspected of having TB, with one being a "probable" case.
• 🚜 While the wheat harvest can still be shifted off the farm, the movement of cattle is completely restricted.
• 📉 Clarkson highlights the devastating potential for farmers who have spent lifetimes building up genetic herds, only to lose it all to TB.

Challenges with TB Legislation and Testing

• ⚖️ Clarkson expresses confusion and frustration with the current legislation, noting the high number of cows culled annually in the UK and Wales.
• 🔬 He questions the accuracy of the TB testing method, which involves injecting cows and measuring lumps to the millimeter, especially when done on a distressed animal.
• ❓ There's concern that cows are sometimes culled based on inaccurate tests, with post-mortems revealing no TB.

Broader Farming Concerns and Government Response

• 🌦️ Beyond TB, Clarkson points to weather extremes (wettest last year, driest this year) impacting yields, with his farm still managing better than others.
• 🏛️ He criticizes the British government for a perceived lack of care and understanding towards the farming industry, suggesting they believe farmers are all wealthy.
• 🚫 Clarkson reiterates his strong dislike for Keir Starmer, whom he believes is flippant about farmers' concerns.

Personal and Farm Challenges

• 🐶 In addition to the TB crisis, Clarkson reveals that one of his puppies has died, and another is very sick.
• 🚜 Despite the overwhelming difficulties, he states they will attempt to continue with the harvesting.
• ⏳ The farm could remain under lockdown for at least two months, with some farms facing 11-year shutdowns due to TB.