Kaleb Cooper Makes Worrying Admission After ‘Two Bad Years’ of Farming

Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper has issued a sobering warning about the state of UK farming, reflecting on how two consecutive difficult years could push many farmers to the brink.

A Rising Star of Clarkson’s Farm

Since debuting on Clarkson’s Farm in 2021, 27-year-old Kaleb Cooper has become a household name. His no-nonsense advice, quick wit, and unfiltered honesty have made him one of the show’s breakout stars alongside Jeremy Clarkson.

Now, as the series films its fifth season, Kaleb is opening up about the serious challenges facing farmers like himself and Jeremy at the Cotswolds-based Diddly Squat Farm.

Two Years of Hardship

Speaking in an interview while promoting his new children’s book, Kaleb’s Farmyard Tales, Kaleb admitted that the farming industry is under immense strain.

He explained:
“Farming on a yearly basis is getting harder and harder with the weather. For example, farmers have had two bad years. Last year, we had an incredibly bad year because of too much rain, and then this year, not enough rain.”

The young farmer added that while one difficult year can usually be managed, two in a row can be devastating:
“We can survive one bad year, but two bad years on the run is hard work. I don’t believe too many farmers are going to survive that.”

Balancing Struggles with Passion

Despite the difficulties, Kaleb stressed that farming remains his greatest passion.

“But at the same time, it’s amazing. I woke up this morning, got the cows in the background. I’m going to feed all the cows today, it’s something I love doing and I speak very passionately about it because I enjoy it.”

His love for the land and his animals, showcased regularly on Clarkson’s Farm, continues to shine through even as he acknowledges the immense financial and environmental pressures of modern farming.

A New Chapter in Family Life

Away from the fields, Kaleb has also been busy building his family life. He and his fiancée, Taya, welcomed their third child, Ashton, last month. The couple are already parents to Oscar (born 2021) and Willa (born 2023).

When asked about whether he hopes his children will one day follow him into farming, Kaleb gave a thoughtful response:
“It would be great. But at the same time, I’ve always said this – I never want to push my kids into something they don’t want to do. If you wake up and go, ‘I’ve got to go to work today,’ I think you’re in the wrong job. I wake up and go, ‘What am I doing today?’ So, therefore, I know I’m in the right job.”

Speaking Out on Farming’s Future

Kaleb’s candid words reflect the growing anxiety in the UK agricultural sector, where unpredictable weather, rising costs, and regulatory pressures are squeezing farmers harder than ever before. His voice carries extra weight thanks to his visibility on Clarkson’s Farm, a show praised for shining a spotlight on real farming struggles.

A Lighthearted Swipe at Politics

In typical Kaleb fashion, he also added a touch of humour when referencing US Vice President JD Vance’s recent trip to the Cotswolds. Kaleb joked:
“Yeah, well, if he drove around in a VW Polo, I’m sure no one would know who he was, and he’d have had a lovely holiday, and every local would have had a lovely time as well.”

Conclusion

Kaleb Cooper’s reflections serve as a reminder that farming is both rewarding and relentlessly challenging. As he balances his growing fame, young family, and responsibilities at Diddly Squat Farm, his honesty continues to resonate with fans who see him as the true heart of Clarkson’s Farm.

With two difficult years behind him and a tough road ahead, Kaleb remains committed to the land he loves—while reminding viewers of the fragile state of farming’s future in Britain.