Diddly Squat: The No 1 Sunday Times Bestseller

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It draws you in, and it's almost like you can hear Clarkson telling the story himself through the way it's written. He also describes how a crop lost most of its value after paying for a truck to transport it, then losing money because of excess moisture. And it's now clear from hard-won experience that, when it comes to farming, there's only one golden rule: Whatever you hope will happen, won't. I found the sections on sheep particularly funny and the things that they do that frustrated Jeremy no end.

Jednego natomiast nie można Clarksonowi odmówić – w angażujący sposób podnosi tematy, które zazwyczaj są zbyt trudne lub zbyt nudne, żeby chciało nam się o nich myśleć. I do feel sorry for Jeremy,I didn’t realise how hard the government and local councils make it for farmers.Being a collection of his columns as usual this is a quick and easy read, and makes some poignant and thought-provoking points about the existential crisis British farming is facing in a format that will make people sit up and listen. However, it doesn't get a higher rating as it was too breezy at times and he was a bit too controversial in parts.

Having turned his hand to farming three years ago, marmite figure Clarkson has been praised for showing the realities of farming life – whilst finding humour in the challenges and mishaps he faces day to day. It's easier to get planning permission to build a nuclear plant than to turn a barn into a restaurant?In essence, this book is not just a hilarious account of a motoring journalist-turned-farmer; it's a hat tip to the unsung heroes of the farming world, served with a side of classic Clarkson humour. I enjoyed comparing what I know of Aussie farming with Clarkson’s experience in the UK (I still can’t get over that each field has a name). I’d love to see some of these articles in longer format, such as the Christmas one (with input from Lisa).

Or that it would have been easier to get planning permission to build a nuclear power station than to turn an old barn into a farm restaurant? He definitely raises great points on how UK farmers are fighting a losing battle not only against traditional foes like bugs and weather, but red tape and bureaucracy. Fortunately, there's help at hand from a large and (mostly) willing team, including girlfriend Lisa, Kaleb the Tractor Driver, Cheerful Charlie, Ellen the Shepherd and Gerald, his Head of Security and Dry Stone Waller. I mostly read this because after working at DEFRA the world of farming suddenly becomes a lot more interesting so I was intrigued to get Clarkson's take on it.The result is a narrative that showcases someone venturing into unfamiliar territory, navigating the world of farming with determination, despite lacking expertise, and often disregarding well-intentioned advice. As the hilarious story unfolds, Jeremy encounters suffocating red tape, biblical weather, local objections, a global pandemic, and his own astonishing lack of knowledge about farming. Packed with stunning photography that captures the breathtaking beauty of the English countryside, the Diddly Squat Book immerses you in the captivating landscapes that serve as the backdrop to Jeremy's farming adventures.

Faced with suffocating red tape, biblical weather, local objections, a global pandemic and his own frankly staggering ignorance of how to 'do farming', Jeremy soon realises that turning the farm around is going to take more than splashing out on a massive tractor. It's a rare glimpse into the life of those who toil to fill our plates, told through the eyes of a man who's more at home on a race track than a crop field. We are pleased to regularly donate produce to The Branch Trust, Chipping Norton, who are supporting those in need in our local community, particularly those worst affected by the pandemic.Poruszane wątki bardzo moje, jestem zawsze przeciekawa co dzieje się na tej farmie, zostawia mi tez wiele przemyśleń moralnych, oraz takich na temat funkcjonowania biurokracji etc.