Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson has confessed to feeling "broken" after six years of running his now-famous Diddly Squat Farm, while simultaneously revealing that agricultural work is far more sedentary than most people imagine.
The surprising reality of farming life
The former Top Gear host, known for his candid approach to sharing his farming struggles, explained that he burns "about two calories an hour" during most of his agricultural activities. Clarkson began his farming venture six years ago, which later inspired the popular Amazon Prime series documenting his agricultural misadventures.
"Since I started in the fields six years ago, I've realised that farming is ideal for those who don't like to work up a sweat," Clarkson revealed in his Sunday Times column. He humorously added that "only mattress testers have an easier, more sedentary life" than modern farmers.
Military machinery meets agricultural needs
Much of Clarkson's farming time is spent either driving tractors or dealing with the substantial paperwork required by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). His most unusual piece of equipment has been the Supacat - a six-wheel drive, semi-amphibious military vehicle originally designed to "recover broken Land Rovers from the battlefield."
The Devon-manufactured vehicle, which Clarkson purchased for £9,000 several years ago, has proven incredibly capable in tough conditions with its "big, fat, soft tyres" that prevent getting stuck or damaging the earth. However, the 65-year-old presenter has discovered one significant drawback.
"But it is quite difficult to get in and out of if you are old and broken," Clarkson wrote, explaining why he's decided to replace the ex-military workhorse despite its usefulness for tasks like collecting firewood in any weather conditions.
The search for a more comfortable replacement
After considering alternatives including the £44,000 all-electric Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Ultimate, Clarkson ultimately rejected the electric option due to concerns about the lack of audible feedback from the motor under strain.
"You know instinctively when you have applied the correct amount of power because you can hear it. But in an electric vehicle, there is no sound. You press the accelerator and nothing happens," he explained.
Instead, Clarkson opted for the petrol-powered CFMoto UForce U10 Pro, which offers significantly more comfort for his 65-year-old frame while coming in considerably cheaper than its environmentally-friendly competitor. The Chinese-manufactured vehicle features two premium bench seats accommodating up to six passengers, power windows, and a push-button electric shift that reduces physical effort.
Clarkson reports that the new vehicle has been "very practical, very robust and extremely useful" during its two months on the farm, with the only downside being that his dogs have taken such a liking to the pick-up bed that "they've pretty much refused to get out" since day one.
