Cereals 2026 heads to Diddly Squat Farm

One of the UK’s largest farming events is heading to the Cotswolds this summer, with Jeremy Clarkson confirmed to host as Cereals takes place at Diddly Squat Farm this June.

The two-day event is expected to welcome around 25,000 farmers, arriving at a time when the industry continues to face rising input costs, market volatility and uncertainty linked to global pressures.

Clarkson said he is genuinely looking forward to hosting, admitting he was initially unsure of the event’s appeal. However, after seeing the preparations first-hand, he said his perspective had changed, describing Cereals as an “amazing show” and something he is now excited to be part of.

This year’s move to the Cotswolds marks the furthest west the event has been held in nearly five decades. By taking place on a working farm, organisers say it will offer a more authentic insight into modern agriculture.

Clarkson also highlighted the learning opportunities the event provides, describing farming as a constant education and saying he expects to gain plenty of knowledge from the thousands of farmers attending.

For many in the sector, Cereals remains a key date in the calendar - not just as a showcase, but as a place to explore practical solutions and make important business decisions.

Farm manager Charlie Ireland said hosting the event on-site offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate farming in a real-world environment, particularly as businesses face increasing financial pressure.

He warned that global instability is already impacting farm costs, especially fuel and fertiliser, with ongoing concerns around supply. He encouraged farmers to make the most of the event by exploring new technologies and identifying ways to reduce reliance on inputs such as fertiliser.

Fellow Kaleb Cooper emphasised the importance of attracting new people into the industry, pointing to the wide range of career opportunities available beyond traditional roles. He also highlighted diversification as a key strategy, noting that adding livestock enterprises can help offset fluctuations in crop income.

Mr Ireland added that crop plots, which were established last August, are progressing well and could be in strong condition by June, supported by the slower growing conditions seen in the Cotswolds.

Visitors can expect a wide range of features, including agronomy zones, machinery demonstrations and technical stages. A new livestock area will also be introduced, reflecting the growing need for more resilient and adaptable farming systems.

Registration for the trade-only event is now open, with measures in place to help manage attendance and traffic flow.

The event also comes as Clarkson’s Farm returns, continuing to highlight the realities of running a farm business in today’s challenging climate.

With economic pressures and policy changes continuing to shape the sector, Cereals 2026 is set to provide an important opportunity for farmers to explore new ideas and plan for the future.

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