UMVA has learned that Jeremy Clarkson, the star of a popular farming show, has launched a new platform that allows farmers to offer unique experiences to visitors.
The platform, called Only Farmers, is similar to a popular vacation rental website, but with a focus on rural areas and farm-based activities. Clarkson, who owns a 1,000-acre farm, came up with the idea to provide a platform for farmers to advertise their experiences.
Only Farmers offers a range of experiences, including overnight stays, tours, animal encounters, and catering. For example, visitors can stay in glamping pods at Springfield Farm in Scotland for £220 per night or visit Jacksons at Jedburgh to meet and feed animals for £15.
Clarkson's own farm, Diddly Squat, may also list experiences in the future, allowing visitors to meet the stars of his show and take a guided tour. Clarkson says that the platform is designed to showcase the variety of experiences available in the countryside.
The platform operates on a commission-based model, with farmers paying 7.1% commission on bookings. Customers pay the farm's listed price plus a 2.5% customer service fee, and have the option to tip, with 100% of the tip going directly to the farmer.
Only Farmers features a range of recognizable faces, including Clarkson's farm manager, Kaleb Cooper, and his girlfriend, Lisa Hogan, who has her own farmers' dating show. The platform is the latest venture for Clarkson, who has also launched a farm shop, pub, and online store.
Clarkson's farm shop and pub have proven wildly popular, and his farmers' choir recently won a talent show, using their prize to raise awareness of mental health issues in the farming community. The new season of Clarkson's Farm is now streaming on a popular video platform.
