CLARKSON'S FARM PARTNER WARNS OF POTENTIAL UK BEER SHORTAGES

Lisa Hogan, partner of Jeremy Clarkson, has warned of potential UK beer shortages following extreme weather that damaged the barley harvest. Hogan told the Telegraph that many barley farmers suffered losses, resulting in reduced beer production. She noted that whilst last year's harvest produced better quality despite poor yields, this year's harvest has suffered in both volume and quality after a second consecutive year of dry weather.

According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, this year's barley harvest is expected to be the worst on record as farmers struggle to obtain sufficient water for their crops. Hogan and Clarkson operate Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, where barley is grown for Hawkstone beer, a brand launched in 2021. In the year to March, Hawkstone achieved sales of £44.9m.

The warning emerges as Clarkson's Farm won the reality docuseries prize at the National Television Awards this week. Hogan suggested that higher beer prices may follow as suppliers attempt to meet demand with a reduced harvest.