From Egg Baskets to Clarkson’s Farm: Kaleb Cooper’s Rise to Farming Stardom

Chipping Norton, October 2025 – Kaleb Cooper, the breakout star of Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm, has shared the humble beginnings of his farming career, revealing how a childhood gift of three chickens sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture. In an interview with BBC Radio Oxford, the 27-year-old, who has become a fan favorite for his wit and no-nonsense approach to farming alongside Jeremy Clarkson, recounted how he turned a small egg-selling venture into a thriving contracting business, all while never coming from a farming family.

“I’m not from a farming background at all, but I learned from a very young age that I love farming,” Cooper said. Born and raised in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, Cooper’s journey began at age 12, when his mother gifted him three chickens for his 13th birthday. “Mum didn’t get me a phone or an Xbox like most kids,” he recalled. “Instead, she got me three chickens, and that’s where it all started.” Armed with a basket, young Kaleb began knocking on doors around Chipping Norton, selling fresh eggs to neighbors. Within two months, his flock had grown to 450 chickens, and his entrepreneurial spirit was in full swing.

Cooper’s early venture into egg sales laid the foundation for his love of farming’s business side. “The business aspect drew me in first,” he explained. “Then came the tractors, the animals, and everything else.” By 16, he had expanded his operation, purchasing sheep and a tractor, and launched his own farm contracting business. “I knew I’d never be handed a farm, so I thought, ‘What’s the next best thing?’ A contractor,” he told the BBC. For the past 11 years, his business has thrived, providing services to farms across the region, where he works their land and moves on to the next job.

Now a father of three, Cooper has become a household name through Clarkson’s Farm, where his dynamic with Jeremy Clarkson—marked by playful jabs at the former Top Gear host’s farming missteps—has endeared him to millions. The show, now in its third season, follows Clarkson’s efforts to manage Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, with Cooper as his right-hand man. Their on-screen chemistry, blending Cooper’s expertise with Clarkson’s novice enthusiasm, has made the series a hit, showcasing the highs and lows of modern farming.

Reflecting on his role, Cooper credits his lack of a farming pedigree for his drive. “I wasn’t born into this industry, so I had to carve my own path,” he said. His contracting business, which he started as a teenager, has grown into a successful enterprise, allowing him to work on farms across Oxfordshire while building a reputation for reliability and skill. His journey from a 13-year-old egg seller to a key figure on one of Amazon Prime’s most popular shows is a testament to his work ethic and passion for agriculture.

Cooper’s rise coincides with the release of his new children’s book, which shares stories from his farming life. The book aims to educate young readers about where their food comes from. “I’m a firm believer that kids should know how to grow a potato, where their milk comes from, and how hard it is to produce beef or lamb,” he said. As a father, Cooper brings his children to the farm, where they join him in daily tasks. “I’m lucky to work here every day, and my kids can come help,” he added. “I’d love for them to follow in my footsteps, but more than anything, I want them to be happy in whatever they choose.”

Fans of Clarkson’s Farm have taken to platforms like X to praise Cooper’s authenticity and humor. “Kaleb’s the real deal—knows his stuff and keeps Jeremy in check,” one user posted. Another wrote, “From selling eggs to running a contracting business at 16? Kaleb’s an inspiration.” His down-to-earth charm and deep knowledge of farming have made him a standout, with viewers appreciating his ability to balance hard work with lighthearted banter.

Beyond the screen, Cooper remains committed to his roots in Chipping Norton, where he continues to run his contracting business alongside his work at Diddly Squat Farm. His story resonates with aspiring farmers, particularly those without a family legacy in agriculture. “It’s not about where you start,” he said. “It’s about finding something you love and going for it.” As Clarkson’s Farm continues to draw audiences, Cooper’s journey from a teenage egg seller to a farming icon underscores the grit and determination needed to succeed in one of the world’s toughest industries.

With his book now hitting shelves and a fourth season of Clarkson’s Farm in the works, Cooper shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s driving a tractor, wrangling sheep, or teaching Clarkson the ropes, Kaleb Cooper remains a vital force in bringing the realities of farming to a global audience. For now, he’s content to keep his boots in the Oxfordshire mud, building a legacy that started with a simple basket of eggs.