Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2021: 4 strong women’s entries

Farmers Weekly‘s popular health and wellbeing competition, Britain’s Fittest Farmer, is attracting entries from across the country. 

There’s still plenty of time for you to enter the contest if you’re passionate about trying to improve your own – and the nation’s – mental and physical health.

See also: 8 strong Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2021 entries so far

Here are a few more of the strong entries from women so far.

Claire Ash, Kent

Claire has done most jobs – from planting, cutting, packing and stacking, to harvesting, selling and driving machinery – on the family farm, which grows cauliflower, cabbage, purple-sprouting broccoli, potatoes, pumpkins and wheat.

“I love being out on the farm, keeping fit and being part of the family business,” she says.

When she’s not working, she teaches fitness classes, looks after two horses, walks dogs and attends gym classes.

“For me, it is really important to socialise, stay active and eat healthily – they make me feel better in myself, as does getting out into the fresh air.

“The classes I teach encourage other people to do something they enjoy that makes them feel good.

“They don’t have to be the best, they just have to try their best,” says Claire.

“Being part of a group of like-minded people means they can socialise while keeping active, and getting outside (I teach outside when it’s nice weather) keeps my clients feeling good in themselves.”

Leonie Pryor, Shropshire

Leonie is a sales manager for a firm of agricultural merchants, and keeps her own flock of pedigree Zwartbles.

“I referee men’s, women’s and junior rugby around the country. Being promoted last year, and having to pass a higher level fitness test, prompted me to up my game.

“I’m in the last year of my 30s and am fitter than I’ve ever been. I maintain this with running, circuit training, sheep wrangling and, when it starts up again, rugby training.

“I make time to exercise and encourage my friends to join me.

“I recognise if they are feeling down and suggest long walks, a change of scene or offer to help where I can.

“I like to spend time with my sheep, and love taking the dog out for long walks or runs.

“I think the key is to make time in your life for the things you love, and don’t worry about what you can’t control.

“Deal with whatever life throws at you by surrounding yourself with good people, making sensible choices, doing good deeds and looking out for others,” she adds.

Lara Kellaway, Dorset

Lara works for a catering company and lives on an organic dairy farm.

She says helping out on the farm is a great way to keep fit – and she also enjoys running and most sports.

“I love all aspects of farming, from rearing calves to generally just being out in the country.

“I regularly work out on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening, and run most days.

“I have completed the London marathon and am keeping myself fit to, hopefully, enter another.”

Francesca Pattinson, Suffolk

“To take care of my mental health, I take a whole-life approach.

“I try to eat healthily, get enough sleep and take regular exercise,” explains Francesca, who has an agronomy business.

“I am realising more and more how important good sleep is, both to energy levels and mental wellbeing.

“Mental health is so important in today’s world, especially in the current lockdown climate.

“I have numerous friends who are suffering with their mental health at the moment. I am always available for them to talk to, but I also know that if things are really getting on top of them, I need to be the one to contact them.

“With this in mind, I try to speak to those closest to me on a regular basis, both for their and my wellbeing.

“We all have a duty to help each other out, which is why it is important for me to keep raising awareness of living a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of life.”