Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2022: 6 inspiring entries so far

Britain’s Fittest Farmer, the competition designed to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing in agriculture, is open for entries.

The event, which attracts contestants from around the country, allows people to test themselves in a fun and friendly atmosphere. There’s even a category specifically for the over-40s this year.

Here are just a few of the strong entries we’ve already had to inspire you.

See also: Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2022 opens for entries

Emma Boocock

“I am constantly on the go and I love sports,” says 34-year-old Emma, from Moorsholm in Cleveland.

After playing competitive hockey for 18 years, she hung up her stick and started enjoying road and mountain biking, along with trail and fell running. 

“After my dad passed away, I also took up open-water swimming as a way to help me deal with the grief of losing my best friend,” says Emma.

“Combining all this with running a farm, I like to think I am a fairly fit lass!

“When I am sad, or not myself, I often take myself out for a run on the moors, or a swim in a lake. Grounding myself in nature has always helped to soothe my soul.

“Mental wellbeing, and being able to manage it, is so important – especially for the farming community.

“Given much of our time is spent on our own, our connections with others and with nature is vitally important, and this is a key message I try to share with others,” she says.

Melissa Rowell

Having made it to the final of Britain’s Fittest Farmer last year, Melissa is up for the challenge again.

“The support and encouragement everyone showed each other was brilliant,” says Hampshire-based Melissa, who grew up on a dairy farm. 

She keeps fit by training in the gym five times a week, as well as off-road running. 

“I also enjoy nothing more than getting in the camper van and taking the dog on walks and hikes around the UK, exploring our beautiful landscapes.”

The 37-year-old is keen to help spread awareness of mental health issues.

“Losing a friend to suicide at 23 years old, who was in agriculture, very quickly opened my eyes, and I wanted to understand more and help others,” she says.

“I’ve also learned through my own struggles that it’s OK not to be OK. It’s important to help others to open up and find a way to talk or get help in difficult times.”

Sylvia Stuart

“Farmer’s wife, tractor driver, mum and a personal trainer all in one,” is how Sylvia describes herself.

The 35-year-old is involved in most aspects of the farm run by her husband and father-in-law in East Lothian.

“As a personal trainer, I work out three times a week to keep my body and mind healthy. I have found that keeping myself fit benefits me in all areas of life. I try to project that onto my family and clients,” says Sylvia.

“As a busy mum and wife, I know how little time is left to look after yourself.

“Everyone else’s needs are often the priority and your own go onto the back burner. Through exercise, I have found peace of mind – it’s a form of relaxation and leaves me with a sense of achievement,” she says.

Miles East

Miles lives by the saying “win the morning, win the day”.

The Somerset-based 34-year-old says: “Everything I do to promote a positive mindset starts at 4.45am, when my alarm goes off.

“The gym is the best hour of my day. I am blessed to have an awesome group of friends I train with every day, including my partner Kate, and by starting with this, it carries my positive attitude forward throughout the day.”

When he’s on the farm, Miles often makes time to learn something new and listens to audio books, podcasts and music to keep his mind stimulated.

“Looking after my body is a huge part of my mindset,” says Miles, who highlights the importance of good nutrition and sleep, along with the benefits of massage.

“I surround myself with like-minded friends and make a conscious effort to check in on friends and family regularly.”

Daniel Baron

Daniel works as an arable agronomist, and likes spending time with his two children, as well as helping out on his wife’s family farm.

“I train with a good group of friends and we all support each other with our gym work. I feel a good session in the gym before work puts me in a great mood for the rest of the day,” says Daniel, who also enjoys mountain biking and running.

Formerly a tractor driver and sprayer operator, the Lancashire-based 36-year-old has completed long-distance ultra-marathons – including the Bob Graham Round, which is 66 miles and 27,000ft of climbing in 24 hours.

“Both my children enjoy sports, such as gymnastics and swimming. I encourage them to enjoy these activities and not feel pressure to perform well every time.

“I tell them that as long as they’re having fun with their friends and are being active, then that’s the priority,” he says.

Kevin Stewart

Farm manager Kevin Stewart has entered the over-40s category, which is new to the competition this year.

To keep fit, he uses the gym he has created in a shed on the farm, near Stirling. He also runs in the local forest and enjoys open-water swimming, cycling and walking his dogs.

“Physical exercise helps me shut off from worries, at least for a short time,” says the 52-year-old.

Spending time with family and friends is also good for his mindset, he says. “I have someone local I go and chat with when I am feeling low – and this can be weekly if required.”