Entries are rolling for Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2025

Farmers Weekly’s highly anticipated health and wellbeing competition, Britain’s Fittest Farmer, is drawing an impressive range of entries from applicants across the country.

The competition is designed to encourage farmers to focus on both their physical and mental health, ensuring they are in peak condition to manage and run their farm businesses effectively.

If you’re eager to improve your health and wellbeing, and feel ready to take on a challenge, visit the sign-up website and put yourself forward today.

See also: Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition returns for 2025

There are four categories:

• Men under 40
• Women under 40
• Men over 40
• Women over 40

The first of three qualifier events will kick off on 18 June at the Lincolnshire Show, followed by the Royal Highland Show on 8 July.

The third and final qualifier will take place at the Royal Welsh Show on 24 July – so, check which dates suit you and head to your nearest location.

Meet some of this year’s contenders

Richard Stott

Richard Stott © Supplied by Richard Stott

Richard Stott, a fourth-generation farmer from West Wakefield, Yorkshire, is gearing up for the over-40s category of the Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition.

Managing 120ha, Richard balances the demands of farm life with personal fitness, which has become a cornerstone of his routine.

Growing up on a family farm, Richard was no stranger to hard work. “We had a Holstein herd milking around 150 cows, so this involved all the tasks that go along with it, including relief milking for my father,” he says.

As he got older, Richard shifted his focus to engineering, which led to the farm transitioning into arable and contract farming, where he continued to help his father after work and on weekends.

Over time, Richard has fully taken over the farm, handling everything “from stubble to stubble”, including harvesting and spraying.

Cycling passion 

In 2015, Richard discovered his passion for fitness when he started cycling, which quickly became more than just a hobby.

“I caught the bug for fitness through cycling,” he says.

Since then, Richard has diversified his training to include Hyrox, a competitive fitness event that combines running with various functional workout stations.

But it’s not just about keeping fit – Richard likes to take time away from the farm for his mental wellbeing.

“I make sure to get away from work when I can. Being able to exercise is a bit of a release from the farm.”

Richard recognises that many farmers can struggle with finding a balance between work and personal life.

“A lot of farmers get that ingrained in what they do, and they feel like they need to be on the farm 24/7. But it’s good to have something else in your life to focus on that will benefit your physical and mental health,” he says.

“One thing my Dad has always said is to make sure you have a hobby outside of farming.”

Mental toughness

While fitness is important to him, Richard also speaks about the mental resilience farming requires, especially in the face of negativity.

“There’s a lot of doom and gloom, and it can be hard to stay positive. But the competition shows that we can be resilient, because farmers are a resilient bunch,” he says.

This year, Richard is competing in the veterans’ category, which he humorously notes may be his best shot, given that he’s the youngest of the “older lot”.

Though he admits he might not be the biggest or the strongest competing this year, he’s determined to do well. “I’m quite a decent all-rounder,” he says.

Faye Jones

Faye Jones © Faye Jones

Faye Jones is a 34-year-old mother of two and a passionate advocate for fitness in the farming community.

Living with her husband on a smallholding in Herefordshire, she manages a flock of 300 breeding ewes and 50 Wagyu cattle.

Together, they’ve built their farming business from the ground up, but it is her journey through fitness and mental health that has been truly transformative.

“I’m a very motivated person who thrives from being busy,” Faye says.

Her enthusiasm for fitness is evident in her everyday life on the farm, where she gets up at 5am to fit in her training before the day’s work begins.

“It’s all about balancing life on the farm with taking care of myself,” she explains.

Faye’s journey to fitness started a few years ago, following the birth of her first child in 2020.

Running bug

Struggling with the challenges of motherhood and life in general, she began running 5km locally at night, equipped with a head torch.

“I got a bug for running,” she says. “I started doing it three times a week, just running 5km around the local lanes. And I worked from that really.

“I’ve done three half marathons now and got into strength training, too. I do strength training probably four times a week and run once a week.”

Faye’s commitment to fitness has not only been personal, but also a key part of her family’s journey towards better mental health.

2024 competition

Faye’s involvement in Britain’s Fittest Farmer last year was a defining moment.

Initially entering on a whim, she found herself drawn to the competition’s combination of fitness and farming.

“It was so hard, but so good, I met so many nice people, and it was emotional.

“The atmosphere was brilliant. Everyone cheered each other on – it was fantastic.”

Although she didn’t make it to the final last year, Faye is determined to push herself further in 2025.

Strength training

In preparation for this year’s competition, Faye has focused on strength training, an area she felt she needed to improve after last year’s experience.

Her journey is also about inspiring others in the farming community.

“It’s important to show other farmers that they can fit exercise into their busy days and that it can make a huge difference,” she says.

Faye will be competing in the under-40s category this year, and she’s excited to share her passion for fitness with others.

“I just want to promote fitness, especially for farmers. It’s so important for mental health and for feeling good physically.”