Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2020 qualifiers: Photos and video
© MAG/Tom Askew-Miller The farming community rallied together at the end of a difficult summer to compete in Farmers Weekly‘s 2020 Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition last weekend (26-27 September).
About 80 farmers, farm and agricultural industry workers tackled a series of gruelling physical challenges designed to put their speed, strength and stamina to the ultimate test.
The competition champions awareness of mental wellbeing and physical health issues in agriculture by encouraging farmers and the community to be more open and support each other.
See also: Meet the 2019 Britain’s Fittest Farmer champions
Contestants of all ages came from right across the UK to take part in a 5k cross-country run before lifting, jumping, dragging, pushing and cycling with all the power they could muster for a shot at reaching the final stages of this year’s competition.
The event was staged over two days in a bright and breezy field on Farmers Weekly Farmer Focus writer David Butler’s farm, near Marlborough in Wiltshire.
The physical challenges were devised and judged by Tom Kemp and the team at Farm Fitness – an outdoor gym set up by Tom on his family’s farm in Essex.
Next 10 men and 10 women will be selected to progress to the final stages of this year’s competition, with a round of virtual interviews to be held next week with Jude McCann, chief executive of The Farming Community Network, the competition’s charity partner.
Watch the video highlights from the qualifier weekend and photos showing all the action below.
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Britain’s Fittest Farmer: Our sponsor and partners
Grenadier: Sponsor
Tough, rugged, agile – the new INEOS Grenadier 4X4 will share plenty of traits exhibited by the winner of Britain’s Fittest Farmer. That’s why we’re so pleased to be sponsoring this rural British physical challenge.
As an uncompromising, no frills, off-road vehicle, the Grenadier will provide all the capability, durability and reliability you need to tackle the toughest tasks on the farm. That’s why we see ourselves as the ideal partner for this true test of grit, endurance and strength.
For more information on Grenadier, pay a visit to their website.
Farm Fitness: Partner
Farm Fitness has rapidly become a burning beacon on the UK fitness scene, attracting spectators and participants from all over the country to come and take a swing at its almost alchemic blend of modified strongman, functional bodybuilding, calisthenics and blistering cardio efforts.
The gym, founded by farmer’s son Tom Kemp, was voted one of the best gyms in the world and ‘coolest outdoor space’ by Men’s Health (PDF)
Tom has blended his farming background with his love of training to create a raw and exciting outdoor environment for people of all strengths and abilities to get fit.
The Farming Community Network: Partner
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times.
The charity has helped thousands of people deal with a variety of issues, including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental health and family disputes.
Volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal or business-related. FCN also runs a confidential national helpline and e-helpline.