Britain’s Fittest Farmer: Get stuck into regional qualifiers
Sean Cursiter, Britain's Fittest Farmer 2019 © Colin Miller/RBI Three host farms for the second stage of Farmers Weekly‘s Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition have been revealed – and you might notice some familiar faces.
Wiltshire farmer and long-standing arable Farmer Focus writer David Butler will welcome farmers and the rural community to his slice of southern England next month for the first adrenaline-fuelled qualifier event designed to test our competitors’ general fitness.
In early April, young farmer and Farmers Weekly columnist Amy Eggleston’s Leicestershire family dairy farm will be the centre of the second event and, finally, our 2017 Farmer of the Year, Robert Neill, is set to host the third qualifier in the Scottish Borders.
See also: Fit2Farm: Wellbeing guru shares top health tips for farmers
It’s set to be an exciting series of free community events, with family, friends and local people welcome to come and support contestants.
Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2020: Dates for your diary
- Qualifier 1: Marlborough, Wiltshire – Sunday, 29 March 2020
- Qualifier 2: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire – Saturday, 4 April 2020
- Qualifier 3: Jedburgh, Scottish Borders – Saturday, 18 April 2020
- Final: Great Dunmow, Essex – Saturday, 9 May 2020
Everyone who applies to take part in this year’s competition before the closing date of 11.59pm on 17 April 2020 will be invited to pick one of these qualifiers to take part in, as they seek to claim the “Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2020” title and the £1,000 cash prize.
Vicky Willis rolls her silage bale towards the finish line at the 2019 Britain’s Fittest Farmer final © Colin Miller/RBI
“Remember, this competition is all about promoting physical fitness and mental health awareness in agriculture – it is about so much more than who can run the fastest 10k or lift the heaviest weight,” says judge and Farmers Weekly‘s community editor, Oli Hill.
“The judges are looking for farmers who will make great all-round ambassadors for health and wellbeing in our industry. If that’s you, then get your application in.”
How to apply
To apply, entrants need to go to the Britain’s Fittest Farmer website and answer a few questions on how they keep themselves physically fit and look after their mental health and upload a video or photo of themselves.
Check out the fantastic applications so far for some inspiration.
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.