The hunt is on to find Britain’s Fittest Farmer

Can you outrun a fleeing flock of sheep or lift a large hay bale with ease? Do you make time to chill out after work or meet up with mates regularly? If so, you could be just the person we are looking for.

The search is on to find Britain’s Fittest Farmer in an adrenaline-fuelled new competition that aims to promote physical and mental fitness in agriculture by championing farmers who are proactive about their health.

There’s a £1,000 cash prize – that’s £500 each for one man and one woman who prove themselves worthy of the title “Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2019”.

See also: Fit2Farm: How a farmer’s wife is helping others facing tough times

All you need to do is answer a few questions about how you keep your mind and body fit and upload a video or photo of yourself.

We’ll invite our shortlisted entrants to a competitive final on 4 May 2019 where the judges will award one man and one woman the coveted title.

What’s it all about?

Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2019 is being run by Farmers Weekly as a fun way of sparking a vital discussion about the physical and mental health of our farmers.

As farming becomes less active and more mechanised and office-based, it’s more important than ever before to make sure Britain’s farmers are getting the exercise they need to stay fit and healthy.

Farming can also be an isolated job, which is why this competition will focus on the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

See also: Video: Rugby star Dan Lydiate signs up to be Fit2Farm ambassador

Poor mental health is the top health concern in UK farming, with research by the charity the Farm Safety Foundation revealing that 81% of farmers under the age of 40 believe mental health is the biggest hidden problem they face today.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that since 2010, at least 138 farmers in England and Wales have taken their own lives.

How to enter

To apply, all entrants need to do is go to the Britain’s Fittest Farmer page and answer a few questions, including how they keep themselves physically fit and look after their mental wellbeing.

You need to be aged 18 or older and be working in farming or the wider agriculture industry.

Applicants will also need to upload a video or photo of themselves that shows off their physical fitness.

Think squats after silaging, press-ups in the milking parlour, lunges while lambing or even playing sports with friends.

The competition closes at midnight on 9 April 2018 – visit the Britain’s Fittest Farmer page for full terms and conditions.

If you have any questions about this competition, email Farmers Weekly’s community editor, Oli Hill.