ABOUT BRITAIN'S FITTEST FARMER
About
Britain’s Fittest Farmer was launched by Farmers Weekly in 2018 as a fun way of sparking a vital discussion about the physical and mental health of the nation’s 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 that they need to stay fit and healthy.
Farming can also be an isolating job, which is why it is also vital for farmers to focus on their own mental health and wellbeing so that they can keep their business in tip-top condition too.
The 2024 winners have been announced and you can now apply for 2025.
Head judge
William Arden
Lincolnshire arable farmer and owner of The Farmyard Gym
William won the men’s under 40s category of Britain’s Fittest Farmer last year. He is a veteran of the competition, with 2024 marking his fifth year – and his first win.
For William, fitness serves not only as physical preparation for farming, but also as a vital outlet for mental resilience, particularly given the unpredictability of the job.
“Fitness is my grounding,” he says, explaining that it allows him to switch off from the stresses of farming and emerge from workouts feeling more capable of facing challenges.
William manages his own fitness facility, The Farmyard Gym, and sticks to a dedicated training regimen, exercising five to six times a week.