Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2025: Meet this year’s finalists

With the qualifying rounds behind them, 38 of Britain’s fittest farmers have fought their way into the finals of our annual competition, which will take place at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire on 20 September. 

The four category winners will each receive £1,000. 

Women Under 40s 

Suzy Parker 

• Age: 29

• Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Suzy works alongside her dad on the family arable farm, growing cereals and fodder beet, and works full-time as a self-employed tractor driver.

This will be her third time competing in Britain’s Fittest Farmer; two years ago, she made it to the final.

“I have entered Britain’s Fittest Farmer twice before – both instances have been such a good experience that I have decided to enter again,” she says.

Liz Harries 

• Age: 34
• Location: Carmarthenshire

This will also be Liz’s third time taking part in the competition. After reaching the final last year, Liz is back for more.

Raised on a sheep and beef farm in Carmarthenshire, Liz works as a large animal vet focused on preventative medicine.

After 11 years in practice, she’s passionate about fitness, completing half marathons and getting involved in Hyrox races.

Nia Gywther 

• Age: 28
• Location: Ceredigion

Nia’s entry into Britain’s Fittest Farmer comes from her strong farming background and commitment to fitness.

“I am really looking forward to the whole day, being competitive, trying my best, and meeting all of the other people,” she says.

“Keeping fit has been a massive part of my life for so many years. It keeps me sane.”

Nia’s parents own a smallholding, just outside Lampeter, and she has always been surrounded by farming.

She balances rugby for her local club, daily CrossFit, and being a retained on-call firefighter.

Mia Bambury

• Age: 33
• Location: Norfolk

A health and safety consultant specialising in farms and estates, Mia travels the UK creating “practical compliant solutions” for clients.

Growing up on a Scottish island, she loves the outdoors.

After football, she found a passion for CrossFit, winning the 2024 Marbella Championships scaled category, and enjoys hiking and wild swimming.

Kizzy Hunt

• Age: 32
• Location: Rutland

Growing up in Devon as a gamekeeper’s daughter, Kizzy says: “Living in a very rural area can be lonely unless you put yourself out there.”

Now based in Rutland, she runs a smallholding with 60 sheep and helps with her partner’s agricultural fencing business.

Daily dog walks, sheep care, gym visits, and outdoor activities keep her active year-round and ready to compete in this year’s competition.

Phoebe Rainy Brown

• Age: 30
• Location: Scotland

Raised on a small farm with sheep, summered cows, and a Welsh cob stud, Phoebe has helped with lambing and farm chores from an early age.

Now a professional showjumping groom and rider, she trains with intensity – running up to 100km and five CrossFit sessions a week, Pilates, and competing in Hyrox and ultra-marathons.

She also aims to complete a triathlon this year.

Emily Meakin

• Age: 29
• Location: Staffordshire

Emily is the director of a Staffordshire farm diversifying into weddings and events.

When not hosting, she milks 300 Holsteins with her partner, Henry, at their Shrewsbury farm.

“I have to exercise for my mental and physical health.

“When I do, especially in the morning, it means I have a sense of achievement, so I have a positive attitude to face challenges during the day.

“It’s so important and is a fundamental building block of my day,” she says.

A sports enthusiast, Emily is currently addicted to Hyrox and has competed in triathlons and cycling at a high level.

Liberty Parsons

• Age: 36
• Location: Devon

Liberty farms 400 Lleyn sheep and 50 Galloway and Angus cattle on her Dartmoor hill farm in Devon with her husband and four children.

After taking over the farm following her father’s sudden passing, she says: “I am an extremely determined person who thrives off being busy.”

She diversified with a successful holiday business offering nature retreats and rural skills.

An active person, Liberty found CrossFit after friends joked she’d be good as a “farm girl.”

She now trains in a converted barn gym, competes in Hyrox, runs trail half marathons, and enjoys horse riding.

Michaela Regan

• Age: 36
• Location: Carmarthenshire

Michaela lives with her partner on his 1,000-cow dairy farm and works as a hygiene specialist for Deosan, helping farmers produce safe, clean milk.

“Staying fit mentally and physically helps me be the best version of myself, perform at my best and be there to support those around me,” she says.

“Living and working in agriculture can be tough, with many things out of your control, so by ensuring I’m at my best, I can face any challenges head on with a smile.”

Getting ready for Britain’s Fittest Farmer, she strength trains four or five times a week and enjoys hiking, running, yoga, and Pilates.

Samantha Green

• Age: 31
• Location: Nottinghamshire

Samantha grew up on a small farm in Southwell, Notts, surrounded by horses and farming life.

She says: “Farming was the obvious path to take and it has also led to a career in poultry research and innovation.” 

After moving into an office role, Samantha “decided to make a change” by returning to rugby and joining Canoville Coaching gym.

Now, she’s “in the best shape, physically and mentally, I’ve ever been,” and is ready to take on the competition.

“I never thought I’d make it to the final,” she says.

“I entered on a whim to have something to work towards, just to make it this far is an achievement for me so I imagine the day will just be loads of fun.”

Women Over 40s  

Lucy Turner 

• Age: 40
• Location: Nottinghamshire

Lucy runs an arable farm with her father, growing cereals and potatoes, alongside a potato packing and washing business supplying wholesale markets in the north.

She’s getting ready to compete in Britain’s Fittest Farmer by running, walking, going to the gym, and playing rugby for her local team.

Helen Rogerson

• Age: 40
• Location: Lincolnshire

A shepherdess from Lincolnshire, Helen is self-employed and cares for her own sheep and three sheepdogs.

Her busy life includes walking the dogs and chasing after her kids, though her gym routine has ramped up in preparation for the final.

“I am currently going to the gym every day, and I dread every moment!” she says.

“To be honest, I was very surprised I got to the final, but I am really excited for the day but also totally petrified!”

Jennie Woodcock

• Age: 48
• Location: Nottinghamshire

Taking part in the competition for a third time, Jennie is a farmer’s wife and mum of three.

“I am excited to see everyone again. I am just going to give it a good go!”

On their farm, they grow their own animal feed, rear beef, breed reindeer, and educate the next generation of young farmers.

She says: “I stay in shape by going to my local hybrid gym, Vertex, in Retford, and by general day-to-day feeding of animals.”

Anne Grindal 

• Age: 44
• Location: Warwickshire

Last year’s over-40s winner, Anne is a modern-day farmer’s wife, handling everything from children and errands to making sandwiches and earning a living.

“I’ve come back this year because I am a sucker for punishment,” she says.

“In all honestly, it’s a great community to be in, every year you get the same atmosphere, it feels good to be a part of something. Everyone is so supportive, I can’t wait.”

As an equestrian coach, Anne helps run a mixed beef and arable farm with her family.

She says “anything and everything” keeps her active, including HIIT classes, weights, riding, running, and Hyrox training for Britain’s Fittest Farmer.

Lucy Sheffield

• Age: 47
• Location: East Sussex

Lucy is a third-generation poultry and arable farmer working alongside her husband and 81-year-old father, whose “grit, determination and strength of mind” she hopes to have inherited.

She says: “Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2022 quite literally kick-started a whole new life for me,” proving that hard work and consistency can lead to achievements beyond fitness.

A keen Hyrox competitor, Lucy trains both at their home farm gym and a local gym, valuing the teamwork and accountability, “much like farming”.

Abi Mason

• Age: 47
• Location: Lincolnshire  

Abi, a 47-year-old married mum of two, manages a flock of Lleyn, Ryeland, and Beltex sheep alongside grassland and arable land.

“Keeping physically fit is so important for my mental health, and is something I try to ensure.

“I can’t wait to go to the pub with everyone at the end!”

She is getting ready to compete in this year’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer finals by going to the gym, joining fitness classes, and walking or running with her dogs.

Sarah Godwin

• Age: 44
• Location: Wiltshire

Sarah, from north Wiltshire, is a busy mum of two horse-mad teenage daughters and partner in a third-generation mixed family farm.

They farm 300 milking cows, 32,000 free-range hens, and 300-400 beef cattle, supplying Waitrose.

She says: “Going to the gym just about keeps me sane!”

A Hyrox enthusiast, Sarah recently completed her fifth event and competed in Britain’s Fittest Farmer last year, enjoying the positive atmosphere.

Kitty Hamilton

• Age: 44
• Location: Lincolnshire

Heading Willoughby Farms, Kitty manages 2,500ha of arable land along with grassland, forestry, and diverse enterprises like a crematorium and cross-country course.

“Being fit is so helpful for mental and physical wellbeing.

“I wasn’t ever particularly fit until I was in my 40s and getting fit since then I have so many opportunities.”

While she is mostly office-based, Kitty stays active by going to the gym twice a week.

Last winter, she ran five marathons and several half marathons, and recently returned from rowing the Atlantic.

“I am most looking forward to a pint of Hawkstone once I’ve finished!”

Men Under 40s

James Gilboy

• Age: 28
• Location: Hampshire

James manages his family farm in east Hampshire, raising 81 shorthorns, growing Christmas turkeys, and building a sheep herd.

To get ready for this year’s competition he trains six days a week and competes in events like Hyrox, Spartan races, ultra marathons, and triathlons.

Daniel Hunter-Evans

• Age: 37
• Location: East Sussex

Now in his second year competing in Britain’s Fittest Farmer, Daniel and his family run a mixed farm in East Sussex supplying pork, lamb, beef, chicken, and eggs to local customers and a farm shop.

He also runs a business installing steel-framed buildings on farms.

Daniel trains whenever possible, running early mornings and hitting the gym or classes three to four evenings a week.

“I did quite well last year and I was surprised about that, so I am really looking forward to giving it another go.

“It’s great to be around like-minded people and raise awareness for mental health,” he says.

Ben Squibb 

• Age: 27
• Location: Powys

Ben grew up in Welshpool and studied veterinary medicine at the University of Bristol.

Now working at Trefaldwyn Vets in Montgomery, he spends his days on dairy, beef, and sheep farms handling everything from fertility visits to emergency calvings and TB testing.

After stopping rugby due to injury, he turned to CrossFit, which he now coaches and credits for keeping him fit alongside his active work life.

“Fitness is so important to me as it’s a relief from the stresses at work.

“Keeping fit also enables me to develop relationships outside of work,” he says.

Jim Reed 

• Age: 28
• Location: Warwickshire

A fifth-generation farmer based in Warwickshire, Jim is preparing to take over the family arable farm after gaining valuable experience growing lettuce and celery in the Fens.

Passionate about regenerative farming, he says: “It is a part of agriculture which I find truly exciting and absolutely imperative.”

When not working outdoors, he combines homemade weightlifting equipment with calisthenics to stay fit, adding: “I usually stick to full body exercises such as deadlifts and squats, which help with my rugby during the winter months”.

Thomas Robinson 

• Age: 24
• Location: Lincolnshire

Thomas, a Lincolnshire beef and arable farmer, recently took over the family farm and lives and breathes agriculture.

“Farming is in my blood,” he says, especially working with cattle; he even has his own cow, Susan.

“I am looking forward to the final and doing something a bit different outside of work,” he says.

“It will be good to not be sat in a tractor and to have good laugh!”

He stays active with weekly football, yard work, and long walks with the family’s three Jack Russells.

Paul Harrison

• Age: 22
• Location: Cumbria

Paul works on his family upland hill farm in the Lake District, spending his days walking the fells and shepherding.

He is excited for the finals. “I look forward to going to Diddly Squat and meeting the other famers in the competition, and hopefully to win!” he says.

A former semi-professional rugby player, he trains Hyrox, having completed three events, and stays fit with CrossFit Cumbria.

He’s passionate about running, hiking, and all things outdoors.

Harry Wallis

• Age: 31
• Location: Lincolnshire

Competing in his third year of Britain’s Fittest Farmer, Harry works on his family’s mixed beef and arable farm in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

He says: “Dealing with cattle every day brings its own physical challenges.”

To stay fit and get ready for Britain’s Fittest Farmer, he attends a local CrossFit gym, runs, and uses a small home gym, also competing in functional fitness events for a competitive outlet.

Tom Litten

• Age: 33
• Location: Somerset

Tom has experience across many areas of farming, from dairy herds and beef finishing units to contracting and shepherding, working on both large farms and small Exmoor hill family farms.

He stays active daily and regularly goes to the gym to maintain his fitness and get ready for this year’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer final.

Joe Dufosee

• Age: 31
• Location: Wiltshire

Managing a large mixed organic farm with pedigree North Devon and Poll Dorset horn sheep, Joe says: “When you are working and living on a farm, it’s so intense and you give so much time and effort.

“It is important to dedicate an hour in the gym for yourself. You always leave feeling 10 times better.

“It’s a bit of escapism. Especially in agriculture, things can be very demanding and a bit depressing at times.”

He trains for CrossFit and Hyrox five to six times a week, adding: “Depending on upcoming competitions, I might also include running in my training.”

Mark Denton

• Age: 30
• Location: Cornwall

Growing up on a family dairy farm and studying Agricultural Engineering at Reaseheath College, Mark returned home to farm full-time nine years ago and hasn’t looked back.

“Fitness for me is important as it is a change of environment, gives me a focus away from the farm and helps me think clearly.”

Passionate about fitness, Mark is into CrossFit training and Gig Rowing, and is training for a triathlon with hopes of tackling an Ironman competition in the future.

“I didn’t think I was going to get this far in the competition to be honest.

“It’s great, I’m looking forward to competing against some like-minded farmers.”

Men Over 40s 

James Robson

• Age: 42
• Location: East Sussex

“I’m really looking forward to the final. My wife and one of my friends has also made it to the final.

“Look out for Lucy Sheffield, and Daniel Hunter-Evans!” James says.

James married into a farming family, and after four-and-a-half years as a partner in an arable and poultry business, he has fully embraced the lifestyle.

With 20 years in agricultural insurance and dealership behind him, he now trains six to eight times a week at his local gym and their fully equipped farm gym.

“Keeping fit allows me time off the farm, going to see different people and hang out with a good community.

“It keeps me sane, really allowing you that break, keeping me fit physically and mentally,” he says.

David Childerhouse

• Age: 44
• Location: Norfolk

Competing for the second time in Britain’s Fittest Farmer, David is a fourth-generation farmer managing a small mixed farm in south Norfolk, focusing on pig fattening on diverse Breckland soils.

He says: “Step count comes free of charge as I move around the farm!”

Always active, he prefers stairs over escalators and eats whole, British produce, avoiding processed foods “with bogus health claims”.

Edward Holmes

• Age: 46
• Location: Staffordshire

Edward is a tree nurseryman, growing hardwood trees, native hedging, and conifers for forestry.

He sows seeds directly into fields and harvests them in winter when dormant.

“It’s my second year at Britain’s Fittest Farmer and I can’t wait to try again.

“It’s a good location this year and I look forward to competing against fellow athletes,” Edward says.

“I’m really supportive of the wider meaning and mental health aspects of the competition.

“Farming can be a lonely job and it’s great we can pull together at events like this.”

James Browne

• Age: 46
• Location: Somerset

In his second year competing in Britain’s Fittest Farmer, James grew up around agriculture, with his dad being a vet.

After studying agriculture at college, he earned a degree from Harper Adams University.

Since 2003, he has managed an arable and beef enterprise.

He loves running, CrossFit, cycling, and rugby.

“I finished fourth last year and want to get on the podium this time,” he says.

Stewart Priddle

• Age: 47
• Location: Devon

Stewart is the director of Land and Environment for a professional services business alongside managing a smallholding.

A family man, former rugby player, and endurance athlete, he now trains twice weekly and runs regularly.

“Last year I started at a local functional gym – the first time I’ve ever joined a gym – and now train twice a week,” he says.

Michael Georgiou

• Age: 41
• Location: Carmarthenshire 

Michael, last year’s over-40s winner, keeps and breeds high-welfare rare breed British Saddleback pigs and competes at agricultural shows.

Helping with sheep and cattle, Michael balances physical work with fitness, inspired by his daughter’s involvement. “It’s a big boost to mental health,” he says.

Richard Stott

• Age: 40
• Location: West Yorkshire

Richard grew up milking a 150-cow Holstein herd in West Yorkshire before shifting the family farm to arable and contract work.

Now running 120ha full time, he balances farming with engineering consulting.

He trains four to five times weekly with Hyrox-style workouts and enjoys road biking in good weather.

“I focus on Hyrox-style training to stay fit and keep up with the demands of farming and contracting,” he says.

Iain Wilkinson 

• Age: 54
• Location: Perthshire

Iain grew up on a small Highland Perthshire holding and has spent more than 25 years managing livestock before moving into mixed arable and suckler farming.

Now running 200 suckler cows, he’s embracing regenerative farming.

He stays fit by walking his dogs, running, and recently joined a gym.

“I’ve always been relatively fit through work, but now I’m mixing in running and gym to keep active.”

Nick Haines 

• Age: 41
• Location: Staffordshire

A tenant dairy farmer milking 400 spring-calving cows near Stafford alongside his wife, Nick enjoys CrossFit and has competed before.

Recently, he’s returned to rugby, starting by coaching his kids’ teams and now playing for the Stafford Marvels, a mixed-ability team, and occasionally for Stafford Rugby Club seconds.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge this year and it’s been great to have a focus to work towards.

“Having the Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition in my sights has meant I don’t feel guilty going to the gym and taking time off the farm.

“It’s often difficult to get the time out to train when you are working all hours of the day,” he says.

Graham Kerr

• Age: 43
• Location: Lanarkshire

Graham is a tenant dairy farmer running a herd of 220 Holsteins and 64ha of arable crops with his wife.

They recently upgraded to robotic milking, transforming their work.

To stay fit, Graham relies on farm work, enjoys running and weight training, and is passionate about mountain hiking, having climbed Kilimanjaro in 2024.

He says: “I’ve always believed my work routine keeps my strength up, but I also enjoy running and weights to stay in shape.

“Climbing Kilimanjaro was a real highlight and motivation to keep pushing myself.”

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