Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2026: The leaderboards revealed

The leaderboards are in after two hotly contested qualifiers, fought on 10 June at Cereals and 17 June at the Lincolnshire Show by more than 100 farmers. 

Returning to head up the judging panel for another year was Will Arden, the 2024 BFF men under-40s champion. Alongside the Farmyard Gym team, he put competitors through a series of demanding physical tests in a good-natured atmosphere. 

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Securing a place in the Britain’s Fittest Farmer final demands strength, stamina and preparation. The question was: could competitors match the grit of the tyres they flipped, the power of the trucks they hauled and the resilience of the sandbags they repeatedly shouldered and hurled down the course? Only the toughest have earned their place in the final. 

Glyn Jones, supported by his wife and two young daughters in matching outfits, said the course proved tougher than he had expected. Entrants also heaved Hawkstone beer kegs and worked through relentless circuits of burpees, squats and carries, testing strength and endurance in equal measure. 

Abi Tucker in action © Oli Lees

All of it was played out in typically changeable conditions, with rain and cold winds giving way to bursts of sunshine.

The event also focuses on mental strength, with the intention of sparking important conversations about mental health in the farming community in a light-hearted, inclusive setting.

In its capacity as official charity partner, the Farming Community Network (FCN) acts as a judge to support this wellbeing element of the competition.

Finalists were assessed on their awareness and advocacy of mental health, which formed part of their overall score. FCN offers confidential support through its helpline and FarmWell resources, helping farmers and their families navigate the pressures of rural life. 

Attention now turns to the finals, which will take place at Farmers Weekly’s new Harvest Festival event on Saturday 26 September. Who will take the title of Britain’s Fittest Farmer in each of the four categories? Watch this space. 

For more information on the competition, visit the Britain’s Fittest Farmer website