Britain’s Fittest Farmer: Mind and muscle put to the test

The finalists for Britain’s Fittest Farmer are preparing for the last leg of the competition and, as every year, that means they will be judged on more than physical ability.  

The mental health rounds are in integral part of the judging process, with all finalists interviewed by charity partner the Farming Community Network (FCN) about their own resilience and their commitment to supporting wellbeing within the agricultural community. 

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The Britain’s Fittest Farmer finalists are preparing for the last leg of the competition in September by progressing to the mental health rounds.

This element of the competition looks beyond pure physical ability to how competitors keep themselves mentally fit to farm, whether that’s getting involved in the community, or time spent on other interests away from the farm.

It’s an important stage that is an integral part of the judging process. Points from this round are weighted against scores achieved in the physical element of the competition, putting a focus on the intrinsic link between mental and physical fitness.

All finalists are interviewed by charity partners from the Farming Community Network (FCN) about their own resilience and their commitment to supporting wellbeing within the agricultural community. 

Rachel Davey of FCN says the charity’s involvement with Britain’s Fittest Farmer helps highlight the close link between mental and physical health. Physical fitness and activity can improve mood and positivity, while physical health issues can also have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing. 

© Oli Lees

Farming fitter

In almost every conversation FCN has had with finalists over the years, she says that competitors have credited their physical health routines with helping them better cope with the demands of farming.

“This may be because of the energy and strength it creates, or because building exercise into their routines allows them to take a break from the rigours of farm life – whether that’s just a switch in focus, or the chance to leave the farm completely for an hour or two,” she says. 

At the qualifying heats this summer, held at the Cereals event and the Lincolnshire Show, Rachel says it was encouraging to see and hear the level of support competitors offered each other.

“They recognise that they’ve all sacrificed time at work for the greater good of their wellbeing and are determined that their involvement will highlight the need for the farming community to come together to share experiences and prioritise the most important resource their business has – them.” 

Time for a break

For finalist Claire Moreton, exercise provides a valuable break from the pressures of farming. “Making time for exercise during the busy periods gives me a short period in the day where my mind can focus on something else, she says. “If I train at the gym, I socialise with my friends and just forget the pressures in that moment.

© Oli Lees

“There’s that buzz after training, too, that is almost a reset, and so returning to the farm, things can seem a bit lighter and easier.” 

Returning finalist Ed Holmes, who placed first in the men over-40 category at the Lincolnshire Show last year, says the competition’s focus on mental and physical health is part of what has kept him coming back:

“I think BFF is a really good way of addressing the subject of physical and mental health for those working in the agricultural sector. I stand behind what it is doing in raising awareness and getting people talking about it.”