Britain’s Fittest Farmer champ sets sights on third win

Two-time winner of Britain’s Fittest Farmer James Arney put his prize money to good use – he invested in equipment for his home gym.

Somerset-based James, who scooped the title in 2020 and 2021, bought an assault bike, weights, some battle ropes, a new barbell and a sandbag with his winnings.

“Previously, we’d been improvising in terms of what we used, so now it feels more like a gym, rather than what it actually is – which is a garage on the farm,” says the 26-year-old. 

See also: Britain’s Fittest Farmers 2020 open for entries

He needs to stay in top shape because he’s decided to throw his hat into the ring a third time and compete in this year’s BFF. “I’d love to win a third time, but the competition will be very tough.”

“Expect the unexpected” is his advice to other entrants. “Don’t concentrate exclusively on strength or aerobic capacity. Having the balance between both is key, so it’s worth training for all-round fitness.

“The challenges were very different both years I did BFF, but you can certainly expect to be pushed.”

Warm up

Before the qualifiers, he’ll be taking part in a Hyrox cross-fit event in London, entering as a men’s double with one of the contestants he met at Britain’s Fittest Farmer.

“We’re obviously entering in the amateur category and doing it for our own enjoyment. The elite, professional athletes will be at another level altogether.”

His training regime involves running, cycling, plus some weightlifting. 

“I try to get out and do as much as I can now it’s getting a bit lighter, but I also have the gym so I can fit my training around my farming.”

James is a big advocate for team sports – he’s been playing football twice a week and cricket through the winter in the nets – and enjoys the company and social aspects of it.

Stress factors

“Even though the height of the Covid pandemic appears to have passed, there are many other stress factors in agriculture, such as the rising cost of electricity, fuel and feed. Nothing is easy, so doing things outside of farming helps keep you going. I try to be disciplined and make myself do that.

“A lot of people have a nine-to-five job and they go home at the end of it. It’s harder in farming because, as well as the long hours, your office is your home.

“I’m nat­u­ral­ly quite a wor­ri­er and I know that if stuff on the farm isn’t going well, I can go to the gym, have a think and refo­cus. Prob­lems don’t seem so bad if you take a step back. So, fit­ness has always been my go-to to clear my head. 

“When you’re in physical good health, problems don’t get away but it can be easier to face them.”

Mental health

The strong emphasis of BFF on spreading awareness of the importance of mental health is one of the aspects of the competition that most appeals to James.

With the demands farming places on those involved so huge, getting people talking about mental health is massively important, he says.

“Some people can still find it very difficult to talk about, so normalising it is the best way forward. The younger generation find it a bit easier to be open, partly because of social media, and this can only have a positive impact.”

As for his ambitions for BFF this year? “I’m a naturally competitive person, so if I enter something, I give it my all and try my to win.”