Britain’s Fittest Farmer: You asked, we listened – new over 40s category for 2022

Farmers Weekly’s popular competition, Britain’s Fittest Farmer, is returning this year with a new element – a category specifically for the over-40s.

The contest, designed to spread awareness of physical and mental health issues, attracts entrants from across the nation.

This year, they’ll be battling it out with £1,000 prize money on offer in each of the three categories: men under 40; women under 40; and a mixed over-40s.

See also: Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2022 opens for entries

Now in its fourth year, the initiative will again crown the individuals who prove themselves to be admirable ambassadors of health and wellbeing in agriculture.

They’ll first have impressed the judges – farmer, actor and Yellow Wellies Ambassador Kelvin Fletcher; Sally Steadman of the Farming Community Network; and Tom Kemp, who founded the Farm Fitness gym in Essex – by taking part in a round of qualifiers, a phone interview and the grand final. 

The over-40s have been well represented in previous years, but they’ve been pipped to the post in terms of winning by slightly younger entrants – so readers requested a category specifically for them.

Lindsay Walker, Cumbria

© Lindsay Walker

Now in her early 40s, Lindsay Walker from Cumbria is planning to throw her hat in the ring this year.

A keen road, trail and fell runner, she’s the ladies captain of Keswick Athletic Club and works on a farm with dairy, beef and sheep enterprises, plus a caravan park.

“However hard a day you’ve had, going for a run makes you feel better,” she says.

“I like doing half-marathon distance, but you don’t necessarily need to do a long run – even a short distance gives you a real boost.”

Lindsay enjoys the social element of the club. “It’s a lovely atmosphere and I’ve made lots of new friends.”

As someone who enjoys cycling and does a gym class every week for strength, Lindsay knows it’s not easy to fit in exercise after an 11-hour day on the farm, but always makes time – even if it means donning a head torch and going out in the dark.

“It makes you feel better about yourself and your body,” she says.

“People often ask how I manage to exercise after a long day at work, but even 30 minutes – either running or on my bike – helps clear my head. This is important because all jobs in agriculture have their highs and lows.

“I’m really looking forward to BFF and I hope to see lots of my fellow over-40s there. It’s a great chance to meet different people, compete against them and have a fun day out.”

Glenn Pude, Hampshire

© Glenn Pude

Hampshire-based Glenn Pude went to the qualifiers in 2021 and is planning to enter again this year.

“Taking part was great,” he says. “It was fun meeting all the other competitors, especially those of a similar age.  

“I entered because I wanted to give myself a goal away from farming, which at times can be a difficult and isolated career.”

Glenn acknowledges that as he’s got older, aspects of the job have started to get harder – both physically and mentally. In tandem with this, he was aware his lifestyle and priorities had changed as the children grew up and left home. 

“I decided to join a running club – not only to get fitter, but to have a reason to finish work on time, meet new people from different walks of life and engage in conversation that wasn’t farming orientated.  

“Although only for a couple of hours a week, it was enough to boost my morale. Being able to run 5km in a sensible time felt like a real achievement.”

Glenn hopes others within the agricultural industry, who are middle-aged or older, will challenge themselves to get fitter, both for the physical health benefits and for their mental wellbeing.

“Age is no barrier, so it’s an excellent idea to have an over-40’s category.”