Video and photos: Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2021 qualifiers

The 2021 Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition welcomed scores of contestants, all raring to go for the first stage of the qualifiers – and a test of their physical stamina.
Hosted at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, the two-day event united farmers of all ages from across the UK, as they competed for the coveted trophy and £1,000 cash prize.
See also: More about Britain’s Fittest Farmer
The activities were designed and structured by the face of Farm Fitness, Tom Kemp, who is based in a gym on his family farm in Essex.
The exercises were all designed to assess the speed, strength, power and endurance.
From jumping bales, dragging tractor tyres and lifting weights to completing a two-mile run, the competitors all faced the challenges in the hope of guaranteeing their place in the final.

© Richard Stanton
The competition was fierce, attracting both familiar and fresh faces, along with last year’s winners.
With the leaderboard regularly updated throughout the event, the contestants were able to see how they were ranked.

© Richard Stanton
Adam Henson made an appearance, praising the event and addressing the audience to highlight the importance of physical and mental wellbeing.
Many families and friends also gathered to enjoy some time away from their usual activities and to cheer on their favourite contestant.

© Richard Stanton
The top 10 men and top 10 women will be selected from these qualifiers to proceed to the final stages of the competition.

© Richard Stanton
They’ll all have an online interview with Jude McCann, chief executive of the Farming Community Network, to discuss how they champion mental wellbeing.

© Richard Stanton
The finalists will take part in one final round of physical activities. It will be the ultimate physical assault course at Tom Kemp’s farm on 9 October, where one man and one woman will be crowned with the prestigious title Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2021.