Championing fitness and mental wellbeing in agriculture

ENTER BRITAIN’S FITTEST FARMER

Britain’s Fittest Farmer

Now more than ever, it's important for farmers to take care of their mental health, and support others who may be struggling through these turbulent times.

Britain’s Fittest Farmer was launched by Farmers Weekly in 2018 as a fun way of sparking a vital discussion about the physical and mental health of the nation’s farmers, and those in the wider supply chain.

This competition creates ambassadors for the agricultural community who can demonstrate the power of exercise in keeping physically and mentally fit.

Applications for 2026 are now open, so get involved!

Apply now

NEW!: Britain’s Fittest Farm Team

We’re searching for the toughest, strongest and most determined farm teams in the country to compete for the title of Britain’s Fittest Farm Team. Gather your crew and prepare to be pushed through a series of strength and conditioning challenges.

Only the best teams will make it through, with the top performers earning their place in the grand final this September.

Whether you’re in it for the bragging rights, the challenge, or simply the chance to have some fun with your team, this is your opportunity to step away from the busy show season and try something different.

Join us during Cereals or at the Lincolnshire Show for an unforgettable competition of teamwork, energy and plenty of farm-fuelled determination.

Your team should be made up of two women and two men (all 18+). Recruit your colleagues, Ag Students, farming friends & family.

Ready to prove your team has what it takes?

Apply now

 

Head judge: William Arden

From five-year veteran to Men’s Under 40s Champion, William knows exactly what it takes to win Britain’s Fittest Farmer. Discover William’s journey from competitor to judge and learn what he’s looking for in this year’s finalists.

About William »

How it works

Round 1: Apply online

There are four categories in this competition:

  • men under 40s
  • women under 40s
  • men over 40s
  • women over 40s

We’re looking to crown four individuals who prove themselves to be admirable ambassadors of health and wellbeing in farming.

To apply, go to the apply now page. You will need to send us a photo or short video of yourself engaged in a fitness activity, tell us how you keep mentally and physically fit and what your connection to agriculture is. We will review all applications and then contact the contestants going through to the next round.

Round 2: the qualifying heats

After making sure you meet the judging criteria, you’ll be invited to show us what you’ve got by competing in a qualifier event in June at the following locations:

  • Lincolnshire Show
  • Cereals

This will be your shot at reaching the final stages of the competition – facing a series of tough physical challenges designed to test your speed, strength and stamina.

From this round, we’ll be selecting 10 men and 10 women under 40 and up to 10 men and 10 women over 40 to proceed to the final stages of the competition.

You will be issued a show ticket for yourself and a plus one at your chosen qualifier location.

Round 3: The interviews

A Farmers Weekly judge and representative from the competition’s charity partner the Farming Community Network (FCN) will assess the finalists’ mental health awareness.

Each competitor will be merited on their suitability for becoming an ambassador for mental health in the industry

Round 4: The final 

Our finalists will face one last challenge – the ultimate physical assault course designed to test their speed, power and endurance.

Points from each round will be combined with scores from the interview round to see one man and one woman under 40 and one man and one woman over 40 emerge as Britain’s Fittest Farmers 2026.

 

Apply now

Apply now and take on the challenge!

Partners and sponsors

Partners and sponsors

Charity & venue partners