Herts farmer defending her Britain Fittest Farmer title today
The competition see's farmers look at physical and mental strength
A Hertfordshire farmer is preparing to defend her title today, after winning the women division of Britain's Fittest Farmer last year.
Although physical strength is put to the test during the competition, there is a big focus on mental wellbeing.
Farming is a stressful occupation, and in an increasingly mechanised and automated industry, farmers can sometimes feel isolated and struggle to stay connected.
In the current pandemic environment, it is crucial to make sure Britain's farmers are fit and healthy, physically and mentally.
88% of farmers under the age of 40 admit mental health issues as the most significant problem they face
To address this Farmers Weekly initiated the Britain's Fittest Farmer Competition. The regional qualifiers took place on the weekend of 25-26 September.
Today ten men and ten women will compete at the final Tom Kemp's Farm Fitness gym in Essex.
The finalists will take the ultimate physical assault course designed to test their speed, power and endurance and be interviewed about mental health.
Emma, from Hertford, who is defending her title this year, says the focus on mental health is important for the community:
"It is nice this year there will be more people to get awareness about what goes on in the farming community.
"Not many people realise how lonely farming can me. When you are out there isn't signal so you can't call someone for a chat, and even in the buildings we've only just got good internet.
"So the more people involved and that know the more we can take steps to try and look after farmers.
"Last year it helped me mentally, and this year I am trying to spread that to other people.
"Part of it was the exercise but just generally I am trying to help others understand how to improve their mental health.
"So I've been training people on the farm and we have a wellbeing policy set up. We just want to make sure everyone here is helped to do the little things that can help them daily."
Harvey, from Milton Keynes, was due to compete but has sadly had to pull out, he said having something to work towards was just one benefit:
"Mental health and wellbeing has been made a priority in many communities but it has been slightly left behind in the farming community.
"For me this gave me a target to work towards and I could take steps to move towards and hopefully do well in.
"Over Covid I became more interested and aware in looking out for mental well being in this community.
"Something to highlight was how incredible it was to see people socialising.
"it was really a common mindset from everyone there and you didn't see anyone who wasnt being involved."
Each finalist has interviewed to assess their suitability as a mental health champion for the farming industry. Alongside Farmers Weekly's editor Andrew Meredith, the competition's charity partner, The Farming Community Network (FCN) will judge the finalists' mental health awareness.
The finalists will then face one last challenge, the ultimate physical assault course designed to test their speed, power and endurance.
Held at Tom Kemp's Farm Fitness gym in Essex today, the finalists will battle through a series of blistering events. Points from each round will be combined with scores from the interview round to see one man and one woman emerge as Britain's Fittest Farmers 2021.
The two crowned winners will become FCN ambassadors, with a much-coveted trophy and £1,000 cash prize for each winner.