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Jun
Britain’s Fittest Farmer contest to be held in Harrogate
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The Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate is to host a heat of Britain’s Fittest Farmer for the first time this year.
The contest will see farmers compete in a series of physical challenges that include pulling a truck, dragging a seed bag and sandbag squats.
The top finishers will be invited to the national final.
First staged by Farmers Weekly in 2018, Britain’s Fittest Farmer will be part of a series of initiatives highlighting the importance of physical and mental wellbeing at the four-day show, which takes place from July 8 to 11.
The 166th show will also include free health checks and a Farming Stronger For Longer campaign promoting daily strength and conditioning exercises.
Farmers Weekly managing editor Emma Northam said:
As farming becomes less active and more mechanised and office-based, it’s more important than ever before to make sure Britain’s farmers are getting the exercise that they need to stay fit and healthy.
Farming can also be an isolating job, which is why it is also vital for farmers to focus on their own mental health and wellbeing so that they can keep their business in tip-top condition too. By running this competition, we’re looking to crown four individuals who prove themselves to be admirable ambassadors of health and wellbeing in farming.
Great Yorkshire Show YouTube presenter Joe Seels (right) trying out the Farming Stronger for Longer exercises.
Rural wellbeing will be the subject of two talks and the role women play in supporting the health and wellbeing of their families will be the topic of a Women In Farming drop-in event.
Show director Rachel Coates said:
Farming is round the clock with lots of competing duties so it can be easy to neglect your own wellbeing. I hope that the focus on mental and physical health at the show is a useful reminder to take the time to look after ourselves and one another.
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