Common Leys Farm lecturer champions mental wellbeing in agriculture

Britain’s fittest farmer is a competition that champions fitness and mental wellbeing in agriculture.

Britain’s fittest farmer was launched by Farmers Weekly as a fun way of sparking a vital discussion about the physical and mental health of the nation’s farmers.

The competition crowns one man and one woman who prove themselves to be admirable ambassadors for health and wellbeing, with a much-coveted trophy and £1,000 cash prize up for grabs for each winner. The contestants must complete two qualifying rounds to get to the final in Essex and lay their eyes on the trophy.

Matthew Timms, Abingdon & Witney College Agriculture Instructor and Technician, said:

“The whole event is designed to showcase the positive relationship between physical and mental health, so after a really challenging year, it’s given me a real drive to give it a proper go and prove to myself that I can do it. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and it really has helped give me the spark back that I’ve needed”

"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. The competition aims to get all farmers thinking and talking about their health, physical and mental, to make sure they are in top condition to run their farm businesses" - Britain’s fittest farmer

Abingdon & Witney College wish Matt the best of luck in this competition.

Find out more about Britain’s Fittest Farmer here.