THE winners have been announced for Britain’s Fittest Farmer with a podium place evading local man from Hillferrance, Sam Gayton.

In a fierce final played out at Diddly Squat Farm at the end of September, Claire Moreton, Edward Holmes, Paul Harrison and Charlotte Merson were declared this year’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer winners in the four categories for men and women under and over 40.

Sam finished seven out of 10 in the over 40 category on his second attempt at the title, this year making the finals after last year missing out.

Reflecting on the day Sam, commercial director at farm animal veterinary practice Synergy Farm Health said: “It went well but was tough!” His wife Lizzie added: “We’re very proud of him.”

Sam Gayton, who works at farm animal veterinary practice Synergy Farm Health. finished seventh in his category.
Sam Gayton, who works at farm animal veterinary practice Synergy Farm Health. finished seventh in his category. (PHOTO: Sam Gayton)

The competition was launched by the Farmer’s Weekly magazine in 2018 as a fun way of sparking a much needed discussion about the physical and mental health of the nation’s farmers, and those in the wider supply chain.

The competition includes a mental health round as well as judging the contestants physical fitness with competitors filling in a questionnaire about how we manage our own mental health and how we would support the industry.

Leading up to the finals Sam spoke about the importance of more open conversations about mental wellbeing. “I think looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health, and the more we talk about this, the stronger and more resilient our farming community will be,” he said.

Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly he called his wife his biggest supporter, and his late father still an inspiration to him. He said: “He gave me my love of farming and showed me the benefits of hard work and perseverance - qualities that I carry with me every day.”