Staffordshire’s Emily Meakin named Britain’s Fittest Farmer after competing at Diddly Squat Farm and HYROX World Elite 15
Staffordshire farmer Emily Meakin has been crowned Britain’s Fittest Farmer Under 40, after battling it out in a series of gruelling strength and endurance events at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm. From flipping tractor tyres and pulling a VW truck to keg tossing with barrels from Hawkstone Brewery, Emily proved she could hold her own among the UK’s toughest young farmers — all while running a diversified events business and milking 300 dairy cows back home at Far Coley Farm.
Emily qualified for the final at the Great Yorkshire Show in June, impressing judges from Farmers Weekly, who run the national competition to celebrate fitness and mental resilience in the agricultural world.
The win came just weeks after she returned from Hamburg, Germany, where she competed in the HYROX Elite 15 — a global fitness race series for the top 15 ranked athletes in the world. Emily had to earn her place through qualifying performances earlier in the season, before representing the UK in an intense race format combining endurance running with strength-based challenges like sled pushes, burpee broad jumps, and wall balls.
Back in Staffordshire, Emily is the driving force behind Far Coley Farm — which she has transformed into a thriving rural venue. This summer saw a hugely successful wedding season, alongside corporate retreats, wellness weekends, and a growing accommodation offering. The farm also runs seasonal experiences like Christmas tree sales, with bookings already underway for 2025 events.
Emily said: “It’s a bit mad really — going from early-morning milking to elite international competitions. But I love farming, fitness, and creating unforgettable experiences here at the farm. This is just the beginning.”
