It is the first time Bridgewater has taken part and local trainer Claire Harrison plans to send three teams.

"They started the games last year, which we couldn't get to," she said. "But we've got about 15 people heading up to Temora and competing against other farmers and communities at an obstacle course with a farming theme."

The games comes from the Local Active Farmers program that encourages group fitness in rural communities as a way to improve mental and physical health.

Ms Harrison said the not-for-profit program had been very popular in Bridgewater.

"It started in New South and has expanded across country to 30 or 40 communities," she said. "Bridgewater was the first community in Victoria. The only other one is Wando Vale near Casterton.

"We were already running group fitness out here but now we have people from Inglewood, Serpentine, Campbells Forest and Lockwood -it's not just Bridgewater locals."

The group will ramp up its training before their trip to Temora with some members coming to chat with other farmers rather than compete.

"I know one of husbands is coming just because there is a group of West Australian broadacre farmers," Ms Harrison said. "He wants to come and network with other farmers.

"The social aspect is so important. If you don't play footy or netball (in a small town) you can lose connection."

More than 50 teams from across Australia will complete in Temora on March 14 at the 2.5km, farm inspired obstacle course.

This year's event will have a timed heat and an untimed heat, as well as a kids course for the under-14s, which Bridgewater will enter.

Ms Harrison said Local Active Farmers is open to all ages and abilities.

"We wish it would grow across Victoria a bit more," she said. "NSW picked it up and WA is expanding.

"It's a great thing to do in any community as long as you've got an oval and someone keen to do it."

The Active Farmers Games is on March 14 in Temora, NSW. For more visit www.activefarmers.com.au