10 hard truths about dating singles knee deep in rural life

Discover the real realities of what to expect when dating a farmer – straight from the horse’s mouth.

The new Muddy Matches dating app is attracting lots more singles who enjoy pulling on a walking boot or welly but whose daily lifestyle features way more concrete than those we typically appeal to. The attraction of farmer dating and finding love in the countryside is stretching well beyond the farm gate and rural communities.

But dating someone knee deep in rural life is not a walk in the park some may think. We asked some of our 100% muddy singles – including farmers, vets, equestrians, agricultural engineers – to reveal the real realities that come with country life.

Here are 10 hard truths you need to know before diving into dating a farmer;

1. The farm always comes first.
Birthday dinner? Romantic weekend away? If a cow’s calving, the weather turns, or a vital piece of machinery breaks down, these will all take precedent. Any best laid plans are cancelled—no discussion. Farming isn’t a job; it’s a way of life.

2. You’ll always be competing for attention with the weather.
Rural singles are obsessed with the weather. Conversations will revolve around it and plans will unexpectedly change because of it. And yes, you are sure to hear the phrase, “It’s too wet/dry/windy/sunny for that” at least three times a day.

3. Early mornings and late nights are not a myth.
Lie-ins? Forget about it. The truth is 4am alarm calls are the norm. Farmers start before sunrise, and “finishing work” isn’t a set time—it’s whenever the job is done.

4. It’s not all cute lambs and hay bales.
Yes, there are adorable baby animals, but there’s also mud, blood, sweat, smells and sights you never knew existed. You’ll see things that town life never really prepared you for—some of them downright messy.

5. Make do and mend is very much a trend.
If you’re used to people showing off their latest must have possession or following tech fads, prepare for a cultural shift. A farmer make take pride and joy in his machinery but make do and mend, fixing things to make them last longer and running repairs on the fly goes without saying. It’s true, the simple things in life are valued a lot more than material items.

6. Mental wellbeing is of genuine concern.
There’s no hiding the fact that mental wellbeing issues are rife in rural communities. Farming can be lonely – for both of you in a relationship. Anyone stepping into this world will need to leave their ego and entitlement at the door. Instead, bring empathy, appreciation, resilience, trust and selflessness to the relationship. And you’ll need to be more than comfortable in your own company.

7. Holidays are a luxury rarely experienced.
Never mind ‘where shall we book this summer?’ More ‘do they even own a passport?’ It is very common for farmers not to have taken a holiday for a good many years, let alone jet off for sun on a whim. The pressures of land and animal management make time off scarce so don’t be anticipating city breaks or winter sun any time soon.

8. Tweed is a luxury, not a need.
Don’t be swayed by all the country fashion house photoshoots you see on social media. They may be all the rage for urbanites wanting to dress the part, but designer wellies, furr lined capes, and matching two-piece tweeds are few and far between in reality. Country fashion is practical first, stylish second; day-to-day it’s well worn wellies, hosed down waterproofs, and layers – because mud and manure do not best mix with designer clobber.

9. Social life is different—but brilliant.
Forget fancy restaurants and wine bars; the local pub, a county show or a weekend farmers market or cattle market are the height of entertainment. Old fashioned fun is a focus with traditional, nostalgic events still a big draw too. And don’t be shocked when half the pub knows your business well before you do – especially when you win the meat raffle.

10. You fully embrace every inch of it or you don’t—there’s no in-between.
You can’t just dip a toe into farm life; you’re either all in and open-minded about it all or you’ll find it a real struggle. Rural life is unpredictable, uncompromising, spontaneous, relentless, and demanding—but if you can handle it, you’ll gain a loyal, hardworking partner and a lifestyle like no other.

Bottom line? If you don’t mind a bit of mud, are happy to get your hands dirty, can show a spot of resilience, and can laugh when things go wrong, you’ll fit in just fine.