Mental Health News

Spiralling production costs, unfairness in the supply chain, and a rise in rural crime have been identified as some of the main factors contributing to poor mental health in farming in a recent survey conducted by the NFU.

Building on evidence gained via RABI’s recent Big Farming Survey, the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has put forward urgent recommendations in its inquiry into poor mental health in rural communities, a move welcomed by the farming charity.

Hereford farmers Sam and Emily Stables have been given an award for their efforts to break the stigma of mental health issues and loneliness in the farming community.

A new study funded by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI) has linked financial worries, long working hours and loneliness with “concerning” levels of anxiety among farming women, with younger generations being the most severely affected.

Graham Miles, rural and agricultural chaplain for Suffolk, told Farmers Guide he receives calls from farmers all over the UK who are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Returning this year following the pandemic, the Lincolnshire Farming Conference welcomed hundreds of farmers from across the industry to discuss topics around soil health and mental well-being in farming.

Emma Ledbury, who lost half of her dairy herd to TB last year, was overwhelmed by support from Clarkson’s Farm fans and resolved to donate some of the funds to the mental health charity RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution).

With farming businesses under more pressure than ever, rural charities are reporting a rise in the number of farmers seeking support. But there is still a reluctance among many to ask for help. Farmers Guide caught up with RABI’s director of services Caron Whaley…

As part of the 6th annual Mind Your Head campaign, intended to raise awareness of deteriorating mental health in the agriculture sector, Farmers Guide spoke with two mental health charities about how pressures like avian flu and price increases have affected farmer well-being.

Farming has always been a challenging career path, but Lancashire livestock farmer Damian Barson started his farming journey at the age of 50, in May 2021. Like the rest of the farming community, he was set to face a barrage of difficulties due to the financial crisis and Ukraine war – as well as the death of his father. We spoke to Damian during Mind Your Head Week to find out more about his story…

As the sixth Mind Your Head Week begins, the parents of young Warwickshire farmer Leonard Eadon, who died by suicide last year, have joined a campaign to call for greater action to support mental health in farming.

Northumberland agronomist Chris McClymont took on the Montane Spine Race this month, so far raising £2,000 for the Farming Community Network (FCN).