Deputy president David Exwood is urging farmers to prioritise their mental wellbeing
Farming is more than just a job – it's a way of life. But while it's a way of life that can be very rewarding, it also comes with relentless pressures. From volatile markets and extreme weather to rising input costs, the demands on farmers are unrelenting. Add to that the uncertainty over inheritance tax, with recent changes announced by the Chancellor, it's no wonder that stress, anxiety and exhaustion are all too common.
This week is the charity Yellow Wellies' Mind Your Head Week, a crucial reminder that mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Yet, in farming, we often don't realise how stressed we are. The pressure builds gradually, and before we know it, stress becomes the norm. In 2024, nearly a quarter of farmers surveyed by the NFU said their mental health had changed in the past year, while in 2023 research from the Farm Safety Foundation (FSN) revealed that almost every young farmer – 94% – believes poor mental health is one of the biggest hidden problems in the sector.
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It's clear that mental health in farming is a growing concern, and the public recognises it too: a 2024 survey by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) found overwhelming public support for farmers' well-being, with 90% of people believing food should not be produced at the expense of farmer's mental health.
That's why we must make a conscious effort to look after ourselves.
Mental health
One of the most effective but arguably challenging ways to manage stress is to step away. While the pressures of farm work make this difficult, taking time off the farm, going for a walk, grabbing a coffee with a friend or a few moments to pause can make a real difference. The simple message of 'Take Five to Stay Alive' is something we can all benefit from – whether that's five minutes of fresh air, five minutes to check in with a mate, or five minutes to plan a break.
In these incredibly difficult times, it's also vital we support each other. On one hand, farming can be isolating but we also have access to a great community and a network of people who really understand. Checking in with friends, colleagues and family members, even in the smallest of ways, can be a lifeline for both the giver and the receiver. Mental health affects everyone and talking about it can be life-changing.
It's important to remember, the stress in farming doesn't always come from a single moment of crisis – it can build over time. The long hours, the worry and the responsibility never switch off. But just as we prioritise keeping ourselves safe on the farm, we must also make protecting our mental health a priority.
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In moments of doubt, it's important to remember just how much the public values what we do. Nine in 10 people believe farming is vital to the UK economy and that it's essential Britain has a productive farming sector. The work we do and the food we produce really matters.
So, this Mind Your Head Week, let's make sure we're looking out for ourselves and each other. Farming is tough, but no one should struggle alone. A simple chat, a small break, or reaching out for support can make all the difference. Let's look out for one another – and mind our heads.
Yellow Wellies has produced a booklet regarding how you can Mind Your Head which is available to download here.
