Mental health is the ‘biggest hidden problem' for farmers today, according to a new survey of 750 farmers led by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies).
9 out of 10 respondents agreed, with the charity highlighting the challenges the industry faced in 2024 and the continued pressure the industry is under.
Traditional farm stressors, coupled with the impact of measures announced in the Autumn budget, are leading to increased levels of stress and uncertainty in the farming community.
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On average, farmers worked longer hours in 2024 than they did in 2023, with UK farmers working an average of 60 hours a week with an alarming 44% of those aged between 41 and 60 years working more than 81 hours a week.
1 in 3 farmers who work more than 9 hours a day admit to having had an accident or a near miss in the past 12 months demonstrating the link between long hours and working safely.
When mental wellbeing is factored in, the evidence revealed that farmers with lower mental wellbeing scores were significantly more likely to admit to working unsafely and risk-taking.
Mental health
This week (February 10-14 2025), the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) will be running its eighth annual Mind Your Head campaign, to raise awareness and break down the stigma attached to poor mental health.
Prince William also visited young farmers from the Angus area during a roundtable in Carnoustie. During his visit, the prince met with five members of local young farmers clubs and SAYFC National Chair Ally Brunton at the roundtable hosted by Farm Safety Foundation manager Stephanie Berkeley.
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Ms Berkeley said it was an ‘absolute honour' to have Prince William join them.
"This week we will release two new hero films, our traditional launch day hero film and a second one – on Valentine's Day - featuring some very familiar farming faces which will hopefully end the campaign on a positive note. After all, positivity is something I think we could all do with a bit more of at this time."
For more information on the Mind Your Head campaign please visit www.yellowwellies.org or follow them on social media - @yellowwelliesUK on Facebook, Instagram and X using the hashtag #MindYourHead.
Where to get help
RABI: 0800 188 4444
FCN: 03000 111 999
RSABI: 0300 111 4166
Addington Fund: 01926 620 135
Samaritans: 116 123
You Are Not Alone: 0300 323 0400
