Women in farming reported lower average mental well-being scores than the national population in every age group, according to new research.
The new report published by the University of Exeter's Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) and The Farming Community Network (FCN) follows a survey conducted in Summer 2025 which saw more than 2,000 responses from women, aged from 18 to 95 years old, involved in farming in England and Wales.
Many women reported having multiple roles on the farm, but 29% said the role they identified with most was being a farmer – either full-time (19%) or part-time (10%) – and 28% said being a spouse or partner of a farmer.
In every age group, women in farming reported lower average mental well-being scores than the national population. Thirty-six per cent of all respondents had scores indicative of low well-being while only 4% had scores indicative of high well-being.
‘Isolation and loneliness', ‘work-life balance/workload', and ‘relations with others' were found to be particularly significant stressors associated with poorer wellbeing.
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Dr Rebecca Wheeler, project lead and senior research fellow at the CRPR, said:
"This research is the first of its kind to focus specifically on the experiences of women in farming and many women told us they appreciated the opportunity to have their voices heard.
"The survey has provided valuable evidence about health and wellbeing among this under-researched population, including new insights into how loneliness, wellbeing and various aspects of farming life are interconnected for women involved in agriculture.
"We will be exploring these findings in more depth during the next stages of the research and are grateful to all the women who are taking part.
"Their contributions will help shape recommendations for future support that is tailored and targeted to their needs."
However, the research also found that women who felt valued and supported on the farm reported better outcomes.
Women in farming who feel valued and supported and are involved in decision-making on the farm report higher mental well-being and lower levels of loneliness, according to the research.
Those who felt valued and supported, had decision-making abilities, who were satisfied with their social connections and who were more satisfied with their balance between farm and non-farm work, reported higher mental wellbeing, lower levels of loneliness and lower perceived stress.
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Decision-making
The majority (61%) of respondents had decision-making responsibility on the farm, either alone or with someone else.
Many (39%) of the remaining respondents – who were excluded from decision-making – were dissatisfied and wanted more responsibility.
The researchers found that having little or no say in decision-making on the farm is associated with higher levels of loneliness.
Linda Jones, national manager (Wales) at FCN, said:
"It is cause for concern that many women in farming experience poor sleep quality, often feel lonely, and suffer with high levels of stress and anxiety compared to the general population.
"Through our recent FarmWell community events, FCN has been working hard to bring farming communities across England and Wales together, helping to address issues of loneliness and isolation in our farming community."
Over the next few months, the research team will be conducting one-to-one interviews with women in farming, and they are currently seeking additional participants from women in Wales.
To register interest in taking part, email the research team at: [email protected].
