Farming is a rewarding but demanding profession, with long hours, financial uncertainty and ever-changing challenges.
It is therefore no surprise that almost a quarter of farmers say their mental health has changed in recent years, according to a 2024 NFU survey.
With so much uncertainty at the moment, this has never been truer.聽
Nearly all young farmers are particularly aware of the challenge, with as one of the most significant hidden issues in agriculture.
鈥�Mind Your Head week is an important reminder to stop and look out for ourselves and each other.鈥�
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
At the same time, public support for farming is stronger than ever.
The NFU鈥檚 2024 Farmer Favourability survey found that farming is one of the public鈥檚 most favoured and valued professions.
also revealed that the public overwhelmingly agrees farmers shouldn鈥檛 have to sacrifice their mental health to produce food and look after the environment.
Talking can make all the difference
皇家华人is encouraging its members to take a step back where possible and check in with those around them, with a number of charities such as the (Farming Community Network) or providing confidential advice and services tailored to those working in agriculture.
For this year鈥檚 Mind Your Head week, NFU Deputy President David Exwood emphasised the importance of reaching out: 鈥淔armers are incredibly resilient, but that doesn鈥檛 mean we should have to face these challenges alone.
鈥淲e know how isolating this job can be, and we also know how important it is to talk.
鈥淔arming is an incredibly rewarding way of life 鈥� we produce food for the nation, care for the countryside and work in a sector built on community and shared experience.
鈥淢ind Your Head week is an important reminder to stop and look out for ourselves and each other.
鈥淭aking a short break, checking in with a friend or simply talking to someone can make all the difference.鈥�
Our health and safety team has put together a list of available organisations that can support you, both nationally and locally. Visit our wellbeing page to find support in your area.
