Author: Lindsay Ewer, Support Manager
[Blog updated on 4 February 2025]
Trigger Warning: this blog mentions suicide.
At Mates in Mind, our journey began within the construction industry, where we witnessed firsthand the significant mental health challenges faced by workers. Over time, it became clear that these challenges are not confined to one sector. When we spoke with colleagues in farming and agriculture, the similarities were undeniable.
The farming community, much like construction, faces a unique set of pressures - long hours, isolation, and a deep connection to the success of their work. Tragically, these pressures can have devastating consequences. In 2022, there were 44 suicides registered in England & Wales among the farming and agricultural industry [1].
Recognising these challenges, we felt compelled to share our resources and collaborate with those involved. By extending our support to those in the farming and agriculture sector, we hope to bring greater attention to mental wellbeing in this community, provide meaningful assistance, and be part of creating a culture, where asking for help is not just encouraged but celebrated.
Why this is important
Farming is at the heart of the UK. The work farmers do goes far beyond simply keeping supermarket shelves stocked or ensuring restaurants have what they need to serve delicious meals. Farmers provide for families, sustain communities, and are the backbone of our countryside.
The dedication and resilience of farmers are what make so much of life possible - whether it’s the fresh produce we enjoy at home, the meals shared with loved ones, or the fields and landscapes that define our nation. But behind this vital work are individuals - people who pour their energy, skill, and heart into a profession that is as demanding as it is essential.
There are over 216,000 farms across the UK, each with its own story and its own challenges. For many in this community, farming isn’t just a job - it’s a way of life. It can be rewarding, but it can also be isolating and stressful, with pressures that are unique to the industry.
At Mates in Mind, we don’t just see farmers for the work they do; we see them as people who matter deeply. That’s why we’re committed to supporting their wellbeing, ensuring they know they’re not alone and that help is always available when it’s needed.
What are the issues?
Farming is an incredibly rewarding profession, but it comes with challenges that can take a toll on the wellbeing of farmers. Many factors contribute to the stress farmers face on a daily basis, including:
- Poor life/work balance: The demands of farming often blur the line between work and personal life, leaving little time for rest or leisure.
- Financial instability: The unpredictability of crop yields, fluctuating market prices, and rising costs can create constant financial pressure.
- Epidemics and disease outbreaks: Disease can devastate livestock or crops, leading to financial loss and emotional strain.
- Isolation: Rural living and long working hours can leave farmers feeling isolated, with limited access to social support.
- Inheritance Tax: The recent suggestion of new inheritance tax policies has left many farmers worried about the long-term sustainability of their businesses, especially when it comes to passing on family farms.
- Higher risk of physical injury: The physically demanding nature of the work puts farmers at higher risk for injury or long-term physical health issues.
- Unpredictability: The uncertainty of weather conditions, market changes, and global events make farming inherently unpredictable.
- Regulatory compliance: Constantly evolving regulations in areas like health and safety, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare can be overwhelming to navigate.
It’s essential to understand the realities farmers face so that we can put appropriate support systems in place with their specific needs in mind. By acknowledging the pressures, they encounter daily, we can ensure they feel supported and are equipped to thrive in work.
What are the barriers
Despite the challenges they face, many farmers encounter significant barriers to accessing wellbeing support. A strong sense of pride and self-reliance, deeply rooted in farming culture, often leads individuals to believe they must face their struggles alone. This mindset can make it difficult to open up about feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression.
Practical challenges also play a major role. The isolated nature of rural communities often means limited access to mental health services, with the nearest support potentially miles away. For farmers, whose days are dictated by the needs of their land and livestock, finding time to seek help can feel impossible.
On top of this, the stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant obstacle. Many worry that asking for help might be seen as a sign of weakness or failure - an attitude that can prevent them from reaching out when they need it most.
To further understand the stressors, pressures and barriers that exist within the farming and agriculture sector, you can access our free resources using the following link:
Strengthening Resilience in Farming & Agriculture
What are ‘accidental counsellors’?
In the farming community, agronomists, land agents, and other professionals that visit the farms frequently find themselves in an unexpected but essential role. During their visits, they naturally become ‘accidental counsellors’, offering a listening ear as farmers open up about their challenges and struggles.
These conversations can provide critical support to farmers, but they also come with challenges for those on the receiving end. Without formal training, accidental counsellors may find themselves unprepared to navigate sensitive topics, which can leave them feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how best to help.
Recognising this dynamic is a crucial step towards addressing it. Raising awareness about the role accidental counsellors play isn’t about discouraging farmers from sharing their feelings - it’s about equipping those in these positions with the confidence and tools to handle these conversations effectively. By providing the accidental counsellors with the support they need, we can ensure they can continue to play this vital role without compromising their own mental wellbeing.
The AgriWellbeing Alliance
The AgriWellbeing Alliance was launched at LAMMA 2025 and is a newly formed coalition initially pulled together by the Crown Estate, Mates in Mind, National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), Agrii, IOSH Rural Industries Group, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), and Farming Community Network (FCN).
Our vision is to work towards a farming sector where mental health and wellbeing are prioritised, supported, and openly discussed. This will include increasing resources and signposting to what is already available for those who visit farms and become “accidental counsellors,” as well as for the farmers and their families.
If you are interested in the work that the AgriWellbeing Alliance will be doing in the sector, please do register your interest using the following link:
Strengthening Resilience in Farming & Agriculture
Mind Your Head Campaign
Yellow Wellies, a vital founding member of the AgriWellbeing Alliance, has been at the forefront of promoting mental health awareness in the farming community with their impactful Mind Your Head campaign. This week-long initiative, running from 10 - 14 February 2025, is dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental health and provides essential tools to those who may be struggling in silence. We greatly admire Yellow Wellies' commitment to tackling the mental health crisis within agriculture and we encourage everyone to check out the Mind Your Head campaign at yellowwellies.org to see how they are supporting families and individuals throughout this crucial week and beyond.
To mark this week, and as part of our commitment to the AgriWellbeing Alliance, we have created free resources (including a toolbox talk, infographic and poster) which you can download from this page:
Strengthening Resilience in Farming & Agriculture
Call to Action
If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s important to remember that help is always available. There are many charities and helplines offering confidential support tailored to the farming community.
- Farming Community Network (FCN): Call 03000 111 999 or visit fcn.org.uk.
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
- RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution): Call 0800 188 4444 or visit rabi.org.uk.
- RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution): Call 0808 1234 555 or visit rsabi.org.uk
- YANA (You Are Not Alone): Call 0300 323 0400 or visit yanahelp.org.
- The DPJ Foundation: Call 0800 587 4262 / text 07860 048799 or visit thedpjfoundation.co.uk
- Shout x Hawkstone: Text ‘Hawkstone’ to 85258
Conclusion
In this blog we have looked at how to strengthen resilience in the farming and agriculture sector. In our next blog we will look at how to support the mental wellbeing of your neurodivergent team.
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Blog Author: Lindsay Ewer, Support Manager
References
[1] Suicide by occupation in England and Wales: 2020 to 2022 - Office for National Statistics