Two thirds of Young Farmers admit good physical health, but mentally ‘about average’

The study, which drew on contributions from 20 farming charities, rural organisations and support groups, revealed stoic attitudes made it more likely for people living and working in rural communities to deny health problems.

It also meant older farmers often worked well beyond the traditional retirement age.

Group chairman Gordon Gatward said: “Our industry has enormous challenges to face up to over the next five years.

Support

“Ensuring effective support is there to help those of all ages, in all sectors and throughout the country to cope with the pressures of change is absolutely vital.”

The report also found succession planning and the pressure to retain the farm within the family often put extra stress on farmers to continue, while social and physical isolation meant people were reluctant to seek help.

But increasing openness about mental health and wellbeing in agriculture provided an opportunity for local support groups – which were being called on ‘more than ever before’ – to develop new tools and approaches to the help they offer.

WCF former master Philip Wynn said a national initiative to promote wellbeing among farmers and their communities would reduce the stigma of asking for help and ’encourage more farmers to access support sooner rather than later’.