Farmers’ Mental Wellbeing Declines: An Urgent Wake-Up Call

As dawn breaks over the rolling fields of rural England, the silence conveys the weight of solitude. For John, a 62-year-old farmer from Lincolnshire, this solitude has transformed from comforting to crushing. He recalls a recent harvest season, marked not only by physical labor but by an impending sense of dread. “I used to feel a sense of purpose,” he reflects, “but now, I wake up every day feeling like I’m just enduring.” John’s experience echoes findings from the latest research published by the Farm Safety Foundation, which reveals a troubling decline in the overall wellbeing of farmers—a demographic historically characterized by resilience.

Farmers’ Wellbeing in Decline

The Farm Safety Foundation’s research shows that the mental wellbeing of farmers, particularly those aged 61 and over, has deteriorated significantly, now lagging behind that of the UK general population. Utilizing the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), the survey encompassing 765 farmers across the UK revealed that those over 40 have reached a four-year low in mental health metrics. The sharpest decline has been recorded in the 61+ age group, once lauded for their enduring fortitude in the face of agricultural challenges.

Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, emphasizes this disturbing trend: “While we’ve made strides in raising awareness about mental health in farming, suicide prevention remains a glaring gap. There’s a dangerous disconnect between understanding mental health and taking actionable steps to prevent suicide,” she states. This disconnect is underscored by the latest Office for National Statistics data, which recorded 47 suicides among agricultural workers in England and Wales in 2024—a 7% increase from the previous year.

The Harsh Realities of Farming Life

Farming is often romanticized, yet the reality is stark. Long hours, social isolation, financial pressures, and the weight of generational expectations create a perfect storm for mental health challenges. Many in the industry continue to soldier on, fortified by a “just get on with it” mindset. However, this mentality can lead individuals like John to suffer in silence, a loneliness that amplifies the inner turmoil.

• Long working hours with little respite
• Isolation from social support systems
• Financial strain exacerbated by market volatility
• Generational pressures to maintain family legacies
• A cultural stigma surrounding mental health discussions

A Focus on Suicide Awareness

Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, the Farm Safety Foundation is launching its ninth annual “Mind Your Head” campaign from February 9 to 13, 2026. This initiative aims to elevate suicide awareness and prevention efforts within the agricultural community. The campaign will comprise outreach to farmers, educational institutions, and rural organizations, encouraging open discussions about mental health and arming individuals with tools to identify signs of suicidal ideation.

During the campaign, a new Suicide Awareness & Prevention eLearning module will be launched, developed in collaboration with Baton of Hope and funded through The Royal Foundation’s suicide prevention program. This innovative course aims to equip farmers and community leaders with skills to recognize warning signs, employ supportive language, and establish safety plans. “Education is key,” affirms Dr. Emily Harris, a leading researcher on rural mental health. “Understanding the complexities of mental wellbeing in farming can empower communities to make a significant difference.”

Collaboration for Change

The growing movement for suicide prevention within the farming sector has begun to gain traction, highlighted by initiatives from various charities. Scottish charity RSABI recently appointed its first Suicide Prevention Lead, while Rural Support in Northern Ireland is also reinforcing its commitment by recruiting a dedicated officer. Discussions surrounding these pressing issues have even reached the royal family; a roundtable of farming support charities was attended by HRH The Prince of Wales, underscoring the widespread concern over mental health in agriculture.

“This collaborative effort shows the potential for change,” notes Karen Hodgson, associate director at The Royal Foundation. “The dialogue surrounding mental health in rural communities must evolve, incorporating strategies that resonate deeply with those experiencing these challenges.”

A Community-Driven Approach

As the “Mind Your Head” campaign gears up for its launch, Berkeley urges the farming community to take ownership of their mental health: “Farming is tough, and it’s crucial we dismantle the stigma that prevents people from seeking help. Education and open conversation can save lives.”

In an industry where tradition often dictates norms, the shift towards mental health advocacy can seem monumental. Yet, as John gazes across his fields, he is hopeful. “If we start talking, maybe we can change things,” he muses, embodying the spirit of resilience that remains at the heart of British agriculture. This collective effort—rooted in empathy and understanding—could ultimately transform the formidable landscape of farming, helping to nurture not just crops, but the mental wellbeing of those who cultivate them.

Source: www.southwestfarmer.co.uk