Farming is often described as one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, building something that can last for generations brings real pride and purpose. But for many farmers, it can also be lonely, pressurised and mentally exhausting.

Once stigmatised and rarely addressed, mental health in farming is discussed now more than ever thanks in part to campaigns that raise awareness of the issue. Nuffield scholar Chris Manley and FCN ambassador farmer Charles Anyan discuss their involvement in such campaigns. 

Agriculture can be a solitary environment, and when compounded by the stress of constant uncertainty, it’s not surprising that mental health can fall by the wayside.

In this Farming Focus™ series opener, podcast host Peter Green explores the potential of a mentor and asks if mentoring someone else can be equally beneficial. He’s joined by TwoCan Mentor founder Helen Wyman and Dorset dairy farmer George Holmes to find out more.

In this episode of Farming Focus™, podcast host Peter Green was joined by Graham Eggins and Chris Berry who farm in very different parts of the South West. While the challenges faced by both vary, their approach to change and mindset share many similarities. 

A succession of traumas led farmer Eddie Rixon to transform his life and farm in ways he would never have considered previously. Discover the importance of embracing nature, shifting your mindset and seeking support. 

Personal resilience is the art of holding your shape and bouncing back, according to change expert Heather Wildman, speaking on the second episode of Farming Focus, Cornish Mutual’s podcast for South West farmers.

Since starting in the industry 40 years ago, Dorset farmer George Holmes has seen the number of dairy farmers drop dramatically. In research for his MBA, George is investigating the impact of poor mental health in UK dairy farmers and whether it contributes to farmers leaving the industry.

Ellie Sturrock believes talking more is vital for improving mental health in the farming community. As both an accredited talking therapies practitioner and a Dorset sheep farmer, Ellie has a unique understanding of mental wellbeing among those in agriculture, gained from over 25 years working in mental health care.

Somerset-based Nuffield Scholar Chris Manley launched the #walkwithme campaign to improve wellbeing through walking and to encourage more open conversations around mental health.

Stephen Dennis, South West Regional Lead for the Farming Community Network (FCN), explains how the services they provide to the farming community have changed during the pandemic.

Simon Coombs is a registered counsellor offering digital services to his clients. He tells us how this form of counselling particularly appeals to the farming community.

Cornish Mutual Field Insurance Advisor Trudy Herniman is passionate about positive mental health and wellbeing, after losing her mother to suicide. We talk to Trudy about a group in Somerset visiting agricultural shows and markets to provide a space to talk.

With poor mental health causing concern in the farming industry, Alison Baker of Somerset Mind outlines the importance of offering mental health awareness training in the workplace.

Exhaustion among farm workers is sometimes inevitable, especially during busy times, such as lambing and harvesting, which often involve long hours and broken nights’ sleep. Fatigue makes it difficult to concentrate and can result in poor decision-making.  So, what can farmers do to reduce the impact of tiredness on safety?

Take responsibility for your development because no-one owes you an education, says Ian Tremain, owner of Anode Feeds. Ian’s commitment to his own personal development is reflected in his successful business career.

In a Farming Focus™ episode full of inspiration for farmers and other business owners alike, Pasture for Life’s Nikki Yoxall and Cornish dairy farmer Andrew Brewer joined podcast host Peter Green to reveal how they find balance in their farming lives.

First generation farmers and entrepreneurs Richard and Fionagh Harding are no strangers to change, having experienced plenty of it in the 17 years since buying their farm in Cornwall. We ask Richard for his advice for farmers facing uncertainty and change.

Farmers are used to change, but the current levels of uncertainty and potential change ahead is unprecedented, says Stephen Dennis, South West Regional Lead for the Farming Community Network (FCN). He shares his thoughts on how farmers can increase their capacity to cope with change.