Farming

Stars of stage and screen rally behind farmers in mental health awareness drive

Published

12 months ago

February 12, 2024

IN A REMARKABLE showing of solidarity, luminaries from the realms of television and theatre have thrown their support behind a crucial campaign aimed at addressing what has been dubbed the “biggest hidden problem” plaguing the UK’s farming community today: mental health challenges.

A striking study by the Farm Safety Foundation, also known as Yellow Wellies, has unveiled that an overwhelming 95% of UK farmers under the age of 40 identify poor mental health as a significant, yet often overlooked, crisis within the sector. The findings have shone a spotlight on the intense pressures and long hours that those in the agricultural industry face, which are taking a toll on their mental wellbeing.

The issue of suicide within this community is particularly alarming, with the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics indicating that 36 suicides were registered in England and Wales among farming and agricultural workers in 2021. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need for support and intervention.

In an unprecedented move, BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson and actor-turned-farmer Kelvin Fletcher have joined forces with the campaign, bringing attention to the mental health plight of farmers. Their involvement signifies the growing recognition of this issue and the collective effort required to tackle it.

Adding to this, the premiere of the award-winning short film ‘WAKE’, starring notable talents such as Alison Steadman OBE of ‘Gavin and Stacey’ and Mark Frost of ‘Poldark’, is set to take place on launch day. The film aims to foster a deeper understanding of the mental health challenges faced by the farming community, through its poignant exploration of a family dealing with the aftermath of suicide.

The backdrop to this crisis includes the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns impacting the UK, from flooding to droughts, which have added another layer of stress for those whose livelihoods depend on the land. These natural challenges, coupled with the personal and professional strains faced by farmers, paint a troubling picture of the state of mental health within the industry.

Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, emphasized the evolution of the Mind Your Head campaign, initiated amidst concerns over Brexit and its implications for the farming sector. Now in its seventh year, the campaign has achieved notable recognition, with 67% of UK farmers aware of its message and the importance of mental health continuing to gain prominence.

The campaign not only aims to raise awareness but also to break down the stigma associated with poor mental health in farming, encouraging a dialogue and the sharing of resources and support systems. It highlights the resilience and determination of the UK’s farmers, who are increasingly seeking ways to support their mental wellbeing and that of their peers.

This collective effort, underscored by the involvement of figures such as Henson, Fletcher, and Steadman, alongside the impactful narrative of ‘WAKE’, represents a significant step forward in bringing the hidden issue of mental health in farming into the light, fostering a community of support, awareness, and action.

For more information on the Mind Your Head campaign and resources for mental health support in the farming community, visit www.yellowwellies.org or follow the campaign on social media with the hashtag #MindYourHead.

Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

Published

12 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found not guilty of breaching a restraining order after being accused of referencing a protected individual in a Facebook post.

Philip Stoddart, 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 20) to face the charge. The prosecution, led by Ann Griffiths on behalf of the crown, alleged that between December 4 and December 13, 2023, Stoddart made a Facebook post that, by inference, referred to a person he was prohibited from contacting under a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on April 16, 2021.

The restraining order, issued under Section 360 of the Sentencing Act 2020, barred Stoddart from making any form of contact with her.

Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post constituted a breach of the order, contrary to Section 363 of the same act.

Stoddart denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea during a prior hearing on October 1, 2024.

Magistrates Professor N. Negus, Mr. J. Steadman, and Mrs. J. Morris presided over the trial, which concluded on Monday.

After reviewing the evidence, the bench found Stoddart not guilty, dismissing the case.

The dismissal brings to a close legal proceedings that had been ongoing for over a year.

Farming

Get up to £5,000 for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

15 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FARMERS in Wales are being called to apply for the next round of funding for on-farm trials.

The Farming Connect initiative, which has funded projects such as growing lucerne in Brecon, is inviting applications for the Try Out Fund.

The new application window opens on January 27, 2025, and will run until February 17.

Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund trials that experiment with new ideas on their farms.

The last round of funding supported several projects, including integrated pest management at a pick-your-own strawberry enterprise.

Menna Williams, the Farming Connect project lead, said: “Farming Connect has developed the Try Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment.”

She added: “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.”

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

Ms Williams said: “Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100 per cent effort right from the start.”

Projects should focus on enhancing production efficiencies and profitability while ensuring environmental protection through adherence to sustainable land management principles.

A guidance handbook is accessible on the Farming Connect website, providing support for farmers in outlining their projects and completing the application process.

To apply, individuals must be registered with Farming Connect and capable of finishing their projects by January 2026.

Ms Williams explained: “Funding can be used for technical assistance, sampling, testing and other reasonable expenses such as those relating to short-term hire of specialist equipment or facilities directly relating to the project.”

The findings will be shared with other producers in Wales by collaborating with a Farming Connect team member.

Interested parties can apply on the Farming Connect website.

To receive the link or get further information, contact [email protected].

Farming

Funding window to re-open for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

15 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WITH Farming Connect-funded trials ranging from growing lucerne in Brecon to establishing sunflowers as a companion crop with maize, farmers are being invited to apply for the next round of funding from the initiative that brought these projects to life.

The new application window for the Try Out Fund opens on 27January2025 and will run until 17 February. Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund on-farm trials that experiment with new ideas. The last round of funding saw farmers supported for several projects including integrated pest management at pick your own strawberry enterprise.

Project lead Menna Williams of Farming Connect said the aim is for farmers to compare different treatments or management systems – the project is not intended to fund new equipment she stressed.

“Farming Connect has developed the Try-Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment,’’ she said. “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.’’

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

“Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100% effort right from the start,’’ said Ms Williams.

Suitable projects must aim to improve production efficiencies and profitability whilst protecting the environment by aligning with sustainable land management outcomes. A guidance handbook is available on the Farming Connect website to help farmers scope their project and complete the application form.

Applicants must be registered with Farming Connect and be able to complete their projects by January 2026.