13/05/2026
Alarming mental health statistics in farming... ๐
A recent Farm Safety Foundation survey of 750 farmers, showed that 91% rank poor mental health as an issue.
RABIโs Big Farming Survey conducted in 2021 revealed that 36% of farmers in the UK are probably or possibly depressed, while 47% are constantly struggling with anxiety.
Of the 15,000 respondents involved in the survey, only 8% of women and 12% of men reported having good mental well-being.
There were 36 suicides recorded in England and Wales among those working in the farming and agricultural industry in 2021.
As more modern studies will be released, we know that these statistics are going to get worse.
This can't go on. Mental health challenges are more common in farming due to the long hours, lone working, anxiety about money & the weather, inadequate rest, government changes and much more.
Talking about our mental health is still deemed as taboo in our industry, but it is improving, and the awareness is spreading. Our industry will only survive if we have amazing people who work hard and are here to enjoy it.
This week is Mental Health Awareness week, but let's not stop there. Let's end the stigma and support each other. ๐