Agriculture | Talk Farm | S1 E8 | Mental health in farming: how did we get here?

Mental health in farming has always been a problem, but it’s only in recent years that this has become prominent in the national conversation.Only 55% of farmers feel positive about their mental health, according to a survey conducted by Farmers Weekly.95% of UK farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden problems facing farmers today, according to a 2024 study by the Farm Safety Foundation.According to the Office for National Statistics, 62 farmers died by suicide in England and Wales in 2023.For the final episode in series one of Talk Farm, host Rory Hutchings sits down with Malcolm Thomas, trustee and former Chairman of the National Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).Malcolm’s long and celebrated career has been dedicated to driving positive change in the agricultural sector, from his close involvement with RABI and his lifetime membership of the Young Farmers’ Club movement to leadership roles in the National Farmers Union. Malcolm has deservedly been awarded an MBE for services to agriculture in Wales.In this conversation, one-time colleagues and long-term friends Malcolm and Rory discuss the factors driving poor mental health in the farming community, from unpredictable weather and livestock disease to lack of public support and loneliness.As the government moves ahead with its plans to make significant cuts to Agricultural Relief and Business Property Relief, the challenge for farmers and landowners is becoming more acute.Malcolm shares his perspective on how we can support those who are struggling, starting with improved agricultural education for the country more broadly and progressing to provide clear support paths for individuals who find themselves in trouble.Resources for those in need:RABI offer a number of supports to those struggling with their mental health, including ‘Click & Chat,’ their online mental wellbeing service and connecting those in need with counselling support.The DPJ Foundation provide a 24/7 confidential counselling referral service for members of the agricultural community.In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, Partners in HCR Law’s Agriculture and Estates team. Learn more about our services for agricultural professionals.