Farmers face more challenges than ever before, says charity at Herts Cereals Event
The event is an opportunity for farmers to learn about new agricultural techniques, see new machinery, and hear from charities supporting them
Hertfordshire is, this year, hosting the annual Cereals Event, showcasing a range of businesses and projects.
From brand new shiny machinery, to crop sustainability, visitors, namely thousands of farmers from across the country, are expected on day two of the event.
Amongst many signposting their work is Yellow Wellies, a charity offering support for farmers experiencing mental health challenges.
According to the charity, although only 1% of the working population is employed in agriculture, the sector accounts for 16% of all workplace deaths in the UK. This alarming disparity highlights the need for focused efforts on safety and wellbeing.
Founded in 2014 by NFU Mutual, Yellow Wellies is dedicated to addressing these concerns, both in physical safety and mental health issues within the farming community.
Alex Morley, Campaign Specialist for the charity, said: " We see a direct link as well within our own research between people's mental well-being and their physical safety on farm."
"So we're there helping people, raising awareness, working particularly with young farmers under the age of 40 so that they can understand why it's important to look after both their physical and mental well-being, but also for signs they can look out for in themselves and in in those around them."
While some of the physical challenges are found in the nature of the work itself, the numerous international and national challenges faced by those in the industry in recent years are creating a greater risk to farmers' mental health.
Amongst those are the long-term effects of Brexit, the COVID pandemic, the war on Ukraine, or extreme weather episodes.
Ms Morley said: "There's a huge amount of challenges facing farmers at the moment, and I think we just need to look at the weather this year, the impact that that's going to have on farmers, on their livelihood, on the viability and profitability of their set ups."
It's all adding to that stress and strain, it's all out of their control and that makes it very hard for some farmers to cope if they are starting to struggle with their mental wellbeing."