Talk Farm episode 8: Mental health in farming: how did we get here?

The first series of our Agriculture and Estates podcast, Talk Farm, is drawing to a close and the final episode is out now.

We end the series with the important subject of mental health in farming, not a new issue but one which has become more widely talked about in recent years. Host Rory Hutchings, Partner in the HCR Agriculture and Estates team, is joined by his former colleague and long-term friend Malcolm Thomas MBE, Trustee and former Chairman of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), to discuss this important issue.

With a recent survey by Farmers Weekly indicating that only 55% of farmers feel positive about their mental health, Rory and Malcolm discuss some of the causes from the weather and livestock disease to loneliness and a perceived lack of public support.

This episode also looks at the potential impact that cuts to Agricultural and Business Property Relief may have, as well as how to spot and support those who are struggling.

Talk Farm cuts through the noise and identify the human impacts of developments in the world of politics and law. Listen wherever you access your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

If you, or anyone you know, is affected by the issues discussed in this podcast, there are many sources of support available including:

• RABI – who provide a range of support including ‘Click and Chat’, an online mental wellbeing service, and the option of counselling support
• The DPJ Foundation provides a 24/7 confidential counselling referral service for members of the agricultural community.