The last two years has been difficult for everybody with the Covid-19 pandemic, and agriculture workers are no different.

According to a study carried out by the University of Reading, the mental health of farmers and those in the agriculture industry has taken a nose-dive since the first lockdown in March 2020.

The survey reached out to 207 farmers, with results suggesting that 67 per cent of farmers surveyed felt more stressed during the pandemic than before it, 63 per cent felt more anxious and 38 per cent felt more depressed.

Perhaps even more worrying, 12 per cent felt more suicidal than before.

This study, alongside a study by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rabi) which found that 36 per cent of farmers were probably or possibly depressed out of 15,296 surveyed, clearly shows that there is a mental health crisis within our agricultural workers.

But what has caused this, and how do we help?

Director at Berkyn Manor Farm in Slough, Colin Rayner, believes it is the uncertainty that has put additional strain on the mental wellbeing of agriculture workers.

He said: “The pandemic had put a great strain on everybody because nothing was certain.

“The pandemic made things harder as there was a difficulty getting supplies.

“We also had to make sure that everybody working on the farm was safe.

“You didn’t want anyone catching Covid on your watch.

“My main concern was making sure the staff were kept safe.”

 

Reading Chronicle:

Above: Berkyn Manor, Slough

 

Head of Department for Land Production, Environment & Apprenticeships at Berkshire College for Agriculture, Victoria Beckwith, agreed with Mr Rayner in that supply chain issues have heaped additional pressures onto the workers.

She said: “The additional stress of making sure that work continues and is covered has been a big impact on farmers.

“Supply chains have been disrupted and the collection of milk from dairies has also been disrupted.

“This causes a lot of worry for farmers due to contracts and payments being affected and is especially hard when they see the products, they have put a lot of care and effort into creating, resulting in being wasted.

“Changes to payment systems and reduced availability of labour across all agriculture sectors have also had a massive impact on the mental health of farmers.

“Labour shortages already existed prior to the pandemic but were made worse due to Brexit and then travel restrictions due to Covid.”

Both Mr Rayner and Mrs Beckwith agreed that there is help available, but more socialising and conversation is key to address this worrying trend.

Mr Rayner implored: “There wasn’t a release valve.

“We are sociable people, and we will help other farmers out in times of need.

“The NFU have been brilliant, and I would encourage everyone to join the local Young Farmers Union.

 

Reading Chronicle:

Above: Berkshire College of Agriculture

 

Mrs Beckwith added: “In order to help farmers' mental health, there need to be greater opportunities for farmers to get together and share their worries and find solace in the fact they are not alone.

“There needs to be greater support for reducing the labour gaps, and greater certainty around the future of payment schemes so that farmers can start to plan and look forward to a bright future.”

 

Click here to read the University of Reading study in full.