Farmer Safety & Wellbeing Survey Highlights Attitudes to Working Together and Taking a Break

The findings from a farm work survey undertaken as part of Irish Rural Link’s Farm Safety Community Champions project indicate the rate at which farmers support one another and how family remains the main source of relief work…

77% of farmers replied ‘yes’ to having help on their farm, with 58% of them relying on family, and just 6% relying on neighbours and contractors.

When asked if they felt they could ‘take a break’, the result was a heartening 78%; however, when pushed on whether they do take a break, the comments varied.

Many commented on how important taking time away is; however, actually leaving the farm proved highly contentious, with many citing the reason as not being able to trust anyone with the farm or insurance concerns.

37% of farmers who work alone feel they can’t take a break, while 15% admitted that even when they have help, they still don’t take a break due to feeling anxious about being away from the farm.

‘I can take a break, but there is always something to do or something that can go wrong when away,’ commented a farmer based in Connacht. ‘I don’t trust my farm with anyone,’ remarked another.

The issue of loneliness and isolation in our farming communities was also apparent, as many of those surveyed spoke out regarding their own personal situations.

‘I would love to meet other farmers,’ commented one gentleman. ‘I would like someone to call for a chat,’ said another.

Conducted by Irish Rural Link’s Community Champions, nearly 300 farmers were surveyed over the course of the 3-month project at various locations, including marts, agricultural shows, and community events. All who participated were entered into a draw to win a weekend break at the Charleville Park Hotel, supported by SoHotels.

The Farm Safety Community Champions project ran from August to November and was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine following a funding call issued in the summer.

The project primarily involved establishing a network of Community Champions to promote and signpost farmers to safety resources. A secondary output was to ascertain the need and potential for a farmer’s network, named ‘The Farmer’s Haggart’, to promote a return to shared work practices and safety while at the same time addressing the spate of loneliness and rural isolation in the sector.

“From speaking with the Champions, many farmers have expressed a need for such a network where they can meet off the farm and just enjoy a social connection of shared interests with their peers”, said Seamus Boland, Irish Rural Link.

“This is where something like a Farmer’s Haggart network can deliver such a positive impact in our rural communities.”

In all, over 1200 farmers were directly impacted by the 12-week project, with 8 community groups expressing an interest in establishing their own Farmer’s Haggart.

You can find out more on the Farmers4Safety website, which includes information on how you can organise a Farmer’s Haggart event within your community.