Farmstrong Scotland survey reveals mental health struggles

A recent survey by Farmstrong Scotland has highlighted concerning mental wellbeing statistics among farmers, with just 5% of participants reporting high levels of wellbeing.

More than a third of respondents were found to be in the low wellbeing category, with the average score for farmers and crofters falling below that of the general population across all age groups.

Farmstrong, an initiative focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of farmers, crofters and their families, seeks to tackle these challenges through peer-led support and shared experiences.

See also: New ‘Walk in the Park’ event to support wellbeing in agriculture

The initiative, which originated in New Zealand, works to break the stigma surrounding mental health in farming and offers valuable resources to help individuals navigate difficult times.

Farmstrong chairman John Scott highlighted the power of storytelling in creating a supportive community.

“Storytelling is at the heart of the whole aspect of Farmstrong,” he said. “People love hearing about other people.”

The survey also revealed that those who reported higher wellbeing were also more likely to reflect on their achievements and connect with online support networks.

Alix Ritchie, programme director of Farmstrong, stressed the importance for mental health of taking time away.

“It’s all about getting people away from the farm and the crofts to take some much-needed time to themselves,” she said.

Farmstrong engages with farmers through various outreach channels, including the Blether Together podcast hosted by Sarah Stephen, as well as Walk and Talk events which encourage informal conversations.

These upcoming walks in 2025 will take place in Selkirk, Fife, Perthshire, and Aberdeenshire.

Finding a new purpose on the farm: Peter Eccles

Peter Eccles © Farmstrong

Peter Eccles, a former rugby player and Farmers Weekly award-winning farm manager, struggled with identity loss when both his rugby career and farm management role ended.

After returning to his family farm, Carlaverock, in 2020 following his father’s retirement, Peter faced unexpected challenges in finding a new sense of purpose.

Despite winning the Farmers Weekly Farm Manager of the Year award and being named Farmer of the Year, he found it difficult to transition away from farming and rugby.

“To be honest, I struggled mentally to find my new purpose after leaving my roles,” Peter explains. “I felt it was important to pursue my dreams and build something for myself.”

Peter Eccles © Farmstrong

Inspired by his time at a local Crossfit gym, Peter decided to repurpose farm buildings and launch Fitness Farmyard, a gym offering high-intensity interval training and hybrid strength training.

Though balancing farm work, family life and the gym is challenging, Peter is optimistic about the gym’s growth potential.

With osteoarthritis in both hips from his rugby days, peter manages his mobility through careful exercise. He is also actively involved with Farmstrong Scotland, supporting its wellbeing initiatives.

He has spoken at various events for the organisation and is undertaking a 344km fubdraising coast-to-coast bike ride across Scotland this spring. “If one person or family can benefit from Farmstrong, then it will have been worthwhile,” he says.