Research by the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) and the Farming Community Network (FCN), identified why farmers and farming families can feel isolated and lonely.
Farmers told researchers that the long hours they work trying to keep their business going despite low returns leaves little time for socialising, relaxing, or spending time with their family. Other challenges included a lack of social opportunities, geographical isolation and declining business-related contact.

Sense of isolation

Poor rural broadband and transport connections add to this sense of isolation, as well as a general feeling that the public has a limited understanding of what is involved in farming and the array of challenges farmers face in producing food and managing the countryside.

The research also provided a number of recommendations for improving support to farmers, including continued investment in rural broadband; further education and outreach to help the public understand farming and its challenges; and normalising taking time off-farm and finding a healthy work-life balance.

Dr Rebecca Wheeler from the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) said: “Farmers are currently facing a multitude of challenges and many told us about how they are struggling to find the time to socialise or take a break from the stresses of the occupation.

“Farming can be a lonely life for both farmers and their families and negative views of farming among the public can exacerbate feelings of isolation further.”

Dr Jude McCann, chief executive officer of FCN, said: “There is a need for a culture change in farming that not only permits farmers to feel they can take a break from work without fear of judgement, but actively promotes it as an essential part of successfully managing a farm business.”