The uncertainty takes its toll on farming community
It seems that the only certainty in farming at the moment is uncertainty.
There are some worried and concerned people who are producing the food to go on our tables.
Farming by its very nature is a long term planning operation. The crop rotation is carefully organised for a number of years, and livestock breeding takes time to implement. The anxiety of not knowing whether there will be a market in the future months is taking its toll on the mental health of many farming families.
The night lights on in sheds in our rural county give an idea of the long hours spent caring for stock, to our high welfare standards.
Agriculture is a diverse and dynamic business, using modern technology in machinery, milking systems, and stock identification. To be able to read an eartag and then see all the animal’s history on a smart phone is a great monitoring tool. However all this comes at a financial cost, which not all can afford.
Those involved in agriculture today need to have wide knowledge of soils, animal science, veterinary skills, assurance scheme regulations, grassland management, and mechanical skills. They also need to cope with conditions they cannot control – the weather, the climate and politics.
No wonder they fall asleep in the chair, many are exhausted, with physical and mental worries, and trying to maintain a balance between work, family time and friends.
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is receiving a much higher number of calls from those employed in farming. The Helpline is 0808 281 9490. Please do call. There are many ways of helping from financial grants to guiding someone through a crisis with an individual plan.
RABI does not pay business bills, but can help pay for relief farm staff if someone is ill, pay for essential household goods, and help with disability equipment.
The Shropshire committee is grateful for all the support, from Rea Valley Young Farmers Club's recent quiz and the donation from the Chamber of Agriculture, as all income will be spent on farming families, after a visit by a confidential welfare officer.
If you would like to know more or join in fundraising please contact regional manager Kate Jones on 07876 492839 or email: kate.jones@rabi.org.uk
The annual quiz at Hadnall Village Hall today, Friday, March 8, at 6.30pm is in the capable hands of the Mullard family.
The popular NFU County Chairman’s annual lunch will be at Minsterley Village Hall on Sunday, April 28, further information from David Lee 07764 277179
Christine Downes is a member of Shropshire RABI committee
