Farming lost twice as many people to suicide in 2024 as it did to accidents at work. This shocking statistic is one of the core drivers behind the Farm Safety Foundation’s focus on suicide prevention this year during Mind Your Head week.
On top of this, suicide is the biggest killer among under 55s in the UK, resulting in more loss of life than cancer, road accidents and drug abuse. This Mind Your Head Week, the Farm Safety Foundation is encouraging the farming community to talk more openly about suicide and learn to look out for warning signs.
Farm Safety Foundation’s Stephanie Berkely said that due to the nature of farming it can often be isolating, relentless and uncertain.
“Long hours, physical graft and a culture of ‘just get on with it’ keep our industry moving, but they can also keep too many of us silent for too long.
“We lose too many people to suicide every year, but we can change that if we learn the signs, start honest conversations and signpost timely help, so a struggle does not become a crisis.”
The weather, uncertainty over commodity prices and the impact of government legislation, as well as animal disease concerns can all impact on the mental health of farmers and others in the agricultural sector.
The Farm Safety Foundation’s own research found that mental wellbeing in farmers over 40 was at a four year low in 2025, with those over 61 particularly affected by poor mental wellbeing.
It is important to take time out and check in on friends and colleagues to make sure they’re OK and, importantly, remember it is OK not to be OK. The most important aspect of mental health is to recognise when you or those around you are struggling and act on it. Take time for you and check in on your friends and family.
If you or anyone you know needs support, there are a range of support services available as detailed below.
