Farming isn’t an easy game. There are times when things go well, but you are usually up against either the weather, markets or politics. Quite often two of those come together and make life that bit harder.
The past two years have seen all three factors come together in an extraordinary way and for many farmers it’s been a very tough time.
Not necessarily unprofitable, but maintaining our bottom lines has not been easy, and there has been constant pressure on everyone for a very long time.
Uncertainty is damaging
And then, on 30 October, the government delivered the Budget.
There were so many problems in it for businesses of every size and in every sector. The changes to APR (agricultural property relief) and BPR (business property relief) have of course dominated headlines, with some cases of appalling hardship created out of the blue.
Whatever the policies and politics of the Budget are, it has created a mental pressure on farming families that I’ve never seen before. People really are on the edge, wondering what they are going to do, and questioning how their businesses are going to survive.
“The smallest gesture can be the biggest help and, for this Christmas, more than ever, it’s the thought that counts.”
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
Some people thrive on pressure but not like this. The insidious creep of not knowing the way forward for long periods of time is so damaging.
I’ve seen it many times in my life and it’s devastating.
It’s manageable to a certain extent, but the lack of sleep, the restlessness, the inability to laugh gets you down.
‘Smallest gesture can make the biggest difference’
We can't always change the politics, but we can change how we look after each other.
There are many brilliant charities out there doing fantastic work, but there are things we can do alongside them.
I have always been a big supporter of the farming community and right now it’s needed more than ever.
Joining something, doing something together is incredibly valuable.
The Christmas tractor runs have been so well supported this year and that’s brilliant. It doesn’t matter what it is, just turning up is the best thing.
It’s really important we look out for each other. Go and see a neighbour and friend. Meet up for a drink and a chat. Speak to someone you haven’t heard from in a while.
It’s the best medicine and you might just smile or say the right thing that really makes a difference to someone.
The smallest gesture can make the biggest difference and, for this Christmas, more than ever, it's the thought that counts.
We've put together a directory of national and regional charities and organisations who can support you. Anyone can reach a point when pressures become too much and if that happens it is important to reach out for help.
Visit our wellbeing directory for more information.
