On Feirm Ground - Wellbeing for farmers

Farmers in Ireland experience a disproportionate burden of health problems. This comes at a great cost to themselves, their families and to their livelihoods. Traditionally, farmers have tended to prioritise the welfare of their farms over their own health needs. This report’s findings, however, are a timely reminder that farmers’ health is ‘the most important cog in the wheel’ in terms of farm productivity and profitability

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Interim Report - Executive Summary

A formative evaluation to inform the design of a bespoke farmers’ health training programme. This is the first farmers’ health initiative in Ireland to be co-funded by two government departments. Project partners; the HSE, Teagasc, IT Carlow, WIT and the project co-ordinator, the Men’s Development Network.

The report’s findings and recommendations provide a clear roadmap for the development and roll-out of a bespoke farmers’ health training programme designed to support agricultural advisors to engage safely and effectively on supporting and signposting farmers on health issues. It is well established that agricultural advisors in Ireland play a crucial role in supporting farmers on a range of issues through extension. They are uniquely and strategically positioned to be seen as a confidant and to develop trusting relationships with farmers and, in the context of this report’s findings, can play a crucial role in acting as a conduit between farmers and health services into the future.