DEAR SIR: I read with interest and agreement the Jane Shackleton article in A Farmer Writes in the Irish Farmers Journal dated 17 June 2017.

While there is a lot of coverage on health and safety (and this is all good), the whole issue of mental health is often stuffed to the back of the cupboard. Jane’s article forced me to think about it and ask why this is?

Perhaps there is still a little of the old stigma there, going back to a time in Ireland when it was a subject we dare not touch on. Or is it because men are in the majority in farming and men (at least Irish ones) have to appear to be strong and do not show or talk about their feelings?

I think we do celebrate our way of life more than many other sectors. We have to because who can fail to be wondrous at the wonder of mother nature as she unfolds every year. But mother nature can be ugly as well as beautiful as we who walk and work the land well know. Perhaps when she turns ugly we should talk more, dare I say whinge more, if it makes us feel better.

I too do not agree with the recent ESRI report on risk-taking and accidents having no link to work-related stress. I feel there is a strong connection between stress and tiredness and farm accidents.

It is sometimes said farmers insure everything except themselves. Sometimes too we look after everything but ourselves. Be safe physically and mentality this summer.