More than €26,650 has been raised by two charity livestock auctions in support of farmer mental health.

Cows and sheep were donated and auctioned, with the proceeds going to charity. The Volac-sponsored events were held in both Ireland and the UK earlier this year.

It’s good to talk and it’s vitally important that farmers have someone to reach out to confidentially

In Ireland, the money raised in March 2019 has gone to Teac Tom, the Thomas Hayes Trust, while in the UK all proceeds from the Shrewsbury auction in September have been donated to the Farming Community Network (FCN), Cheshire Agricultural Chaplaincy and the DPJ Foundation.

Awareness

“The primary aim of the two auction events was to create more awareness around mental health and well-being amongst farmers in both countries. It’s good to talk and it’s vitally important that farmers have someone to reach out to confidentially, which is why we have been delighted to have been able to support local charities operating in this field in both Ireland and the UK,” said organiser and dairy farmer Peter Hynes from the Rearing to Go mental health awareness campaign.

The Betty Lawes Foundation set up by the wife of the founder of Volac, Dick Lawes, added a £3,000 (€3,471) donation. Each charity received an additional £1,000 (€1,157),

Support

According to Samantha Sampson from Volac, it is vital that members of the agri-supply industry understand the stress farmers are often under so that they can be supportive.

“The Rearing to Go mental health campaign has seen a strong uptake from the farming community in both Ireland and now in the UK. We are delighted to support this initiative and urge any farmer struggling to cope with day-to-day life pressures or loneliness to talk to someone,” she said.

“Sometimes, seeing a representative on farm from the agricultural supply trade may be the only time a farmer interacts with another human being all day. We need to be aware of this fact.”

Sampson outlined that cases of farmer suicide have increased in recent years and the charities are trying to remove the stigma traditionally associated with mental illness and provide support to farmers who may need help.

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