Don’t bottle up your wet weather farming blues

Even the sunniest dispositions have been challenged by the wet summer. Put yourself in the place of a farmer managing livestock or crops; record rainfall, below normal temperatures, and low sunshine levels have made every day a challenge.

Living amid nature, farmers cope with all weathers — but resulting stress in 2012 has reached crisis point for some, say IFA officers who are taking extra phone calls, and are being approached by more and more farmers about the weather difficulties they are experiencing.

IFA National Farm Family chair Margaret Healy said: “I would urge anyone who feels as if they are suffering from unmanageable pressure to talk to a trusted friend, family member, neighbour, or call a helpline. Alternatively, please see www.IFA.ie for IFA’s helpful and informative Let’s Talk: Dealing with Stress leaflet.”