A new survey conducted by the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research and The Farming Community Network has looked into the mental wellbeing of women working in farming. More than 2,000 women responded to the survey, ranging in age from 18 to 95 years old, all of whom have either lived or worked on a farm.
Many said that they had multiple roles on the farm, with 19% saying that they identified as a full-time farmer, and 10% as a part-time farmer. Another 28% were the spouse or partner of a farmer. Every age group reported a lower average mental wellbeing than the rest of the population, with only 4% having scores indicative of a high wellbeing.
Women in farming reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress, anxiety and poorer sleep quality, with a number of farm-related factors noted as causes, including isolation, work-life balance, and relations with others.
However, those who felt valued and supported, and who had decision making abilities and a more beneficial work-life balance reported higher mental wellbeing, lower levels of loneliness and lower levels of stress. 61% said that they had decision making responsibilities on farm, with many of the other 39% stating that they were dissatisfied and wanted more responsibility.
Dr Rebecca Wheeler, project lead and senior research fellow at the Centre for Rural Policy Research, said: “The survey has provided valuable evidence about health and wellbeing among this under-researched population, including new insights into how loneliness, wellbeing and various aspects of farming life are interconnected for women involved in agriculture.”