Women in farming wellbeing survey launches during mental health awareness week
The survey is part of a three-year research project focusing on the health and wellbeing of women in UK agriculture
Researchers are seeking the views of women in farming to help improve the support provided for their health and wellbeing.
The research is led by the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) and farming charity The Farming Community Network (FCN) and aims to better understand the physical and mental health of women working in agriculture – including potential stressors in farming and barriers to seeking support.
The survey has launched during Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May), which this year has a focus on the power of community.
It is now open online and the team are keen to hear from all women over the age of 18 who are either living and/or working on farms: https://tinyurl.com/womeninfarming. Questions cover topics such as physical and mental health; benefits and challenges of a farming way of life; and areas that help to support happiness and healthiness.
The survey is part of a three-year research project focusing on the health and wellbeing of women in UK agriculture – including potential stressors in farming and barriers to seeking support
The survey findings will provide valuable information about levels of health and wellbeing among women in farming, and how these might vary across aspects such as age, occupational role, farm size, farm type and geographical location.
Findings will also offer insights into the aspects of farming that women find most positive and the types of challenges they might encounter, as well as their experiences of accessing appropriate healthcare and suggestions for further support.
The research, which is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, will inform the work of farming charities and will be shared with relevant public health bodies and policy makers.
Dr Rebecca Wheeler, from the University of Exeter, who is leading the project, said: “We are launching this survey during Mental Health Awareness Week, where the theme is community. We know the farming community is extremely supportive of each other and we are keen to hear about the sort of things which are supporting health and happiness in the farming community, as well as the challenges.
“We want to hear about the experiences of women from across the UK – of all ages and backgrounds – and from different roles in agriculture.”
Linda Jones, National Manager (FCN Cymru), said: “This is an important opportunity for women in farming to share their views and contribute to this new research. There has historically been limited research conducted into the health and wellbeing of women in farming – including both the positive aspects, as well as any unique stressors or barriers that may be faced and potential implications for their life choices. We encourage all women in farming to take the time to fill in this important survey.”
The survey should not take more than around 15 minutes to complete and those who take part can opt in to the opportunity to win one of four £50 vouchers of their choice. The draw will be made in September 2025.
The information provided will be handled in the strictest confidence. Details will not be passed to any other organisation, and no individual farm or persons will be identifiable in the survey results.
Paper copies of the survey are also available on request by emailing: FarmSurvey@exeter.ac.uk.
More information about the research can be found at: https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/womeninfarming/.
