Mental health in farming has always been a problem, but it’s only in recent years that this has become prominent in the national conversation.

• Only 55% of farmers feel positive about their mental health, according to a survey conducted by Farmers Weekly.
• 95% of UK farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden problems facing farmers today, according to a 2024 study by the Farm Safety Foundation.
• According to the Office for National Statistics, 62 farmers died by suicide in England and Wales in 2023.

For the final episode in series one of Talk Farm, host Rory Hutchings sits down with Malcolm Thomas, trustee and former Chairman of the National Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

Malcolm’s long and celebrated career has been dedicated to driving positive change in the agricultural sector, from his close involvement with RABI and his lifetime membership of the Young Farmers’ Club movement to leadership roles in the National Farmers Union. Malcolm has deservedly been awarded an MBE for services to agriculture in Wales.

In this conversation, one-time colleagues and long-term friends Malcolm and Rory discuss the factors driving poor mental health in the farming community, from unpredictable weather and livestock disease to lack of public support and loneliness.

As the government moves ahead with its plans to make significant cuts to Agricultural Relief and Business Property Relief, the challenge for farmers and landowners is becoming more acute.

Malcolm shares his perspective on how we can support those who are struggling, starting with improved agricultural education for the country more broadly and progressing to provide clear support paths for individuals who find themselves in trouble.

Resources for those in need:

• RABI offer a number of supports to those struggling with their mental health, including ‘Click & Chat,’ their online mental wellbeing service and connecting those in need with counselling support.
• The DPJ Foundation provide a 24/7 confidential counselling referral service for members of the agricultural community.

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, Partners in HCR Law’s Agriculture and Estates team. Learn more about our services for agricultural professionals.

The Royal Welsh show has been held in its namesake country since 1904 and is today one of the largest shows in Europe.

There's no one better placed, then, to talk about the role of agricultural shows in sustaining rural life than Aled Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

Aled was also on the board of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth and has previously served as Chief Operating Officer for The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Partner and Co-host of Talk Farm, Rory Hutchings, has known Aled for a long time. In this episode, he asks for his perspective on the role agricultural shows have played in bringing rural communities together, strengthening the agricultural economy, and spreading awareness of farming life more widely.

They discuss how shows like the Royal Welsh have evolved over the years, and why their appeal remains so strong today. The show has only been called off a handful of times in its 120-year history, for reasons ranging from world wars to foot-and-mouth disease and - more recently - Covid-19.

The conversation covers the role of agricultural shows in bringing people together and encouraging resilience during adverse times, equipping the next generation of farmers with the opportunity to connect and grow their skills, and inspiring diversification and improving productivity on farms.

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, both Partners in HCR Law's Agriculture and Estates team. If you've got a query about agricultural law, our team is always happy to help.

https://www.hcrlaw.com/sector/agriculture-environment-and-estates/

In the first episode of Created IP, we dive deep into the world of intellectual property (IP) rights and explore the question of ownership.

We cover the different types of intellectual property, the importance of contracts, and practical tips for protecting your creative and business assets.

Key Topics Covered:

1. What is Intellectual Property (IP)?

1. Who Owns Intellectual Property?

1. Common Ownership Scenarios

1. Why Ownership Matters

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.hcrlaw.com/service-team/commercial/intellectual-property-protection/

• Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcrlaw/

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues who might benefit from understanding IP rights better. And remember to tune in next month for another insightful discussion!