31/05/2026
Well well well…who watched Britains Got Talent last night? What an emotional sight it was to see the Hawkstone Farmers Choir WIN!!!
Farming is a lonely profession. We are lucky at Lochend as we have lots of visitors every day, but for most farmers, they can go weeks or months without seeing anyone. Combine this with hard labour, trying to work with nature whilst battling the weather (whether that be drought, rain, snow etc), all while being price takers, with prices for cereals currently being comparable to the 1980s, perfectly good potatoes being dumped, milk prices being slashed to below cost of production - the list could go on. Meanwhile input prices are rising at staggering costs.
It is no wonder that farming has a high rate of su***de. We want that to change. We need it to change. Life is too precious.
Whether you are a farmer or not, please know that when the load has become too heavy, you are not alone. You are not weak, you have been carrying a huge burden for too long. Help is there. Please ask for it. It might be calling a helpline. It might be going to visit a local market or shop. It might be speaking to an old friend. It doesn’t matter who you speak to - just make sure you speak to someone!
We also have to make sure we are checking in on those we haven’t heard from in a while, or even those who appear to be full of life - mental health affects everyone - male and female - and has no “typical” behaviour. You never know what difference it might make.
So well done Hawkstone Farmers Choir for winning and highlighting this important subject. They also epitomise the power of average people coming together for common good. Something farmers are very good at doing, and I have been proud to be part of over the years. Let’s hope this isn’t the end, but just the beginning!
