'For too long, suicide has been the silent crisis in farming' - Young Farmers to lead the way on suicide prevention
Young Farmers know that farming is more than a profession.
It is a way of life with long hours, physical graft and a culture of “just get on with it” to keep the farming industry moving.
But in 2024, 47 people working in agriculture in England and Wales lost their lives to suicide, according to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.
Behind every number is a family, a business, a community changed forever.
Yet suicide is not inevitable as with the right knowledge, the courage to start honest conversations and timely access to support, lives can be saved.
As members of The Royal Foundation’s National Suicide Prevention Network (NSPN) - a four‑nations initiative launched on World Mental Health Day - the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) is using this year’s Mind Your Head campaign to strengthen access, collaboration and innovation across crisis support and prevention for the farming community.
Agriculture faces a unique constellation of pressures: isolation, financial uncertainty, long working hours, generational expectations and daily physical risk.
Conversations about suicide in rural communities require approaches that are real, relatable and rooted firmly in lived experience.
Without training designed for the realities of agricultural life, we risk leaving those most vulnerable without the tools they need to recognise warning signs or intervene confidently.
To address this gap, Yellow Wellies have today launched a unique and innovative Suicide Awareness & Prevention eLearning module, funded by The Royal Foundation and developed with NSPN partner Baton of Hope.
Tailored specifically for farming audiences, it will be the first course of its kind in the industry - built on best practice, real‑life scenarios and a deep understanding of the pressures faced across the UK’s rural landscape.
The training will be rolled out to Young Farmers’ Clubs across the UK throughout 2026.
Ben Wilson Clinical Director at Baton of Hope, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Yellow Wellies, bringing tailored suicide prevention awareness and education to the farming, agricultural and rural communities.
"Their knowledge and passion for the farming industry means our collaboration will absolutely bring hope and improve and save lives amongst a resilient demographic; which very sadly currently sees far too many deaths by suicide."
The online course will equip learners to recognise warning signs, use supportive, non-judgmental language, and create simple safety plans - with clear signposting to the specialist help available in the sector.
Karen Hodgson, Associate Director at The Royal Foundation, added: “We are proud to support this project, led by two of the National Suicide Prevention Network’s partners.
"It is great to see collaboration in action, bringing innovative approaches to suicide prevention and reaching communities that need it most.
"This work will make a real difference to those living and working in rural communities across the UK.”
Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, said: “For too long, suicide has been the silent crisis in farming.
"Spoken about only after a tragedy. This training is designed to change that.
"By giving people the understanding and confidence to spot concerns early and start compassionate conversations, we can help prevent moments of struggle from becoming moments of crisis.
“Farming may be a tough industry, but it is also a deeply caring one.
"When we equip our community with the right tools, we give each other hope and hope saves lives.”