More than eight in ten vets, advisors, inspectors and other agricultural professionals trained by ‘On Feirm Ground 2’ (OFG2) say they feel more confident at spotting when a farmer is struggling. The figure comes from the OFG2 Final Evaluation Report, launched at Leinster House recently.
Almost eight in ten say it has given them the tools to recognise the signs when a farmer may need support. The report, commissioned by the On Feirm Ground programme and carried out by the National Centre for Men’s Health at South East Technological University (SETU), shows the national programme is working and calls for a five-year plan to widen its reach.
Stigma, isolation and pressure to keep going still stop many farmers from seeking help. But farmers meet trusted professionals every week, in the yard, at the mart and at the co-op. OFG2 trains those professionals to spot the signs of stress, start a supportive conversation and point farmers towards the right help.
Niall Collins, Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, said farmer wellbeing and farm safety go hand in hand. “Stress and exhaustion are farm safety issues. A farmer who is worn out is more at risk on the farm,” he said. “Department staff, vets, veterinary nurses, advisors and co-op staff meet farmers every day, and OFG2 shows that with the right training, those everyday visits can become a real lifeline.”
Seán Cooke, CEO of Men’s Development Network (MDN), which manages the programme, said farmers rarely walk into a clinic to talk about stress. “But they talk to their vet, their advisor and the inspector in the yard. OFG2 gives those people the confidence to listen and point the way to help,” he said.
The training uses the EARS approach: Engage, Acknowledge, Reassure and Signpost. More than 1,600 agricultural professionals have taken part.
Participants also valued the mixed groups and skilled facilitators. One Department officer said they experienced the training as “being spoken with, and not spoken to,” the theme of today’s launch.
Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, welcomed the evidence. “Public health works best when it reaches people where they live and work. For farmers, that means the yard and the mart,” she said. “This evaluation shows that trained professionals can help farmers look after their health sooner. That is the kind of practical prevention Healthy Ireland is about.”
The report recommends a five-year national plan, training in third-level agriculture courses, more outreach at marts and shows, and research on women in farming and older farmers.
“This report shows the model works,” Mr Cooke added. “Next, we want it in everyday practice across the sector.”
OFG2 was developed by the Engage National Men’s Health Training Programme and is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Health and the HSE.
For more about the OFG training go to engagetraining.ie.