The message comes from Northumberland County Council, which is encouraging those in the industry to reach out for support amid growing pressures in the sector.
Mark Mather, county councillor and a farmer in Wooler, said: “As a farmer myself, I can relate to the difficulties those working in the industry are facing at the moment.
“The outbreak of Bluetongue, movement restrictions across the border, concerns about accessing vaccine and the time it takes to get test results are a real concern, so we are going to write to the Government again and push for faster testing and access to vaccines.
“All this comes after a very challenging summer of hot, dry weather.
“When additional difficulties such as caring for sick animals or concerns about the spread of Bluetongue are added in to that, it raises concerns and stress even further.
“Farmers work long hours, often in isolation.
“And in most cases, our place of business is also our home, meaning there is no easy way to get away from work pressures.
“Mental health is profoundly important to quality of life, and I would encourage anyone who is feeling overwhelmed to please reach out to someone.”
Councillor Mather’s comments follow a recent appeal from the council’s trading standards and animal health team following a confirmed outbreak of the Bluetongue virus occurring in the west of the county.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and any suspected cases must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
It affects sheep, cattle, goats, and alpacas but poses no risk to humans or food safety.
For information about support organisations available visit: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/wellbeing-support-for-farmers/
And for more information about mental health support in Northumberland, visit:
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/public-health/health-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing
Further questions and queries can be sent to the county council’s animal health team. Email: tradingstandards@northumberland.gov.uk