FCN volunteer Alex Cotterill from our Nottinghamshire Group has written an article about the important role shows and markets play in bolstering the health and wellbeing of our farming community.
I’m sure most have you have read many mental health related submissions in various magazines, adverts and newsletters over the last few years or so; however, I stress, as a FCN volunteer, that a further piece on such a topic, is in fact, deeply necessary.
A recent visit to Cereals 2025, and my forthcoming attendance at the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show in November, prompted me to write this publication. Concurrently, my regular visits to other agricultural events and shows, be it LAMMA or the National Ploughing Championships, has further indicated to me, from both the viewpoint of a MA student and somebody connected with agriculture, how vital it is to attend these shows for one’s mental health.
As a donator to both Lincs & Notts and the Northwest Air Ambulance organisations (donate to Olly Harrison’s birthday bumper on YouTube), I believe that it is imperative to continue to support these public funded charities; not only do you feel good giving a few pounds or two but that extra little bit of cash means much more to the farmers, families and friends that navigate our countryside every day and just donating that little bit, can help someone who needs this service so much!
Furthermore, at Cereals 2025, FCN made an appearance too, whereby, I had a meaningful conversation with FCN Regional Support Officer Amy Everatt who also knew of Cyril, the father of my grandfather, Tony Rayner, who came from a dairy farm in East Markham (a village in North Nottinghamshire, near Newark On Trent). Whilst discussing farming matters with Amy, we also conversed around ‘mental health’ and the ‘How are you?’ question. Instead of just selecting ‘ctrl + V’ and then simply replying with the stock phrases of “I’m good” or “I’m fine”, how about responding to the message with either the truth or if it is on a text, try answering as a percentage (as Olly would say).
It not only helps you as a person but also those closest to you as they then comprehend how you actually feel. (Photographed – Alex with Kaleb Cooper at LAMMA 2025).
Having this conversation, really made all of us involved in higher spirits, and thus with a more positive outlook on the rest of the day. Similarly, having amusing discussions regarding tractors, foragers and cattle with farmers and renowned YouTubers at Cereals, Olly Harrison, Martin Williams, Joe Seels, Tom Pemberton and his father, Andy, further increased my sense of belonging to the farming world.
As my grandad, Tony, indicates the main rationale for visiting machinery auctions, livestock markets and agricultural shows both today and in the past during the operation of his father’s farm, was to socialise and mingle with likeminded farmers and contractors which consequently, developed the camaraderie between them all. Likewise, I highlight the significance of networking and increasing your connections as not only does this potentially enhance your farm/ business but also in most cases, reduces the strain and pressure of feeling isolated.
I am aware of the ever increasing stress and worry that has originated within the UK farming community, especially over the last two years; for example, the uncertainty with market prices on both the arable and livestock related sectors, the mountainous burden and worries correlating to changing policy in addition to these increase in rural crime and vandalism, the constant rise in prices of machinery, fertiliser and seed (to name a few) have concomitantly constructed a new wave of anxiety within our agricultural sector.
As a penultimate point, those who enjoy birdwatching may know the saying: “When a Robin appears, loved ones are near”. So, if you happen to see a Robin Redbreast singing or hopping about, think of it as a small messenger sending support and positivity from the wider farming community to you.
On a concluding positive note, my final message is that:
Whatever farmers, contractors and associated agricultural personnel face in the coming days, weeks, months and years, we should all remain focused, determined, positive and most significantly, always be there for each other when somebody requires assistance. Sometimes, simply just a quick phone call can make an enormous difference to someone’s outlook!
Even if we run our own individual farms, businesses and contracting services, we are united by a shared goal – sustaining the UK’s food production. We are, naturally, individuals, but together we form a strong collective and so therefore, we are all part of the same team!
“We should all remain focused, determined, positive and most significantly, always be there for each other”