A new study by the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) and The Farming Community Network (FCN), will focus on gender-specific stressors that can affect women in agriculture, as well as barriers impacting their access to relevant support.
The study, titled ‘Understanding health and wellbeing among farm women: a life-course approach’, led by Dr. Rebecca Wheeler from the CRPR and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), was launched earlier this month (January 2025).
Project lead and senior research fellow at the CRPR, Dr. Rebecca Wheeler, said:
“Women play vital roles in running and supporting farm businesses and households, but the implications (both good and bad) of farming life for their physical and mental health has not always been given the attention it deserves.
“This research will change that by listening to women’s own experiences of health throughout their lives, shining a light on gender-specific issues and exploring ways of supporting and maintaining better well-being in the future.
“We are thrilled to be working with FCN on this project, which addresses such an important topic.”
Women in agriculture
Previous research has shown that a number of women in British agriculture suffer from poor mental health, yet the reasons underlying this phenomenon remain poorly understood.
Through surveys and detailed interviews, this research will provide insights into specific factors affecting both the physical and mental health and well-being of women in agriculture, and will aim to provide recommendations for improving these circumstances.
An advisory board consisting of industry representatives, including mental health organisations, will provide input, guidance and feedback throughout the project, which will be reflected in the outcomes.
It will also explore the ways in which women experience and understand their health through, and in relation to, their bodies – with a focus on how this may change across the life-course, during periods of high stress or trauma, and in relation to their reproductive lives.
Head of communications and development at the Farming Community Network, Alex Phillimore, said:
“This research will provide important insights into the unique challenges and stressors women in agriculture may face at different stages in their lives.
“The learnings from this project will help to inform the work of FCN, offering the charity deeper insights into the challenges women in farming can face and how their health and well-being needs can best be met through tailored support.”
