National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Minette Batters features in a new film made by The Farming Community Network (FCN) to highlight the struggles that farming families across the UK face on a regular basis.
The film depicts a farmer struggling with the day-to-day running of his farm before he decides to get help by picking up the phone and calling the FCN hotline.
A caseworker is then seen visiting the farm and talking to the farmer about issues he’s facing and how they can work together towards a positive solution. The film discusses issues that many farmers face such as isolation, long hours, animal disease and bills.
NFU president Minette Batters said: “I think it’s important to make the point that farming can be lonely, I know that on my farm it seems like an idyllic spot now but through the winter it was a tough time and the FCN are there for you.
Not only when things are really challenging and difficult but there to support you on that journey, and that’s why they are such an important charity to me and to the NFU as a whole.
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times.
The charity is run by a network of over 400 volunteers across England and Wales, many of whom are involved in farming or have close links with agriculture.
FCN can help with farming, business, family, and physical and mental health matters.
The charity can be contacted on its helpline: 03000-111-999; alternatively, more information can be found on the the FCN website.
