Looking around him after the Fresh Milk Producers (FMP) meeting on Wednesday night, Jim Mulhall said he saw a room full of tired individuals. A text was sent out to FMP producers following the meeting, encouraging people to talk to others and ask for help if needed.
“I talked to one man and he told me he was deeply tired,” Mulhall told the Irish Farmers Journal. “It’s a sustained level of extreme hard work. We went from calving, straight into the snow and now a fodder crisis. It’s the longest winter I ever remember. All my cows are in.”
The Kilkenny dairy farmer was in quite a buoyant mood talking to the Irish Farmers Journal, but said he is very aware of how mental health issues and stress can affect the balance in a family farming household.
“It’s the men and women I’m worried about - we’ll get fodder for cattle. Lads are starting to question their ability; good farmers are running out of feed. Vets are reporting fierce pneumonia levels on farms.”
He said he has received a lot of calls from people who just want to chat and that it is important to talk.
“Talk to your neighbour, talk to your family members. Pick up the phone and ring - talk to friends. I even just texted a few people during the week: ‘How are things?’ That’s all it takes. Go to a meeting if it’s organised, try and get out of the yard. Even if the meeting doesn’t interest you, just go.”
Irish Cattle and Sheep Association president Patrick Kent has called on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to ensure all inspectors are directed to avoid putting farmers under further stress.
“There can be no doubt this crisis is having an animal welfare impact and farmers no longer want to hear about a transport subsidy that hasn’t worked. They need subsidies to buy feed now,” Kent said.
“We also have to be very sensitive to the immense mental pressure that many farmers are under and I am calling on the minister to ensure that all inspectors are directed to avoid doing anything to add to the stress that farmers are under.”
Meanwhile, a Teagasc national helpline number has been set up. Over the weekend, farmers can phone or text 087-797 1377 to speak to a Teagasc person for assistance. Over 400 farmers have attended Teagasc’s fodder clinics in the last two days also.
Health Support Services
If you are feeling unwell, you are advised to contact your medical doctor.
The following help support lines are available:
Samaritans 24-hour support, phone 1850 609 090, delivered by volunteers.Pieta House helpline, 1800 247 247 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm/ Saturday 10am to 2pm).St Patrick's Hospital mental health helpline, 01-249 3333 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Read more
Over 500 farmers in need of fodder contact Teagasc
Listen: 10 days' fodder can be stretched to 20
Looking around him after the Fresh Milk Producers (FMP) meeting on Wednesday night, Jim Mulhall said he saw a room full of tired individuals. A text was sent out to FMP producers following the meeting, encouraging people to talk to others and ask for help if needed.
“I talked to one man and he told me he was deeply tired,” Mulhall told the Irish Farmers Journal. “It’s a sustained level of extreme hard work. We went from calving, straight into the snow and now a fodder crisis. It’s the longest winter I ever remember. All my cows are in.”
The Kilkenny dairy farmer was in quite a buoyant mood talking to the Irish Farmers Journal, but said he is very aware of how mental health issues and stress can affect the balance in a family farming household.
“It’s the men and women I’m worried about - we’ll get fodder for cattle. Lads are starting to question their ability; good farmers are running out of feed. Vets are reporting fierce pneumonia levels on farms.”
He said he has received a lot of calls from people who just want to chat and that it is important to talk.
“Talk to your neighbour, talk to your family members. Pick up the phone and ring - talk to friends. I even just texted a few people during the week: ‘How are things?’ That’s all it takes. Go to a meeting if it’s organised, try and get out of the yard. Even if the meeting doesn’t interest you, just go.”
Irish Cattle and Sheep Association president Patrick Kent has called on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to ensure all inspectors are directed to avoid putting farmers under further stress.
“There can be no doubt this crisis is having an animal welfare impact and farmers no longer want to hear about a transport subsidy that hasn’t worked. They need subsidies to buy feed now,” Kent said.
“We also have to be very sensitive to the immense mental pressure that many farmers are under and I am calling on the minister to ensure that all inspectors are directed to avoid doing anything to add to the stress that farmers are under.”
Meanwhile, a Teagasc national helpline number has been set up. Over the weekend, farmers can phone or text 087-797 1377 to speak to a Teagasc person for assistance. Over 400 farmers have attended Teagasc’s fodder clinics in the last two days also.
Health Support Services
If you are feeling unwell, you are advised to contact your medical doctor.
The following help support lines are available:
Samaritans 24-hour support, phone 1850 609 090, delivered by volunteers.Pieta House helpline, 1800 247 247 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm/ Saturday 10am to 2pm).St Patrick's Hospital mental health helpline, 01-249 3333 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Read more
Over 500 farmers in need of fodder contact Teagasc
Listen: 10 days' fodder can be stretched to 20
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