What does the University of Exeter study reveal about women farmers?

The study reveals that women in farming experience significantly lower mental wellbeing, with many reporting high levels of anxiety and loneliness.

What is the 'mental load' experienced by female farmers?

Female farmers often carry a significant mental load, managing farm paperwork, finances, family life, and physical farm tasks, with much of their work remaining unacknowledged.

Why is the work of women farmers often invisible?

Much of the work women farmers do behind the scenes is not officially acknowledged or visible, contributing to their feelings of isolation and exhaustion.

Home / Health / Invisible No More: Women Farmers' Mental Health Crisis

Invisible No More: Women Farmers' Mental Health Crisis

24 Jan

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Summary

Research shows female farmers report lower mental wellbeing than average.
Many women farmers experience high levels of anxiety and loneliness.
Women often carry a significant mental load managing multiple farm roles.

Invisible No More: Women Farmers' Mental Health Crisis

A recent study by the University of Exeter's Centre for Rural Policy Research reveals concerning findings about the mental wellbeing of women in farming.

The research, based on over 2,000 responses from women across England and Wales, indicates that a significant portion of participants experience low wellbeing, high anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.

Female farmers report carrying a heavy mental load, managing everything from farm paperwork and finances to family life while also performing physical tasks. They often feel overlooked in the agricultural sector.