Harvesting healthier futures for North Yorkshire’s farming community
Farmers told us that long days, unpredictable workloads and difficulty getting appointments make it hard to look after their health. Many people shared that they often put work first, feel isolated or only seek help when problems have already built up. We listened, and services across North Yorkshire are now taking steps directly shaped by this feedback.
This work builds on our earlier Ploughing through barriers report, which highlighted how farming life affects physical and mental health. It also showed the difference it makes when services understand the pressures of rural work and adapt to support people in ways that feel practical and respectful.
Learn how we're helping farmers get the healthcare they deserve
What services are doing
Bringing support to places farmers already go
Health teams are planning visits to auction marts so farmers can speak with professionals, get checks and pick up information without taking extra time away from the farm. Many farmers told us they are far more likely to seek help if it’s available in familiar places where they already spend time. Other areas of the country have shown this approach works well, and local partners are exploring how to build something similar here.
Making appointments easier to use
Farmers described challenges in accessing routine appointments, particularly when slots don’t fit around livestock duties or seasonal workloads. Services are now considering more flexible options, such as walk-in sessions, drop-ins and other ways to speak to someone without long waits. These changes aim to reduce the pressure of trying to fit health appointments into a working day that often starts early and finishes late.
Improving understanding of farming life
GP practices, vet teams and community organisations are learning more about the realities of farming, including the physical demands, financial pressures and isolation that many farmers experience. This helps them offer support that feels relevant and genuinely helpful. Several teams told us they now feel better informed and more confident when speaking with farmers about their health.
Increasing awareness and influence
The findings from farmers are being shared widely. Local councils and NHS partners are using this insight to shape planning for rural areas, while national organisations have shown interest in the work. This includes discussions about mental health support, access to checks and the importance of reaching people earlier before problems become more serious. The conversations farmers sparked locally are now helping to raise the profile of farming health nationally.
Why this matters
Farming is essential, but it often involves long hours, limited time away from the business and significant physical and emotional strain. Many farmers told us they delay seeking help because there simply is no spare time, or because the nearest service is too far away. Others said they prioritise the wellbeing of their families and livestock long before thinking about their own.
This means health concerns can go unnoticed until they become more urgent. Rural isolation can make this even harder, especially when people feel reluctant to ask for support.
By bringing health checks to familiar settings, offering more flexible ways to speak with professionals and increasing understanding of farming life, services hope to make everyday health and wellbeing feel more manageable. These changes aim to help farmers get advice earlier, reduce stress and support better long term health across the farming community.
What happens next
We will continue working with farmers, local services and national bodies to ensure this work develops and reaches more rural areas. Farmers’ experiences will remain at the centre of the changes, and we will keep sharing updates as this work progresses.
Want the full impact?
Read how longer article that talks through the positive action being taken and planned in more detail.
