Zoe Legg: Mental health in farming
Zoe Legg has always known farming as a way of life. Growing up on a working beef suckler herd, agriculture shaped her childhood, with early mornings and hard work just part of the daily routine. Farming isn’t just a job for her family, it is part of who they are.
But in 2019, Zoe’s world turned upside down. Losing her dad that year was a devastating blow, and they had to sell the cattle. Switching to arable farming full-time wasn’t just a change of work; it was a whole new world to learn and adapt to alongside the grief of losing a family member.
Amid all of this, Zoe became passionate about talking openly about mental health. She’s seen firsthand how the struggles of mental health can affect you and what it’s like to face those challenges and it’s not just her—the farming industry is filled with similar stories.
Zoe shares the heartbreaking story of Rocky Poulson, a farmer who tragically took his life after a farm inspection, highlighting the constant strain farmers go through. Juggling unpredictable weather, livestock health, staffing issues, and financial stress is overwhelming. On top of that, they need to ensure there’s enough income to keep food on their tables. The Yellow Wellies Foundation found that 95% of farmers believe mental health is the biggest hidden challenge in their field. Zoe believes these numbers show why the conversation needs to start now.
To Zoe, talking is very important. Asking for help isn’t easy, it’s one of the hardest steps to take. But she believes it’s also the bravest. That first step is always the scariest. When someone feels at their lowest, reaching out can feel overwhelming, but Zoe emphasises the relief that comes after. As more farmers share their stories, Zoe sees hope. One person speaks up, then another, and slowly, mental health becomes something that isn’t hidden anymore. Zoe describes it as a snowball effect. Once you start opening up, things slowly start to make sense. It’s not an overnight fix, and it’s not easy. But, Zoe believes that nothing in farming or life is easy if it’s worth having.
What’s most valuable to Zoe is the idea of a farming community where mental health is prioritised. She dreams of a future where farmers can access support and resources, allowing them to love their work and their lives in this important, but often demanding, industry.
Seeking support is a sign of strength. There are plenty of resources available, like Yellow Wellies, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, and the Farming Community Network, where Zoe volunteers. These organisations offer help, but farmers must take that first step.
