Law firm Thrings, which has a leading agriculture practice, is partnering with farmer and broadcaster Adam Henson to champion wellbeing and mental health in the farming sector through a series of podcasts.
Keeping on Track seeks to explore the different mental health challenges that are faced by many farmers but not often talked about.
Pictured: Adam Henson, right, with Thrings head of agriculture Duncan Sigournay
Created by Adam Henson, best known as a presenter on BBC TV’s Countryfile, and made by The Sound Doctor production company, the Thrings-backed series aims to encourage more communication within the sector, prevent people from suffering in silence and enable people to receive the support they need before it is too late.
Across the UK, as many as 92% of farmers under the age of 40 consider poor mental health the biggest problem facing farmers today, according to surveys by the Farm Safety Foundation.
Meanwhile, research by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) has found that one-in-three farmers are possibly or probably experiencing depression.
Adam, who was born on the farm he now works, 1,600-acre Bemborough Farm in Gloucestershire, said: “We are delighted to be working with Thrings and welcome their genuine commitment to support the Keeping on Track podcast and wellbeing in the farming sector. 
“The drive to create a resource that can alleviate some of the problems farmers face with mental illness across the country came after I lost a close friend to suicide.
“If this podcast can help even just a single person not to suffer in silence and get the support they need before it is too late, it will be a complete success.”
Thrings, which has one of its seven offices in Bath, has served the farming community for more than a century, acting for clients on all areas from land, property and diversification projects, to succession planning and estate management.
The firm is one of the country’s most prominent firms in agricultural law, ranked by both the prestigious Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories for its expertise,
Thrings head of agriculture Duncan Sigournay said: “Mental health in the farming community is an issue that has, for too long, flown under the radar, with farmers and working professionals failing to get the support they need, sometimes with tragic consequences.
“Through initiatives like Keeping on Track, we hope to start to see the tide turn.
“As both a talented broadcaster and experienced farmer, Adam has developed a widely-respected reputation within the rural community and we are proud to support him in making a difference in such a way that has the potential to help so many people.”
Thrings’ agriculture team is one of the largest of its kind in the UK with decades of experience in successfully supporting its farming and landowner clients to achieve their aims and the potential for their business.
The firm, which also has offices in Bristol, London, Lydney, Romsey, Ross-on-Wye and Swindon, has also been chosen by the NFU to act for its members in more countries than any other firm.
Find out more about how Thrings supports farmers, food producers and rural communities, click here
To listen to the Keeping on Track podcast, click here
