Well, this is a game changer!
The Everatt Family
Nottinghamshire
We all function at our best when we’re in the ‘Green Zone’
At FCN we believe that farm businesses thrive when their people thrive. An important part of thriving is building and maintaining resilience.
‘Resilience’ is a frequently used term – we know it’s a good thing, but what does it actually mean?
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, challenges, or difficult life events, by being flexible and willing to change paths if necessary.
We have developed The Green Zone Checklist. It’s a self-assessment tool to help farms review some of the common components of business and personal resilience, allowing you to identify strengths and highlight areas where additional information or support may be useful.
This video from Mark Thomas, Services Manager, at FCN, explains more;
The Green Zone
“This checklist has provided my family with an opportunity for an open and lengthy conversation about where we are at, and it has lifted us greatly by allowing us to realise that things are not actually as daunting as we thought”
“What a fantastic tool that puts you back on track with a list of things you can to do to alleviate a lot of stress”
The Green Zone Checklist
You can fill in our checklist online here from your laptop or PC, or download it to print out. If you find this checklist useful, please email any comments/feedback/testimonials to farmwell@fcn.org.uk.
“A great way to approach difficult conversations to make plans and suggestions”
Positive Resilience Factors
We have a clear set of business objectives and a sustainable plan
Having clear objectives (personal and business) and creating realistic/sustainable plans are particularly important at times of change.
We may have overall life objectives; business objectives; objectives around family.
We may have more specific objectives regarding a particular year, income, retirement etc.
For objectives to be achieved, we need a plan. So if the objective is to make a certain level of profit, the plan needs to detail how that will be achieved.
A few things can help when it comes to objective setting and planning:
- Write things down
- Detail is important
- Be realistic
- Involve/discuss with others who may be affected by the plan
- Be flexible and prepared to adapt plans
I only worry about things I can control
It’s normal to worry about things, but excessive worrying can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. Learning to control worry is therefore important.
We might worry about all sorts of things, some of which we can affect and some that are out of our control (eg the weather!).
Limiting our thinking to those things we CAN control is a valuable technique and can help to reduce anxiety.
It can help to make a list of worries and divide them between things in your control, out of your control, and things you can influence.
Here are some links to information about
I have a contingency folder in case I or others on the farm can’t work
FCN sometimes takes calls from farms where someone is unable to work suddenly due to illness or accident, and they were the only person with knowledge of daily commitments on the farm, passwords, feeding regimes etc.
This can cause significant stress for both the individual and the family.
It is good practice to keep a contingency folder so that if a key person can’t work, important information is accessible by family or colleagues – let them know how they can access it.
This doesn’t have to be overly complex – you can view information about planning for contingencies and emergencies here, together with suggested list of contents for a folder, here:
I have explored and understand Government schemes (SFI,SFS etc)
At this time of change in farming it is especially important to review objectives and plan ahead.
A good place to start is the Defra Farming Blog, published regularly on the gov.uk website.
If you are a BPS recipient, you may qualify for free business advice from the Farming Resilience Fund.
If you are confused by the schemes or need help to take the first steps, contact FCN 03000 111 999 or via our e-Helpline help@fcn.org.uk
We place a high priority on safe working practice
The farming industry has a poor record on safety, with tragic accidents causing life changing injuries and too many deaths each year.
Employers must take steps to ensure they and their staff can work safely.
We have a positive workplace culture – I/we enjoy our work
We all like to feel fulfilled at work and nurturing a positive workplace culture is important, especially when employing staff.
The culture of a business/farm affects how people feel, maintains motivation, retains good staff, and they generally perform better. The culture is set from the top and will guide everyone about ‘how we do things here’.
People generally feel happier, work more effectively, and achieve better results in a positive culture.
The culture will also improve safe working and the wellbeing of everyone involved.
Links to information about building a positive workplace culture:
We all communicate well as a family / farm team
Maintaining open and inclusive communication in farming families is so important. A significant proportion of calls to FCN involve a breakdown in communication and when this happens it can lead to problems.
We welcome new thinking on the farm and are willing to take support and advice
It is so important to be open to new thinking, especially at times of change. We may know our farm and business better than anyone else, but we can’t always stay up on the latest techniques and be aware of all the help and support that is available.
Using a trusted family member or friend as a sounding board can be very helpful to broaden our field of view and help us to gain clarity. If possible, employing advisers and consultants can be valuable, but there is also a lot of free information and resources available.
We have given thought to security around the farm
Rural crime is a growing problem with machinery theft, fly tipping, hare coursing and other crimes causing stress and cost to many farms.
In 2022 the cost of rural crime rose sharply by 22%, reaching a total estimate of £49.5 million based on NFU Mutual claims statistics.
There are a number of actions that can be taken to make farm buildings and equipment more secure and reduce the worry and anxiety associated with rural crime.
I delegate where and when I can
So much ‘business’ now relies upon having some basic computer skills and, of course, a reliable broadband connection. Many in farming have been brought up in the digital age and use of computers and other devices are second nature.
But for some people, accessing the internet and using keyboards can be a challenge.
Whilst there needs to be respect for accessibility, it is likely that government, banks, commercial organisations etc will continue to pursue a digital approach, and therefore we either need to develop the skills required to use a computer or have access to a trusted person who can help us.
We have an up-to-date partnership agreement in place
Having an up to date partnership agreement for your farm business is essential to ensure that everyone involved knows where they stand. It is particularly important at times of change or dispute within families.
Land agents and accountants can help to create a partnership agreement and provide guidance on other legal and financial documents that the business should have in place.
At FCN, we regularly hear about family disputes where such legal documentation is not in place, resulting in stress for all involved.
I try and maintain a good diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is more than just avoiding weight gain….much more. A good diet can have a major impact on our mental wellbeing and general fitness. It can fuel greater energy enabling us to achieve more in the day and avoid tiredness.
Considering portion size and healthy swaps can make a big difference to how we feel. There is plenty of information about healthy eating online, however here are a few references more specific to farming, including a link to Milly Fife’s page – Milly is a FCN Ambassador.
I take some form of regular physical exercise
Making physical exercise a daily habit can be very beneficial. It doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or cycling 50 miles (congratulations if you do!)
Simply walking more, an occasional short run, or Park Run can help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health, as well as maintaining mobility in later life.
My mental health is good
We hear a lot about mental health and farming and plenty of surveys have shown that some people experience poor mental health. Stress and anxiety are often symptoms of things going on in people’s lives and whilst it is crucial to talk about how you feel and connect with support, it is important to understand and tackle the causes. We all have physical health and mental health, and we need to look after both. Understanding how to manage stress, how to spot the warning signs in others and how to start a conversation with someone you are worried about are all important.
There is a wealth of information out there about looking after our mental wellbeing, a good starting point is the FarmWell website.
If you, or someone you know is concerned about their mental health, it is so important to talk to someone – ideally a family member or friend, call an organisation like FCN on 03000 111 999 or make an appointment to visit your GP.
Visit the mental wellbeing section on FarmWell
I am proactive about my physical health and get checked by GP
As with mental health, maintaining good physical health can make a huge difference to our lives, and in the farming world is so important to stay well so we can keep doing the job we love.
With long working hours and time spent in tractor cabs, making time for exercise can be difficult and we aren’t the best at seeing our doctor on a regular basis. Many calls we receive at FCN have a connection with physical health, whether this be caused by illness, accident or simply getting older, and taking steps to look after ourselves and be proactive about our physical health can avoid problems for ourselves and our family.
Check out the physical health section on FarmWell
farmwell.org.uk/physical-health/
The NHS website has plenty of useful information
I know how to keep stress and anxiety under control
Stress is common and can be very damaging to our health. Whilst we all experience levels of pressure at times, stress, particularly for prolonged periods, will eventually take a toll.
Stress tends to build over time and it is important to know the signs in ourselves and being able to spot them in those we live and work with. Being an active ‘look out’ and talking with family or colleagues if we are concerned about their stress levels is so important.
If you or someone you know is finding it hard to manage stress, it’s important to talk to someone – call FCN on 03000 111 999.
There is some information about stress and its symptoms here on FarmWell
farmwell.org.uk/identifying-managing-and-minimising-stress/
The NHS website has a section of stress
I maintain a good work/life balance
We have a habit in farming of celebrating those people who work very long hours and rarely take a break. Whilst their spirit and commitment is admirable, there is a danger with this. It can be very difficult to take a break when you farm, it may appear impossible. But getting away from the daily grind is vital to avoid burn-out, stress and tiredness which can be dangerous. Even if it’s just for a short time, to take a walk, sit and admire a view, or perhaps a weekend break, try and ‘take 5’ and recharge the system.
If it feels impossible to do this, consider sitting down with family members and discuss what might be possible – after all if you ‘fall over’ due to over work, it’s them who will have to pick up the pieces.
Consider how you could change your schedule to break up the day.
If you give 140% on day 1 and this affects you on day 2 so you can only give 40%, it’s better to pace yourself.
Check out this section on FarmWell about balance and organisation
I have a positive mindset and bounce back from setbacks
We can all feel that things get us down from time to time when the daily pressures can build. We all have a choice at these times to choose the positive, to make a conscious decision to see things from a different perspective. If someone cuts us up on a road, we can choose to get angry about it, or just acknowledge it and move on. It’s not always easy to do this! But the negative response is likely to make the situation worse, whilst the positive response allows us to brush it off and not cause further stress.
Bouncebackability is an important aspect of resilience – picking ourselves up after a set back and not being distracted from our purpose can be valuable.
But if this is happening on a frequent basis, there may be other things to consider. Getting back up when knocked down is resilient, but avoiding being knocked down in the first place must be the aim.
We have good relations within our family
Farming families can get big and sometimes very complicated! In fact, family relationship problems are one of the top three most frequent reasons for contacting FCN.
One of the challenges is that in farming, families live and work together on a daily basis and so it is really important to maintain open channels of communication and work hard to keep positive relations in place.
If things aren’t working, better to initiate a civil discussion around the kitchen table to nip problems in the bud, rather than allow things to go unsaid and tensions to develop.
In these situations, actively listening to the views of others and ensuring everyone has a chance to speak, is very important.
Sometimes, inviting a third party to help facilitate a family discussion can be useful – someone who can be objective, impartial, and isn’t too closely involved.
Some FCN groups can help with family mediation – call 03000 111999 or help@fcn.org.uk
The charity Relate can also help
I am happy to ask for help when I need it and encourage others to do so
At times in our lives, we all need a bit of help, and asking for it is a strength not a weakness. But our ‘tough as old boots’ culture in farming can sometimes get in the way of this.
It’s not only important for us as individuals to seek support when needed, it’s important to set an example to those we live and work with that it’s ok too.
It may be talking to a family member, or a friend, or someone we work with. And there are plenty of support organisations out there.
Call FCN on 03000 111999, help@FCN.org.uk
Here is a list of support organisations serving agriculture:
I don’t allow unwanted/negative thoughts to affect me
Many of us experience unwanted thoughts which can affect our mood and thinking. When this happens, try not to give them undue attention – acknowledged them and move on, rather than dwelling upon them.
If you sense that unwanted thoughts are becoming a problem, it is best to seek professional help.
I have good spiritual health (eg: faith, mindfulness, yoga etc)
‘Good health is a three-legged stool’ – physical health, mental health and the oft overlooked spiritual health.
Spiritual health will mean different things to different people – it may mean following a religion, taking time out to be mindful, or finding hope even in the toughest times. It’s about feeling at peace with life.
Not an area that is often discussed in our industry but an important component of resilience, however you chose to engage with it.
I take holidays/ breaks away from the business
When did you last have a holiday ?! We know that getting away can be very difficult for people who live and work on farms, especially those with livestock enterprises.
But as with farm/life balance, it is so important to try and engineer in time away from the farm……even if it’s going to stay on another farm !
Finding someone to look after the farm work when you are away is often a block to taking holidays. So working to find someone you trust, who understands your farm and how you do things, who can step in a for a few days or a week occasionally, can give you the confidence you need to take time away.
There are also providers who can help with this by offering temporary staffing solutions, or maybe you can come to an agreement with a neighbouring farm.
I know how to access cancer support services if required
One in two of us will experience cancer directly and we will all be affected in some way during our lives through knowing someone who is living with the condition.
A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can result in practical and emotional challenges on farm and we also know that it can be difficult for people in the rural community to access cancer support and services.
This was the catalyst for FCN and Macmillan working together to connect people in farming with help.
If you or someone you know has been affected by cancer, contact FCN and we can connect you with a FCN/Macmillan cancer professional.
FCN – 03000 111 999 help@fcn.org.uk
I have made good provision for my pension
When we start out on our career, pensions and retirement can seem a long way off! But the earlier we start to plan financially for our later years, the more time we have to build a pension and/or savings pot to supplement the state pension.
You may be fortunate to have a private pension or have been automatically enrolled into a work scheme. It is well worth keeping watch on how these pension ‘pots’ are doing and review whether they will give you financial flexibility and options when you wish to step back from full time employment.
If you are in a position to do so, using an independent financial adviser can be helpful. It is also worth checking your national insurance record and state pension forecast which can be done at gov.uk.
Further useful information can be found at:
We discuss succession openly and have an agreed plan
Succession planning is vital for any business but can be particularly challenging on a family farm. A high percentage of calls to FCN have an element of succession and family relationship difficulties at their heart. Expectations passed through generations and unmet aspirations of the younger generation hoping to take over the farm, mean that complexities exist on all sides.
A succession plan will look different for every business, but there are some consistent factors that may help guide the process:
- Start early
- Ensure everyone involved has their say (using a third party mediator/facilitator can help)
- Make honest self appraisals about future hopes and fears
- Be realistic about the business and what people are prepared to do
- Consider roles and levels of ownership
- Keep talking and review the plan regularly
- Take professional advice if you can
There is a wealth of information and resources online about succession planning and you can find links to some that we feel are the most helpful from here:
I have registered a will and made my wishes known to family
Another frequent cause of stress in farming families can result where someone hasn’t made a will and been clear about their wishes when they die.
It’s a difficult subject to broach, and consequently assumptions can be made about succession, inheritance and other matters that may not match what has been written in a will. This can then lead to disputes in families and additional stress for the family at what is a difficult time.
Ensuring that we have an up to date, registered will in place can make things easier for those we leave behind and if possible it is best to let your family know about your plans so there is clarity on what they can expect and remember to update a will following divorce.
I have set up power of attorneys for finance and health
As well as having a will in place, which comes into effect after we die, it is important to consider how you would like decisions made for you should you lose capacity to do so yourself. This may be due to an accident for instance or failing physical or mental health. A Lasting Power of Attorney (POA) can formalise this.
There are two types of POA, one covers property and finance and the other relates to health and welfare.
If you haven’t got a POA in place, we strongly recommend looking into this. It is possible to register a POA oneself, although taking professional advice (if possible) may be beneficial.
I have a plan for how I will reduce my workload when necessary
Farming is a way of life and more than ‘just a job’, so the traditional approach to retiring may be different for some people in the industry. It’s good for our health and wellbeing to stay engaged in the industry we love, but there may come a time when it is more difficult for us to carry out the level of work that we have been proud to do all our working lives. FCN receives regular calls relating to people in later life, for whom physical and mental health issues have begun to affect their wellbeing, fitness and energy levels, to the extent that it affects their daily work patterns. This can result in direct issues (such as finding it more difficult to feed and water livestock) and indirect anxieties, where family members worry about their parents or grandparents.
Before this becomes a problem, far better to keep workloads under review and have honest conversations with family about adjustments that can keep you involved in the farm in a way that suits you and the business. View this as a positive transition in life and plan ahead before problems emerge.
I (will) keep active in later life
Maintaining a reasonable level of physical fitness will mean we can keep active on the farm for longer. This doesn’t have to be running marathons (but great if you do!), just giving thought to how to maintain muscle mass, strength, balance etc. It’s also important to stay connected and the great thing about agriculture is the number of shows, events and other opportunities to meet with others.
I invest time to keep learning
‘Every day is a school day’ and however long you have worked in farming, there is always something new to learn, or opportunities to share knowledge that you have with others. Never stop investing time in being inquisitive – it keeps our minds active and ensures we stay connected with others
I have interests off the farm
Farming interests and hobbies are often linked to the community we live and work in, such as shooting, hunting, YFC etc. All these are good for our health and wellbeing, but it’s good to occasionally get away from the farm and spending time with non-farming friends can broaden and enrich our thinking.
I work to provide opportunity for the next generation
We have already covered the importance of succession planning to ensure a farm business is sustainable and your own workload becomes , but encouraging young people and new entrants into our industry in a wider context is so important. Finding opportunities to offer apprentices or other employment in your business for a younger person can also be hugely rewarding for you.
I have considered later life care costs and taken steps to plan for this
At FCN we regularly take calls relating to the challenges of care provision for an older family member. These calls are often received at the point when care is needed and the reality of costs and legal issues become evident.
With more people living longer, it is very important to give thought to the likelihood of care provision well in advance of when it may be required, considering financial planning and also implications relating to property ownership, partnership agreements and other legal matters.
I have a strong and active connection with my community
Farming families are often at the heart of their local communities, making practical and financial contributions and generally offering any support they can.
But being connected with our local community can also be good for our own wellbeing. Watching out for others, taking an active role in local groups (eg Parish Council, village hall, church) and supporting shows and events can be very fulfilling and keeps us connected with others.
I ‘look out’ for others in my local community who may be struggling
At FCN we encourage people to be active ‘lookouts’ in their local community to spot the early signs that someone might be having it tough and to begin a conversation.
It may be noticing that a neighbour stops going to a regular club or meeting, or that a friend isn’t joining your Friday evening pub group. Actively observing these things is the first step in connecting with support and simply asking ‘I’ve noticed you’ve stopped joining us at the pub on Friday, is everything ok ?’ may allow someone to open up to you. Giving your time to listen may be all they need, or you could suggest calling an organisation like FCN for further support.
Here’s a little more on spotting the signs that someone may be stressed or anxious:
Symptoms – Generalised anxiety disorder in adults – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
DORSET FARMERS LOOKING OUT FOR EACH DURING WINTER MONTHS – Farming Community Network (fcn.org.uk)
I volunteer
Volunteering can benefit others and bring benefits to our own wellbeing.
It may be volunteering in your local community (The Parish Council will always be pleased to hear from you!), or you may like to volunteer time with a charity.
It may be litter picking when you go walking, or you may like to undertake more formal training to volunteer on a helpline, mountain/lowland rescue, a wildlife trust etc.
I actively encourage and mentor new entrants/young people to farming
Mentoring is a great way to share life experience and support others to thrive in their career and it can be very rewarding for both parties involved. Those with a few years under their belt can share life experience and knowledge they have gained that may help a younger person to find their way. And those from the ‘digital’ generations can help others to navigate computers, the internet and smartphones which have become an essential part of modern farming life.
Mentoring can be done on an informal basis or it can take a more formal approach, for which training is available.
For the future of our industry, we need to show the younger generation what a wonderful career farming, and its ancillary/connected trades and professions, provides.
I take steps to stay connected with others (eg clubs, groups)
Feelings of loneliness and isolation can affect us all, whether we work alone on a small farm, or spend our days in a tractor cab on a large farming estate. Staying connected with others can help to reduce isolation.
Whether it be Young Farmers Clubs, discussion groups, show committees, the local pub, all these can play a part in keeping us connected with others. Smart phones allow us to have a friendly catch up and stay in touch via social media (avoiding the negative aspects).
Sometimes we have to force ourselves to go to a social event, but it nearly always has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing if we can do so.
I work to improve my local environment
Farmers are great custodians of our countryside and food production and nature go hand in hand. The new ELMS and SFI schemes are providing new opportunities for farmers who wish to improve biodiversity on their farms and in many areas Cluster Groups (often coordinated by the Wildlife Trusts) are helping farmers to work together to improve environmental gains. It’s not only great for nature but improving our local environment can be good for our own mental health and of those who live in our local area.
