Third of women farmers 'have low mental wellbeing'

Women in farming experience lower mental wellbeing than the national average, a study has suggested.

The University of Exeter study indicated 36% of participants had scores suggesting low wellbeing while only 4% reported high wellbeing.

The study, published by the university's Centre for Rural Policy Research and the Farming Community Network, was conducted during the summer of 2025.

Researchers said they received more than 2,000 responses from women aged between 18 and 95 involved in farming in England and Wales.

The survey suggested women in farming reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress than the general population.

Women who felt valued and supported, were involved in decision-making and who were satisfied with the balance between farm and non-farm tasks reported higher mental wellbeing, lower perceived stress and lower loneliness, according to researchers.

They said having little or no say in decision-making on the farm was associated with higher levels of loneliness.

Researchers said their findings would help develop recommendations to provide support to women in farming.

Dr Rebecca Wheeler, project lead and senior research fellow at the Centre for Rural Policy Research, said: "Many women told us they appreciated the opportunity to have their voices heard.

"The survey has provided valuable evidence about health and wellbeing among this under-researched population, including new insights into how loneliness, wellbeing and various aspects of farming life are interconnected for women involved in agriculture."

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