Minister of State Michael Healy Rae calls on dairy farmers to focus on improving work-life balance

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae, T.D., has called on dairy farmers to reflect on their work-life balance.

Pictured at the Farmer Burnout Research launch at a Teagasc Dairy Open Day in Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork are Dr John McNamara, Health & Safety Specialist, Teagasc; Michael Healy-Rae TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture; Dr Siobhán O’Connor, DCU; and Dr Stan Lalor, Director of Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc.

The Minister made his call at the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day where he was presented with findings of a recent Dublin City University (DCU) and Teagasc study among Irish farmers that showed 24% reporting burnout and 50% reporting sleep issues.

At the event, Dr Siobhán O’Connor, DCU, highlighted that persistent poor sleep and burnout can lead to poor health and mental health issues, while Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist Advisor, Dr John McNamara emphasised the close link between excessive workload and farm workplace injury levels.

Speaking at the launch of the research findings, Minister Healy-Rae said:

“While farmers are under pressure, particularly during the busy spring period and at harvest, it is encouraging that this study found that by adopting more effective work organisation, workload can be reduced, leading to an enhanced and more sustainable lifestyle for dairy farmers and their families.”

The People in Dairying Research Programme, which was managed by Dr Conor Hogan, Teagasc Research Officer, found that farms with more effective work organisation reported shorter working hours, more days off, and earlier finish times in spring compared to all other farms. These farmers also found it easier to attract and retain staff. The research revealed considerable scope to reduce workload and minimise farmer stress during the busy spring period.

Farmers in the study identified five key areas that can save time or cause hardship during spring, namely: calf management, workforce planning, weather, animal health, and work organisation.

Earlier evening milking was a key practice to reduce total working hours, while early planning, smart investments, and initiative-taking workforce sourcing helped reduce stress and save time during the calving season.

Minister Healy-Rae added:

“Practical measures which contribute to improving farmers’ work-life balance are essential for safe and productive farming. After a hard day’s work, it is important that there is time for family life and interests outside the farm gate. Research also shows that by planning and managing the workload, the risk of a safety incident is reduced.”   

The booklet for the dairy open day, which was sponsored by FBD Insurance, includes information on farmer health and safety and work organisation. The Moorepark event booklet can be downloaded here.