Life in Farming: Long Hours, Family Life, and the Challenges Behind the Industry

Life in Farming: Long Hours, Family Life, and the Challenges Behind the Industry

In this insightful and honest episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with two respected figures from the Welsh farming industry to discuss the realities of modern farming life. Joining the conversation are Iwan Thomas, a professional dairy cattle classifier working with Holstein UK and the National Bovine Data Centre, and Chris Hanks, Welsh dairy farmer and Farm Manager based in Llancarfan, widely recognised for his leadership within the agricultural community and his work around sustainable farming technologies. Together, they explore the day-to-day realities of working in agriculture — the passion that drives farming families, the pressure and responsibility that comes with the industry, and the challenge of balancing family life alongside extremely long working hours. The discussion also reflects on the difficulties faced during the Covid pandemic, how the agricultural sector adapted during uncertain times, and the importance of resilience, community, and communication within rural life. This episode offers a genuine and thoughtful conversation about dedication, sacrifice, and the people behind the industry that keeps the country fed — highlighting both the challenges and the strong sense of purpose that comes with life in farming.

LGBTQ in Farming: Identity, Mental Health & Breaking Stigma in Agriculture | DPJ Foundation

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Emma from the DPJ Foundation sits down with Gethin Bickerton, Welsh actor and trustee of the DPJ Foundation, alongside Andrew Powell and Ren Fisher, to discuss the experiences of the LGBTQ community within farming and the wider agricultural industry. Together, they speak openly about growing up in rural communities, the pressures and struggles they faced around identity and acceptance, and how isolating life could feel at times while trying to navigate both personal and professional life within agriculture.At the heart of the conversation, however, is warmth, progress, and hope. T he episode reflects positively on the farming community, the role of Young Farmers Clubs, and the increasing openness and support being seen within agriculture today. The guests also discuss the importance of visibility, honest conversations, supportive friendships, and creating spaces where people feel able to be themselves both within and outside of farming life. This is a thoughtful, emotional, and uplifting discussion about identity, belonging, mental health, resilience, and the changing culture within modern agriculture — highlighting how important community and conversation can be. Whether you work in farming, live in a rural area, or simply want to hear real stories from real people, this episode offers an important and inspiring perspective on life within the agricultural community.

Lleisiau Ifanc mewn Ffermio: Teulu, Dyfodol, a Bywyd ar y Tir.

Yn y bennod galonogol a gonest hon, mae Mal, merch Emma, sylfaenydd y DPJ Foundation, yn eistedd i lawr gyda Alun Elidyr, cyflwynydd S4C a ffermwr, a Meinir Howells, cyflwynydd teledu, ffermwr a mam, i drafod dyfodol amaethyddiaeth a sut i annog pobl ifanc i ddod i mewn i’r byd ffermio. Gyda’i gilydd, maent yn archwilio realiti byw a gweithio yng nghefn gwlad — harddwch y wlad, y gymuned glòs, a manteision magu teulu ar fferm. Mae’r sgwrs hefyd yn trafod yn agored rai o’r heriau sy’n dod gyda bywyd amaethyddol, gan gynnwys pwysau ariannol ac ansicrwydd, a’r realiti bod arian weithiau’n dynn, ond bod y ffordd o fyw a’r cysylltiad â’r tir yn dod â math gwahanol o hapusrwydd.Mae’r drafodaeth yn tynnu sylw at rôl bwysig Clybiau Ffermwyr Ifanc, adeiladu hyder ymhlith pobl ifanc, a chreu mannau cefnogol lle gall sgiliau, cyfeillgarwch a gwydnwch ddatblygu. Maent hefyd yn trafod effaith cyfryngau cymdeithasol — y cyfleoedd sydd ar gael ond hefyd sut i ddelio â’r pwysau mewn ffordd iach a chadarnhaol. Mae’r bennod hon yn sgwrs feddylgar ac ysbrydoledig am ddyfodol ffermio, yn dathlu’r ffordd o fyw tra’n cydnabod yr heriau’n onest, ac yn dangos sut mae angerdd, cymuned a phrofiadau a rennir yn parhau i ysbrydoli pobl ifanc i gamu i fyd amaethyddiaeth. Os yr ydych yn cael trafferth a hoffwch siarad â rhywun am gefnogaeth plis ffoniwch ein llinell Rhannwch y Baich 24/7 ar 0800 587 4262 neu tecstiwch 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #RhannwchYBaich #ShareTheLoad

Farming, Media, and Mental Health: Honest Conversations from Life in the Spotlight.

In this powerful and open conversation, Emma sits down with three guests whose lives sit at the intersection of farming, media, and mental health. Joining the discussion are Anne, one of the DPJ Foundation’s regional volunteers and a news and livestock reporter for Farmers Weekly; Alun Elidyr, S4C presenter and farmer, who speaks openly and honestly about his personal battles with depression; and Meinir Howells, TV presenter, farmer, and mother, who shares her experiences of balancing life on the farm with working in broadcasting. Together, they discuss the realities of working within the farming world while reporting and presenting on stories that can often be difficult or emotionally heavy. The conversation explores the pressures faced within agriculture, the importance of openness around mental health, and how sharing personal experiences can help break stigma and encourage others to reach out. This episode offers a genuine and thoughtful insight into life behind the scenes — both on the farm and in front of the camera — highlighting the strength, vulnerability, and honesty that help keep important conversations moving forward. Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed. If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich

What Happens When You Reach Out? Inside the Share The Load Support Line.

In this informative and reassuring episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with Natalie, a Share The Load volunteer, and Nicola, one of the service’s counsellors, to talk openly about what people can expect when they reach out for support. Together, they explore how the 24/7 Share The Load phone line and text service works, what happens when someone makes that first call or message, and the compassionate support that is available to those who may be struggling. The conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes — from the role of volunteers and counsellors, to how calls are handled, the importance of listening, and how small moments of connection can make a big difference. This episode aims to remove fear or uncertainty around asking for help, breaking down the process in a calm and approachable way. Whether you’re curious about the service, thinking about reaching out yourself, or simply want to understand more about how support works, this conversation provides clarity, comfort, and encouragement. Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed. If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich