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Largest ever survey into farmer wellbeing launched
"By initiating frank and honest conversations, I believe we can begin to 'normalise' our vulnerabilities." Alicia Chivers, RABI.
The Big Farming Survey aims to achieve 26,000 responses

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI) has launched a new survey which aims to assess the impact of “increasingly complex challenges” within the sector on people's mental and physical wellbeing, as well as their businesses.

The largest ever survey of it's kind, the Big Farming Survey aims to achieve 26,000 responses from people in the farming sector in England and Wales.

Chief executive Alicia Chivers said: “RABI is acutely aware of the mounting pressures in the sector. To serve our community effectively, we require a greater understanding of how these factors affect daily life which is why we’ve launched the Big Farming Survey.

“Setting the ambitious goal of 26,000 responses will ensure we can build the most comprehensive picture of life in agriculture today.

“The research will enable us to formulate more effective tools and support strategies to enhance farmer wellbeing now and into the future.”

The survey has been developed in partnership with the Centre for Rural Research at the University of Exeter, along with key stakeholders and partners from the agricultural industry.

It forms part of RABI's five-year strategy that will help the charity to reach a wider audience and support the wellbeing of everyone in the farming sector.

Ms Chivers continued: “There is growing awareness that there are some fundamental wellbeing issues in farming that need to be better understood and addressed.

“We are working with a range of partners so that we can develop effective, preventative services that fulfil the needs of farming people and make a valuable difference.”

The Big Farming Survey takes 15 minutes to complete and is open to all farmers, farm workers, spouses and adult-aged children.

The survey runs until 31 March 2021 and can be completed by clicking here.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.