Law firm Thrings has extended its support for a podcast created by farmer and BBC Countryfile host Adam Henson that champions wellbeing and mental health in the farming sector.
Keeping on Track was launched at the beginning of this year to encourage people in the farming community not to suffer alone and to get the support they need before it’s too late. 
To coincide with Farm Safety Week, it returned this week for a second series, with Thrings, one of the UK’s most prominent firms in agricultural law, again backing it.
The new series will include conversations with a range of inspirational farmers, academics, leaders in farming policy and agricultural disability champions on multiple issues directly linked to wellbeing in the farming industry.
Surveys by the Farm Safety Foundation last year revealed that as many as 92% of UK farmers under 40 consider poor mental health to be the biggest problem facing them.
The scale of the issue was backed up by research from the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), which has found that one-in-three farmers are possibly or probably experiencing depression.
Adam, pictured, right, with Thrings head of agriculture Duncan Sigournay, was born on a 1,600-acre farm in Gloucestershire, where he now works. 
He said: “It is fantastic to continue to have the genuine support of Thrings as we embark on our second series of Keeping on Track.
“Working on the first season was a really rewarding experience and it has been great to engage positively with so many listeners since it was released, sharing our stories and how we are all overcoming our own personal struggles.
“I am hopeful that with this new season, and the amazing people we interview, we can take it a step further and give people a reason not to suffer in silence.”
Both series have been produced with health and prevention specialists The Sound Doctor.
Thrings head of agriculture Duncan Sigournay said: “Poor mental health is fast becoming one of the most significant concerns for workers in the farming sector and it’s clear more needs to be done to raise the profile of the issue, giving people the tools to help themselves and others.
“This is why resources such as Keeping on Track are so vital for the industry and we are delighted to be backing its second season following the clear success of the first.
“We look forward to continuing our support for Adam and the team as they endeavour to make a difference for so many people.”
Thrings, which has nine offices – including one in Bristol – has served the farming community for more than a century, acting for clients in areas ranging from land, property and diversification projects to succession planning and estate management.
It is ranked by both the prestigious Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories for its expertise in the sector and has also been chosen by the NFU to act for its members in more countries than any other firm.
