Free health checks for farmers will take place in January and February in Harrogate, Doncaster and York coordinated by the Yorkshire Rural Support Network.
The network organises nurses to carry out free health checks for any farmers with health concerns at Auction Marts, the Great Yorkshire Show and various events throughout the county. Funded by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the Network brings together statutory and voluntary agencies to promote and provide sources of help for farmers in need.
Kate Dale, who runs the network and is a partner in her own farming business, says “It can be an isolating profession and farmers are usually the last ones to put themselves first. We know they would rather take their animal to the vet than make time to get themselves checked by the doctor, so we bring the medic to them!”
The checks are open to any farmers with health concerns and the next dates are:
Harrogate: Wednesday 10 January, Ripon Farm Services Open Day, Great Yorkshire Showground.
Marr, near Doncaster: Thursday 11 January, Farmstar Open Day.
Murton, York: Wednesday 7 February, Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show (YAMS), 11am-1.30pm.