The findings of the pilot Health Check Initiative, which were published in early March, should prompt a wider discussion about how health is managed, particularly among rural communities. The pilot took place in Autumn 2024, and it was a partnership between the IFA, CROÍ and the Department of Agriculture.
Studies show that farmers are significantly at a higher risk of exhibiting multiple risk factors, such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. The areas of concern include high stress levels; lack of health checks; poor diet; and decreasing exercise levels.
Physical demands, including heavy lifting and repetitive tasks, contribute to a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain.
According to Teagasc, nearly 60 per cent of farmers aged over 50 report experiencing ongoing physical discomfort due to their work.
Cardiovascular disease is also a significant health concern. According to CROÍ, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Ireland, accounting for approximately 36 per cent of all deaths.
Skin cancer is a rising threat, with farmers being at a higher risk due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 13,000 cases diagnosed each year, according to HSE figures.
Mental health issues are equally prevalent, exacerbated by factors such as financial pressures, animal disease, increased levels of red tape, succession issues, and excessive stress made worse by long working hours, and rural isolation.
The motivation to undertake this pilot initiative stems from the profile of our membership in the IFA and our mission to bring services to farmers around the country.
When the Department of Agriculture approached us last year, we decided this was an initiative worth pursuing. It provided plenty of challenges, not least the very tight timeframe to reach the target of 1,000 checks.
Key to the success of the project was the choice of venue. Our planning discussions focused on identifying locations that would make attendees feel comfortable. By their nature and their demographic, we knew that those we were targeting might be reluctant to participate unless the setting was suitable.
Marts around the country were chosen to give a good regional spread for the pilot. In order to generate interest ahead of the official rollout, a soft launch was planned for the National Ploughing Championships in September.
It is the most popular event in the farming calendar and we always have a high footfall across the three days. We have a prominent location near the NPA headquarters and farmers look forward to dropping in for a cup of tea and meeting friends.
At the event, we captured more than one-third of what we needed to hit the target.
85 per cent of those who attended for a health check were aged over 45, and 75 per cent were male.
The topline outcomes show that the pilot initiative exceeded its targets and identified that demand exists for a wider rollout of the service to rural communities:
Among the recommendations are the establishment of a national Health Check Programme; a centralised digital platform offering continuous health education; expansion of holistic services; and a stakeholder forum to raise awareness of farming-related health issues and increased risk factors.
Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Michael Healy-Rae, officially launched the report at the Cillín Hill mart in Kilkenny, which was one of the locations that offered free health checks to farmers.
Mark O’Donnell CEO of CROÍ said; “The response to this pilot shows the real need for accessible health checks in rural communities. Cardiovascular health is key to overall well-being, yet many risk factors go unnoticed. With 80 per cent of premature cardiovascular disease being preventable, early detection and early treatment is essential. The high rates of elevated blood pressure and cholesterol identified in this pilot highlight why regular heart health checks matter”.
Mr O’Donnell added, “CROÍ is committed to working with our partners to expand this initiative so more farmers can access the checks and support they need to protect their heart health and overall well-being.”
As part of the information-gathering exercise, we sought the views of some participants and the CROÍ personnel about their experience. In some cases, the findings prompted urgent intervention.
In Balla, a farmer who had not checked his blood pressure in four to five years had an alarming reading of 198/100 and a blood sugar level over 20. He was immediately advised to contact Westdoc, where he secured a same-day appointment. This occurred on a Saturday, underscoring the importance of accessible healthcare during non-standard hours.
Apart from the benefit of availing of a health check, we also found that creating a hub within a community was of value to people.
Health checks were not only valued but became social gatherings. Farmers were willing to wait and chat, creating a supportive atmosphere. In Macroom, four couples over 60 travelled for two hours and stayed overnight locally to attend the mart specifically for health checks, reflecting both the demand for these services and the sense of community they fostered.
The Health Check initiative also found that some participants were surprised at their report, but the most encouraging aspect was that they were willing to put a new regime in place to achieve better results.
One participant concluded: “I attended the health check in Ennis mart. My cholesterol was raised on the day, which was a surprise, I have taken the advice on board from the Croí nurse. I have started to do some exercise, walking, and I have reduced the number of sweets and biscuits, that I eat in a day. I have started to make sure I eat more fruit, vegetables and having a healthy breakfast. I have cut out the fry for everyday breakfast and will only have it on a Saturday or Sunday from now on.”
Another participant has committed to similar lifestyle improvements: “Since seeing the nurse and beginning to make changes I am feeling much fitter and healthier. I have only just started with the changes, but I am determined to keep them going. I am waiting on my bloods to come back with my cholesterol results but hopefully they will not be too bad. If they are I know what I need to do and I can follow up with the free helplines recommended anytime I need a chat.”
All partners were fully committed to the project. We had a short timeline to mobilise our network and get the message out. I would like to thank our partners in the Department of Agriculture and CROÍ for their support in raising the awareness among farmers of minding your health.
The success of the Health Check programme was evident in the sheer demand. At some locations, queues extended beyond capacity.
To build on the success of this initiative, sustained investment is essential. By funding the expansion of the project, the Government can support early detection, reduce long-term healthcare costs, and empower farmers to manage their health.
Integrating holistic physical and mental health services strengthens rural resilience, improves quality of life, and supports the longevity of our agricultural sector.
The IFA believes that if this initiative was supported and resourced, we could create a proactive, accessible health check programme with ongoing collaboration with healthcare stakeholders and provide dedicated resources to ensure farmers receive the vital care and support they need to thrive in a healthier farming community.
Teresa Roche
Chair of IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee
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