Livestock farmers experience high rates of mental health challenges including stress, depression, and burnout. Their wellbeing is inseparable from the welfare of the animals they care for.
A farmer under extreme financial or emotional stress is less able to observe, recognise, and respond to animal welfare problems. Human wellbeing and animal welfare are linked — supporting farmers supports their animals. Policy approaches that only add regulatory burden without addressing the root economic stressors of farming may harm both farmer and animal welfare simultaneously.