Nevertheless, in these times of uncertainty and turbulence, showing one another compassion is more important than ever.
That is why the Farming Community Network's move to offer training in empathy to government agencies dealing with farming families has to be welcomed.
Some reading this may think it is wholly ridiculous that people dealing with highly sensitive issues and dishing out life changing information as civil servants working in agriculture often do on a regular basis need training on how to be ‘empathetic'.
In business we are often given advice and training on everything from tax accounting to health and safety, diversity, equity and inclusion, but how to deal with and talk to other humans is sometimes taken for granted.
Speaking to farmers who have hosted government Ministers or talked to civil servants or others from outside of day-to-day farming, they talk of seeing a lightbulb switching on, the moment when the penny drops and the person they are speaking to realises the enormity of what a decision or a test result can mean for a farming business and the wider family. The human impact.
If it takes a training course to ensure that message lands then surely that can only be a positive thing.
It might be something that banks and landlords could benefit from too.
UK agriculture has some of the most proactive and in-tune charitable organisations and they do a superb job in supporting farming businesses and their families. RABI's initiative to support farming families with buying school uniforms will be another welcome boost.
It highlights the importance of these organisations and the key role they play, but charity does not have to be a big gesture or a major cash injection.
Something as small as the offer of help or even just a compassionate, listening ear, can make a huge difference to someone's day.
And finally...
Emma Smith's enthusiasm for the sector is infectious and you can read how she is working to encourage more young people into farming on P108/109.
