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A Scottish agricultural charity has expressed the importance of taking a break away from farm, with a survey revealing that very few farmers manage to do so due to demanding workloads and stress.

RSABI had launched a survey at the Fife Show and promoted at the Royal Highland Show earlier this year, which was aimed at encouraging farmers and others working in the industry to prioritise time away from their demanding workloads.

Over 280 respondents have completed the survey, with the charity finding the challenges farmers face in taking breaks off farm.

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Nearly 50% of participants said they took just two-five nights away from the farm during the entire calendar year.

Around 41% of those who completed the survey had cited worrying about the farm as a major barrier to taking an overnight break.

And less than half had felt confident that someone else could manage the farm in their absence. 

However, almost 93% of respondents said taking a break could improve their well-being and productivity, while 37% of participants managed to take a break for seven nights or more.

RSABI said the findings had emphasised the pressures on those working in the agricultural sector and the crucial need for time off to maintain well-being and and physical health.

Carol McLaren, RSABI's chief executive said: "Taking time away from the farm, even for a short period, is so important for well-being and making time to step away can also bring benefits for the business, with a refreshed outlook, and for family relationships too.

"While there are encouraging signs, the survey has highlighted the continued challenges farming families have to prioritise time for themselves.

"The initiative has also been an excellent opportunity for the RSABI team to encourage more farmers to take those well-deserved breaks, knowing that it can make a world of difference to their health and well-being."

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry.

Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won't show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI's .

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