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Largest ever survey into farmer wellbeing launched
"By initiating frank and honest conversations, I believe we can begin to 'normalise' our vulnerabilities." Alicia Chivers, RABI.
The Big Farming Survey aims to achieve 26,000 responses

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI) has launched a new survey which aims to assess the impact of “increasingly complex challenges” within the sector on people's mental and physical wellbeing, as well as their businesses.

The largest ever survey of it's kind, the Big Farming Survey aims to achieve 26,000 responses from people in the farming sector in England and Wales.

Chief executive Alicia Chivers said: “RABI is acutely aware of the mounting pressures in the sector. To serve our community effectively, we require a greater understanding of how these factors affect daily life which is why we’ve launched the Big Farming Survey.

“Setting the ambitious goal of 26,000 responses will ensure we can build the most comprehensive picture of life in agriculture today.

“The research will enable us to formulate more effective tools and support strategies to enhance farmer wellbeing now and into the future.”

The survey has been developed in partnership with the Centre for Rural Research at the University of Exeter, along with key stakeholders and partners from the agricultural industry.

It forms part of RABI's five-year strategy that will help the charity to reach a wider audience and support the wellbeing of everyone in the farming sector.

Ms Chivers continued: “There is growing awareness that there are some fundamental wellbeing issues in farming that need to be better understood and addressed.

“We are working with a range of partners so that we can develop effective, preventative services that fulfil the needs of farming people and make a valuable difference.”

The Big Farming Survey takes 15 minutes to complete and is open to all farmers, farm workers, spouses and adult-aged children.

The survey runs until 31 March 2021 and can be completed by clicking here.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.