increase font size
Ffion Hooson. Photo: @ffionhooson0 / Twitter.
A 20-year old farmer’s tweet about her declining mental health has sparked a massive response online.
Shephard and relief milker Ffion Hooson has been running her family farm in Denbighshire, North Wales since mid-2018, when her father suffered a major stroke.
Hooson says her father spent four months in hospital before being discharged and continues to be in recovery.
The heartbreak of her father’s health combined with bad weather and the responsibilities of running a farm proved too much earlier this month when the young farmer took to Twitter to express her pain.
“I’m 20 years old and farming alone and I am constantly putting a brave hard face on... yet deep down I’m pretty much breaking inside... it’s the most I’ve struggled and no one really understands but I have no choice but to carry on,” Hooson posted on Twitter.
I’m 20 years old and farming alone and I am constantly putting a brave hard face on... yet deep down I’m pretty much breaking inside... it’s the most I’ve struggled and no one really understands but I have no choice but to carry on?? pic.twitter.com/n8keHhWci5
— Ffion Hooson (@ffionhooson0) February 7, 2020
The tweet sparked an outpouring of support and other farmers sharing their experiences, with over 2,700 replies and 2,000 retweets.
A week on, things appeared to be looking up for Hooson, who shared that she was now being given support on-farm.
Well it’s a week on from the tweet that went viral and the main man is back home, doing what he does best #farming and spending the day helping me, move sheep and clean the sheds out!! What a man! #BobFronFelen @ElenGwen @nwilliamsff ❤️? pic.twitter.com/g7OVuEvvuy
— Ffion Hooson (@ffionhooson0) February 14, 2020
Rural Women New Zealand this month submitted on the Draft Mental Health and a Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036, because a person's postcode should not determine the quality of their mental health support.
The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.
Hawke's Bay deer farmer Harry Gaddum organised the inaugural Gumboot Cup. It was a cricket tournament for 12 rural Hawke's Bay teams, their families, and the community. Gaddum says it was a chance for locals to get off farm, have some fun and connect, all for a good cause.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
The strain and pressure of weeks of repairing their flood-damaged properties is starting to tell on farmers and orchardists in the Tasman district.
Celebrating 50 years in the rural landscape of Central Canterbury and beyond, Ashburton-based Carrfields, has been the exemplar for all aspects of modern agriculture via its extensive range of services including supply, growing, agronomic advice and marketing.
For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.
West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
