Farming is one of the toughest, most physically demanding jobs in the world. The combination of early mornings, long hours, weather exposure, and tough manual labour all have a big impact on farmers. So, it’s vital to think about health and wellbeing. A key thing here is to ensure you have the right gear, including footwear and waterproofs. We want to look at the latter, providing some tips on picking the best products.

Weather and climate

One thing Brits are renowned for is our feelings about the weather. We love moaning about it, whether it’s cold, hot, wet, dry, or any combination you can imagine. However, farmers should be forgiven for it. The changeable conditions make the job even more challenging. Most importantly, it makes it tricky to decide what gear you need.

When it comes to clothing, the best thing you can do if you’re a farmer in the UK is ensure you have options for any situation. Light jackets, trousers, and other products are ideal for spring and summer when you may need protection against rain but don’t want to overheat. Heavier garments are best for late autumn and winter when it’s colder and you need more protection.

It’s also a really good idea to think about the climate in your area. The weather can differ massively in various parts of the UK. In fact, there are microclimates, areas where it can be hotter and dryer or colder and wetter. Make sure you think about the conditions in your area and select waterproofs to suit.

What jobs are you doing?

Another thing that makes farming so difficult at times is there are so many different jobs to do. It can involve raising animals, growing crops, and much more. You’ll likely be using a wide array of vehicles and equipment. The rigorous work means you need to think carefully about what you are wearing.

Have a good look at the jobs you have to do and what they mean for your clothes. Will you be climbing on and off different vehicles regularly? If so, you will need more freedom of movement in the legs. Similarly, if you’re lifting and carrying heavy loads yourself, you need more freedom in the chest and arms.

At the same time though, make sure you think about safety. You don’t want your waterproofs to be too loose or they could get caught in vehicles and equipment. That can be incredibly dangerous.

Layering

As we said, the weather in the UK can make farming very difficult. A common tactic with farmers is to wear layers. It’s a good way to ensure you are comfortable and dry. Most importantly, it means you can remove or add a layer when conditions change. However, you need to think about layering when you are buying clothing. Some products are great, including light jackets, while others aren’t ideal.

The key thing to keep in mind is to avoid clothes that are too big and too heavy. They will make farming harder, likely restricting your mobility. Think about the kind of fit you prefer and how much movement you need. In most cases, if you wear layers you will want waterproof clothing to be a size bigger but as light as possible.

Do you want to order waterproofs?

If you’re a farmer, the last thing you want is for your gear to let you down. It can lead to serious problems, including discomfort, accidents, injuries, and health problems. So, make sure you choose the right products. Consider the weather and climate, jobs you are doing, and how you wear them.

JS Hubbuck Ltd is happy to help if you need advice about what to wear for farming. We’ve been supporting farmers for generations. As a result, we understand how hard it can be. It’s our pleasure to help make it a little easier and safer, supplying quality goods like waterproofs, footwear, and more.

So, contact us if you want any advice at all.