Waterproofs

Wellbeing must be a priority for farmers in spring

Spring is one of the hardest seasons for farmers, especially in the UK. It’s generally the busiest time of the year, with lots to do. At the same time, the weather can make it even harder with inconsistent temperatures, wind, and rain. Broken sleep and all the hard work can have a big impact on farmers. So, it is important to take some time to think about wellbeing. Several things can help, including the right diet, resting, and wearing the right boots and waterproofs.

Where to start?

The first thing to do is ensure you don’t have any niggling problems. If you do, and don’t treat them, they will likely get worse. The last thing you want is to suffer a more serious issue when you have so much work to do. The best thing to do is ensure you get all the necessary health checks as soon as possible, maybe even before spring actually starts. This should include an eye test, dental check, and a medical. If you have existing issues, even aches or pains, tell the GP.

Sleeping

One of the main reasons spring is such a tiring month for farmers is the early starts and broken nights. It becomes common to get up in the early hours to get ready and make a start on jobs. The aim is to get the most of the daylight hours to do everything, including preparing fields, planting, fertilisation, lambing, and more. This can mean alarms going off at 2am-3am. The best thing to do is try to get on to a better sleeping schedule in advance, including earlier nights. Additionally, if you can, take the time to rest at different points during the day.

Use the right gear

As we said, spring can be a hard month because of the weather. Therefore, it is important to make sure you have the right gear. Remember, while it may be sunny and dry when you start, it can soon get wet and windy. Make sure you have everything you could need, including light and heavy waterproofs, reliable boots, gloves, and a hat. Plus, check all gear to make sure it is good condition, no rips, cracks, or holes.

Layers

Farming can be a battle between keeping warm and ensuring you don’t get sweaty and uncomfortable. The best tip is to layer up correctly. Make sure your base layer can wick sweat away from your body. Then, choose a warm middle layer if you need it. The final layer should be your waterproof jacket. You can include more middle layers if you need to, but remember to make sure you won’t overheat and get exhausted.

Eating and drinking

Finally, make sure you eat properly. Spring can be so busy that farmers go without meals. Many resort to quick convenient food. This can have a big impact on your health and performance though, especially if you don’t have the energy to keep going. A poor diet and lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems. Think about quick, easy meals and the right snacks. Plus, make sure you drink enough water; dehydration is a big danger, especially with intense jobs.

Talk to us about waterproofs and more

Spring may be one of the hardest periods for farming, but is simultaneously one of the most rewarding. Just make sure you don’t forget to consider your health and wellbeing.

If you need any supplies this spring, including quality waterproofs, boots, fertiliser, animal feed, and more, you can rely on JS Hubbuck Ltd. We’ve got a huge product range. Even better, we focus on providing exceptional customer service, making sure you have the best experience every time you come to us.

So, get in touch today if you need anything or have any questions.