7 Feb 1986 Stress levels of farmers assessed

Stress has not increased in the last two years for half the farmers surveyed in the latest Agricultural Economic Research Unit survey of farmer intentions and opinions.

Lack of income and product prices were each given as the reason for stress by five per cent of farmers.

Six per cent of the farmers blamed doubts about the future as causing stress.

The weather causes stress for 13 per cent of farmers, and long hours. of work on a farm for 12 per cent.

Full results of the farmer intentions and opinions survey will be published by AERU later this year.

Further information from Mr John Pryde, Agricultural Economics Research Unit, Lincoln College 8150, Canterbury, New Zealand