Song sends message of support to farmers
SCOTTISH farming families, who have been enduring one of the worst springs in living memory, are set to have their spirits lifted through the launch of a song specially recorded as a powerful message of support.
The RSABI charity, which provides practical, emotional and financial help to those working within the Scottish agriculture industry, has obtained the license rights to ‘Stand by Me’, which has been recorded with the Farmers’ Choir.
The emotive lyrics sung by the 100 or so choir members are set to remind farmers of all the people who are there to stand by them, and the video which accompanies the music features some of those standing behind the industry.
This ranges from farm supplies retail assistants to vets, auctioneers, consultants and milk tanker drivers, as well as farmers from across the country, including Aberdeenshire, Lanarkshire and Perthshire.
“Our thanks go to Kate Picken MBE and the amazing Farmers’ Choir who bring the ‘Stand by Me’ lyrics to life beautifully in their upbeat version of the song,” said Carol McLaren, CEO of RSABI.
“We are also very grateful to the farmers and others in the industry who have been happy to support the filming at such a busy and difficult time of year.”
Recent weeks have seen constant rainfall, combined with sleet and snow, creating major challenges for almost every part of the industry.
For families, lambing in these conditions has been incredibly difficult and even getting onto the land to feed sheep has been tough.
With spring calving also in full swing, there are worries about a lack of feed and straw supplies, with grass
growth slow to non-existent in the extreme conditions.
Those waiting to get onto the land to get arable work underway have been feeling the strain as they worry about getting crops into the ground in time, having invested heavily in seed and fertiliser.
After a winter of very little frost and snow, following the extreme flooding events in the autumn, the ground in many parts of the country is saturated.
Carol said: “We know that some families have been finding it hard to cope with stress and anxiety, coupled with the sheer exhaustion of working in these conditions.
“The pressure has been hard to bear for some, so it is incredibly important that our message, particularly
to those working alone, is that they have the backing and understanding of so many people.
“The team at RSABI are thinking of them and we are ready and waiting at the end of the phone 24/7 on 0808 1234 555 and our live webchat is available via www.rsabi.org.uk.”
The RSABI has also been working with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs to encourage people to share the #AreEweOKay message via marker spray artwork in lambing sheds and fields.
The charity is also offering free licenses to its Thrive Wellbeing app, worth £100 each, which can be requested by calling the helpline or emailing rsabi.org.uk.
Counselling can also be arranged simply and quickly, free of charge.