January Social initiative for farming community goes transatlantic

University of Galway’s Farmer’s Yards finds a new home in rural life of Pennsylvania

Farmer’s Yards, a social initiative developed at University of Galway for the farming community, has been launched in the United States.

Pennsylvania Farm Link, a non-profit dedicated to forging connections that secure the future of farming in the state, has adopted the novel programme as part of its efforts to respond positively to mental health and wellbeing issues facing farmers, while creating opportunities to enhance social inclusion within the farming community, especially for older farmers.

Farmer’s Yards was initiated and developed by Dr Shane Conway at University of Galway’s Rural Studies Centre, with support from the University’s Illuminate Programme.

The establishment of the initiative in Pennsylvania has been funded by the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center located at the University of Delaware through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The first Farmer’s Yards gathering in the US took place at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show that took place from the 4^th to 11^th of January 2025 in Harrisburg, bringing together 32 farmers from across the state to network with each other and reflect on the challenges of farm life.

Dr Conway said: “The recent implementation of Farmer’s Yards in Pennsylvania showcases its universal appeal and adaptability for farming communities across the world. Farmers aged 65 and older are now the fastest-growing demographic of the farming population globally and this initiative provides a vital social outlet for older farmers to stay actively involved in their local community in later life. This is important because for many, farming is more than a job - it’s their identity and way of life.

“Farmer’s Yards offers a meaningful way for these farmers to stay connected and engaged with fellow farmers at a similar stage of life, fostering inclusion and addressing the uncertainties and fears that often accompany stepping back from active farming. Whether adapting to age-related physical limitations or navigating the transition of the farm to the next generation, this initiative ensures that older farmers continue to be respected and valued members of the farming community as they age, contributing positively to their mental health and overall wellbeing.”

Darlene Livingston, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Farm Link said: “Farmer’s Yards in Pennsylvania is designed for our farming community’s particular interests, requirements and values, in accordance with then model developed at University of Galway. The important role that the initiative plays in ensuring active social participation and inclusion for farmers as they age was evident with so many farmers in their 70s and 80s taking part. Such engagement will help prevent them from being isolated and feeling excluded from society in later life.”  

The Farmer’s Yards provides farmers with a platform to maintain legitimate social connectedness, collegiality, and comradeship with their peers where they live, and in turn, combat social isolation and loneliness, something that is particularly beneficial for older farmers who have few other social outlets and may live alone.

Pennsylvania Farm Link is planning further gatherings in rural communities across the state in the coming months as part of the adoption of the initiative.

Farmers who take part are also exposed to a diverse set of farmer-focused knowledge transfer and exchange activities, such as succession planning, thereby helping them to successfully adapt through, and beyond, times of stress and distress.

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