Ballyhoura Development launches farmer health network
Ballyhoura Development has launched a new farmer health and wellbeing network.
It has been launched as part of the Farm Forward – Connecting Generations and Farming for the Future European Innovation Partnership (EIP), supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The new network launched by the local development company marks an "important milestone" in the Farm Forward programme.
It brings together farmers, farming families and rural communities to "strengthen social connection and improve access to practical health and wellbeing supports".
Developed by Ballyhoura Development and launched in October 2025, the Farm Forward initiative is supporting farmers and farming families across the Ballyhoura region through a "holistic approach focused on succession planning, farm sustainability, and farmer health and wellbeing".
Support farmers
The newly-established network has been designed to support retired farmers, those contemplating retirement, isolated farmers, and members of farm families, with a strong emphasis on fostering social connection and improving access to practical wellbeing supports.
The event was officially launched by Councillor Tommy O'Sullivan and Councillor Deirdre O'Brien, deputising on behalf of the mayors of Limerick City and County Council and Cork County Council.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon congratulated the Farm Forward EIP on the launch of the Farmers Health and Wellbeing Network.
He said his department "recognises that the sustainability of farming depends not just on the land, but on the wellbeing of the people behind it".
"This network is a positive and practical step in supporting farmers' health, reducing isolation, and strengthening rural communities," Minister Heydon said.
'Farmers are resilient'
Gráinne Fitzgerald, Farm Forward health and wellbeing social prescriber, said the initiative has been shaped by listening to farmers and understanding the realities of farming life.
"You can't separate people's health from the reality of their lives and work," she said.
"Farmers are resilient, but they carry a huge level of responsibility.
"This network is about recognising that and offering practical supports that fit into farming life."
The network aims to respond to the unique pressures facing today's farming community, including long working hours, weather uncertainty, financial pressures, increasing administrative demands and social isolation.
Rather than delivering formal programmes, the network will focus on informal, accessible and farmer-led supports such as walk and talk sessions, peer connection opportunities, health information and checks, workshops, and access to supports through social prescribing.
Gráinne Fitzgerald added: "This isn't about telling farmers what to do. It's about offering options.
"Farmers can take what suits them, and the network will continue to grow based on what they tell us they want and need."
Ballyhoura Development chairperson Jess Angland added that the network will play a "vital role in supporting rural communities".
“This network will ensure that farmers and their families feel supported and valued by fostering connections and bringing people together.”
The recent launch event for the network was hosted by John and Ailish Ivory in Galbally, who shared an overview of their diversified family farm, followed by contributions from invited speakers.
Attendees then took part in a walk overlooking the Galtee Mountains.
The event concluded with a traditional horse logging demonstration by the Ivory family, showcasing sustainable forestry practices and celebrating the heritage of the farm.
