Michael Goldie is a fifth generation farmer and breeds pedigree Suffolk sheep along with his mum Helen, who started breeding the flock 60 years ago. Michael also works as an agent for NFU Mutual and NFU Scotland, which is where he believes part of his resilience and recovery strategy came from when, earlier this year, his flock was unfortunately hit with the Schmallenberg Virus resulting in him losing around 70% of his lamb crop. 

Michael discusses with host Sarah Stephen, how he dealt with the situation physically and mentally, and how making a plan of recovery early on has helped him move forward and think about the farming year ahead.

Note: While occurrences of the virus are rare, the advice to farmers is to be vigilant and to speak to your vet if you have any concerns.

Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer led programme, driven by scientific information and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support our wellbeing - visit the website to find out more.

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If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123

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Join us live at AgriScot 2025

We’ll be recording anepisode of Blether Together live at AgriScot on Tuesday 19 November. Come along to the Seminar Room Two at 9.00am to be part of the conversation, or catch the Farmstrong Scotland team as we make our way around the show.