UNCERTAINTY in the farming community may be a factor in Herefordshire's higher-than-average suicide rates.

That's the view of the Borderlines Rural Chaplaincy, which says it has seen signs of growing tension within local agriculture.

The Hereford Times revealed how male suicide rates in Herefordshire were among the highest in the country and above the England and regional average, according to new NHS figures.

The news came as no surprise to the Rev Nick Read, who said previous research had shown farmers were at higher risk.

"It's not so much about income level, but about bureaucracy and agricultural policy.

"Austerity is having an impact, but farmers are more concerned about maintaining their farms for the next generation.

"Brexit has put a focus on the issue. There is a big shake up coming which will have a profound impact.

"Agriculture is the most politicised industry and there is uncertainty over government policy. Farming is going through structural change. Farms are becoming larger, more intensive.

"This has an impact on the social fabric. In New Zealand suicide rates went up when subsidies were lost.

"We have been approached by a local market to appoint a chaplain there because they are seeing signs of more tension."

Farmers can also feel at the mercy of the weather, over which they have no control, now being exacerbated by climate change fears.

Other risk factors are being 'price takers, not price makers'; the family farm environment can make it more difficult if relationships break down; and access to means, especially shotguns.

"I'm glad you are raising this issue. We need to acknowledge it's out there and dispel the myths.

"We are concerned about what is going to happen to the industry and believe there will be pain and a big social effect."

Herefordshire Council is currently leading a project to draw up a new suicide prevention policy for the area, due in a few months.

To contact Borderlines Rural Chaplaincy, a joint Church of England and Methodist support scheme, go to https://borderchaplain.org or call Sue Williams on 07958591646.