Written by 
13th October 2024
Vibrant displays of bale art have been appearing in fields throughout Scotland as part of an initiative by the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) that is sharing a vital rural mental health message.
The colourful and innovative bale art works have been created in support of the #KeepTalking campaign run by farming charity RSABI to remind everyone in the Scottish agricultural community about the importance of looking out for each other.
With designs ranging from tractors and farm animals to teletubbies and minions, there is a huge variety of glorious straw bale artwork now in place up and down Scotland and raising the spirits of people throughout the country.
Every bale art display includes a banner with the #KeepTalking message, thanks to sponsorship from The Galbraith Group. The creations have been entered into a national SAYFC competition, which was judged on World Mental Health Day, Thursday 10th October.
Raising smiles around the country
The judging panel included RSABI’s #KeepTalking ambassador, Perthshire farmer and comedian, Jim Smith.
Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, said the effort that young farmers clubs up and down the country have put in has been absolutely incredible this year.
“We are so touched and grateful for all the trouble the young farmers have gone to – the results are simply outstanding.
“We know how much work has gone into making these wonderful bale art displays, and we know that as well as raising a smile right round the country, the bale art will also serve as a powerful reminder to farming and crofting families to look out for others and look after their own mental health.”
She added: “Sadly, our industry has a poor track record for mental health and suicide, but there are many excellent steps being taken to improve this, and good progress is being made.
“We are proud to work closely with SAYFC on a range of initiatives, including the Respect campaign which is seeing Respect ambassadors appointed in every club. We are also pleased to be providing training, including mental health first aid, suicide prevention, and alcohol awareness, to SAYFC club members.”
READ MORE: Young farmers launch Respect campaign at Royal Highland Show
Teamwork, community spirit, innovation and talent
Penny Montgomerie, chief executive of SAYFC, congratulated clubs around the country for their excellent bale artwork and for the way members are embracing initiatives to improve mental health.
“Our thanks go to everyone involved, not only club members but the wider farming community, who have really got behind their local clubs and helped with logistics and ensuring the bale art creations were carefully and safely put in place.
“The bale artwork, which has appeared around the country is a great example of all that is wonderful about our membership and the aims of SAYFC and a fantastic example of teamwork, community spirit, innovation and talent.
“We are delighted that everyone has risen to the challenge of getting RSABI’s #KeepTalking message over too, with very wide-ranging interpretations of the message – ranging from ‘Tea and Talk’ and ‘Bee Positive’ to ‘Health is Wealth and ‘Spirits Raising’ (linked to Halloween).
RSABI offers emotional, practical and financial support via a friendly, confidential and professional service. It can be reached via a 24/7 freephone Helpline number that will not show on your phone bill – 0808 1234 555 – or via live webchat at www.rsabi.org.uk or by emailing helpline@rsabi.org.uk during office hours. Please don’t hesitate to call.
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