Getting off farm, staying connected and taking pride in what you do
For Alan Gaul, farming is about more than the work itself. It is about people, community and remembering to make time for the things that help you feel good and function well.
Alan farms Little Whiterashes, a family farm near Turriff that has been in the family for more than 300 years. While the business has changed over time, with land now rented for carrots and barley contract farmed with a neighbour, family remains firmly at the centre of day-to-day life on the farm.
After deciding to return home in 2019, Alan recognised that the farm alone was not large enough to support the next generation. Drawing on his experience in machinery sales, he diversified into machinery hire, contracting, tree felling and firewood processing, building a business that works alongside the farm.
In this Farmstrong Scotland wellbeing video, Alan shares why staying connected with others matters, particularly during busy periods when it can be easy to put social time to the bottom of the list.
A strong advocate for agricultural shows and rural events, Alan believes getting off farm can make a real difference to wellbeing. Whether it is catching up with friends, learning from others, discovering new ideas or simply taking a break from the daily routine, he sees local shows as a valuable way to support both your business and yourself.
Alan also reflects on the value of community, keeping in touch with friends and recognising the achievements that come with farming life, from the first crop of grass to seeing produce leave the farm.
Alan’s three wellbeing tips:
- Get off farm and attend agricultural shows and events to learn, network and connect with others
- Keep in touch with friends and neighbours, pick up the phone and make time for conversations
- Take pride in your work and recognise the effort that goes into producing food and caring for the land
At Farmstrong Scotland, we know that wellbeing often comes from the simple things, staying connected, learning from others and taking time to recognise what is going well.
Watch Alan’s story and hear why getting off farm and staying connected has helped support his wellbeing.
