Take a break - leave stress behind

This long harsh winter weather has added extra stress to the already stressful work on the farm. It has been reported that one of the contributing factors of stress is not taking personal time or time off from the farm work.

If you tend to keep thinking about the cows while you are on holidays or you tend not to take holidays at all - then it is time for a change.

Now is the time to plan that break away. The summer brings the opportunity to spend time with family, go to the GAA matches, attend a wedding and FRS can provide cover on the farm to allow you to take that well-earned personal time and leave the stress behind.

You can’t leave your farm to ‘just anyone’

For peace of mind as a dairy farmer you should have a replacement milker that you trust and can leave in charge when you take time off. Remember your herd of cows are your livelihood so you can’t leave them to ‘just anyone’. Call in the experts, FRS, who will provide reliable and fully insured farm workers so you can take that well deserved break and actually relax in knowing that your farm is in safe hands.

Important Holiday Time

It is reported that the average employee takes 20 days holidays per year and the average for farmers is only 13 days. This precious time should be spent relaxing and not worry about the farm. Research shows that taking a relaxing break is extremely important for your mental health.

In Ireland there was never a culture of taking holidays among the older generation of farmers. This culture is changing which is evident in the level of young farmers who see the importance of taking breaks.

In Finland, encouraging farmers to take holidays is part of their culture. Finlands ‘Farmers’ Holiday and Stand-in Scheme’ enables Farmers to take breaks from their work for annual leave, recreation or because of illness. Farmers are entitled to an annual leave of 26 days and an additional 120 hours of stand-in assistance. The annual leave is free of charge and the additional 120 hours are charged at a subsidised price. Wouldn’t that be nice!

In Ireland the HSE advise farmers to take breaks. Their Farm & Rural Stress campaign advocates that we all need a balance between hard work and time out to take it easy. The HSE advises to build in breaks from work during the day and plan to take time off after long periods of hard work and get away by yourself or with friends or family.

Isn’t it time for a change?

Today’s families are very busy—too busy to take a break some might believe. Add to that financial restraints and living in uncertain economic times, and many families feel as though they simply can’t take a break.

However, routines and rituals, like holidays, are important to the health and well-being of families. It’s healthy to take a break from the daily demands of juggling work and home.

Taking time off from your work is not only desirable, it’s imperative. If all you do is work, what can you possibly bring to your farm but more of the same? ... the same perspective on things, the same ideas, the same way of doing things. Spending time away from work allows you to explore other interests which will make you well-rounded. Breaks from work will let you see things with a fresh eye, enhancing your creativity and problem solving skills.

What are the benefits of using FARM RELIEF SERVICES?

• FRS operators are trained, experienced and flexible, locally based operators.

• FRS operators are fully insured

o Just ask yourself

• Can I afford to pay disposal cost of milk if antibiotics get into tank by inexperienced farm help?

• Can I afford to lose the value of the milk and incur a potential penalty fee?

• FRS fees are fully tax deductible – cost of using FRS may be offset against your tax bill.

• Farmer does not have to worry about PAYE, PRSI, Employer’s PRSI, Holiday pay etc, this is all handled by FRS; farmer has only one monthly invoice to worry about!

• Short or long term bookings possible. Milkers available for one milking to regular bookings.

• Possible to book the same operator (when available), so that you get someone who is familiar with your farm and routine.

• FRS back up available for extra peace of mind

Isn’t it time you took a break?

If taking relaxing breaks can help farmers keep healthy - minds, relationships and business - FRS are here to help farmers make those breaks as relaxing as possible.

Sit down with or call your local Farm Relief Manager and discuss your holiday cover requirements today. Your time off should be spent relaxing so let the experts take care of your farm.

Join the FRS Membership Benefit Scheme and get 10% reduced farm services rates, Sickness & Accident Support and Death & Capital Benefit for only €295 - That is Peace of Mind for Only 81c per day. Visit www.frsnetwork.ie/membership for more details.

Take care of yourselves and enjoy your break!

Contact your local FRS @

Parkmore

Roscrea

0505-21166

www.frsnetwork.ie

Carrigeen Ind Est.

Cahir,

052 - 7441598

www.frscahir.ie