Farmer's Yards Initiative Expands Peer Support for Farmers
The program helps older farmers manage succession and mental health through social hubs at local livestock marts.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Landscaping
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The Farmer’s Yards initiative, which began as a 2023 pilot at Ireland’s Mountbellew Livestock Mart, is expanding to provide social support for older farmers. The program offers a familiar setting for rural residents to discuss farm safety, mental wellbeing, and succession planning.
Why it matters
This initiative helps mitigate the social and emotional isolation often faced by older farmers as they navigate the complexities of farm succession. By creating structured peer support in livestock marts, it ensures these professionals have community backing during major life transitions.
The original pilot at Mountbellew Livestock Mart hosted 300 farmers over a six-week duration. The model has since scaled internationally, launching in Pennsylvania in early 2025 with funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
The players
Shane Conway
An Atlantic Technological University researcher who developed the Farmer’s Yards initiative to improve rural social support.
Pennsylvania Farm Link
An organization that connects farmers with land and transition resources and facilitated the program's U.S. expansion.
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The federal agency that funded the implementation of the Farmer’s Yards model across Pennsylvania.
The details
Farmer’s Yards utilizes existing livestock marts to provide a natural, familiar setting for older farmers to connect with peers. The program supplements professional legal and financial advisory services by fostering an environment where individuals can share experiences regarding safety, mental health, and the future of their land. By leveraging these established hubs of agricultural activity, the initiative facilitates ongoing knowledge exchange and mentorship outside of traditional office environments.
Timeline
2023: The original pilot took place at Mountbellew Livestock Mart.
January 2025: Pennsylvania Farm Link introduced the initiative in the U.S.
May 2026: Members of Dáil Éireann called for national expansion in Ireland.
June 2026: The initiative was featured at the IFTN Annual Conference in Gettysburg.
The Home Front
Farmer’s Yards complements the work of the International Farm Transition Network by focusing on the often-overlooked emotional logistics of succession. It highlights a growing shift toward integrating mental health support into traditional agricultural management and property transition plans.
Families navigating the transition of a multi-generational farm should evaluate their current support systems for both legal advice and emotional wellbeing. Seek out regional agricultural extensions or local farm transition services that offer peer-based mentorship programs for older owners.
The takeaway
The Farmer’s Yards model proves that familiar community settings are effective tools for managing major life transitions in rural industries. Look for regional agriculture-support programs in your area to find peer groups that can assist with succession safety and retirement planning.
Further reading
For more on managing rural property and agricultural spaces, visit Landscaping.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Atlantic Technological University.
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