Spring is nearly here. Across Scotland it can look very different – from bright, sharp mornings to persistent rain and snow, and hopefully some sunshine. For farming families, it marks the busiest yet most rewarding time of year. Crops will be sown and sheds filled with new life. It is a season of optimism and fresh starts.
But alongside the positives, spring can also be physically exhausting and mentally demanding. Long days, broken sleep, unpredictable weather and the pressure of everything happening at once can take its toll. That is why preparation now, before the rush begins, can make all the difference. As the saying goes, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”.
Spring work does not happen without the farmer. Machinery can be serviced and livestock prepared, but none of it runs without you. Taking time now to check in with your own health could prevent a crisis mid sowing or halfway through lambing.
Have you been ignoring a niggling pain? Putting off a dental check-up? Meaning to book that eye test? Small issues have a habit of becoming big problems at the worst possible time. Getting them sorted before the workload ramps up is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself during the busy season.
Sleep is another area worth considering. You may not avoid broken nights entirely, but going into spring already exhausted makes everything harder than it needs to be. If you can, build up your rest now and get into better habits before the 2am alarms begin again.
Next, think about clothing and gear. Dig out those waterproofs that have been thrown in the back of the truck. Check for tears, worn seams and leaky zips. Inspect your wellies for cracks. Few things are more miserable than discovering a hole in your waterproofs halfway through a downpour while persuading a reluctant ewe indoors. Cold, wet and uncomfortable is not the recipe for good decision making or good humour in the lambing shed.
Layering properly is one of the best investments you can make. Start with a moisture wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Add a warm but breathable mid layer such as a fleece or jumper. Finish with a reliable waterproof outer layer. Good layering keeps you warm without overheating and allows you to adjust easily as the day changes. Keep spare waterproofs, a hat and gloves in the lambing shed. It sounds simple, but at 2am when everything feels harder, you will be grateful you thought ahead.
Long hours and broken sleep can easily lead to missed meals and grabbing whatever is quickest. Unfortunately, convenience food often leaves you running on empty before the day is done. Preparing simple meals in advance can help you fuel yourself properly. Oats are an easy win, whether that is porridge, overnight oats, or homemade oat bars with fruit and nuts. They are filling, affordable and release energy slowly, keeping you fuller for longer.
Soups and stews can be batch cooked and frozen ahead of time. On busy days, heat some in the morning and keep it in a flask so you can grab a warm meal without stopping for long. Preparing sandwiches in advance also removes one more decision from an already full day. It would also be beneficial to take a multivitamin supplement to help boost your body.
Keep easy, low prep snacks in the lambing shed. Bananas, apples, yoghurt pouches, cereal bars in wrappers, flapjacks, cheese portions and protein shakes are quick options that can be eaten without handling loose food with dirty hands. Hydration matters just as much. When you are busy, it is surprisingly easy to forget to drink. Keep water nearby and take sips regularly. Taking a moment to wash and dry your hands properly not only reduces the spread of infection but also helps keep the skin on your hands healthy and intact during long, wet days. Repeated washing, cold weather and disinfectants can quickly dry and crack the skin, making it sore and more vulnerable. Keep a good quality hand moisturiser in the shed and apply it regularly, this can help maintain the skin barrier and prevent painful splits.
While caffeine might feel like a lifeline, remember it can contribute to dehydration and energy crashes. That said, there will absolutely be moments when only a strong coffee and a piece of cake will do, and during a stressful season that is perfectly okay. Balance, not perfection, is the goal.
Lambing, calving and sowing can be mentally demanding. Poor weather, fatigue and livestock losses are difficult to carry, especially when you are already low on sleep. It is important not to brush these feelings aside. Acknowledging when things are tough is not weakness, it is common sense.
Talking can ease the pressure. Whether that is a neighbour who understands, a friend, family member, or an organisation such as RSABI, reaching out can make a real difference. A problem shared genuinely does feel lighter, and you will likely discover you are not alone in feeling this way.
If possible, build short breaks into your day. Even stepping indoors for ten minutes with a cup of tea can reset your mindset. If you have the chance, a brief nap can be surprisingly powerful. Around 20 minutes is enough to boost mood and alertness without leaving you groggy. In a season of limited sleep, that small recharge can help you cope far better.
Spring will always be demanding. That is the nature of farming. But a little preparation, both practical and personal, can help you meet the season with resilience. Look after your equipment, your livestock and your crops, but most importantly, look after yourself. The farm needs you at your best.
Laura is one around a dozen enthusiastic nurses and doctors in RSABI’s Health Hut team. She has strong roots in agriculture, having grown up on the family’s mixed arable farm near Turriff, where she is the fifth generation to farm.
Laura studied nursing at The Robert Gordon University where she graduated in 2012, before completing a further degree in Public Health. She enjoys combining nursing and farming through her involvement with RSABI’s Health Hut initiative. For dates of forthcoming health huts visit Health Huts – RSABI