The ‘Ploughing On’ campaign has been launched this week to celebrate the role of older farmers in Scottish agriculture, aiming to remind them how valued and vital they are to their rural communities.
Scottish agricultural charity RSABI is running the campaign through the upcoming winter, with the support of many other agricultural organisations.
The initiative plans on “highlighting the experience and commitment shown by the men and women who have dedicated their lives to agriculture” and giving them an opportunity to “share memories of the highs and lows of farming across many decades”.
RSABI hopes the campaign will help eliminate loneliness among older people in rural communities, which can be prevalent at this time of the year.
The CEO of RSABI, Carol McLean said: “Agriculture can be a lonely business at any age, but those in their more senior years can be particularly vulnerable to the impact of isolation, especially during the winter months.”
RSABI
McLean highlighted that the initiative is being launched at a time where proposed inheritance tax changes remains a concern for many older farmers.
She explained: “Inheritance tax changes, expected in April 2026, are putting unexpected additional pressure on farming families, and very sadly some older farmers are describing feeling they are a liability or a burden on their farming business and family.
“So over the coming months, we’ll be celebrating the more senior people in our community and all they have contributed over the years.
“We’ll be sharing memories and encouraging friendships to rekindle and new friendships to be forged among our senior farming folk.”
Ploughing On
RSABI’s campaign aims to encourage more people to reach out to older individuals in their communities for a chat or a visit.
The RSBAI CEO noted that looking out for senior people is “particularly important over the winter months when worries about heating bills increase as the temperatures fall and the days can feel very long and dark for someone living on their own”.
“A visit, a phone call, an offer of help or even just a smile can really lift the spirits of someone who is struggling and make a bigger difference than you can imagine.”
RSABI stated it will soon be calling for volunteers to help arrange festive lunches for senior people, with the hope of creating a network of ‘Plough On’ groups across Scotland in the longer term.
The initiative will also feature a series of videos showcasing the contributions made by older farmers, allowing them to share their experience of farming to inspire and encourage younger people.
There will also be an opportunity to nominate senior people to receive an official certificate from RSABI to “recognise and acknowledge those who have given exceptional contributions through long service in farming and crofting”.
