Free farmer health checks

IFA, in partnership with Teagasc and Croí, the West of Ireland Heart & Stroke Foundation, is pleased to announce that free farmer health checks will be available at the Moorepark Open Day on Wednesday, July 2. This initiative continues the 2024 IFA Farmer Health Check programme, aimed at promoting farmer wellbeing through practical, on-the-ground support.

Building on the success of last year’s rollout, the health checks include blood pressure monitoring, pulse and rhythm screening, BMI assessments, and lifestyle advice — all delivered by the expert nursing team from Croí.

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Teresa Roche said the collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to the welfare of Irish farm families.

“The health of our farmers is just as critical as the productivity of their land and livestock. We are proud to partner with Teagasc and Croí for this event to ensure that farmer health and wellbeing remain a priority. These checks are quick, confidential and could be lifesaving,” she said.

Prof Laurence Shalloo, Head of the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research Programme, highlighted the importance of integrating health awareness into farming life.

“Farming is a high-pressure occupation that often involves long hours and physical strain. By offering health checks at Moorepark, we’re helping to break down the barriers to preventive care. Teagasc is proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our broader focus on sustainable farming, and that includes sustaining the health of our farmers,” he said.

He encouraged farmers to stop by the health stand on the day, located in the Working Effectively Village.

“It only takes a few minutes, but it could have a lasting impact. We know from the checks conducted around the country last year that lives were saved. Farmers are great at looking after everything on the farm; this is about giving them the chance to look after themselves too,” said Teresa Roche.

Croí CEO, Mark O’Donnell, said that ‘the team at Croí are delighted to partner with the IFA again this year to deliver potentially life-saving heart health checks for farmers and their families’.

The health checks will be available on-site at the Moorepark Open Day, Fermoy, Co. Cork, with no appointment necessary.