Image source, David Newlove
- author, Lindsay Smith
- role, Rural issues reporter
The father of the 24-year-old farm worker spoke of his “utter sadness” at his son’s sudden suicide.
Alec Newlove, from Louth, Lincolnshire, died in March and an inquest into his death will be held at Lincoln Coroner’s Court on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of the inquest his father, David Newlove, paid tribute to his “kind and happy” son, saying he “brought light and life into any situation”.
A nurse who has been supporting Alec’s friends since his death told the BBC that young farmers living and working in isolated rural areas are “being pushed into a crisis”.
Ms Newlove said her son, a keen skier and member of Louth Hockey Club, was saving up to buy his first home and was looking towards the future.
However, when Alec didn’t turn up for work on March 18, his friends raised the alarm.
They searched for him using the last location recorded on his cell phone.
“[It’s] I was just heartbroken and shocked to hear that he took his own life without any warning or announcement.
“He was always busy, always spending time with people, playing hockey, doing something with young farmers. [He] They didn’t have much time to come visit us.
“He was just a busy man. Maybe he was lonely? I don’t know if he wasn’t.”
If you are affected by the issues discussed in this article, you can get information and support at the links below: BBC Action Line.
According to Yellow Wellies, a farmer mental health charity, 95% of farmers under 40 believe that mental health is one of the biggest hidden dangers in the industry.
Alec’s friends and colleagues at Louth Young Farmers Club have vowed to continue speaking in his memory.
Summer Slingsby, an 18-year-old vet technician, said working in the industry comes with “a lot of pressure and responsibility” because she knows she is helping feed the nation.
“It’s so important to talk about it,” says Ben Watson, 16, who works when he’s not studying for his GCSEs.
“We’re stuck in our tractors for 16-18 hours a day without a break and sometimes we come home exhausted and with no one to talk to.”
Image source, David Newlove
Mental health nurse Gillie Steele said farming had long been a stressful profession, with long working hours, social isolation and financial uncertainty.
But the “what ifs” are pushing young farmers to the brink, she said.
“They fear this is no longer a sustainable way of life. They see family farmers struggling to make a living.”
“They’re the TikTok generation, and they see themselves working alone 24/7 with no money in their pockets while others have disposable income and free time.”
Ms Steele, who is based at Louth Livestock Market, said her team, which supports young people living in rural areas, are “busier than ever”.
Mr Steele, who is funded by the charity Lincolnshire Rural Support Network, said: “NHS crisis services are all town-based so they are unavailable to people in rural areas.”
