Older farmers have twice the risk of dying by suicide than men of the same age who don't work in the farming sector.
A UCD survey of over 450 farmers found almost all know someone who has taken their own lives.
Burnout, rising costs and poor weather trends are the leading causes of stress reported by farmers.
Last year Cork dairy farmer Harold Kingston, who has spoken out on the toll farming took on his mental health, sold his dairy stock after 35 years.
Speaking to RedFM News he says farming can be a very lonely profession and many farmers are suffering:
"The pressure on people to maintain for the sake of family or maintain for the sake of 'what will the neighbours will say?' is actually immense as well as running a business. While you’re farming, it’s very insular because of the fact you’re self-employed and all these overheads, it is actually an incredibly lonely place to be, physically and financially."
