A new farming cup has been awarded to promote wellbeing in memory of a sheep farmer who took his own life.

The first Mike Malseed Perpetual Cup has been presented at Tavistock Livestock Market, marking the launch of a new initiative to promote mental health awareness and wellbeing within the farming community.

The cup was awarded to Meavy sheep farmers Jonny and Jennie Vanstone for the Best Pen of Rams, with the presentation made by the Dartmoor Farmer Well-being Group and Christine Malseed on behalf of the Malseed family.

The award is one of three perpetual cups commissioned in memory of Christine’s husband Mike Malseed, who was a keen Blackface breeder and an active part of the Dartmoor farming community. Mike suffered with his mental health which tragically resulted in him taking his own life 2021. His son John continues to farm at Frenchbeer in the parish of Chagford.

The cups will be presented annually at Tavistock and Chagford Livestock Markets to recognise the growing importance of mental health and wellbeing in agriculture.

Steve Dennis of the Farming Community Network (FCN) said as well as celebrating excellence in farming, the cups also highlighted the importance of looking after farming people: “The initiative encourages open conversations about mental health, helping break down stigma and promoting a culture where it is a strength to seeking support.

“Farming is rewarding, but brings significant pressures, challenging weather, financial uncertainty and isolation in rural areas.”

He added: “In remembering Mike, we’re highlighting mental health as an important issue for our community. The network and local groups such as the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project ((DHFP) supporting moorland farmers) can listen and help if needed.”

Funds were raised in Mike's memory by the Witheridge to Frenchbeer group (Mike’s friends and family who raised funds for the DHFP, FCN and Chagford Recreational Trust) to help commission the cups and mental health awareness training. The training is for individuals working with farmers, including livestock market staff, agricultural advisers and auctioneers.

By increasing understanding and awareness of mental health challenges, the training will help ensure that those in key positions are better equipped to recognise when someone may be struggling and can signpost them to the appropriate support services.

Two more cups in Mikes memory will be presented at Chagford Livestock Market on Thursday, November 19, celebrating farming excellence while promoting farmer well-being and encouraging communities to look out for one another.

The organisers thanked Christine Malseed and the Malseed family, Stephen Dennis, Chris Clapham, WTC, and the Blackface Sheep Breeders' Association for their support.

The Yellow Wellies charity, which protects the physical and mental wellbeing of farmers aged 16-40, reveals that most farmers under 40 believe mental health is the biggest ‘hidden’ problem facing farmers. The charity can be reached at this link: Mental Wellbeing - YellowWellies.org

The Office for National Statistics records 47 suicides over the past year in agricultural and related trades in England and Wales.

Support for anyone struggling with mental health or experiencing thoughts of suicide, is available at the Farming Community Network: Call 03000 111 999 (7am–11pm daily) and Samaritans: Call 116 123 (Free, 24/7).

The Vanstone family receive the inaugural Mike Malseed Perpetual Cup at Tavistock Livestock Market.
The Vanstone family receive the inaugural Mike Malseed Perpetual Cup at Tavistock Livestock Market. From right to left are Jenny Vanstone, Jonny Vanstone, Christine Malseed (Mike’s widow) and Stephen Dennis. (Submitted)