Viewers have praised Countryfile for tackling the subject of mental health and suicide rates within the farming industry.
Statistics show 50 farmers a year end their lives, according to Sunday's episode of the hit BBC programme.
Reasons range from a poor harvest to dire financial situations. However, homosexuality within the industry also appears to be a major factor.
One farmer who spoke out on the programme was Frank, who did not come out until he was in his sixties.
“I knew I was gay from very early years. It was difficult because you’re always trying to cover up something that may give it away,” he said. “And farming being as macho as it is, who wants a gay, weak workman?
“You’ve got your gay life and you’ve got your real life.’ He added: ‘As I got older I felt this was wrong. At the age of 60 I finally decided to come out.”
'Pressure'
Frank said that after the death of his brother he fell into severe depression, which was compounded by remaining in the closet.
He eventually made contact with Keith Ironson, who runs the only gay farmers helpline in the UK. Keith told the programme: “The pressure in the farming community to get married and produce an heir is enormous. So a lot of folks did exactly that.”
Frank said that after receiving help from mental health specialists, he decided to make the big step and come out to his friends and family, which took three years.
He said: “You’re not being yourself, you’re covering this part of your life up all the time.
“The guys here are all fine about it. There’s been very little hostility except a few people who don't call me anymore.
“You’re going to have a lot of mental anguish about whether you’re doing the right thing but at the end of the day I found it liberating and you don’t have to hide yourself. You can be who you are.”
'Hard to live a lie'
Social media applauded the programme for shining a light on homosexuality with the industry.
Twitter user Mand said: “Good on you Frank, everyone has a right to be exactly what they want to be. It must be so hard to live a lie. That's hope for an increasingly accepting society.”
Another user named David Rogers said: “As a gay person that just happens to work in farming I thought it was an excellent issue to discuss on #countryfile I feel it also isn't the older generation that might struggle with their sexuality. I hope young farmers clubs are doing all they can to support anybody in need.”
Charities such as the Farming Community Network and RABI help farmers who are suffering from mental health issues.
