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Purpose: This paper examines the role of agricultural advisors in supporting farm families on the complex processes associated with farm succession and inheritance. Design/Methodology/approach: An online survey was conducted of all 256 public sector agricultural advisors in Ireland, examining their role, knowledge, training and support requirements in providing advice on succession and inheritance to farm families. Findings: Agricultural advisors have a key role to play in providing advice to farmers on the succession stage of farm transfer, particularly at the initial stages of the process where a high level of trust is required, and the provision of information is key. In terms of supporting farmers in this process the advisors do not feel they have the knowledge and skills required. Agricultural advisors need a model of training which reflects the subject of succession and inheritance in a softer more reflective approach. Theoretical Implications: This study highlights a new dimension to the extension literature, by identifying very specific roles for agricultural advisors in supporting farm families on farm succession and inheritance decisions and the attendant training and resource requirements. Practical implications: Teagasc agricultural advisors have a key role to play in providing advice on succession and inheritance, and due to their independent position and trust-based relationship with farmers, they require more knowledge, training and resources to effectively provide such advice. Originality/Value: The paper captures a unique understanding of Irish agricultural advisors' attitudes to their role in, and capability to deliver, farm succession and inheritance advice.

Whilst research attention on the mental wellbeing of farmers is growing, there are few studies focused on young farmers. Our research set out to better understand the factors affecting young farmer mental wellbeing and help-seeking behaviour. We draw insights from a combined study in Ireland and the UK, supplemented by separate studies by the same author team in both places. Through the use of young farmer interviews and surveys, as well as interviews of those who support young farmers with their mental wellbeing, we identify a mixed picture of mental wellbeing and a plethora of factors affecting it. Though many of these factors have been identified in the wider literature, the impact of socialisation and time off the farm, and sexism/misogyny affecting young female farmers, were specifically identified in our study. In some cases, young farmers were considered to be better at speaking about mental wellbeing than their older counterparts, but our study indicated that some people in this demographic fail to seek assistance because of stigma, stoicism, and possible lack of confidentiality. Improving the accessibility of mental wellbeing services, as well as normalising conversations on the subject and providing support in informal social settings, were identified as key recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]