Calving is well and truly in full swing, stress levels are up, and the long hours are taking their toll. It’s a time when your planning and team preparation really show their worth – or highlight where the gaps are.

 Right now, there’s plenty of talk about looking after your team, and rightly so. But there’s one person on-farm who often gets overlooked: you. The boss. The one steering the ship when it’s at its busiest and most strained.

So this month, we’re turning the spotlight on you. What are you doing to keep yourself in good shape, so you can keep everything else running? It’s not self-indulgent – it’s essential for the business, the team, and your family.

Here are some practical reminders we’ve pulled together (and yes, some are easier said than done):

• Lean on your team. They’re your biggest asset, so invest the time to keep them informed and feeling supported. The better they’re doing, the better you’ll do.

• Pause before you react. When you’re under the pump, take a breath and choose your words. A cool head now saves bigger problems later.

• Keep communicating. It’s tempting to batten down the hatches, but that’s when things can unravel. Up your check-ins, even if they’re quick.

• Don’t lose yourself. Whether it’s catching a bit of your favourite TV show, a wander around the garden, or a decent coffee break – carve out moments that are just for you.

• Focus on fixing, not blaming. Mistakes happen, especially in busy times. Look at how to adjust systems so it doesn’t repeat.

• Show yourself some grace. No one’s perfect, and pushing yourself to be sets an impossible bar.

• Extend that same grace to those closest to you. They’re feeling the pressure too, watching you navigate it all.

• Keep fuelling up. Stay hydrated, eat properly, and take your breaks. Your body needs to keep up with your workload.

• Grab rest when you can. Being tired makes everything seem twice as hard.

• Remember it’s temporary. There is light at the end of the tunnel – keep it in sight.

• Celebrate the wins. However small, take a moment to acknowledge what’s gone right.

• Delegate and trust. Let your people step up, and shine.

• And don’t be shy about asking for help – the sooner, the better.

Speaking from experience, when you’re running well, your business and your people do too. So please, look after yourself as fiercely as you look after everyone else this season.

Take care out there.