Opinion: It’s time farming groups talked more about sex
© David Bennie I bet you never thought you would see a sex column in Farmers Weekly. But this will be one, in a manner of speaking.
It was prompted by recently speaking to a policeman who was shocked that condoms were being handed out to Young Farmers in their caravan site at the Royal Highland Show.
Bless him for his naivety; perhaps he thought everyone would be in their own beds by 10pm.
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Frankly, I was proud that an underfunded and overstretched Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs was so proactive and encouraging people to take precautions.
Last year I had the pleasure of MC-ing a Young Farmers’ “Take Me Out” dating competition.
The atmosphere was electric and, I’ll be honest, one of the two of the parked vehicles were rocking as I walked through the car park to leave. I don’t think it was a localised earthquake, either.
The reality is physical relations – along with work, sport and socialising – feature highly in young people’s priorities.
As show season starts and the drinks flow in the beer tent, it doesn’t take a genius to work out what else will be happening.
Perhaps it’s because of our British attitude that we’re reluctant to confront the topic.
But there are unplanned pregnancies, STIs and sexual wellness issues in Young Farmer’s Clubs (YFCs), just as there are in any group of young people.
So far this decade, the UK has seen the spotlight put on sexual harassment and consent.
New problems have appeared such as “sextortion” (prevalent towards young men) and “revenge porn” (more commonly targeting women).
These are highly topical to young people and proper support in dealing with them is scarce.
YFCs have made great strides in promoting mental health awareness and, given the proper funding and support, there’s also huge potential to grow a better culture around sexual health issues. It’s been proven it can be done.
Stirling, Strathendrick and Strathkelvin YFC held a well-attended sex education night.
It might have been awkward, and I doubt there was much eye contact in the room, but what a great way to address important issues.
I get that it’s uncomfortable to talk about. I feel like I’m sticking my neck out even writing about this.
But it’s a topic that is seldom discussed within rural communities, where there is a stigma around accessing sexual health services.
There’s more that can be done by farming groups to help – even simply signposting available services such as postal STI testing or information on sexual consent.
The University of the Highlands and Islands recently published papers on sexual wellbeing in rural areas. Whether the Scottish government takes note of rural issues is another matter.
Farming and rural groups that have the organisation and networks already in place could help deliver info and advice on sexual health – if supported by a fraction of the budget available for health and wellbeing.
I’m not trying to be a guru on the subject. Lord knows, I don’t have the talent or experience.
But providing young people with the resources to make the right decisions and mediate any consequences is vital, even if it does upset prudish policemen.
If you’re shocked by this change of tack in the Opinion section, I promise to go back to some moaning about beef prices next time.