Farmers suffering from arthritis have been urged to take part in a "significant" study into the impact of the condition on their profession.
The University of Worcester has been studying the issue but said it needed more farm workers from Herefordshire and Worcestershire to share their experience.
The results of the study were announced in 2025 after data from the charity Farming Community Network showed that people, engaged in agriculture 10 years or more, the risk of developing arthritis is nine times higher.
Rob Davies, a farmer from Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, said he welcomed the university's research and that it was "long overdue".
«"Farming is physically demanding work," he added. "Producing British food for a grateful nation is hard work, requiring considerable physical exertion.".
«"Farmers tend to be in business longer than people in other industries—it's usually passed down from generation to generation, and those 10 years fly by. Research into this issue is crucial.".
Davis said that while he did not suffer from arthritis himself, he knew farmers who did and described the condition as "debilitating.".
Dr Victoria Jones said researchers needed to involve more farmers in the study [University of Worcester].
«"They feel like they can't perform the way they always have," Davis said. "It's not just a physical issue, it also has a huge impact on their mental health.".
«"I would strongly encourage people to contact us and take full and active part in this study.".
University research fellow Dr Victoria Jones noted that while statistically based studies had been conducted in other countries, this study would focus more on the real-life experiences of farmers.
But she said it wouldn't work until enough potential participants contacted the university and wanted to take part.
«"We really need farmers to come and talk to us," she added. "We're looking for farmers and farmworkers from a variety of industries.".
Asked what she's learned so far, Jones said farmers tend to ignore symptoms until they become "pretty severe" or make adjustments, such as using foam pads on gear shifters.
While the researchers focused primarily on Herefordshire and Worcestershire, she said farmers in other regions were also welcome to get in touch.
She said participants must be at least 18 years old and their family members are also welcome to participate.
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