Relentless rain can bring even the most resolute farmers down.

Add in the colossal efforts required during lambing and calving means there is a human limit. Cold, wet miserable days working in sleet and showers, and up to your knees in gutters, can make the task of bringing new life into the world seem near impossible.

Touring lambing parks with your eyes almost shut, while hail bounces off your stinging cheeks and your hands red-raw – not that you can feel them – can make days and weeks feel never ending.

But these are all challenges we bear together, as throughout every farmer’s career there are spells when you are on the phone to the knackery more than to your pals.

It is the isolation that appears to be getting worse, as being constantly connected through phones too often highlights others’ success which puts our own doubts into sharp contrast. Witnessing successful springs on other farms appear on screens, or in print, can make even the hardiest farmer doubt themselves after a difficult day.

This year has been particularly challenging, with farmers in their sixties, seventies and eighties telling The Scottish Farmer that this has been the worst lambing season in their memory. Others who are in their first decade of sheep farming are finding it equally tough, with RSABI reporting a spike in younger farmers and farm workers calling for support.

This is the one thing we must focus on; while we cannot stop the clouds from gathering in the sky, we must do what we can to help our neighbours and community feel they are not under a cloud of despair.

Naturally, people do not like to shout about their shortcomings, but if you feel it is a relentless uphill struggle you are not alone and there are others who can help just a phone call away.

This is not just a role for our brilliant charities who do a great job 365 days per year, but it is for us all to look out for others.

Find a reason to check in on neighbours; they might be too busy for the pub, but it takes two seconds to send a message or ring to see if they have enough colostrum in the freezer.

This year will go down as one of the most difficult winters and springs where seldom did we see the sun, let alone feel it on our backs. It is happening to everyone, whether you are running 6000 or 60 acres, rearing Blackfaces or British Blues, and there is no shame in feeling like things will never get better.

One thing it does show however, is the resilience of the farming sector in Scotland.

There are few industries that could take a battering – both literally and figuratively – like agriculture has in the past few months, and not only live to tell the tale, but continue to seemlessly provide the country with what it needs. With drier weather hopefully forecast, we can only hope that better times are on the horizon...