Farmers are to be taught how to work properly so they can avoid burn-out, injury and ill-health through stress.
A study at NUI Galway has found that farmers do not pay sufficient attention to their health and safety, resulting in the farming sector having one of the highest levels of disability due to injury and ill-health.
As a result of these findings, Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, has developed a work organisation training module for farmers that can help full- and part-time farmers, across a range of enterprises, to make the most of their potential.
John McNamara, Teagasc health and safety officer, said studies showed many farmers worked excessively long hours, doing mainly laborious tasks.
They also showed that farming profitability was not linked to long hours of mainly physical work.
Instead, profitability was linked to achieving cost-effective livestock management or crop performance, while keeping work time to a minimum, he said.
"Teagasc studies also show there is scope to improve the effectiveness of labour use on the majority of farms," Mr McNamara added.
"Most people try to solve a time management problem by working longer or faster. This approach is not sustainable in the long-term.
"It can lead to burn-out and poor health."
He said the real solution was to evaluate where time was spent and to plan the future use of time, but it required conscious effort to make the appropriate changes to practices and facilities.
"Our labour studies indicate that farm buildings and facilities need to be designed or adapted to allow the efficient use of labour, while increased scale can also lead to more efficient labour use," he added.
Other Teagasc studies show that where one spouse works off the farm, the other spouse must devote time for family-related purposes.
A training DVD, sponsored by AIB Bank plc, accompanies the training booklet.
The DVD shows how farmers, in a range of enterprises and rural businesses, achieved greater efficiency and lifestyle benefits by adopting labour efficiency measures.