increase font size
Farmers collecting their individualised milk-sampling packs for M. bovis.
DairyNZ says it’s been a tough time for farmers and for some there are signs that it’s beginning to take a toll on their wellbeing.
Many farmers, from one end of New Zealand to the other, have had a rough few months; if it’s not been a flood or drought conditions, then it’s been understanding how to protect their farms from Mycoplasma bovis.
DairyNZ wellness and wellbeing programme leader Dana Carver encourages farmers who are feeling stressed to contact the Rural Support Trust.
“Don’t be shy to ask for help. There are a number of rural organisation you can turn to. If you’re unsure who to approach, I recommend the Rural Support Trust as your first point of contact. Depending on your situation, they can refer you to the best person to help you.”
Carver says the great thing about the Rural Support Trust is that it’s a free service, run by local rural people who understand the pressures of farming.
Her main advice to farmers is to stay connected.
“It’s natural when things get tough to isolate yourself. But this is the worst thing you can do. It’s important to stay connected and support one another.”
South Canterbury Rural Support Trust representative Sarah Barr says the number of calls they’ve received is up on average across the country due to M. bovis and the extreme weather.
Most calls related to emotional stress, often linked to concerns about financial repercussions.
Barr says that the concern about M. bovis being found on farms is understandably causing farmers more stress, and encourages all farmers to seek information about the disease to help prevent scaremongering.
“If you discover someone in your community has had their farm test positive for M. bovis, now is when they need your support the most and it’s when having a community looking after one another is crucial.”
Barr says the best thing farmers can do to help reduce concerns over M. bovis is to take precautions to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to their farm.
“The best thing you can do is to implement good biosecurity practices on farm. When you take action you feel like you’ve got some control over the situation.”
For farmers wanting more information, visit www.rural-support.org.nz, call 0800 RURAL HELP, or visit www.dairynz.co.nz.
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown has waded into the debate around soaring butter prices, pointing out that the demand for dairy overseas dictates the price to farmers and at the supermarket.
From nitrogen limits to ecosystem restoration –farmers and catchment groups are leading a new wave of environmental care, says DairyNZ.
Another milestone has been reached in the fight against Mycoplasma bovis with the compensation assistance service being wound up after helping more than 1300 farmers.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says proposed changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will leave the door wide open for continued conversions of productive sheep and beef farms into carbon forestry.
Federated Farmers says a report to Parliament on the subject of a ban on carbon forestry does not go far enough to prevent continued farm to forestry conversions.
New Zealand Apples and Pears annual conference was a success with delegates and exhibitors alike making the most of three days of exhibitions, tours, insightful discussions, valuable networking and thoughtful presentations.
The future of New Zealand’s agricultural sector grew a little brighter, with the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) now accepting applications for its scholarships through Lincoln University, offering $10,500 to up to six exceptional students who are poised to become the next leaders in the primary industries.
OPINION: Nothing it seems can be done in the short term to get Donald Trump to change his mind about removing the unfair 15% tariffs that he’s imposed on New Zealand exports to the US.
A charity that connects young people with farmers for two years of on-farm training is reporting 150 student applications for its 2026 intake.
OPINION: Sydney has a $12 million milk disposal problem.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait's recovery seems to have hit another snag.
