fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 23 January 2018 10:22

Support each other in tough times

Written by 
Farmers collecting their individualised milk-sampling packs for M. bovis. 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.

More like this

DairyNZ plantain trials cut nitrate leaching by 26%

DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

New McHale terra drive axle option

Well-known for its Fusion baler wrapper combination, Irish manufacturer McHale has launched an interesting option at the recent Irish Ploughing…

Amazone unveils flagship spreader

With the price of fertiliser still significantly higher than 2024, there is an increased onus on ensuring its spread accurately at…