Bridging the gap with rural New Zealand
OPINION: One thing I keep hearing from rural New Zealanders is the importance of relationships. Strong relationships don’t just happen - they take trust, consistency, and time.
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.
