Thursday, 05 October 2023 07:55

Young farmers, RST join forces

Written by  Staff Reporters
New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith.

Rural Support Trust (RST) and New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) have agreed to work together in supporting rural communities.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed recently commits both organisations to work together to leverage their respective strengths and expertise.

In a statement, the organisations said the partnership has several objectives:

  • Increased awareness: The partnership aims to raise awareness of the existence and services provided by both parties, to ensure that young individuals working and training in the sector know about the resources available to them for maintaining good mental health.
  • Improved connections: One of the primary goals of the MOU is to improve the connections between young people in the industry and the support they need for positive mental health outcomes. By fostering stronger relationships and networks, both organisations aim to create a supportive environment where young people can thrive.
  • Enhanced access to support: This includes providing resources and guidance to those who may be struggling and facilitating referrals to the right professional support, ensuring they receive he help they need promptly.
  • Strengthening rural communities: By focusing on the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the food and fibre sector, NZYF and RST hope to create resilient and supportive communities that contribute to the overall wellbeing of their members.

The organisations say this MOU marks a significant step forward in addressing the mental health challenges faced by young people in the agriculture and rural sectors. Both organisations are “deeply committed to the well-being of young individuals in these industries and recognise the importance of working together to achieve positive outcomes”.

NZYF chief executive Lynda Coppersmith believes that by combining efforts with Rural Support Trust they can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people working and training in the food and fibre sector.

“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to support and empower the next generation.”

RST’s general manager Maria Shanks says they are delighted to partner with New Zealand Young Farmers in this important endeavour.

“Our shared commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing in rural communities makes this partnership a natural fit, and we look forward to the positive outcomes it will bring.”

More like this

Help available for flood-hit farmers

The chair of the Otago Rural Support Trust, Tom Pinckney, says he believes that they will be especially busy in the coming months as the enormity of the floods hit home.

RST chair to step down

National Rural Support Trust chair Neil Bateup is stepping down next month, after seven years in the role.

Young Farmers prepare for Grand Final

New Zealand’s best young farmers are pledging to ‘leave it all on the table’ as they prepare to battle it out at one of New Zealand’s most prestigious farming contests.

Featured

Better animal genetic gain system

A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.

SIDE 2025's new schedule, venue

Annual farmer gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.

Taranaki piggery goes solar

Installing 400 solar panels at their Taranaki piggery and cropping operation will have significant environmental, financial and animal welfare benefits for the Stanley family.

Editorial: Keep FTAs coming

OPINION: The dairy industry will  be a major beneficiary of a new free trade deal between NZ and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

National

Organic sector backtracks on GE

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) says the Government’s new gene editing and genetic modification reforms could leave New Zealand as…

$3b windfall?

Fonterra's proposed sale of its global consumer business could fetch over $3 billion but not all proceeds will end up…

Machinery & Products

Milk Sustainability Centre launched

The recently announced Milk Sustainability Centre – a collaboration between global giant John Deere and milking and feed specialists De…

Data connection made easier

New Holland and Case IH are introducing new advancements in their precision technology stack to make farming easier and more…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Chinese strategy

OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.

Not fair

OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter