Grab your free copy of 'Getting Through' book
When visiting the Central Districts field days, make sure you pick up a free copy of Farmstrong's Getting Through book.
The popular Surfing for Farmers programme, which gives farmers a well-earned break from life on the farm, starts its eighth season from November 5.
This season, it will be offered at 25 beaches across the country, bringing the benefits of surf therapy to even more rural areas.
Stephen Thomson, founder and chairman of Surfing for Farmers, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, saying, “We’re excited to be heading into another year. Surfing for Farmers has grown so much, and it’s amazing to see how it continues to make a real difference for rural communities, especially during hard times.”
With over 8,000 farmers and growers across 25 beaches, the 13-15 week SFF program showcases its tangible impact on the lives of those involved.
What sets SFF apart is its commitment to accessibility, as all equipment, lessons, and refreshments are free of charge. This ensures that the programme remains inclusive and accessible to all individuals who can benefit from it, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The organisers’ message to farmers is “jump in the ute, grab your neighbours and join us for the perfect break and a classic kiwi BBQ”.
The positive effects of just one surf session can go a long way, boosting not only the farmers themselves but also their families and wider communities. With the new season kicking off, Surfing for Farmers aims to help farmers recharge at the beach so they can return to work feeling refreshed—especially after a tough winter.
At the heart of the program are 120 volunteer coordinators, many of whom understand the challenges of rural life.
With the support of premium sponsors Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Bayleys Real Estate, Beef & Lamb New Zealand, Jarden, Rabobank, and Fonterra — Surfing for Farmers continues to grow, reaching more communities each year.
For more details, visit the Surfing for Farmers Facebook page or website.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.