Tuesday, 13 October 2020 12:08

Events roll out to support Otago and Southland farmers

Written by  Staff Reporters
Loshni Manikam. Loshni Manikam.

Rural groups are banding together to support farmers dealing with challenging weather conditions in Otago and Southland.

Parts of Southland received almost triple their normal September rainfall, a heavy dumping of snow, and a further 70 millimetres of rain last week.

The Southland Rural Support Trust is coordinating a range of initiatives to help boost farmer morale.

"The challenging weather has occurred during a busy time of the year and is taking a physical and mental toll," says Trust chair Cathie Cotter.

"We're encouraging farmers to get off-farm for a couple of hours to take a breath and reflect on how well they have coped."

"These events will help farmers realise they are not alone and are all facing the same challenges," she says.

The Southland Rural Support Trust, with the support of other organisations, is holding seven brunches between 13 and 22 October.

Free workshops, co-funded by the Ministry of Health and Rural Women NZ, are also being held across Otago and Southland from 9 to 13 November to help rural women prioritise their wellbeing and thrive.

They're being facilitated by Southland dairy farmer and former Dairy Woman of the Year Loshni Manikam and will offer practical tips and advice.

"I know how hard it is to prioritise looking after your wellbeing, especially when constant rain and snow create extra work on-farm," says Manikam.

"Women are central to the success of many farming businesses and families, and you can't run on an empty tank."

Thriving Southland, funded through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), is hosting a free event in Invercargill on 22 October featuring guest speaker Melissa Clarke-Reynolds.

It will focus on helping farmers achieve positive outcomes through connecting with others and being innovative during periods of change.

Motivational speaker Tony Christiansen is also fronting a series of events in Oamaru, Balclutha, Gore and Winton between 3 and 5 November.

More like this

New Zealand to North America

The recent 'New Zealand to North America' event was worth the wait, with six Kiwi winemakers and viticulturists meeting 20 key influencers from across the United States and Canada.

Expensive pet food!

OPINION: Your canine crusader was staggered to learn that an investigation by the Taxpayers' Union has revealed that taxpayers and Otago ratepayers have forked out more than $2.76 million to kill just... 18 wallabies!

Featured

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

Celebrating success

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.

Biosecurity award for M. bovis work

A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.

Cyclone's devastating legacy

One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.

National

Machinery & Products

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

AGTEK and ARGO part ways

After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’…

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Cut with care

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Bubble burst!

OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter