120 years through thick and thin
2025 marks 120 years of FMG Advice and Insurance in New Zealand's rural communities.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Farmstrong was founded as a non-commercial, community give back programme by FMG and the Mental Health Foundation. It was launched in 2015.
Subsequently, ACC joined as a strategic partner in 2016.
“Farmstrong was started as a result of the founding partners seeing that the unique set of challenges that impact on the wellbeing of people working in agriculture and horticulture needed a tailored solution. One that was personally relevant and delivered within the day-to-day reality of farmers and growers," says Gerard Vaughan, Farmstrong prorgamme lead.
The programme is now a well-established part of the rural landscape in New Zealand, with 82% awareness among farmers and over 15,000 attributing an improvement in their wellbeing to Farmstrong each year.
Farmstrong’s tools and resources are based on the latest wellbeing science and the insights of farmers and growers who’ve been through similar challenges.
Its suite of resources includes a new ‘toolbox' of mental fitness skills designed to help farmers maintain a clear headspace and perform under pressure.
FMG has renewed its commitment to the programme for a further five years.
Adam Heath, FMG chief executive, says the programme's mission is as relevant today as it was when it was launched a decade ago.
"The pressures aren't going to disappear," Heath says.
"We want as many farmers and growers as possible to use Farmstrong's tools and resources to help them perform at their best, manage pressure and stay well," he adds.
Farmstrong ambassador, farmer and former rugby player, Sam Whitelock says he encourages farmers to prioritise their wellbeing in the same way they look after their land, stock and machinery.
"Being Farmstrong's actually about enjoying farming - looking after yourself and your team and recognising that you're the business' number one asset," he says.
"What I like best about Farmstrong is that it's so practical," says Whitelock.
"It comes up with solutions that genuinely work for rural people," he says. "Whether you're a farmer or a grower, locking in Farmstrong habits has a positive, cumulative effect over time and makes you much more resilient."
A Chinese business leader says Chinese investors are unfairly viewed as potential security risks in New Zealand.
In the first of two articles focusing on electrification in New Zealand, Leo Argent talks with Mike Casey, operator of the 100% electric-operated Electric Cherries orchard and founder of advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa.
A Foundation for Arable Research initiative which took a closer look at the efficiency of a key piece of machinery for arable farmers - their combine harvesters - has been recognised at the Primary Industry NZ Awards.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reiterated New Zealand’s ‘China And’ policy, adding that it wasn’t about choosing one market over another but creating more options for exporters.
A long running trade dispute between New Zealand and Canada over dairy access has been resolved.
New Zealand Police is urging rural property owners to remain vigilant and ensure their property is secure.
OPINION: Spare a thought for the arable farmer, squeezed on one side by soft global prices and on the other…
OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts…