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Sam Whitelock, Farmstrong Ambassador and former All Black, at Fieldays to celebrate Farmstrong’s tenth birthday.
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."
Sam Whitelock is an All Black rugby great, Farmstrong Ambassador and working dairy farmer in the Manawatu. Having stepped away from professional sport and returned to his roots on the family farm, he talks about balancing farm life with advocating for rural wellbeing.
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