increase font size
Farmstrong advocate Dr Tom Mullholland.
Farmstrong is a fresh initiative to promote the wellbeing of all farmers and growers in New Zealand.
Launched earlier this year, the programme is a joint initiative between rural insurer FMG and the Mental Health Foundation (MHF).
Farmstrong wants to help shift the focus of mental health from depression and illness to wellbeing. In its first year, Farmstrong will aim to make a positive difference to the lives of 1000 farmers.
"Farmstrong will help to highlight that farmers are the most important asset on the farm and that by taking proactive steps to look after their mental and physical heath, they're better prepared to run their business and support their family, staff and community" says Chris Black chief executive FMG.
Research shows that farmers are great at looking after stock and equipment but often neglect their own needs. In a recent online survey farmers identified wellbeing and quality of life as top-of-mind and said they wanted more information on how to look after themselves.
Through www.farmstrong.co.nz farmers can access practical tools and resources to help them take care of themselves, with information on topics such as nutrition, managing fatigue, exercise, the importance of getting off the farm and coping with pressure.
Farmstrong will also help farmers connect with each other and share experiences via its social media channels, through regional farmer ambassadors and by attending local events such as Dr Tom Mulholland's 'Healthy Thinking' workshops and the Farmstrong Fit4Farming Cycle Tour.
"In the same way that farmers have a system for milking cows or shearing sheep, for example, they need a practical system to keep themselves in good shape too. By having this they'll likely feel better, improve productivity and be better prepared to handle the ups and downs of farming," says Black.
"Just making small behaviour changes over a period of time can help support big improvements in our mental and physical wellbeing" says Judi Clements, chief executive Mental Health Foundation. "Every farmer's performance is affected by their level of health, fitness and happiness. We're not born knowing how to maintain these; we need to actively practise strategies that will improve our mental health. Farmstrong will help show farmers how they can do this."
Farmstrong is funded by FMG and the charity Movember via the Mental Health Foundation.
Key points of Farmstrong:
Farmstrong is a non-commercial give-back initiative founded by rural insurer FMG and the Mental Health Foundation of NZ with funding support from the Movember Foundation.
Farmstrong will help shift the focus of mental health in rural communities from depression and illness to wellbeing.
Farmstrong will help highlight that farmers are the most important asset on the farm and that by taking proactive steps to look after their mental and physical heath, they're better prepared to run their business and support their family, staff and community.
Farmstrong is to maintain wellness rather than focus on illness and depression and in that respect it's different from other support programmes for farmers.
Farmstrong will give farmers access to advice on topics such as nutrition, fitness, sleep, managing fatigue, building mental and physical resilience, strengthening links with family and community and scheduling time off-farm.
Farmers will also be encouraged to connect face-to-face through Dr Tom Mulholland Healthy Thinking Workshops and the Farmstrong Fit4Farming Cycle Tour
More details of the cycle tour including the tour dates and locations can be found at www.farmstrong.co.nz
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
OPINION: More than three decades ago, I was part of a group who received a monthly audio cassette tape from international leadership statesman, Dr. John Maxwell.
OPINION: In the 1980s, concern was expressed in West Germany about the falling birth rate. Some simple analysis was performed by Professor Helmut Sies, physician and biochemist at Dusseldorf University. His letter ‘A new parameter for sex education’ was published in Nature in 1988:
Celebrating 50 years in the rural landscape of Central Canterbury and beyond, Ashburton-based Carrfields, has been the exemplar for all aspects of modern agriculture via its extensive range of services including supply, growing, agronomic advice and marketing.
Cambridge dairy farmer Marc Gascoigne was at Fieldays this month talking about his journey after suffering a bout of depression and his advice to others. He tells his story:
Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
