Rowarth appointed DairyNZ deputy chair
DairyNZ has appointed Jacqueline Rowarth as its first deputy board chair.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle has welcomed an increase in funding for mental health in yesterday’s Budget.
He hopes the increased frontline services for mental health will include sufficient support for rural communities.
“Dairy farming has always come with some challenges that can impact wellbeing, but the number and scope of these challenges is increasing,” says Mackle.
“The agricultural sector, like other sectors, is facing changes to the way it operates, as well as increased regulations. People deal with changes in different ways and there is a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and resilience for those in the rural sector. We need to ensure our rural communities have better access to mental health professionals when additional help is needed.
“We know that on the whole our farmers are doing OK, but we have seen a rise in farmers reporting feeling stressed, anxious, fatigued and even depressed from time to time.”
Reported stress amongst farmers is often attributed to financial concerns, staffing issues, and increased concerns about the perception of farming, as well as worry over increasing regulation.
There are also high rates of reported loneliness amongst farmers, who often live remotely and in isolation from others. Isolation is one of the main factors of mental illness.
“The good news is the growing awareness of mental health in the rural sector and we know that many farmers feel comfortable to seek the support they need,” says Mackle.
“Almost one in five farmers have contacted someone for help with mental health or addiction problems in the past year.
“We look forward to seeing more detail on how this funding will be applied to be accessible and practical for rural communities, and especially for our more isolated farmers.”
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.