Farmstrong, a nationwide, rural wellbeing programme, celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and Ministers.
FMG has renewed its commitment to the programme for a further five years with Chief Executive Officer Adam Heath commenting at the event, “Farmstrong’s mission to support farmers is just as relevant today as when it was launched. The pressures aren’t going to disappear. 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.”
Farmstrong is a non-commercial, community give back, founded by rural insurer FMG and the Mental Health Foundation and launched in 2015. ACC joined as a strategic partner in 2016.
Farmstrong Programme Lead Gerard Vaughan says: “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.”
Farmstrong is now a well-established part of the rural landscape in New Zealand Aotearoa with 82% awareness among farmers and over 15,000 farmers attributing an improvement in their wellbeing to Farmstrong every year.
Farmstrong’s ambassador is rugby great and farmer Sam Whitelock. 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.
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.
"What I like best about Farmstrong is that it’s so practical,” says Sam Whitelock. “It comes up with solutions that genuinely work for rural people. 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.”
