The Country’s Rowena Duncum brings you a brand-new Farmstrong-powered series. “Getting Through” looks at what it takes to recover from extreme weather events, by people who’ve been through it first-hand. In episode 6, Rowena is joined by Gisborne citrus grower and consultant Stewart Paulson. Despite over 40 years in the primary sector, 2023 was the wettest Stewart has ever experienced, with huge and ongoing ramifications for the citrus sector; and so Stewart shares what’s kept him Farmstrong through the challenges.  The post ‘Getting Through’ Podcast – Stewart Paulson appeared first on Farm ..read more

The Country’s Rowena Duncum brings you a brand-new Farmstrong-powered series. “Getting Through” looks at what it takes to recover from extreme weather events, by people who’ve been through it first-hand. In episode 5, Rowena is joined by Ngatapa sheep and beef farmer Hamish Cave, looking back at the damage from Cyclones Hale, then Gabrielle, then 25 out of 30 days with rain in June; Hamish shares how he and wife Amanda coped with the challenges that ensued.  The post ‘Getting Through’ Podcast – Hamish Cave appeared first on Farmstrong - Live Well Farm Well ..read more

Members of the Farmstrong Supporters’ Network were given a treat last month when Farmstrong Ambassador Sam Whitelock beamed in from his new base in France to share some wellbeing tips.  Sam was interviewed by Taranaki dairy farmer Kane Brisco for the live webinar, which ran for an hour, and attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions at the end.  The Farmstrong Supporters’ Network held its inaugural meeting in November 2023, bringing together like-minded farmers who have played a key role in supporting Farmstrong’s mission of improving the wellbeing of farmers and growers ..read more

A charity cricket match and fundraising dinner held in Mossburn brought the local community together and raised almost $40,000 for Farmstrong and Southland Rural Support Trust.  The inaugural event, held in February, was dubbed Batting For Rural Mental Health and was MC-ed by TV personality, journalist and Rural Support Trust ambassador Matt Chisholm.  Lumsden beef farmer and keen indoor cricket player Matt Paterson organised the event with the help of some mates to bring people together and raise awareness around the importance of mental health.   “I’ve been through some s ..read more

Southland dairy farmer Gary Sunshine-Tervit was absolutely stoked to give Farmstrong a helping hand at this year’s Southland Field Days, which was held in Waimumu in February following a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Farmstrong set up its site in the FMG marquee and had a steady stream of farmers and growers coming through to have a chat with the Farmstrong team and grab some resources to take home.  Gary suffered a brain injury in 2015 from a motorcross accident that left him barely able to work and badly depressed. He made it through those tough times and now enjo ..read more

A new rural women’s group that meets for dinner dates has proven to be a massive hit among south Marlborough locals. The AFK Rural Ladies Dinner Date group was kick started in 2023 to bring together local farming and rural women from Awatere, Flaxbourne and Kekerengu near the top of the South Island. Co-founder Nadine Hickman, who helps run Taimate Angus near Blenheim with her husband Paul, says the response to the group has been incredible. “We’ve been blown away by the enthusiastic response, it’s really highlighted how much this was needed,” Nadine says. “It’s about connecting farming and ru ..read more

Farmstrong is teaming up with the Rural Support Trust to bring the Bitches’ Box: Episode 4 comedy show to flood-affected, rural communities around the North Island. The shows will provide a chance for farmers and growers to have a fun night out with friends off farm after an incredibly challenging year. The Bitches Box: Episode 4 looks at life on a high country station from a dog’s point of view during the chaos of muster time. Actors Emma Newborn and Amelia Dunbar are revisiting their most-loved dog characters in a fast-paced, multi-character comedy that’s made them ‘world famous in rural NZ ..read more

The Country’s Rowena Duncum is joined by Brydon Nisbett who bravely opens up about the grief of dealing with Cyclone Gabrielle in this third episode of Farmstrong’s ‘Getting Through’ podcast. Puketapu’s Brydon Nisbett juggles a lot of hats! President and chair of the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers Assn, HortNZ board member and apple grower in his own right, he shares the different tools he used to get through – like making sure he didn’t allow himself to get isolated and even organising his own support crew to check in on him.  The post ‘Getting Through’ Podcast – Brydon Nisbett appeared first on F ..read more

The Country’s Rowena Duncum brings you a brand-new Farmstrong-powered series. “Getting Through” looks at what it takes to recover from extreme weather events, by people who’ve been through it first-hand. In this episode, Rowena is joined by Hawke’s Bay deer farmer Harry Gaddum who was cut off from the outside world for a couple of weeks post Cyclone Gabrielle but learnt a lot along the way (like how to muster his stock back from the wilderness via drone!) and was happy to share that with others.  The post ‘Getting Through’ Podcast – Harry Gaddum appeared first on Farmstrong - Live Well Farm ..read more

Start rounding up your mates, neighbours, or team as you don’t want to miss out on a great night of laughs and fun. The Bitches’ Box fourth live show is coming to – Northland:9th April – South Head 10th April – Port Albert 11th April – Matakohe 12th April – Parakao 13th April – Broadwood 14th April – Umawera Tairawhiti/Gisborne: 18th April – Turihaua 19th April – Waerenga-O-Kuri 20th April – Matawai Wairarapa/Tararua and Pohangina Valley: 9th May – Gladstone 10th May – Weber 11th May – Pohangina Valley It sees actors Emma Newborn and Amelia Dunbar revisiting some of their most loved dog charac ..read more