MANAGING farm safety should encompass mental health and wellbeing conversations for farmers and their workforce, according to Grain Producers Australia.

GPA chair Barry Large says GPA is supporting this approach through its Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative.

“Recognising the role good mental health and wellbeing plays in farm safety shows just how far conversations had come in recent years,” Mr Large says.

“Talking about mental health and normalising how hard farming can be on people can be hard to do, but it is vital to a sustainable industry, workforce and wellbeing of our rural communities.”

Our communities collectively band together in tough times, but farmers have the tendency to knuckle down and work harder when things aren’t going well. 

“This can be farm-business related if the season isn’t going well or if there is a personal life event has knocked us around,” he says.

“Our farming communities already have the tight-knit supports in place to be there for each other and, through programs like GPA’s Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative, we can provide the knowledge and resources needed for strong foundations.

“We started our concerted effort in this area several years ago with Aussie cricketing legend Brad Hogg acting as our national ambassador and we will keep connecting with rural communities to keep the conversation going.” 

Mr Large said Mr Hogg helped to spread the word about mental health by sharing important messages and his own personal struggles with mental health with different groups and events in regional areas.

“We want people to know they’re never alone, and that help is always a phone call away if they need it,” Mr Hogg says.

“It’s all about starting conversations that will help save lives.”

Farmsafe Australia chair, Felicity Richards, says a holistic approach to farm safety is vital. 

“Farm safety extends beyond seatbelts and helmets; it encompasses the mental wellbeing of our farmers, their families, and the workforce. 

“By normalising talking about what we are going through and reaching out when we are struggling, we provide a safe space for workers through the ups and downs of farm life.”

Ms Richards says Farmsafe Australia’s 2024 Safer Farms Report highlights the ongoing need for mental health and wellbeing discussions and information sharing. 

“The report outlines the year 2023 recorded the most significant decrease in farm fatalities on record, but this still left 32 families and communities grieving the loss of someone important to them.

“It emphasises creating a safety culture by making small habits a part of daily routines.”

Important resources: Rural Aid counsellors offer free, confidential support to farmers and their families, call 1300 175 594. Lifeline’s 24/7 telephone crisis support service is available on 13 11 14.