The Christmas period can be full of joy for some, but it can also trigger feelings of isolation, loneliness, stress and sadness for others. The stress is only compounded by the challenging season we’ve had, and which looks to be continuing into the near future.
I have heard from a number of farmers who are stressed and exhausted but doing their best to support their businesses, families and communities. It is incredible how resilient our farmers are through such incredibly challenging circumstances.
However, we are not invincible and are not expected to make it alone. Seeking support from your community and professional services does not mean you have failed. It takes great courage to reach out.
We spend so much time and money on key farm assets to ensure we have profitable, resilient farm businesses. But sometimes we fail to recognise that we, as farmers and employers, are the most critical asset on our farm. Our businesses need us to be physically and mentally healthy to prosper.
Over this challenging period, I encourage you to reach out to your friends, family members and neighbours to offer support and to ask for it. There are people around you who love and care for you.
At the VFF, I’m proud to say that the Look Over the Farm Gate program has funded more than a dozen community events in December alone. All these events are driven by groups with intimate knowledge of what their community needs.
I encourage everyone to attend local events over the next couple months, and check out the Look Over the Farm Gate events on the website. You may feel too stressed to leave the farm, but reconnecting with community is incredibly important.
As the 2018 calendar goes in the bin, I wish everyone a happy, healthy break.
