Dairy farmers planning to exit the industry can access support

The Victorian coordinator of Aussie Helpers, Ms Morris is describing what happens when farmers visit the warehouse.

"We offer them an Akubra hat, have them try on a coat so they look and feel good, then fill a trolley with cereals, sauces, canned goods, anything that will last in the pantry for a long time," she said.

"We give them a couple of hampers if we have them, a box - not a packet - of Arnott's biscuits.

"Then it's on to the personal care line, Share the Dignity handbags, and toys for kids aged up to teenagers.

"And, if we think it's appropriate, some cash on a Visa card."

Ms Morris said a trip to the office followed to make sure all the paperwork was in order.

"Most times, when we're sitting down and the list is being completed, it hits people and there are tears," she said.

"Most farmers say, 'I never thought we'd need to ask for help from anyone'."

"It's not an isolated group of farmers - I should have to be looking for people to help but I'm not,"

"If grain was a normal price, very few would be affected like this but I can safely say it's affecting 90 per cent of farmers greatly."

Relaying an encounter at a recent dairy event, Ms Morris believes the industry is yet to understand the scale of the problem

"He leaned in close to me and murmured, 'You know, plenty of dairy farmers are still making good money - they just need to put their heads down'," she said.

"I felt like strangling him."

The man sharing his off-the-record opinion was one of the industry's most senior figures but people on the ground like Ms Morris tell a different story.

"Aussie Helpers is seeing smart, hard-working farmers doing everything right milking cows with glossy coats on great farms but struggling to feed their families," she said.

"A lot of people are very vulnerable and even many of those who are doing okay are wondering if it's worth it anymore."

Ms Morris said it was critical farmers reached out to discuss how they felt and their options.

"Most farmers don't ask for help and are referred by people who are concerned about them," she said.

"I'd say the chats we have with farmers are as important as the groceries and Bulka Bags of feed we deliver."

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The decision to leave dairy farming brings a host of emotional, career and financial issues to consider.

Help is available from Dairy Australia, Aussie Helpers and its virtual psychologist, the Rural Financial Counselling service, and accountants.

Dairy Australia

Dairy Australia urges farmers to contact their Regional Development Program to tap into the resources available locally.

Taking Stock one-on-one consultations are confidential and personalised.

Consultations assist farmers with feed and business decisions, as well as offering access to mental health and resilience programs and government support packages.

Dairy Australia also provides the Stepping Up Stepping Back Workshops for farmers who are stepping back or leaving the industry.

Dairy Australia is also developing a new program, called Our Farm Our Plan, which will take farmers through the process of developing a plan.

Aussie Helpers

The Aussie Helpers charity offers food, fodder, emergency financial assistance and someone to discuss options with in a private, unofficial way. Call 1300 665 232.

Virtual psychologist

People from rural and remote areas can text Virtual Psychologist on 0488 807 266 at any time of day or night to talk to a qualified clinician.

Rural Financial Counselling Service

Financial planning, liaison with banks and access to government support programs are provided at no cost to farmers by the RFCS. Call 1800 686 175.