Young Farmers gather for wellbeing talk

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A large group of young farmers packed out the iconic Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka to listen to Farmstrong Champion Kane Brisco give a talk on the importance of looking after the top two inches.

Around 75 people attended the talk, including members of the Tararua Young Farmers club as well as a few older local farmers.

Tararua Young Farmers treasurer Kaden van Gaalen, who is 29, says the talk was great and the feedback from attendees was super positive.

“Kane’s talk was really great. He spoke about different experiences he’s had, the lessons he’s learned and how he looks after himself and his wellbeing,” says Kaden, who manages a 280ha sheep and beef farm on the Pahiatua Track.

Lots of mingling and connecting

The talk was followed by a Q and A session, in which people asked lots of great questions, Kaden says.

“We also set up a grazing table and people hung around afterwards and mingled and had a yarn, which was cool. Kane floated around and lots of people got to talk to him one-on-one or in smaller groups.”

He says Kane was relatable, easy to talk to and funny, which went down well with the crowd.

“It was like you were just standing in the paddock talking to him. It was great. He genuinely wanted to talk and help which we really appreciated… it was just awesome.”

Kaden says the crowd also enjoyed the free Farmstrong merchandise that was available to take home.

“We put together some goody bags with the merchandise, which people really enjoyed.”

Being physically prepared important

Hannah Mackay is a shepherd on a sheep and beef breeding farm in Pahiatua and attended the talk.

The 23-year-old, who is also the Tararua Young Farmers vice-chairperson, says the event was awesome and brought the local community together.

“Kane was incredible, and his talk reminded you that you’re not alone and to reach out to people around you when you’re going through tough times.”

She says she particularly appreciated his point about getting physically prepared for the busy season when farming.

“Getting fit and healthy before it gets busy and being prepared can make a really big difference to how you feel and how you perform.”

Socialising key for Young Farmers

Meanwhile, Kaden says Tararua Young Farmers had it’s one year anniversary in October and it’s going strong.

“It was previously Balance Young Farmers but that folded so it was started up again and is really thriving and we’re making a point of keeping it active and getting together regularly.”

Kaden says many young farmers face loneliness and social isolation due to the nature of the job.

“As any farmer you can be isolated from either neighbours or just people in general. You often work by yourself and may not see that many people so it’s important to socialise and keep up that contact with other people.”

He says young farmers also face challenges to do with farm ownership.

“It’s a lot harder now and trying to find those connections to take the next step can be hard.”

Kaden says he loves the social connection that Young Farmers brings.

“Being around like-minded people and getting to know other people with similar backgrounds and chatting to them and hanging out is really cool.”