Farmstrong hits the road for rural events
Module Overview
Farmstrong took to the road earlier this year attending multiple Field Days around the country and helping bring a whole lot of belly laughs to a region that’s been hit by a string of severe weather events.
The Farmstrong team attended Northland Field Days, Southern Field Days (Waimumu), Central District Field Days and the Wānaka A&P Show, connecting with farmers and growers and handing out free resources.
It also helped bring the much-loved Bitches Box comedy show to Tākaka in Golden Bay, in collaboration with FMG, Rural Support Trust and PGG Wrightson.
Otago High Country sheep and beef farmer and Farmstrong Champion Jack Cocks attended the Southern Field Days and Wānaka A&P Show, lending Farmstrong a helping hand.
“The shows were great, well attended and really positive. Farmers were as buoyant as I’d ever seen them. I really enjoyed meeting with people and catching up with people I hadn’t seen for a while,” Jack says.
The Farmstrong stand was located inside the FMG tent at each Field Days, working alongside local Farmstrong Champions.
“Farmstrong had a great set up with representatives there chatting to people and lots of Farmstrong resources, books and merchandise to give away as well as coffee and snacks.”
Jack says more and more farmers and growers are becoming aware of Farmstrong and the great work it does.
“It’s helpful to know Farmstrong is there and has resources to help you if you need it. Bringing Farmstrong to farmers and growers and being seen is really key.”
He says it was a a good chance for Farmstrong to connect, listen and keep the importance of wellbeing visible in rural communities.
Bitches Box show unites community
Farmstrong was proud to help bring the hilarious Bitches Box comedy show to Tākaka and unite the local community for a fun night out.
Rural Support Trust’s Top of the South Regional Coordinator Sarah White says there were lots of smiles and laughs during the show from audience members.
“It was so nice to see everybody coming together, laughing, enjoying themselves and relaxing. It was also good to see people catching up with others they hadn’t seen for a while.”
Around 160 people attended the show on 28 March, including members of the Farmstrong team and visiting Farmstrong Scotland Programme Director Alix Ritchie, filling up the hall at Tākaka Primary School.
“The audience was a mix of farmers and non-farmers from the area, so it was nice to see everybody out, connecting and supporting each other. It was a chance to forget about everything and have a laugh.”
She says events like this keep rural communities connected, which is particularly important given the severe weather challenges the region has faced over recent years.
“When people get busy with work and families it’s often easier to sit at home but events like this give people the opportunity to get out and about,” Sarah says.
“Humans are designed to connect with others and it’s important to keep an eye on friends and neighbours.
“When people are struggling, they tend to isolate themselves a bit. It’s often the ones that don’t come along to events like this who are the ones that need it the most.”
Tears of laughter
Golden Bay dairy farmer and Farmstrong Champion Corrigan Sowman attended the show and says everybody enjoyed it, with many in the crowd crying with laughter.
“It was hilarious. I was still chuckling about it a couple of days after seeing it,” Corrigan says.
“The crowd was a great mix of the farming community and wider community, so it was great to see everyone mixing together and enjoying themselves.”
He says events like this are invaluable for the local rural community.
“People are connecting, talking, getting off the farm and humour is such a great way to bring people together,” Corrigan says.
Photo – Farmstrong Scotland Programme Director Alix Ritchie (left), Farmstrong Delivery Specialist Krissy Cloutman and Golden Bay dairy farmer and Farmstrong Champion Corrigan Sowman (right).
