Connecting with Farmstrong at field days
Module Overview
Farmstrong Supporter Bob Wood may be 78, but that didn’t stop the Northland local from rolling up his sleeves and lending the initiative a helping hand at the Northland Field Days.
The event was held at Awakino Point near Dargaville from 27 February to 1 March and attracted some 20,000 people.
Farmstrong enjoyed a steady stream of visitors to its site, with locals popping in for a yarn, cuppa, free resources and even a free massage.
Farmstrong was located inside the FMG tent and spent the three days connecting with local farmers and growers (Farmstrong also attended the Wanaka A&P Show, Central Districts Field Days and the South Island Agricultural Field Days).
Bob, an ex-farmer who went on to work at Livestock Improvement for 36 years before retiring, says it was “absolutely brilliant” to connect with locals at Northland Field Days and help raise awareness about Farmstrong.
“The set-up in the tent was great, we had a couple of sofas and somebody giving massages and people could come in and have a chat and learn about Farmstrong,” Bob says.
“With me being a local and knowing so many farmers in Northland, if I saw somebody I knew, I called out and next minute they were in the tent and having a cuppa.”
Connecting with like-minded people
Bob says field days are great because farmers and growers can connect with like-minded people.
“Chances are somebody out there has been through what you’re worrying about and sorted it out. There’s a wealth of wisdom out there that people can tap in to,” he says.
“I like keeping busy and sharing my experience and knowledge with others to hopefully help them out in some way.”
He says farmers and growers tend to keep things to themselves.
“People don’t like talking about things going wrong because they blame themselves… so it’s important to work on opening up and sharing.”
Bob says being a good listener is important and can go a long way in helping others.
“I had lots of positive chats with farmers and growers and listened a lot and handed out Farmstrong resources, including the new Getting Through book, which was popular.”
Talking to someone key
Bob says Northland farmers and growers face some tough challenges, particularly around costs and weather, but are an “amazing” bunch of people.
“Dairy farmers are happy because the payout is the best it’s ever been so that’s a step in the right direction. However, when any payout goes up, costs go up. Costs never come down.”
Bob has some advice for anyone going through a tough time.
“Talk to somebody. There are people who can help and will help. If they don’t know you need help, then they can’t help.”
He also recommends having a mentor.
“When you’re in over your head, you can’t always see the problem or solution. Talking to somebody you trust who can help you see things clearly is helpful.”
Farmstrong resources fly out the door
Farmstrong’s new Getting Through resources, which include a website and hard copy book, were launched in November 2024.
More than 5,000 copies of the Getting Through book have so far been distributed around New Zealand. And another 5,000 were printed to hand out at field days around the country.
The book features more than 20 farmers, growers and industry leaders sharing their stories following the cyclones and floods of 2023 and what it takes to get through severe weather events.
The book and website also feature a toolkit of mental skills and daily habits designed to help people manage workload, stress and pressure.
Bob says a highlight of the Northland Field Days was being able to give a couple of Farmstrong’s Getting Through books to a mum whose child was working on a wellbeing project for school.
“I had a yarn to her and was really happy to be able to help her out and give the family some Farmstrong resources.”
If you’d like a free copy of Farmstrong’s Getting Through book, please email info@farmstrong.co.nz.
(Photo – Left to right Farmstrong Supporter Bob Wood, Farmstrong Delivery Specialist Krissy Cloutman, FMG Rural Manager Rob Going.)
