Farmstrong champions connect in capital

Module Overview

Hawke’s Bay deer farmer and Farmstrong champion Harry Gaddum came away from a recent get together with other like-minded farmers feeling rejuvenated and positive about the future.

Farmstrong hosted a two-day event in Wellington for 13 Farmstrong champions, who have played a key role in supporting Farmstrong’s mission of improving the wellbeing of farmers and growers.

Farmstrong ambassador Sam Whitelock and members of the Farmstrong team also attended the event, which was held in mid-May.

Harry says he had a great time connecting with other passionate Farmstrong champions, strengthening relationships and sharing ideas.

“One of my favourite memories is when Sam Whitelock had us playing one of his games pitting the dairy farmers against the rest of us. One of the games was to come up with songs including words that he fired at us,” Harry says.

“Eight hours earlier none of us knew each other that well, if at all. Next thing we’re all belting out lyrics from our memory banks in the fine spirit of pure competitiveness to win the game. It was a great team bonding moment and bloody funny.”

The group met up on the Thursday evening at The Thistle Inn for dinner, then Friday was spent at the Worser Bay Sailing Club connecting, sharing ideas and listening to guest speakers. Attendees were also given a special Farmstrong rugby jersey.

Mindset key to wellbeing

Harry, whose farm suffered extensive damage during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, says being a Farmstrong champion has changed the way he approaches farming and his wellbeing.

“My farming business and daily life on the farm hinges entirely on what mindset I approach it with. Farmstrong has definitely helped me build a solid foundation for a healthy and generally happy lifestyle on the farm,” he says.

“We’ve learnt a lot as a family on what makes us tick, and a huge part of our lifestyle is how we share it with our community around us. We enjoy spending quality time with neighbours and friends playing sports, watching sports and just catching up socially.

“One example is our local KFC (Kereru Fitness Club) where we meet at the hall for a workout. It’s not serious and its always about just getting involved and catching up while keeping active.”

He says if he’d known how strong and supportive the Farmstrong community is and how powerful the tools are, he would’ve got involved much earlier.

“After getting through the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle and understanding what type of mindset is required for looking after myself, my family, friends and my farm, I was stoked to be asked to share some of that experience by becoming a Farmstrong champion.”

Attending the event gave Harry a rejuvenated knowledge that everybody is in it together.

“We’ve all got a story to tell from our varied and always interesting lives. The farming community will always have a mountain of challenges to climb, but if we attack it with the best mindset we can, then we’ll continue to have a fighting chance. To me that makes the future look a lot brighter.”