Getting Through Together

Module Overview

Farmstrong and Wine Marlborough recently teamed up at the Viticulture Winter Field Day in Blenheim to help local winemakers and growers navigate challenging times.

After years of growth and expansion, the wine industry has struck tougher market conditions. As a result, growers and winemakers are facing a period of change and uncertainty. The impact is significant for the Marlborough region, which accounts for over 80% of New Zealand’s wine production.

Opening the event, Wine Marlborough board director Nigel Sowman stressed the need for unity and optimism. (Pictured above – Marcus Pickens, Nigel Sowman and Ruth Berry of Wine Marlborough with Farmstrong project lead Gerard Vaughan at Matador Estate in Blenheim.)

“I’ve been in this industry for 25 years and I’ve seen a few ups and downs. We’re going through a tough patch at the moment. I know growers and winemakers here are feeling the pain, but the industry has been through these challenges before and always come out on the other side. We’ve got to remember that this is a great industry to be a part of and we’re all in this together.”

He also urged local growers and winemakers to make their wellbeing a priority.

“Looking after yourself is actually a really big part of how we get through. Maintaining a positive mindset is hugely important in situations like this. That’s why we’ve got the likes of Farmstrong here to talk to us about things we can do to pull ourselves through.”

Farmstrong programme lead Gerard Vaughan hosted a series of workshops during the afternoon. He reminded attendees that the number one asset in any business are the people who work there and to look after their wellbeing with the same level of care and attention they paid to their land, produce and machinery.

Five ways to wellbeing

He encouraged people to regularly top up their ‘wellbeing bank account’ by investing in small, daily habits – the Five Ways to Wellbeing – that are proven to boost mood and strengthen resilience.

“Boosting our reserves of wellbeing by making regular ‘investments’ gives us something to draw on when we’re ‘under the pump’.”

Gerard also shared a suite of Farmstrong resources featuring farmers and growers who have experienced adversity and share what helped them to get through.

“There’s a lot of wisdom and knowledge in agriculture and horticulture that can provide a useful ‘roadmap’ and inspiration for others facing similar challenges.”

One of the books – ‘Getting Through’ – includes a ‘toolbox’ of mental fitness skills designed to help people perform under pressure and maintain a clear headspace for decision making.

“Just like people go to a gym to become physically fitter, you can also train your brain to become mentally stronger and fitter. Thinking strategies such as avoiding common thinking traps, catching and changing unhelpful thinking and ‘reframing’ a bad day are all practical skills that people can learn and apply at work.”

One of the winemakers at the event was Tim Adams from Vinlink Winery, one of the larger wineries in Marlborough. Tim’s a good example of someone who’s proactive about his wellbeing.

“I like to get out and ride mountain bikes and have a couple of hours to myself. It’s not just about keeping physically fit, it also helps you stay mentally fit, I think. It’s time for yourself where you don’t have all those pressures, you don’t have the phone, you don’t have people asking you about work.”

“Over the years, I’ve learnt that work and market pressures are always going to be there. Taking some ‘me time’ to work on yourself really helps you to refocus and think through issues.”

“That’s why I think it’s great that Farmstrong’s here. The more we can spread the word about what you’re trying to do and share the tools that you have to offer, it’s just got to be good for everybody.”

Farmstrong’s practical tools and resources

Wine Marlborough’s general manager Marcus Pickens also offered his thoughts after the event.

“It was fantastic to have Farmstrong at our viticulture winter field day. It has a lot of good, practical tools and resources for keeping well that work for people at the grassroots level.”

“Today’s presentations showed that we can all improve our wellbeing by adopting habits that are easy to implement. Even if you implemented two of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, you’re going to be a better person at work, at home and just feel better within yourself.”

“That’s why we wanted to share this knowledge and learning with our grape growing and winemaking community.”

Farmstrong is nationwide, rural wellbeing programme that helps farmers and growers to manage the ups and downs of the industry. Last year more than 15,000 farmers and growers attributed an increase in their wellbeing to the programme. To find out what works for you and lock it in, head to www.farmstrong.co.nz