Farmers and farming families are being encouraged to access mental health and wellbeing services as tough conditions, land use conflicts and the climate crisis impact rural communities.
NSW Farmers’ President Xavier Martin said mental health must be the top priority for farming families this season, as the south and west of the state remained in drought, and coastal communities continue to recover from severe floods.
‘As farmers, we’re adept at navigating through all kinds of challenges, but it’s important we don’t forget to look after ourselves, our families and our mates,’ Mr Martin said.
‘It’s been a year of extremes, and it’s not easy work feeding and clothing the nation.
‘Help is available and it can really make a difference. Whether we’re managing through natural challenges like flood and drought, or man-made ones like water buybacks and land use conflicts, these should not be faced alone.’
Additional pressure
An escalation in land use conflict had placed additional pressure in many farming districts, Mr Martin said, with a recent Federation University study confirming rushed renewable rollouts were having a significant impact on farmer mental health.
‘Close to a third of all farmers have reported a decline in their mental health in recent years, and there’s some monumental challenges that are driving this,’ Mr Martin said.
‘Addressing the pressures on farmers is one part of the solution we’re working on, but we’re also continuing to call for more resources to deliver farmer-friendly, evidence-based wellbeing support to those who need it.’
He said it was great to see the NSW government delivering more funding for the Farmgate Counselling Program in 2025, but that really needs to be an ongoing commitment: ‘there’s more to be done and we can never put enough focus on the space.
‘It could be just one chat at the ute window, or one call that could change a life.’
Where to get help
For around-the-clock, immediate crisis support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
A national directory of mental health support services and hotlines – including dedicated services for farmers – is available here. In NSW, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) has coordinators available to assist farmers and other people in rural NSW to access mental health support.
Those in a position to do so are encouraged to complete the National Farmer Wellbeing Survey and have their say on what actions are needed to improve mental health and wellbeing in Australian agriculture.
