Latest news with #Farmstrong
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Primary Sector-Government Partnership To Boost Rural Health And Resilience
Press Release – New Zealand Government The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health. Minister of Agriculture Minister of Forestry The Government is stepping up support for rural New Zealand with a $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund to expand investment in community-based initiatives, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. 'The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health,' Mr McClay says. The contestable fund to drive rural health and community resilience will prioritise initiatives that have strong local backing and secure co-funding from industry or regional partners. It will support new and existing initiatives like Surfing for Farmers, Farmstrong, NZ Young Farmers, FirstMate and many more. A five-member panel with representation from the primary sector will be established to assess project applications. Projects must demonstrate strong local delivery, provide clear benefits to rural people, and ability to attract co-investment from industry and sector partners. 'We're backing the people on the ground who are already doing great work—this fund is about scaling up, reaching further, and removing barriers for rural communities to lead their own wellbeing efforts,' Mr McClay says. This fund brings the Government's total investment in rural resilience and mental health to more than $11 million over the next four years. 'This package is about ensuring the farmers and growers who generate our export income, create jobs, and sustain our regions have the support they need to thrive,' Mr McClay says. 'When rural New Zealand is well, New Zealand does well,' Mr McClay says. In addition to the Rural Wellbeing Fund, the Government has confirmed: $6 million over four years for Rural Support Trusts across the country; An extra $1 million in 2025 for frontline rural mental wellbeing services; $400,000 in grants for A&P shows that foster rural connection and pride; and $250,000 to support the expanded outreach work of Rural Women New Zealand in 2025/26. Expressions of interests for project funding are now open. For more information, visit
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Primary Sector-Government Partnership To Boost Rural Health And Resilience
Press Release – New Zealand Government The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health. Minister of Agriculture Minister of Forestry The Government is stepping up support for rural New Zealand with a $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund to expand investment in community-based initiatives, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. 'The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health,' Mr McClay says. The contestable fund to drive rural health and community resilience will prioritise initiatives that have strong local backing and secure co-funding from industry or regional partners. It will support new and existing initiatives like Surfing for Farmers, Farmstrong, NZ Young Farmers, FirstMate and many more. A five-member panel with representation from the primary sector will be established to assess project applications. Projects must demonstrate strong local delivery, provide clear benefits to rural people, and ability to attract co-investment from industry and sector partners. 'We're backing the people on the ground who are already doing great work—this fund is about scaling up, reaching further, and removing barriers for rural communities to lead their own wellbeing efforts,' Mr McClay says. This fund brings the Government's total investment in rural resilience and mental health to more than $11 million over the next four years. 'This package is about ensuring the farmers and growers who generate our export income, create jobs, and sustain our regions have the support they need to thrive,' Mr McClay says. 'When rural New Zealand is well, New Zealand does well,' Mr McClay says. In addition to the Rural Wellbeing Fund, the Government has confirmed: $6 million over four years for Rural Support Trusts across the country; An extra $1 million in 2025 for frontline rural mental wellbeing services; $400,000 in grants for A&P shows that foster rural connection and pride; and $250,000 to support the expanded outreach work of Rural Women New Zealand in 2025/26. Expressions of interests for project funding are now open. For more information, visit
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Primary Sector-Government Partnership To Boost Rural Health And Resilience
Minister of Agriculture Minister of Forestry The Government is stepping up support for rural New Zealand with a $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund to expand investment in community-based initiatives, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. 'The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health,' Mr McClay says. The contestable fund to drive rural health and community resilience will prioritise initiatives that have strong local backing and secure co-funding from industry or regional partners. It will support new and existing initiatives like Surfing for Farmers, Farmstrong, NZ Young Farmers, FirstMate and many more. A five-member panel with representation from the primary sector will be established to assess project applications. Projects must demonstrate strong local delivery, provide clear benefits to rural people, and ability to attract co-investment from industry and sector partners. 'We're backing the people on the ground who are already doing great work—this fund is about scaling up, reaching further, and removing barriers for rural communities to lead their own wellbeing efforts,' Mr McClay says. This fund brings the Government's total investment in rural resilience and mental health to more than $11 million over the next four years. 'This package is about ensuring the farmers and growers who generate our export income, create jobs, and sustain our regions have the support they need to thrive,' Mr McClay says. 'When rural New Zealand is well, New Zealand does well,' Mr McClay says. In addition to the Rural Wellbeing Fund, the Government has confirmed: $6 million over four years for Rural Support Trusts across the country; An extra $1 million in 2025 for frontline rural mental wellbeing services; $400,000 in grants for A&P shows that foster rural connection and pride; and $250,000 to support the expanded outreach work of Rural Women New Zealand in 2025/26. Expressions of interests for project funding are now open. For more information, visit
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
How Kane Brisco keeps ‘pretty proactive with the top paddock': Farmstrong
'Good mental fitness requires great physical support. 'All the things you need to do to look after the top paddock, so to speak, require physical actions and living a good physical life. 'It's really difficult to have one without the other, to be honest.' This idea is seen in Farmstrong's toolkit, which has lessons learnt from the world of elite sport. However, that doesn't mean it's difficult to follow, as the toolkit offers farmers practical and down-to-earth advice. 'If I can do it, anyone can, I'm a pretty typical Kiwi bloke,' Brisco said. As a keen ex-rugby player, Brisco is a big fitness fan, but he said that wasn't the only way to build mental wellbeing. 'I always write out some of the old thoughts from the top of my head that are perhaps causing some frustrations.' Catching up with others also helps. 'Socialising's really important, being part of the community and your friends' group,' he said. As the saying goes, 'a problem shared is a problem halved,' so talking it out with friends and family can help with feelings of going it alone in farming. Brisco said he'd been through this a couple of times in his farming career. 'You think you're the only one, and you think you're the worst farmer in New Zealand or the district or whatever, and you feel like a bit of a failure,' he said. 'But when you go out and actually talk to other people, there's always someone else that's got the same problems, or in fact has it worse, and that can really take a mental load off.' The Farmstrong Toolkit helps people manage frustrations and setbacks, teaching them to maintain focus and perspective in difficult situations. A recent drought in Taranaki had Brisco using his tools for tough times. 'It's nothing I haven't been through before, I'm a big believer in approaching challenges with the right mindset,' he said. 'That gets you through going pretty good and sees you well out the other end. 'I'm pretty proactive with the old top paddock these days, mate.'
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Daredevil Scottish farmer to make history as he abseils from Edinburgh whisky distillery
A Scottish dairy farmer is set to make history as he joins seven daredevil fundraisers for a thrilling 100ft plunge from an Edinburgh distillery. Hugh Neilson is one of the 'Abseiling Eight' team who will be one of the first groups to abseil from Port of Leith Distillery, the world's tallest whisky distillery, in a heart-stopping fundraising challenge on Sunday, May 11. The wellbeing charity for farmers and crofters, Farmstrong Scotland, is behind the daring fundraiser which will see a whole weekend of planned abseiling challenges - the first event of its kind since the distillery finished construction in 2023, reports the Daily Record. READ MORE: Edinburgh snooker legend's wife was 'devastated' when he moved on with actress 19 years younger READ MORE: West Lothian Aldi worker is supermarket's 'longest-serving store manager' in Scotland Hugh, of Park Farm Dairy in East Kilbride, said: "I have three sons all now involved in the business. We started retailing our own milk almost three years ago and opened Park Farm Strength and Fitness last year so I'm an ideal candidate for taking a leap of faith! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and I'm sure it will be a lot of fun." Farmstrong's Community Engagement Specialist Clare Dickson said: 'We are delighted to announce our 'Abseiling Eight' fundraising team. "The daring participants include Hugh Neilson, a dairy farmer from East Kilbride; Alan Davidson from Scotgrain Agriculture; Kathleen Lawrie, a nursery practitioner; Julie Clark from AHDB; Michael Rolfe, an agricultural engineer; farmers Nicola Kay and Andrew Clark from East Lothian; and Wallace Currie, an agricultural podcaster and rural advocate. 'Fundraising events like this, and the zip wire event Farmstrong held last year, not only raise cash but also help us demonstrate the five ways to wellbeing. "The events are a great way for participants to meet and connect with others, get active, learn something new, give back to a charity that supports Scottish farmers and crofters, and take notice of the environment around them – a little height certainly helps gain perspective.' The Port of Leith Distillery is a striking nine-storey tower proudly wedged into Edinburgh's historic harbour, and is the UK's first vertical whisky distillery, as well as the tallest in the world. The contemporary building stands adjacent to the Royal Yacht Britannia with impressive views across Edinburgh's skyline. John Scott, Chairman at Farmstrong Scotland added: 'Fundraising events like these are vitally important for the farmers and crofters of Scotland. The money raised will help Farmstrong continue providing valuable tools, resources and events to support and improve wellbeing in the agricultural community. 'We're very grateful to these brave supporters for their fundraising efforts and we would welcome anyone thinking about taking on a challenge to consider raising money for Farmstrong.' To donate to the 'Abseiling Eight', click on the link to the JustGiving page here. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
