VICTORIAN farmers and industry advisers have discussed the impact of the high rainfall, storms and floods last Spring and early Summer in an online video released by the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH).
In the months following the floods, the NCFH’s Lyall Grey – who is a contributor to The Spectator, spoke to more than 50 farmers, health professionals and industry advisors across Victoria about the impact the unusual season had on their health and wellbeing.
The high rainfall and subsequent flooding caused losses to the Victorian agricultural sector of almost $1 billion across 40 local government areas for the horticultural, grazing and broad-acre cropping industries and an additional $840 million in assets losses.
“The one thing that really stood out for me was the resilience of our farmers,” Lyall said.
“They talked about being cut off from town, having to move stock to the small areas of the farm not flooded, the many times the header was bogged trying to harvest crops that survived the heavy rainfall, and how they are managing the stress and fatigue during the months of flood recovery.”
Despite it being a tough time for many on the land, farmers talk about what they had learnt about themselves, their community and what helped them tackle the challenges and stay positive in the months of hard work after flood.
Their stories were shared on social media to let farmers know they were not alone, that help was available and to provide an avenue for sharing their thoughts and tips during flood recovery.
The 18-minute compilation video on Victorian farmers’ perspectives on flood recovery can be viewed at www.farmerhealth.org.au/buildingfarmspirit
Committed to supporting farmers whose properties, livestock or crops were damaged or lost in the 2022 flood, the NCFH, with funding from Agriculture Victoria, developed a range of initiatives to boost farmer mental health and wellbeing.
Community groups can still apply for grants to hold events that provide social connection and mental health promotion opportunities for farmers, farming families and farming communities. Victorian farmers impacted by flood or extreme weather conditions also have access to free online psychology support delivered by farmer health trained psychologists.
For more information about the NCFH Flood Response or to access a list of support resources, visit www.farmerhealth.org.au/buildingfarmspirit or contact Project Officer, Sally Cunningham (Available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
The NCFH is dedicated to improving the health, safety, and wellbeing of farmers, farmworkers, and their families across Australia. Through research, education, and advocacy, the centre addresses the unique health challenges faced by those working in agriculture and promotes sustainable farming practices.
