Event celebrates women in farming
Rangitikei farmer Fi Dalgety has helped Beef + Lamb NZ to organise a sold-out event for her community that celebrates women in farming.
Guests will gather tomorrow at Hunterville’s Rathmoy Lodge for the ‘Ladies’ Long Lunch’, which celebrates women as critical farming partners.
As a Western North Island Farmer Councillor, Fi liaises between farmers and B+LNZ who recognise that developing and realising the skills of rural women impacts on the profitability and confidence of the sheep and beef sector.
The regional group get together to discuss what farmers may need, she says.
‘‘The boys on the team asked about doing something that recognised and celebrated the influence that women have in our sector.’’
Networking is vital in rural areas for providing both support and inspiration. Farm owners were being encouraged to invite their staff along to the Long Lunch as well.
Guest speaker Sarah Donaldson will talk about staying healthy, motivated and efficient during busy periods on the farm.
Currently she works as a regional leader for the East Coast Rural Support Trust where she provides training to farm discussion groups and rural professionals as well as support to individual farmers and their families.
Sarah lives and works on a sheep and beef farm in South Wairarapa with her husband and three children.
She has been a clinical psychologist for 16 years working in the public and private sector and is passionate about supporting the rural community and in particular the health needs of farmers and their families.
She is an expert in her field who is well qualified to help farmers gain a better understanding of the impact on their bodies and health when they are faced with multiple demands.
Sarah will be talking about how to manage those busy periods, add balance to lifestyles and give tips on how to remain positive, motivated, and well, and maintaining healthy relationships. She’ll also be sharing valuable information about how to help people remain resilient in the long term and when facing challenges.
Sarah is sponsored by Farmstrong which was launched 18 months ago by rural insurer FMG and the Mental Health Foundation to promote wellbeing for all farmers and growers across New Zealand.
Their non-commercial, give-back initiative focuses on wellbeing and what farmers can do to maintain and improve their health.
It aims to highlight to farmers that they’re the most important asset on the farm and need to put themselves and their wellbeing in the business plan.
With its’ sole focus on prevention, Farmstrong aims to get people thinking about putting in place simple steps to look after themselves so that in the long run they’ll be more resilient to the ups and downs of farming.
Talking with people is one of the best things to do for busy farmers.
Events such as the Long Lunch provide a perfect opportunity for farmers to network. Staying in touch and connected to family, friends, neighbours and community can help to overcome the isolation of farming.