Farmstrong in South Waikato
Farmers in the South Waikato are being given a chance to get off their farms for a few hours to catch up with their neighbours during a free Farmstrong workshop with a renowned doctor.
Farmstrong is inviting all farmers and growers from throughout the area to circle Wednesday, October 11 in their diaries for getting involved with the Farmstrong Healthy Thinking workshop which will be held at the South Waikato Sports and Events Centre in Mossop Road from 6.30pm until 9pm.
The free workshop, which will also have light refreshments available for those who attend, will be hosted by medical doctor and author of the book Healthy Thinking, Dr Tom Mulholland. Dr Tom, who has travelled throughout the country giving similar talks, will provide practical healthy thinking tips and tools to help farmers manage the ups and downs of farming.
‘‘Healthy Thinking helps us to have a system in place to look after the most important asset on the farm – the farmer,’’ he said.
’’In the same way that farmers have systems for milking or shearing sheep, they need to consider having a system to look after themselves. If farmers are in good shape, then it usually has a positive impact on other areas of life such as the family, staff and the business.’’
He said farmers will take away practical tips and strategies on how to better prepare themselves emotionally for the challenges of farming which lately have been extra prominent.
‘‘Some of these challenges can’t be controlled and have been around for a while - such as weather and international markets. What we can control is how we prepare ourselves for them and how we deal with them when they arrive,’’ he said.
‘‘During the workshop I’ll talk more about looking after the top paddock between the ears – and if applied over the long run, how it will help farmers to live well and farm well.’’
A Farmstrong spokesperson said they understand times have been hard this past year for some but they believe the workshop with some friends, nibbles and healthy thinking will help give farmers the skills they need to live well and farm well.
If you wish to attend the free workshop email rsvp@farmstrong.co.nz by by Friday, October 7.