Naked ambition
As a young farmer who has been through his share of tough times, Ben Brooksby knows first-hand that rural communities band together in times of need.
When his family’s St Helens Plains’ home was destroyed by fire in 2015, they were overwhelmed by support from neighbours.
But while Mr Brooksby is grateful and proud to be part of a community that responds to a call to action, or a tragic event, he also recognises the importance of coming together when times are good.
“Last week I went a whole day without seeing another person,” he said.
“I started talking to the dog just to have someone to talk to.
“That’s just the way it goes though. We love our jobs – and it’s more than a job, it’s our life.”
Social isolation and a lack of community connection are key factors contributing to mental health issues in rural and remote areas.
Mr Brooksby, who experienced anxiety as a teenager while living through 10 years of drought on the farm, has become a mental health advocate – although quite by accident.
In May last year, Mr Brooksby, 24, shared a photo of himself near-naked in the back of a truck filled with lentils to social media.
His new Instagram account The Naked Farmer was an instant hit, garnering more than 1000 followers in a week.
“I knew I’d struck a chord with the wider community,” Mr Brooksby said.
“This idea quickly became the framework for a social media-based business, highlighting agriculture through photos of ‘naked farmers’ with props strategically placed.”
What started as a way to educate people further afield about where food and fibre comes from has evolved into a serious, yet cheeky, mental health advocacy campaign.
“I still can’t believe how quickly it took off. It’s been absolutely hectic,” Mr Brooksby said.
“It’s amazing so many people want to raise awareness of mental health. My mission is to raise money and awareness around mental health in the agriculture industry. One of my aims is to gather a collection of photos from game farmers who have the guts to get their kit off. After all, it takes just as much guts to talk about mental health issues as it does to get your gear off.”
Willing subjects
Mr Brooksby has been inundated with photos and willing subjects keen to participate in the project.
His 2018 The Naked Farmer calendar sold out and he is planning to release both male and female versions next year.
An underwear line is due to launch next month and Mr Brooksby and friend Emma Cross – who took the photo that started it all, along with many others – will embark on an Australia-wide tour in June.
Mr Brooksby has donated money raised from The Naked Farmer merchandise to the Royal Flying Doctors Service mental health unit.
“I chose them because their dedicated mental health professionals visit remote towns and properties to provide treatment and support, as well as mental health education for rural and remote communities,” he said.
Mr Brooksby said he was excited about his upcoming The Naked Farmer tour.
“I’m going to be travelling around Australia catching up with anyone who puts their hand up for a chat – and that’s anyone in the agricultural industry from a stock agent to a chemical wholesaler, not just farmers,” Mr Brooksby said.
“I’ll be visiting anyone who has the guts to get their gear off. People can stay anonymous – there’s strategic ways we can shoot photos.
“I want people of all sizes and ages involved – anyone who has the guts to do it.
“I’ll travel wherever anyone wants me.”
Stories of the land
Mr Brooksby plans to use his tour to gather material for a book featuring photos and stories of people’s lives on the land.
“There will be stories people can relate to and connect with, because there will be others in the same boat,” he said.
He said he was well aware people had difficulty talking about their feelings, or asking for help, because he was one of them.
“I still don’t like to talk about my experience, but I know it’s important to,” he said.
“The fact is, mental health issues can affect anyone.
“Statistics prove that the suicide rate among farmers is almost double than any other industry and I’m passionate about changing these stats.
“I also know from personal experience that your state of mental health can be turned around through positive change even when the worst happens.”
Mr Brooksby said when his family’s house burnt down, he was pushed out of his comfort zone.
“Out of the ashes, my father handed me the job of managing the construction of a new home, at the age of 22,” he said.
“I had a lot of anxiety when I was younger.
“I was extremely shy, but suddenly I had to deal with people, draw up plans, come out of my shell.
“The fact is, bad things happen, but good things can happen from the bad and this is a perfect example of that.”
Mr Brooksby said creating The Naked Farmer had further helped his confidence.
“It’s a good conversation starter,” he said.
“I’ve met some great people and I look forward to meeting even more people and hearing their stories on the tour.”
Field days
He said he looked forward to talking about The Naked Farmer with people at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days at Longerenong, an annual highlight on his work calendar.
“I go every year, with my dad and my grandpa,” he said.
“We always go for a look around and see what’s new and what deals we can get.
“I won’t be doing anything specific for The Naked Farmer, but I’ll be there to have a chat with anyone who wants one.”
Mr Brooksby said he also looked forward to catching up with friends and neighbours. “It’s a good opportunity to chat to your neighbours properly,” he said.
“You give each other a wave when you see each other and then keep moving. But events like the field days give you an opportunity to actually have a good chat with them and see how they are.
“If something ever goes wrong, they would be there in a heartbeat. Your community will pull together to help you out – when our house burnt down, the support from St Helens Plains community was amazing.
“But it’s nice to have an opportunity to come together for a chat when things are just ticking along.”
• Aglife Wimmera Machinery Field Days edition, inside.