Farming the Land, Carrying the Load: The Hidden Struggle of Rural Mental Health
Behind every loaf of bread, glass of milk, or piece of fruit on your plate is a farmer who made it possible. They rise before the sun, work through every season, and face challenges most of us will never fully understand. But while they’re keeping our shelves stocked and our families fed, many of them are suffering in silence.
The Mental Health Crisis on the Land
Here’s a stat that should stop all of us in our tracks:
🚨 One Australian farmer dies by suicide every 10 days.
Let that sink in. Every 10 days, a person who has dedicated their life to growing food and sustaining communities decides they can’t go on.
This is not just a rural issue. It’s a human issue. And it’s time we showed up for the people who keep us fed.
Farmers face some of the toughest mental health conditions, literally and emotionally. Droughts, floods, financial stress, isolation, succession pressures, and now policies that threaten their future… it’s all a heavy load. Add to that the difficulty of actually accessing support - long waitlists, limited services in remote areas, and stigma, and it’s no wonder so many suffer in silence.
Why Our Farmers Matter More Than Ever
Farmers aren’t just the backbone of our economy—they’re the beating heart of our food system.
South Australia alone produces enough food to feed millions of people beyond its borders. Grain, meat, wine, fresh produce - it all begins in the paddocks and pastures cared for by resilient, hardworking people.
But they can’t pour from an empty cup. And if we keep overlooking their wellbeing, we risk losing more than just people - we risk losing the very foundation of our food security.
What You Can Do to Help
You might not live on a farm, but you can still make a difference. Here's how:
Check in with your mates: A phone call or cuppa can go a long way. You don’t need the right words—just show up.
Support local: Buy from regional producers, attend local markets, and back farmgate businesses.
Talk about mental health: Help break the stigma by speaking up. Normalize reaching out.
Advocate: Raise awareness about mental health access in rural areas. Push for change.
Show up: Literally. Be present at community events and conversations that matter.
Let’s Come Together - Community Farmers Afternoon
If you’re reading this and nodding along, here’s your chance to show up in a meaningful way.
Come and join us for a relaxing, feel-good afternoon with good food, good company, and some incredible guest speakers!
🧡 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻
📍 Mantung Hall
📅 Sunday 15th June 2025
🕛 12 midday
Whether you're on the land or just part of this amazing community — everyone is welcome (men & women)! Bring a mate and enjoy a proper afternoon off.
💬 Tag a friend and make a day of it. Let’s lift the weight together.
We’d love to see you there.
