The effects of the extreme weather on farmers were visible in spoilt crops and sunken fields, but the crisis’ hidden pest was the toll it took on farmers’ mental health.
Seeking help can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack — but not any more.
Resilience in Recovery has created a Farmers Day Out on Friday, June 14, for farmers and anyone directly or indirectly affected by the floods to share a meal and connect.
While slicing through a tender roast, attendees at the Tallygaroopna Soldiers’ Memorial Hall will hear from Sinead Barker, an agronomist from Meridian Agriculture.
Ms Barker is a pasture and livestock consultant from Melbourne.
“I’m excited to come and see a different part of the region, meet the farmers and hear how they operate, and hopefully hear how people have been recovering (from the floods) nearly two years on,” she said.
The young professional specialises in providing clients with personalised advice on animal and plant production.
In recognition of the flood damage to large swaths of the region’s farmland, Ms Barker will speak about flood mitigation strategies, including preparation, pasture recovery, weed control and animal welfare.
“It’s about matching the right soil with the right pasture and corresponding that with animals that are well-suited to it as well,” she said.
“Some species recover better from waterlogging and flooding than others.”
Even with fields slowly rejuvenating, cows grazing once more and tractor lights beaming, farmers may still feel the darkness within themselves.
Garry and Shirley Semmens know a thing or two about the latter.
As Shepparton locals and Beyond Blue ambassadors, the couple experienced firsthand the floods’ impact on livelihoods, particularly on mental health.
At Farmers Day Out, Mr and Mrs Semmens will draw a direct line between the two, discussing mental health care, options for accessing help and positive outcomes that come from shared disaster experiences.
Mental health can be as unpredictable as the business of farming.
What is certain, though, is that this Resilience in Recovery event will provide information and tools so that all farmers can get back to having a field day.
Farmers Day Out is on Friday, June 14, from 6pm to 9pm, at the Tallygaroopna Soliders’ Memorial Hall, 21 Victoria St, Tallygaroopna.
Registration is essential, as this free event is limited to 100 attendees.
To register, text or call the Resilience in Recovery team at 0427 259 604 or email recovery@shepparton.vic.gov.au
Registrations can also be made online at https://www.trybooking.com/CSCUM
Other resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health condition, help is available. Visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call the Beyond Blue support service at 1300 22 4636.
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