Focus on support networks

A gathering of rural professionals is being held in Oamaru next week to highlight the support networks available to farmers.

It has been organised by the Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers, Beef and Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ.

The organisations all had concerns for farmers, particularly in North Otago but also other areas, over the next three to four months, as they faced the effects of drought and also the low dairy payout, Otago Rural Support Trust co ordinator Dave Mellish said.

The gathering would highlight the support networks available, how support could be accessed by and for farmers, and discuss how to identify farmers who might need support.

It is being held on Monday, June 29 at the Opera House at 4.30pm. The trust had been busy working with people with ''various sorts of problems'', most of which were drought related, and ranged from stress through to financial difficulties.

''The sooner people get help with an issue, the quicker it can be solved, whether its mental health or financial,'' Mr Mellish said.

 

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