The findings of a Farmstrong survey were unveiled at the AGMARDT New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) Conference in the Riccarton Park Function Centre in Christchurch on Friday, February 1.
Farmstrong spokesman Gerard Vaughan said a quarter of the 616 women surveyed and almost half of the 279 men were NZYF members.
The survey, involving 985 farmers aged under 35, found that social activities run by the 80 young farmers clubs around the country were having a positive impact on mental health by providing a ''source of friendship'' and a supportive environment where people could talk.
Mr Vaughan said the findings showed 64% of men and 77% of women said at least one wellbeing issue had a large impact on their lives.
Challenges ranged from workload to lack of sleep, time off-farm and managing relationships.
''When we analysed the findings we found NZYF members reported much lower levels of ''large'' or greater negative impact than non-members on a number of items.''
NZYF chief executive Lynda Coppersmith said she welcomed the findings.
''What it identified was how much an issue coping with mental health and resilience was for young people.
''But it was really encouraging to hear that being a member of NZYF and having someone to talk to made a really big difference.''
Nearly 40% of women and a quarter of men surveyed thought ''challenges developing new relationships in the community'' were having a ''moderate'' or greater impact on their wellbeing.
One survey respondent described NZYF as ''a really good support network'', with organised events making socialising with a lot of people easy.
Joining a local young farmers club had been the most beneficial thing one respondent had done ''since moving to a new part of the country''.
Young farmers clubs organised balls, skills days, social outings, pub nights and even pot luck dinners so people new to an area could make friends.
The research also showed there was a strong link between younger farmer injuries and wellbeing issues, with nearly a quarter of women and 28% of men reporting having an injury on the farm in the past 12 months.
''Of those who reported an injury, nearly two-thirds of men and 69% of women said wellbeing issues had been a contributing factor,'' Mr Vaughan said.
Farmstrong's tips to improve wellness and resilience included staying connected, eating well, getting enough sleep, being active and giving back.
Ms Coppersmith said the theme of the conference - which was being held as a standalone event for the first time, the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest being held in July - was exploring food trends, technology and future opportunities.
Other conference speakers and topics included KPMG farm enterprise specialist Julia Jones, New Zealand agri-tech start-up Halter with electronic cow collars, the rise of protein food products, and food innovations.
-By David Hill
