In this episode, Jo Robinson hosts Amber Carpenter andGerard Vaughan to discuss the Farmstrong program, focusing on the Five Steps to Well-being.
They explore how these steps can enhance mental and physical health for farmers, sharing personal stories and practical insights.
They discuss the importance of self-care, community support, and practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining focus in the demanding world of farming.
Amber shares her personal journey from the fashion industryto dairy farming, highlighting the challenges and rewards of her transition.
Gerard designed and set up Farmstrong with the help of FMG, the Mental Health Foundation and Movember in 2015 to encourage farmers to be proactive about their wellbeing.
The conversation in this episode emphasizes the need forfarmers to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing to ensure both personal and business success.
https://farmstrong.co.nz
Takeaways
Farmstrong promotes mental wellbeing for farmers andgrowers.
Self-care is essential for effective farming.
Community support plays a crucial role in mental health.
Listening skills are vital for effective communication.
Farmers are their own biggest asset and must prioritizetheir health – both mental and physical.
Control the controllable aspects of farming life.
Building small, regular habits can enhance wellbeing.
It's okay to not have everything figured out.
Taking breaks can lead to increased productivity.
Engaging with the community fosters connection and support.
Connect with OurSponsors: (UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nz
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Music Credit:Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele
Chapters
00:00 FarmStrong
01:27 Introduction to Farmstrong and its purpose
05:51 Amber's Journey from Fashion to Farming
09:02 The Importance of Mental Health in Farming
14:05 Recognizing Personal Wellbeing as a Business Asset
19:09 Strategies for Maintaining Focus and Balance
21:45 Navigating Life's Challenges Together
24:12 Balancing Work and Family Life
27:35 The Importance of Rest and Recovery
29:09 Investing in Family Time
32:04 Controlling the Controllables
33:30 Embracing Humanity in Farming Life
Keywords
#Flower farming in NZ
#Flower farming
#Farmstrong
#Live Well Farm Well
#Mental health
#Wellbeing
#Stress management
#Support systems
#Resilience
#Horticulture Floriculture
#nzflowergrowers
#nzflorists
#sustainablefloristry
#sustainableflowerfarming
Mental Health Matters: The FarmstrongApproach
