Dairy farmers in areas hit by the ongoing dry spell in Waikato are being advised to watch out for their own health if the stress of coping gets too much for them.
DairyNZ Regional regional feam manager Craig McBeth said while some farmers throughout the country are having a fantastic production season coupled with a high milk payout, others are under pressure because of the conditions, which impact on the production of milk.
He said many of them are feeling low because they are missing the opportunity of capitalising on increased production and a good payout.
Mr McBeth said they should make sure they reach outside the farmgate for support. "There's ourselves at DairyNZ, there's Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers that people can speak to but by all means communicate - family, friends."
He said he believes farmers, like the whole population, are good at seeking support because of the likes of the John Kirwan campaign against depression making them more aware of the prevalence of stress and how it can impact on them.
