Struggling farmers urged to speak up

Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust chairperson Sandy Scarrow says farmers' health and wellbeing is being impacted by the low dairy payout.

The low dairy payout is impacting on people's health and wellbeing, with some farmers not wanting to go out "because they simply don't want to talk about how bad things are", Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust says.

Chairperson Sandy Scarrow said others had told them they are not sleeping well.

"They are lying in bed worrying about how they are going to pay their bills. One talked about how she had spent the afternoon in her room crying."

However it was difficult to generalise how farmers were coping, she said.

"Some have low debt and will get through. Others, for various reasons, will really struggle and may need to leave the industry.

"It really does depend on individual and/or family circumstances."

One aspect that was often ignored is how this impacts on some of the variable order sharemilkers working in the industry, she said.

"Many of these workers are trying to get ahead in a career in dairying but as yet have no capital base. As the payout has dropped it has hit these people really hardalso, a farmer can't just walk off the farm and get work in town. They still have livestock to consider."

However on a positive note, this season has been great in the Bay of Plenty for grass growth and at least farmers are not having to worry about hungry stock, she said.

But Ms Scarrow urged people not to be afraid of asking for help or to suggest those you are concerned about get some help.

"It's not a sign of weakness - it could be the bravest thing you do."

She also advised farmers to talk with their accountant.

"There are things that they can do including reviewing their tax position and also looking at Working For Families income support."

Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty dairy chair Steve Bailey said things are going to be tough for some time. "We need to ensure that all farmers have someone to talk to if they find themselves in trouble."

What is a Rural Support Trust?

When an event leads to crisis, whether it is financial, climatic, or personal, a rural support trust is ready to assist. Assistance is free and confidential.

Rural support trusts have been set up throughout New Zealand and their goal is to assist rural people and their families in the rural community during adverse events.

The Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust was formed in 2004 when the floods began and became the template for other support trusts throughout New Zealand.

It provides such services as necessary to counsel, advise and assist rural persons in adverse events, financial, emotional or otherwise. The trust has three facilitators for this purpose.

The trust members are local people who have themselves faced the challenges rural life brings.

The trust has access to networks and services to help people get back on their feet.

Help is available through specially trained trust facilitators who travel to where they are needed. Contact is one-on-one at a location of your choice. The Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust is a charitable trust that encompasses the following District Council areas: Western Bay of Plenty, Tauranga City, Whakatane, Opotiki, Kawerau and Rotorua.

- "Supporting rural communities " - phone 0800787254.