"In my job, I deal with farmers going through a hell of a time. Until I can get them thinking clearly, I cannot help them adapt. Exercise is a major part of the jigsaw we have forgotten."
Handcock completed a research paper on his findings, then established the Fit4Farming Trust in 2014 to turn the theory of healthy living into action. He would like to see New Zealand gain global recognition by becoming the healthiest, fittest farming nation in the world.
Remembering his own wake-up call, Handcock organises the annual Surf2Firth Bush marathon traversing the Coromandel Peninsula from Hikuai to Thames with the reputation of being the country's most technically challenging off-road marathon.
"When I got really stressed while farming, I found running gave me time to think. It is also fatigue management from a different perspective: if you are tired, get fitter so you won't get tired at the same threshold. The more exercise I did, the more conscious I became of what I ate - an upward spiral towards good health."
Surf2Firth
What: Bush Marathon, 22km and 14km run
When: Saturday, March 12
Where: Coromandel
For more information: www.surf2firth.co.nz