A NEW farmer-led campaign has been launched to encourage South Australian farmers to collectively take care of themselves and each other during challenging seasons.

The Weather it Together campaign is led by farmers – for farmers, acting as a friendly reminder about practical steps members of farming communities can take to maximise their wellbeing, regardless of the season.

The campaign encourages farmers to embrace four key behaviours: Keep Connected, Focus on what you can control, Get Active and Ask for Help by speaking openly about challenges with family, friends and professionals.

Weather it Together is driven by Associate Professor, Kate Gunn, and the ifarmwell team at the University of South Australia, developed with farmers, backed by industry groups and funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) South Australian Government's $73 million Drought Support Package.

"Farmers are used to facing challenges and solving problems – they've done so for generations, but they should not feel they have to face them alone," Gunn said.

Gunn understands these issues from both a personal and professional perspective, having grown up on a farm near Streaky Bay in South Australia and worked as a clinical psychologist.

"It can be very overwhelming when your future is uncertain due to something beyond your control – something you can't simply fix – like the weather. This campaign is about focusing on what you can control, getting active, lifting each other up and sharing the load -– all things we know help farmers maintain good mental health."

TIMELY ASSISTANCE 

Gunn said this campaign is not only important – it's timely, as it follows one of the most severe dry periods in South Australia's history.

"Although parts of the state have now enjoyed some rain, unfortunately that rain has not washed all of the worries away. For example, it will take a long time for many farming families to recover financially.

"Findings from previous droughts suggest that the full emotional impact of drought does not actually peak until the most intense dry period is over, so this campaign will be relevant and important for some time."

Coordinating the rollout of the campaign, from the ifarmwell team at the University of South Australia, is former ABC rural journalist Annabelle Ottens (Homer) who said: "As someone who has grown up in rural Queensland and now lives in South Australia's Mid North, I've experienced my fair share of dry seasons and understand the challenges farming families face when faced with adversity."

Numerous industry groups are backing the campaign, including Primary Producers SA, Grain Producers SA, Livestock SA and the SA Dairyfarmers' Association.

Primary Producers SA chair, professor Simon Maddocks explained: "This campaign is farmer-focused, evidence-based and timely.

"It's about embracing hope, reminding each other that there are practical things you can do to make yourself feel more positive when things get tough, and instilling the message, ‘We've made it this far, we'll weather it together."

Weather It Together will first take shape on regional TV, radio, in the print media and online through a campaign website and social channels, sharing reminders and real farmer stories demonstrating the power of connection, movement, keeping focused on what really matters and opening up about challenges.

Over the coming months, the message will then spread into clubs and pubs, GP clinics, service stations and community hubs – anywhere farmers and regional communities gather.

"This campaign is about saying, ‘you're not alone' – no matter what the season throws at you," said Ben Lehmann, a farmer from Caltowie, South Australia, who helped shape the project.

"When times are tough, it's the people around you who make the difference – whether that's catching up for a coffee, talking on the phone or knowing where to find the right support."

For more information and to access the farmer-friendly resources, visit www.weatherittogether.org.au