GPA's poll on X (formerly Twitter) asked growers to share how long it has been since they last went on a real holiday, away from the farm, revealing on 60.2 per cent of the 354 respondents have had a break within the last two years.
The poll showed 15.5 per cent of grain growers have not had a holiday for three to five years, a further 5.6 per cent have not taken a break for six to 10 years and 18.6 per cent seemingly didn't know what a holiday day was at all.
While GPA acknowledges some of those who selected the "What's a holiday" option on the poll would have been joking, GPA chief executive, Colin Bettles, said some of the numbers are concerning and reminded growers regular short breaks are just as important as the longer ones.
Western Australian farmer, Bradley Millstead, who promotes mental health through the #6Bs (blokes, beer, bonfire, BBQ, bulls**t and bonding) network, said many west coast growers were planning a break.
Millstead said it is refreshing to hear that "even after many have had a real tough season, they're looking forward to having their first long break in a few years given the early finish".
"We take the time to recharge our devices, why not ourselves?" he said.
HOLIDAY COMPETITION AIMS TO PROVIDE MOTIVATION
As part of its ongoing mental health initiative and to demonstrate the importance of taking a break away from the farm, GPA is running a competition offering Australian grain growers the chance to win a share of $5000 in holiday prizes.
In partnership with Nufarm, GrainGrowers, Rural Aid and Lifeline, GPA hopes the competition will remind farmers about the importance of taking a break from work to stay mentally and physically fit, fresh and healthy.
GPA chair, Barry Large, said he hopes the competition and prizes on offer will inspire growers to think about where to go and provide some extra motivation to take a break.
"We want this competition to encourage everyone to start thinking and planning for their next break away from the farm, be it a short getaway or a longer one, and what they'd love to do," he said.
To enter grain growers must share, in 25 words of less, their ideal holiday or destination away from the farm.
Entries can be submitted here, before the competition closes on 28 January 2023.
