Proudly Sponsoring Surfing For Farmers Since 2018

Our Kiwi farmers and growers leave everything they have on the field, they give their all to support New Zealand’s economy and ensure we have access to the very best food and beverage. However, this does take a toll on their wellbeing and mental health. Helping farmers and growers take care of their mental health is as important to Ballance Agri-Nutrients as the health and safety of our own team, that’s why we are a founding partner of the Surfing for Farmers programme.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of New Zealand farmers is an important topic,” says Jason Minkhorst, GM Sales, Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

“When you consider all the factors that farmers deal with on a daily bases such as working remotely, animal welfare, financial pressure, consumer demands, media and lobby group commentary, long hours and weather events like drought, it is easy to understand why mental health is an issue in rural New Zealand.

“New Zealand farmers love what they do, but the number of people struggling with mental illness in rural areas is growing. Data shows the number of suicides in rural communities has remained unchanged for the last five years.”

Farmers are becoming more open about their mental health, however they still don't have enough support. The learn-to-surf programme provides an opportunity for farmers to step away from what can be an all-consuming business, get fresh air, exercise and interact with other farmers, rural families and industry professionals.

The Surfing for Farmers programme runs for approximately 13 weeks from December 2020, at 16 regional surf beaches around the country. Farmers are provided with surfing gear (wetsuits, surfboards), free lessons and a free barbeque where participants can swap surfing stories and have a general catch-up.

Check out the list of locations for one in your local area or go to the Surfing for Farmers Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surfingforfarmers/. All a farmer needs to do is turn up!

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