FARMER WELLBEING VITAL TO FARM SAFETY

Mental health challenges are one of the biggest safety risks on Australian farms and 2025 National Farm Safety Week is a timely reminder that some of the most serious risks on farms aren’t always physical or visible. 

Grain Producers Australia is urging the grains industry to treat mental wellbeing as a critical part of workplace safety and is working to normalise these conversations with the Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative, with National Ambassador and Aussie cricketing legend Brad Hogg flying the flag. 

This year’s campaign, led by Farmsafe Australia, is focusing on key farm safety risks and prompting reflection and action across the sector as a part of the overall theme Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get? 

Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large said while many safety risks are easy to identify, such as quad bikes, chemicals, or machinery, it was important to put the spotlight on the one risk that too often slips under the radar: mental health. 

“We’re getting better at managing visible risks on farms,” he said. 

“But the danger with mental health is that it’s so often hidden.

“If someone’s operating a header or working around moving equipment while they’re fatigued, burnt out or not coping, that can be a real danger to everyone. Whether it’s you, a family member or a worker, mental health needs to be part of every safety conversation.” 

GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles said comments supporting the importance of farm safety – highlighting the need for vigilance in Farm Safety Week – by the Federal Government, were also welcomed. HERE 

Especially by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP, and the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm. 

Minister Collins said: “Agriculture, fisheries and forestry have the highest rate of workplace fatalities per worker compared to any other industry in Australia. These are not just numbers. It’s someone’s parent, partner or child who never came home. Our farmers work tirelessly to keep us all fed and clothed. We care about their wellbeing and want every farming family to stay safe.” 

Senator Chisholm said: “This Farm Safety Week is an important reminder for farmers and their workers to stay vigilant and prioritise safety on Australian farms. We want to see an Australia where fatalities and accidents on Australian farms decrease down to zero. That’s why the Albanese Government is proud to back the work Farmsafe Australia does to increase farm safety education and shine a light on the constant dangers faced by our farmers and their workers.” 

GPA’s commitment to safety for producers extends to online training through the GPA Training platform, created to support farmers in upskilling themselves and staff on operational and workplace safety. 

This program is designed by growers and experienced industry professionals, specifically with the needs of farmers in mind, to make it user-friendly and efficient and to save time and reduce costly red tape. 

Additionally, GPA has partnered with Nufarm and supporters Rural Aid, Lifeline Australia other partners on the FMMH initiative since 2022, to increase awareness and break down stigmas in farming communities throughout Australia, at events sharing important messages on mental health and wellbeing. 

Brad has become a familiar and trusted voice on rural mental health, a topic he’s passionate about, and said everyday conversations are the ones that make the biggest difference. 

“Mental health is the near miss you don’t always see coming,” he said. 

“You might be pushing through a rough patch without even realising it’s affecting your decisions, until something goes wrong.  

“That’s why talking about it matters.” 

Checking in early with a mate or a family member can be the difference between someone getting help or continuing to struggle alone. 

“I’ve seen how powerful those small conversations can be and we don’t need to wait for a crisis," he said. 

“We just need to be present, listen and remind people they’re not on their own.” 

GPA wants all farmers, farm workers and rural professionals to take the opportunity this National Farm Safety Week to talk about the risks you don’t always see — and make mental health part of the plan. 

Brad will attend the following events with GPA and partners in 2025 at: 

• TMAA Conference – July 24 

• Dowerin Machinery Field Days – August 27–28 

• Yorke Peninsula Field Days – September 30 – October 2 

• Elmore Field Days – October 7–9 

  
  

These events are complemented by GPA’s new podcast, The Mates Mental Health Toolbox, featuring eight practical episodes that can be listened to at your convenience, whether it’s from the tractor cab, or on the trip into town. 

Resources and episodes from the Farmer Mates Mental Health Toolbox are freely available at: www.grainproducers.com.au/farmer-mates  

ENDS 

Further Information: 

GPA Executive Officer Communications Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193