FIRST GPA PODCAST EPISODE SHINES A LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH IN AGRICULTURE

An open conversation about mental health and the value and importance of mateship and connections in farming communities is the focus of the first episode in Grain Producers Australia’s new podcast. 

The debut episode launched today is now available via the GPA website and all streaming services. It features GPA Farmer Mates Mental Health (FMMH) Initiative National Ambassador and Aussie cricketing legend Brad Hogg talking about this year’s program, with GPA Southern Region Director and Victorian grain producer Andrew Weidemann AM and GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles. 

The 2025 FMMH event series has brought growers and regional communities together through local events, open conversations, and practical support for wellbeing. The series has been held in towns across Australia, connecting people at field days, football clubs, and community gatherings to talk about the link between mental health, productivity, and farm safety. In total (XXXX) events have been held in locations throughout regional Australia. 

The FMMH was launched in 2022 to help reduce stigma around mental health in rural areas and connect farmers to available support. It is supported by partners including Nufarm, Lifeline WA, Rural Aid, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and other community organisations that share GPA’s commitment to improving mental wellbeing across the agricultural sector. 

The initiative also includes the Mates Mental Health Toolbox podcast, an eight-part series hosted by Honours Psychology student Emily Sullivan from Goondiwindi in Queensland, featuring experts and community leaders discussing practical tools for supporting mental health in rural communities. 

Mr Weidemann said launching the GPA Podcast with an episode on mental health was important because it highlighted one of GPA’s most valuable initiatives for not only grain growers, but farming communities. 

“We wanted to start with something that matters to growers, their families and their communities,” he said. 

“The Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative provides a space for real, honest conversations that can make a difference. It’s all about the people and making a real difference.  

“This new podcast will continue that work, giving us another platform to share stories and strengthen connections across the grains industry.” 

Mr Bettles said the new GPA Podcast channel builds on GPA’s work and responsibilities representing grain producers, providing another forum to communicate important issues. 

“Our industry is built on people who care deeply about their farms and communities,” he said. 

 “The podcast gives GPA another way to connect with growers to share ideas and experiences that can help improve both wellbeing and farm business.” 

Brad, who has travelled across Australia as GPA’s National Ambassador for FMMH connecting and working with rural communities, said the response from growers and communities has been inspiring. 

“Everywhere we’ve gone, from the Wheatbelt to the Wimmera, people have welcomed the chance to talk and listen,” he said.  “When you create that space, it changes things.  

“This podcast helps keep that spirit alive by encouraging people to keep checking in and supporting their mates.” 

Mr Bettles said future episodes of the GPA Podcast will feature a broad range of discussions on topics that affect grain producers every day, including seasonal challenges, biosecurity, grain markets and policy developments. 

“We want this to be a channel where growers hear directly from the people shaping their industry, and where important conversations can reach more of our community. 

“If you’ve got an idea of what makes for interesting discussion – feel free to reach out and make a suggestion and even put yourself forward to be a guest, to be interviewed on your thoughts and ideas. 

“The world’s run by those who turn up – as we see every day – so now’s your chance to turn up. 

The GPA Podcast is available now on podcast streaming services and through the GPA website at www.grainproducers.com.au/gpapodcast. 

ENDS 

Further Information: 

GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles: 0439 901 970 

GPA Southern Region Director Andrew Weidemann: 0428 504 544