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Rural Support Trust chair Neil Bateup (left) receives the cheque from National Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation.
The recent presentation of a cheque for $4,500 to the Rural Support Trust, was the result of the Fieldays’ inaugural Tractor Racing Experience that replaced the usual tractor pulling competition.
The event, supported by training professionals’ Ag Drive, allowed visitors to get behind the wheel of one of two identical 200hp Case IH tractors for a high-speed dash down the track against the clock and their mates, under the guidance of a team of skilled instructors.
New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation was thrilled to have raised a healthy sum towards the Trust’s critical work.
“Mental health is a big area of concern in rural communities and people often don’t know where or who to turn when things get tough.
“The work that the Rural Support Trust does is vital. And of course, it’s not hard to have fun when you’re behind the wheel of a 200hp Case IH tractor racing your mates,” says Nation.
Rural Support Trust is a not-for-profit network of regional trusts that provide free and confidential assistance to rural people facing challenges in everyday rural life.
The Trust is made up of farmers and those with a good understanding of rural life, acknowledging that there are often ups and downs, and the farming community faces many stressors around health and wellbeing, financial pressures, animal welfare, employment matters and adverse events.
Fieldays organisers also provided the Rural Support Trust a site in the Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub, giving visitors the opportunity to stop by and chat with the trusts’ coordinators.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.
Rural Support Waikato is inviting farmers, growers, and rural communities to take a well-earned break and join us for 'Brunch on Us' - a series of all-sector, relaxed drop-in events across the region.
The strain and pressure of weeks of repairing their flood-damaged properties is starting to tell on farmers and orchardists in the Tasman district.
OPINION: The Rural Support Trust ran a dinner and debate at the National Fieldays last month. In tables of 10, over 540 people were wined and dined, including the Prime Minister, supported by ministers from around the country.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
